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A Backcountry
Skier Hikes to New Heights1
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For some, the idea of putting on a pair of skis and standing in a lift line,
only to travel to the top of a run and ski down—and repeat—brings
tears of boredom. However, British
Columbia offers a flurry of alternatives to the traditional ski holiday
that can get the most hardcore of adrenalin junkies excited. While activities
such as heli- and snowcat skiing are well known already in the snow world, their
popularity continues because of their potential to offer runs in uncharted territory
away from ski resort lift lines and groomed runs. This is skiing at its purest,
which is slightly ironic because of the motor vehicles needed to reach such
secluded destinations, much as the case with sled-skiing but with the use of
snowmobiles. Often combining hiking and skiing, backcountry skiing is perhaps
the most authentic experience, while skijoring, an ancient Nordic sport, stays
on the horizon rather than the vertical, and uses canines, much like dog sledding
only on skis—truly a traditional activity. Quite the opposite, snow-kiting is
a relatively new sport which crosses snowy terrain in the same manner kite surfing
crosses water. The ultimate alternative for the less experienced is the Sno-limo.
The only skiing involved is by the chauffeur, while the passenger enjoys the
ride from a sled, experiencing the thrill of skiing without the skill needed
to navigate the slopes.
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING
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Avalanche Safety
Avalanches are a very real danger. When skiing in the backcountry, choose
a tour guide with avalanche safety certification. Those who plan on partaking
of the winter backcountry on their own are advised to take training. The
Canadian Avalanche Association has programs across the nation, as well
as free online training. For more information, read All
About Avalanches.
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Without a doubt, the purest form of skiing is traditional backcountry
skiing, which is reminiscent of how our forefathers surveyed the slopes
in a combination of hiking and then skiing sans chairlifts and lift lines. Backcountry
skiing is often combined with telemarking, using cross-country type skis, making
gliding across flat terrain possible along with traversing steep slopes. Sometimes
combining backpacking and winter camping, this serious sport is for those with
intimate avalanche and mountain knowledge. Guided
backcountry excursions exist with experienced leaders, including trips
that traverse snow from cabin to cabin or yurt to yurt. Also known as off-piste
skiing, this backcountry experience can be more easily reproduced with the convenience
of a helicopter, snowcat or snowmobile. While the purest snubs such short cuts,
these vehicles bring the backcountry experience to the foreground allowing more
people to enjoy this invigorating sport.
HELI- & SNOWCAT SKIING
Heli-skiing
A sea of virgin snow awaits skiers in remote locations only accessible by helicopter
or snowcat. Not only that, but the powder is deep—sometimes waist deep.
Such powder simply doesn't exist on the regular slopes and is the prime reason
why skiers are willing to pay big bucks for this experience. Surprisingly, or
perhaps an indication of how vast the mountains are in B.C., there are a number
of heli-ski
operations throughout the province in ranges that include: the
Rockies with operations out of Revelstoke;
Monashees and Selkirks, with operations out of the Kootenays;
Cariboo Mountains with operations out of Bella
Coola and Horsefly;
Purcell Mountains, with operations out of Golden;
and the Coast Mountains, with operations out of Whistler.
Heli-skiing began in the 1960s by one Hans Gmoser, a mountain guide from Austria
who had moved to Canada
in the 50s and later formed Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH). An avid and accomplished
mountaineer, he took guiding to a new level by using helicopters to transport
skiers to inaccessible areas. For obvious reasons, heli-skiing was, and remains,
a success.
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| Heli-Skiing
in BC's Rocky Mountains2 |
Snowcat-skiing
Snowcat-skiing,
as the name suggests, employs the use of a snowcat, which is a machine traditionally
used to create snowmobile trails or to groom runs. Kitted out with conveyor
belt-like contraptions, snowcats can navigate the most slippery, moguled or
powdery of terrains. Cat-skiing, or powder cat-skiing, is limited only in the
sense that it can only visit where it can drive (unlike the flight of a helicopter),
but its almost all-terrain treads can still take skiers to where no person has
skied before, affording fresh powder runs in the backcountry and areas surrounding
ski resorts normally considered out of bounds.
As with heli-skiing, many cat-skiing trips are organized as package holidays
that include stays at backcountry lodges, again only accessible by snowcat or
even helicopter, and are complete with gourmet meals and even spa services.
The only problem is that taking a trip like this may afterward render a regular
vacation at any old ski resort something of a bore.
Skill Requirements
While being a pro is not necessary, some previous skiing experience is recommended
for heli- and cat-skiers as the terrain is natural, not groomed, and navigating
can be a challenge. Slaloming through trees, known as tree skiing, is a quintessential
ability in getting the most from the experience.
