Whitewater Ski Resort
 |
| Whitewater Ski Resort | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | British Columbia, Canada |
| Nearest major city | Nelson (20 km) |
| Top elevation | 2000 m (6,700 ft), Ymir Peak 2400 m (8000 ft) |
| Base elevation | 1615 m (5,400 ft) |
| Skiable area | 479 ha/1184 acres |
| Trails | 46 Designated Trails 20% Beginner 40% Intermediate 40% Expert |
| Longest run | 1609 m (1 mile) |
| Lift system | 2 double chair lifts, 1 triple lift, 1 rope tow |
| Snowfall | 12 m (40 ft) |
| Website | Ski Whitewater.com |
Whitewater Ski Resort is a ski resort located a 15 minute drive from Nelson in southern British Columbia, Canada.[1] The resort is situated in Ymir bowl, beneath the 2400 m high Ymir Mountain, in the Selkirk Mountains. The Selkirks receive plentiful, dry snow, and the location in a high alpine bowl provides an annual snowfall average of approximately 12m (40ft).[2] The elevation of the parking lot is 1605 m and the highest lift accessed point is 2000m. While Ymir Peak is not included within the ski area boundary, lifts climb both shoulders of the bowl and provide easy traverse routes along ridges to the top. In addition to its snow, the resort is renowned for its tree skiing and steep runs; only 20% of the runs are beginner, while 40% are intermediate and the remaining 40% are advanced.
The resort
The resort consists of three lifts: one triple chair lift (installed in 2010), two antiquated double chairs, a handle tow, 13km of Nordic trails,[2] and a lodge with an award winning cafeteria, a rental shop and guest services.[3]
The Summit Chairlift accesses the south ridge of Ymir bowl, and offers a wide variety of gladed blue and black runs. The Silverking Double chair runs up the north ridge of Ymir bowl, and provides access to the resorts only beginner runs. The Summit lift was purchased from the Spokane world fair, while the Silver King was purchased from Whistler, where it had previously been the Olive chair. From the top of either chair, skiers who are properly equipped can traverse the ridges towards Ymir Peak, and then choose from a multitude of lines that lead back to the base area.
The Glory Ridge chair, a triple seat fixed-grip rises 2,042 vertical-feet in 11 minutes, and opened up the Backside area doubling the resort's boundaries. It added 303 hectares (749 acres) of advanced and intermediate ski terrain to the existing 230 hectares (368 acres), for a total area of 533 hectares (1,317 acres) skiable terrain.[4] Along with the construction of the lift, much of the surrounding area was logged to create more open and ski-able glades. This lift was built by Dopplemayr and was purchased from Vail, where it had been initially installed in 1980.
Because of its steep terrain and plentiful snow, Whitewater is frequented by many back country skiers; this situation however, creates a significant avalanche hazard, and avalanche control is among the company's largest expenditures.
History
Skiing began in Nelson in 1932, with the Silver King Skiers, following Danny McKay's success in the National ski jumping contests. In 1974, a coalition of locals residents backed the creation of a new resort in a more suitable location, and Ymir bowl was chosen.
On August 8th, 2008, it was announced that Knee Deep Development Corp. purchased Whitewater Ski Resort from owners Mike and Shelley Adams.[5]
On December 24th, 2010, the first new lift in 17 years was opened; The Glory Ridge Chair opened up over 300 hectares (741 acres) of new terrain, making what was previously back-country terrain and vastly decreasing list lineups.[4]
Expansions
With skier visits increasing steadily, in 2002 Whitewater Ski Resort announced a plan for expansion and improvement. The base facilities were installed over 30 years ago and usage levels of existing facilities were often above comfortable capacity, especially on heavy snowfall days and traditional holidays.
As of 2012, skiable terrain is expected to be extended into Ymir bowl and adjacent Qua Creek Basin. 4 new lifts in total are planned with 1 lift in Ymir Bowl, 1 lift to access the Qua Creek Basin, and 2 lifts in the Qua Creek Basin.
See also
References
- ^ "Whitewater Ski Resort". Whitewater Winter Resort. Retrieved April 11, 2012.
- ^ a b "Trail Maps". Whitewater Winter Resort. Retrieved April 11, 2012.
- ^ "Whitewater Lodge". Whitewater Winter Resort. Retrieved April 11, 2012.
- ^ a b "Glory Ridge Triple Chair". Whitewater Winter Resort. Retrieved April 11, 2012.
- ^ "Whitewater Welcomes New Owners". Whitewater Winter Resort. Retrieved April 11, 2012.