We Found A Pair of Powder Paradises
We all suffer from not being fully engaged. It’s hard, but so is the everyday swirl of life. Don’t fret, the workplace hamster-wheel can be reset by powder to the face, snowshoeing in the woods and taking time to learn a new skill.
Think wilder. Something different and pocket-book-friendlier. A powder palace may be just what you need. Make play plans to visit one of these snowy gems:
Skeena Cat Skiing: Deep Wilderness Powder
This is give’r country; where the “can-do” spirit of the North lives strong. The powder piles up deep—take the long way into the forest to camp at Skeena Cat Skiing. A scattering of buried tents and a large gathering hall, woodstove blazing, are waiting to welcome you—perfect for sharing your tales after immersing yourself in nature’s deep bounty.
This crew takes play seriously, sharing massive terrain, full of steeps, open bowls and a bounty of tree-skiing that seems to go on as far as the eye can see. It lends itself well to a more profound, deeper freedom than at some other cat skiing operations. Be warned, after big dreamy lines, you’ll suffer from “can’t wait to return” syndrome.
Extra Credit. Arrive early or stay late and go ski-touring at Hankin-Evelyn Recreation Area. This is a purpose-built backcountry area, easily accessible from Smithers, offering incredible variety of terrain, gladed runs and cold fairy dust. Stop into Local Supply for gear needs and fill your tummy at Two Sisters Cafe, a foodie’s delight, where you’ll love the huevos rancheros.
Fernie Wilderness Adventures: Seeking Value Powder
Here, the laidback charm and famed Fernie powder form your own natural terrain park. Add another kicker: it’s one of the best value cat-skiing operations, with day cat-skiing that won’t break your piggy bank. Meet-and-greets happen in a rustic cabin, where smiles abound as everyone enjoys a shared love for mountains and snow. Clanking along, the grooming snowcat fitted with a cab—called a “people carrier”—hauls you up to the high ridges with enormous views. But most people don’t stand still for long, as the guide directs skiers and snowboarders down a whopper, blessed in deep white and framed by pillow-rollers. Fernie time is special time.
Extra Credit: Get some face-time with the ski professionals at the Fernie TELUS Winter Sports School before you hit the big drift. The crew at Fernie Alpine Resort will refresh your love for living winter large—and your turns will be better too!
Side Trip: Try this little-known snowcat adventure: enjoy a delightful lunch and forest snowshoeing provided by Fernie’s Island Lake Lodge. Cat ride up, dig into a rewarding meal, take a winter hike and wander on snowshoes in the big-tree forests around the lodge, then return to your car by cat.
