Whitewater Ski Resort
Box 60, Nelson
B.C. Canada V1L 5P7
1.800.666.9420
Far from the hustle and bustle of today’s larger resorts, Whitewater owes its legendary laid-back reputation to small lift lines, competitive prices, and big hospitality. Resisting the temptation to go big, Whitewater has stayed true to its brand, ‘Pure, Simple and Real… Deep’, attracting skiers from around the world to sample its abundant dry snowfall. And it’s about to get even better.
In September of 2008 Whitewater was purchased by Knee Deep Development Corp. The new owners, Dean Prodan, Andrew Kyle and Mitch Putnam, all Calgary based, are enthusiastic supporters of Whitewater and fully recognize the importance of Whitewater to the local Nelson economy. While the group intend to move forward with the Master Development Agreement that is already in place, as avid skiers they appreciate the uniqueness of the area and will work towards maintaining Whitewater’s unique culture.
“We want a place where we can maintain a skier focused resort as opposed to real estate focused” says Dean Prodan, who initiated the trio’s interest in the purchase. The emphasis will be on improving the skier experience with more lodge space, improved lift lines and increased terrain while maintaining a low skier density. The long term development will be based on ecologically sound environmental practice with a minimal footprint mountain community. Knee Deep
will take time over the winter to revisit the Master Development Plan and have retained the services of Brent Harley and Associates, a resort planning group, to review all the possibilities. More information will be posted on the Whitewater website www.skiwhitwater.com as it becomes available.
Currently, with only two chairlifts and a handle-tow, Whitewater seems to be merely a local’s hill. But looks are deceiving. Skiers and boarders come from around the world to this powder haven for the perfect combination of steep terrain and dry, abundant snowfall.
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The Summit chairlift accesses several fine intermediate and advanced cruising runs. Here, intermediates with solid technique will find even the expert runs to be quite skiable, especially given the soft landing provided by Whitewater’s famous powder. At 2,440 metres (8,000 feet), Ymir Peak is a natural powder catcher when storms brew up from the south. Lower intermediates will enjoy exploring the Silver King area, while novices and tots have their own handle-tow just outside the day-lodge. Whitewater’s true fame, however, is tied to its outstanding backcountry touring, where properly equipped skiers and snowboarders can venture beyond the boundaries in search of fresh tracks. Backcountry instruction, avalanche awareness, avalanche skills training and guided tours as well as ski and snowboard lessons are available through the Whitewater Mountain Learning Centre.
Cradled in B.C.’s legendary Selkirk Mountains and renowned for epic storms, Whitewater’s dependable dry snowfall totals over 1200 centimetres per season – over 45 feet! There just aren’t many resorts that see snowfalls as big, as often. And there’s more. Factor in the high (for BC) 5,400 ft / 1,640 m base elevation, and you get the most reliable resort for powder skiing in the west.
Whitewater is a short half-hour drive from the historic town of Nelson, nestled on the shores of beautiful Kootenay Lake. Nelson is an incomparable winter destination and Whitewater has made it easy to sample a combination of winter adventures in the area. Visitors to the city can choose to downhill ski, snowcat ski with Big Red Cats, heli ski and stay at one of many hotels, hostels and vacation rentals that Nelson has to offer. The Kootenay Sampler package will allow you to decide on the adventure, your length of stay and your destination day and night.
Remember to mark March 5-8, 2010 on your calendar; we are proud to host the 4th annual Kootenay Cold Smoke Festival. With a similar format as last year and the same great names; this year’s festival will have a focus on safety and skill improvement while travelling in the backcountry. There will be an extensive line up of clinics ranging from Steep Skiing with Eric Pehota, Ski Touring made easy with Greg Hill to Avalanche Rescue Skills with certified ACMG Marc Dechenes. Along with the variety of clinics, there will also be over 30 vendors previewing new equipment for 2011. Visit www.colsmokepowderfest.com for more details
Please visit www.skiwhitewater.com for more details and registration information.
