Grizzly bears are voracious apex predators. They like to be solitary and will alter their habits to avoid humans. In addition, Grizzlies have exceptional memory regarding where food sources are located. The name ‘White Grizzly Catskiing’ resonates perfectly with this. Those enjoying it the most must mirror the Grizzly’s temperament. They must be voracious apex powder junkies that want to avoid other skiers and snowboarders at all costs.
What Do We Mean By Apex Powder Junkies?
Most catskiing operations offer terrain with slopes averaging below 30 degrees, akin to blue-rated runs, rarely exceeding this limit. This limitation is due to the type of terrain within their boundaries which is normally open alpine environments. These areas usually are more susceptible to avalanches and weather patterns that restrict skiing on steeper slopes. However, White Grizzly stands apart. Thanks to its distinctive topography within the catskiing area, the terrain ranges between 30 and 45 degrees. Therefore, only expert skiers and snowboarders should consider exploring these challenging slopes.
A Special Place For Perfectly Spaced Glades
In many regions of British Columbia, tight clustering of trees often are too tight to make the skiing enjoyable. However, in the Selkirks, the subalpine forests are teeming with well-spaced spruce and balsam fir, creating an ideal environment for this style of skiing.
The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Of Tree Skiing
Do you remember the scene from Forest Gump when Bubba says, “Anyway, like I was sayin’, shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. Dey’s uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried.” That’s very similar to White Grizzly’s take on tree skiing. The way they see it, tree skiing is the adventurous powder hounds’ fruit of the mountains. You can slash it, carve it, jump into it, and float through it. There are tight trees, open trees, and gladed fall line tree skiing. Alpine bowls, chutes, and small cliff bands for jumps into soft Kootenay pow. And what they’re most known for is the legendary Kootenay pillow lines. It’s a playground for veteran powder junkies.
Dead Center Of Cat Skiing Capital Of The World
This place is an absolute powder paradise for several reasons. It’s no wonder why this part of the Kootenays is dubbed the cat skiing capital of the world. On average, the operation receives between 400 to 600 inches of snow each season. The pattern of snowfall is just as vital as the quantity. For instance, while areas like Lake Tahoe might get 500 inches annually, it often comes in large amounts followed by weeks of sunshine. Not ideal for consistent powder. Here, the storms are more consistent, ensuring a continuous refresh of snow.
Powder Prospectors Will Enjoy Powder Longer Here
Beyond just being the capital of cat skiing, this place boasts additional qualities that set it apart from others. The Meadow Creek micro-climate maintains a consistent cold, keeping the snow wonderfully fluffy. Moreover, the majority of the terrain faces northeast, preserving the snow’s quality. With most of the skiing nestled among trees, the snow quality tends to excel. Shielded from wind and sun, it retains its powdery texture far longer than on open slopes.
Go Big Or Go Home
Most cat ski operations usually cover about 10,000 vertical feet in a day. But at White Grizzly, it’s like they’ve cranked everything up to 11, just like Spinal Tap. Each exhilarating run spans up to 3,000 vertical feet, and on average, you’ll conquer 6 to 7 runs per day. That adds up to a whopping 16,500 to 20,000 feet of vertical terrain in just one unforgettable day!
How Is This Possible?
It isn’t that the snowcat has a rocket propelled engine but there are few key reasons why they can get so much more vertical. First off, when the terrain is steeper, you’re going to rack up those vertical feet quicker. Secondly, their use of steeper cat roads enables quicker ascents. But perhaps most importantly, the clientele consists solely of skilled skiers and snowboarders.
Bigger Than Whistler All To Yourself
Whistler Blackcomb boasts an impressive 8,171 acres, holding the title of the largest ski area in North America, closely followed by Park City’s 7,300 acres. In contrast, White Grizzly catskiing offers a vast expanse of 11,000 acres exclusively shared amongst just you and eleven other powder enthusiasts on a given day. This stands in stark contrast to the 20,000 or more skiers you might encounter on a powder day at Whistler.
A Skier’s Lodge
Many catskiing and heli-skiing operations have embraced a lavish, Ritz Carlton-style approach with sprawling lodges boasting extravagant amenities like in-room fireplaces and luxurious tubs. White Grizzly takes a different, more welcoming path. Its lodge is a cozy remote cabin nestled in the woods, offering an inviting atmosphere. A roaring fire awaits to gather around and share the day’s stories. Gourmet meals served up by an attentive staff which tastes just as good as the snow. Instead of the cattle car experience at some of the larger catski operations, this boutique operation with its one cat makes it feel as if you’re part of the family.
If You Ask Can I Handle It? Then Join A Steep Clinic
Previously, White Grizzly catskiing was exclusively for advanced/expert pow hunters. But this winter, they’re introducing ‘Steep Ski Clinics’ for advanced riders looking to elevate their skills. Led by an expert ACMG guide, these clinics focus on tackling steep treed slopes in the stunning Kootenays. The clinic dates are Jan. 10-12, Jan. 17-20, and March 16-18, 2024.
Although we haven’t had the chance to try White Grizzly catskiing just yet, during our ‘Snowymoon’ we did have an incredible four-day experience at Baldface Lodge! If you’re curious, you can read all about our adventure here: Some Go To Disneyland, But I’d Rather Say I’m Going To Baldface Lodge!
