BC is Tops when it comes to Powder Skiing
by By Steven Threndyle
The true powder hound is a greedy beast and wants it all – throat-choking powder piled so deeply in the trees that the boughs literally groan under the weight of freshly-fallen snow. Picture enormous alpine bowls that you can drop into and do two hundred turns, or maybe just two if you feel like it. Endless mountain vistas where there is not a town or road to be seen for literally thousands of square kilometres. To weightlessly glide through snow so light that it billows over your head at each turn -- is to truly know heaven on earth.
British Columbia’s lift serviced resorts can match any ski destination in the world. What makes B.C. truly amazing is the helicopter and snowcat skiing – an experience provided by more than thirty operators throughout the province. Heli and cat skiing were pioneered in Canada during the 1960s, and no place in Europe, the continental United States, or New Zealand can compare with the sheer size and diversity of skiable terrain found in B.C.
Skiers and snowboarders who come to these ski lodges are looking for the ‘trip of a lifetime’, the chance to safely make first tracks down the most awe-inspiring mountain terrain. Interestingly, a large percentage of the clientele take an annual ‘trip of a lifetime’ to satisfy their deep snow cravings.
The good news is that with the possible exception of the rank beginner or the horribly out of shape, everyone can enjoy skiing or snowboarding in this wild, 100 per cent super, natural wilderness environment. Guides do an excellent job at steering more timid and inexperienced skiers into terrain that will satisfy any adventurous soul.
When it comes to après ski, the range of services can rival that of a four-star hotel – depending on the operator. Private rooms, hot-tubs, gourmet meals, fine wines, microbrew beers and even massage services are offered by most companies to ensure the highest level of comfort and customer satisfaction.
Heli and snowcat operators usually open in early December and close in early April -- and in some cases, the prime weeks in February and March can fill up years in advance. However, skiing can be ‘over the head deep’ on any day of the season, as often some of the very best conditions can occur in early-season and spring conditions.
For a listing of the province’s helicopter skiing operators, go to the official web site of the British Columbia Heli and Snowcat Skiing Operators Association: http://www.bchssoa.com
Discovering British Columbia’s fantastic skiing is as easy as calling toll-free 1-800-HELLO BC (North America) or HELLO BC (435-5622) in Greater Vancouver. This reservation and information service puts you in touch with a team of professional travel experts who can provide free help and advice in planning or booking every stage of your getaway, from travel ideas and tips to booking your accommodations, tours, and transportation. You can also order your free copy of the BC Escapes™ Getaways Guide. And be sure to check out the Tourism British Columbia web site at www.HelloBC.com.
