Skiing Alternatives in British Columbia

A Backcountry Skier Hikes to New Heights1

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

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.

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.

	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.

Relax In Comfort While Still Crusing the Slopes With Sno-Limo4

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:

1. Backcountry Skiing
2. Heli-Skiing in B.C.'s Rockies
3. A Skier Prepares to Fly With a Kite
4. Sno-Limo; c/o Robert Colbourne, Sno-Limo Tours, Whistler, B.C., Canada