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Trip Reports
Trip Title:Whitewater Telemark Ski Tour 7,400'
AuthorMike Mahanay
Date02/20/2006
Days1
RatingSuperbe
DifficultyModerate
GuideBookNils Larsen
WeatherLight snow mostly
TrailConditionsmostly powder
Owned ByMike_Mahanay
Mailed to WacList 
RowId338
Mountain Elevation Summitted
Report
Online with photos at http://www.grandcanyontreks.org/backcountry/nelson/whitewater.html Whitewater Telemark Ski Tour 7,400' White Queen Backcountry Trip Report, near Nelson British Columbia WAC members Bill DeYoung, Doerte Mahanay, Mike Mahanay, and Frand Kaplan, along with folks from all over the country participated in the clinic. Whitewater Ski Resort is located in British Columbia, a few hours North of Spokane. It is set in the Selkirk Range in the Kootenays region of the province. Whitewater has a high base elevation of 5,400 feet which ensures plenty of snow, a ton of light, dry powder, and very few midseason thaws. The mountain consists of groomed runs, open bowls, glades, chutes, and tree skiing. The best powder at Whitewater is found in the trees. Catch Basin, Glory Basin, Terrorada, and the Trash Chutes will yield sick and twisted lines after a big storm. This is expert skiing only, and even good skiers should remember to ski in pairs and take avalanche equipment if straying beyond the boundary ropes. Whitewater Ski Resort is located 12 miles southeast of Nelson in the Kootenays. This was the third day of the Beyond the Groomed Telemark Ski Clinic. The first two days focused on lift served skiing, and this third day was a backcountry trip. We rode the lift up, stopped briefly to put on our skins, and then climbed up to the ridge above the ski area. We then traveled along the ridge to the summit of White Queen, then skied off the other side. We made 2-3 runs before heading back. I was amazed at the very light and silky powder. I had never experienced snow like that before! We skied great hugh pillows! The snow was silky smooth light powder. It was hard sometimes to make the turns I have learned on the groomers in the snow that was past my knees. 7 hours, 6 miles, 2,400' of skiing. Thanks to Nils Larsen and Naheed Henderson for the great day!
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