While most companies operate all winter, spring is the most popular season
because of favourable powder snow conditions and warmer weather. Spring is also
the season for avalanches as things warm up and the snow pack melts, but any
reputable company will monitor regions before venturing into them, and avalanche
transceivers are usually included. It is wise to inquire about avalanche precautions
when booking a tour.
SNOWMOBILE OR SLED-SKIING
The elusive backcountry can also be explored by Ski-Doo, or, more fashionably
called, sled-skiing.
Somewhat more controversial than snowcat or helicopter skiing, sled skiers often
venture into out-of-bound areas without permission (such as 'no-motor' parks)
or knowledge of avalanche threats. But enthusiasts insist the sled gives them
the freedom to go farther independently—without the cost of a helicopter
or snowcat—in pursuit of uncut powder. The hobby, however, is as equally
noisy with the added engine exhaust, conflicting with the freshness of being
in the backcountry.
While most sled-skiers go it alone (or with a buddy), guided excursions can
be found. These are recommended, as operators, in general, have knowledge of
what possible dangers may exist in the area. Reputable guiding companies offer
driving tips (because flipping the sled is remarkably easy) and basic avalanche
awareness. Tours generally range from hourly excursions to multi-day vacation
packages that include accommodation and meals. Most companies require that riders
are over 19 and have a current driver's license.
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A
Skier Prepares to Fly With a Kite3 |
SNOW KITING
It began with kite surfing: Surfers, with surfboard underfoot and a rope attached
to a massive kite in hand, are pulled across ocean waves and into the air. Now
replace the surfboard with a snowboard, and ocean with snow (or ice!), and voila—snow
kiting. While the market for such a sport is mostly popular in Europe
and, of course, New Zealand,
where adrenalin sports reign supreme, popularity is growing in Canada, where
so much of the land is frozen for half the year. In B.C., there are no companies
that offer tours as such, as a considerable amount of dry land training is required
before hitting any slippery or wet surface. More operators offering lessons
and courses are emerging as the sport continues to grow.
SKIJORING
While helicopter, snowcat, snowmobile and kite skiing are all new sports, skijoring
is a traditional one. While its exact origins are uncertain, its Scandinavian
ties are not. One suggestion is that it was invented by Finnish hunters on skis
pulled along by trained reindeer hundreds of years ago. Today the sport features
a cross-country skier pulled by one or a team of dogs. A take on dog sledding,
skijoring requires an even more intimate connection with the dogs. Hooked up
to each other with harnesses and rope, dog and skijorer work together to glide
across the snow at a rapid rate, a rhythm emerging from the breath of exertion
between animal and human. There is no specific dog breed that must be used,
but leave Priscilla the pug at home as large dogs are best for pulling and more
apt to appreciating the snow. Dogs that are at least 14 kg to 16 kg (30 lbs
to 35 lbs) are best as anything smaller will strain the canine (and that's kilos
of muscle, not fat!). Special harnesses are made for this sport, but aside from
cross-country skis, no other particular items are required. But it is not as
simple as it sounds, and patience is definitely a virtue. Perhaps the best way
to enjoy skijoring, especially at first, is to take a tour and/or lesson. Many
companies in B.C. that offer dog
sledding also offer skijoring. A good foundation in cross-country
skiing is a skill requirement before attempting this sport.
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| Relax
In Comfort While Still Crusing the Slopes With Sno-Limo4 |
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Most popular in Nordic countries, skijoring is an emerging sport, with regular
competitions held in the winter throughout snowy North American locales, most
notably, Alaska.
SNO-LIMO
Requiring no skill at all, the Sno-limo
is the perfect “sport” for those who want to enjoy the thrill of downhill
skiing without any of the exertion or ability. Sit back and relax in a chair
on skis, complete with blankets for warmth, and be “chauffeured” around
the ski hill on green and blue runs. And obeying the law of gravity, the sleds
are driven by chauffeurs, emission free. The idea issimilar to that of a rickshaw,
but instead of just getting from point A to B, passengers are can spend anywhere
from a few hours to a full ski day riding the slopes. Tours complete with commentary
at scenic points are also available. Custom-built sleds are designed with a
hydraulic lift system for easy loading and unloading from chairlifts. The Sno-Limo
is available throughout British Columbia at major ski resorts including Whistler,
Sun
Peaks, Big
White and Silver
Star, and in Alberta
at Sunshine.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Backcountry Skiing
- Heli-Skiing in B.C.'s Rockies
- A Skier Prepares to Fly With a Kite
- Sno-Limo; c/o Robert Colbourne, Sno-Limo Tours, Whistler, B.C., Canada
