Kootenay Cold Smoke Backcountry Festival February 20th - 23rd, 2009

Backcountry Touring Clinics
Our Backcountry Touring Clinics are designed to provide an informative and exciting experience for those who are interested in venturing into the back country. For more information, or to sign up for a course, please call 1.800.666.9420.

All tours are subject to change due to weather conditions

Discover Backcountry Touring
This full day course is intended to teach the essentials of backcountry touring in a picturesque and remarkable environment with one of our Snow Safety Instructors. Designed for advanced skiers and boarders, with the avalanche awareness course, this one day course if for those who would like to try backcountry touring.

You will learn the proper use of rescue equipment and skins, how to prepare for the trip, route finding and safe travel in avalanche terrain. Also included in the day will be a mountain lunch and a 1 - 2 hour lift accessed tour in the Whitewater backcountry.

Dates:

• Sunday, January 4, 2009
• Sunday, February 8, 2009
• Sunday, March 1, 2009

Novice Backcountry Touring
For advanced skiers and boarders who have some backcountry experience and want to brush up on their skills and explore the backcountry surrounding Whitewater Ski Resort.

The day will start with a review of proper use of rescue equipment and skins, how to prepare for the trip, route finding and safe travel in avalanche terrain. You will then head into the backcountry for 4 hours of ski touring with one of our Snow Safety Instructors.

Dates:

• Sunday, January 18, 2009

Pricing:

• Full day course and mountain lunch $135.00
• Full day course, mountain lunch and safety equipment pack (probe, shovel, beacon and pack) $160.00
• Full day course, mountain lunch, safety equipment pack (probe, shovel, beacon and pack) and touring ski rental or snowshoe rental (skins and skis with touring bindings, or snowshoes). $185.00

Customized Backcountry Touring Groups
Whitewater Ski Resort offers the chance to explore and brush up on your skills in the bowls and steep trees found in the backcountry around the ski resort. You and your friends or family can enjoy a day of touring with the guidance of our Snow Safety Instructors. The day will start with a review of proper use of equipment and skins, how to prepare for the trip, route finding and safe travel in avalanche terrain. Physical ability of the group will dictate the type and amount of skiing accomplished in the day.

All skiers or riders in the group must be advanced and have some avalanche safety awareness.

Groups must book at least 2 days in advance and have a minimum of 3 participants and maximum of 12 participants per group.