Whitewater Ski Resort
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| Whitewater Ski Resort | |
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| Location: | |
| Nearest city: | Nelson (20 km) |
| Coordinates: | Coordinates: |
| Top elevation: | 2000 m (6,700 ft), Ymir Peak 2400 m (8000 ft) |
| Base elevation: | 1615 m (5,400 ft) |
| Skiable area: | 24 km² (6,000 acres) |
| Runs: | 46 Designated Trails 20% Beginner 40% Intermediate 40% Expert |
| Longest run: | 1609 m (1 mile) |
| Lift system: | 2 double chair lifts, 1 rope tow |
| Snowfall: | 12 m (40 ft) |
| Web site: | Ski Whitewater.com |
Whitewater Ski Resort is a ski resort near Nelson in southern British Columbia, Canada.
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 over 10 m. The elevation of the parking is 1605 m and the highest lift accessed point is 2000 m. 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 consists of two antiquated double chairs, a handle tow, and lodge with an award winning cafeteria, a rental shop and guest services. 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 Summit Chair also provides access to the popular Backside area, a steep, treed west facing slope that leads to the access road. While these areas are beyond the ski area boundary, and are not patrolled or controlled for avalanches, they are popular areas and frequently see as much traffic as the in bound areas of the ski area. 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. 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. Alpine skiing, and backcountry skiing are available at Whitewater. heliskiing and catskiing are available out of Nelson.
[edit] Future Expansion
With a 6% per season increase of skier visits over the past 15 years, Whitewater Ski Resort announced a plan for expansion and improvement in 2002. Usage levels of existing facilities above comfortable capacity is a result of the increase of skier visits especially on heavy snowfall days and traditional holidays. The base facilities were installed over 30 years ago and it was decided that something needed to planned to meet increased demand. Also in demand is the need for more beginner and intermediate terrain. All future development of base facilities and terrain expansion will depend on demand.
Skiable terrain is expected to be extened 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.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
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