Ski Canada Fall 2023 - Vol.52 #2

After decades of working in the world of skiing, a burningly obvious question suddenly surfaced a few months ago: “Why don't I have a sauna?” I have Finnish friends, and Norwegian and Swedish too, some I've known since childhood, and they've always extolled the wonders of a “sow-na.” I don't know what's taken me so long. The histories of skiing and saunas often go hand in hand, as do the many social and health benefits of both. Back in September, our cedar sauna-in-a-box (okay, a big box) arrived from well-established Canadian manufacturer Saunafm, and we were soon putting it together like a giant aromatic Lego project. We needed only simple tools and encountered no frustration, injuries or swearing. Less than three days later, our stones were heating up. Tony Tutolo…

SHORT TURNS No one wants to hear the words “We can't fly” on a heli-ski day. High winds, low clouds, heavy snowfall and extreme conditions can ground choppers and disappoint skiers. Harsh weather happens. And, as any guide or pilot will tell you, safety is paramount. That's why Whistler Heli-Skiing (WHS) introduced Dawn Patrol. New this season, heli-skiers grounded for the day still have the option for an elevated experience: early-morning rides with a guide on Blackcomb Mountain. Alongside patrollers and staff, Whistler Hellskiing clients will be offered exclusive access to Jersey Cream, Excelerator, even 7th Heaven—a boon, especially on big powder days. “As soon as the lifts are cleared,” says General Manager Erin Tierney, “we can use them. Our guides are trained to work in conjunction with patrollers and…

Let's say you're planning your next ski trip. You pack your bags, drive to the airport, fly to the mountains, and then strap on your skis and hit the slopes. What's the most dangerous part of that trip? It might surprise you to learn it's the drive to the airport. According to Vaclav Smil's latest, stat-heavy book, How The World Really Works, flying is 18 times safer than driving, and driving is more than twice as dangerous as skiing. If that makes skiing sound too tame, try base jumping. Smil says it's more than a million times more dangerous than driving, which leads us to ask: Does that make base jumping more than 2 million times riskier than skiing? For the answer, read the book. _ROB REED…

The Canadian Ski Instructors' Alliance (CSIA) has been training professional ski instructors since 1938. That's 85 years of nice turns, and for much of that time it's been mostly the only game in town. No longer. In August, Perry Schmunk, former managing director of the Alliance, launched the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada (PSIC), an organization that could change the landscape of Canadian ski instruction. Schmunk, who left the CSIA amid a whirl of internal conflict last season, is joined by two other recently departed CSIA staffers: Jeff Marks and Mark Sedgwick, plus newcomer Ed Cambridge. According to Schmunk, PSIC's mandate is to meet the needs of the industry by improving skiing and teaching methodology, and providing tools to enhance the guest experience. He also confirms PSIC will offer a…

Who owns B.C.'s Powder King? Or more specifically, who has the power to sell it? After the sudden death of one of the owners, it's about as clear as the white-outs that inspire its name. Situated two hours north of Prince George, the ski area has been on the market since last winter and is now listed for nearly $7.5 million. Jim and Heidi Salisbury bought it back in 2005, splitting ownership 50-50. Jim managed the three-lift operation, while Heidi raised the couple's children. As Ski Canada reported, they had big plans for the resort, and through the winter of 2022 were looking for investors to help fund an expansion. But Jim was also sick with a lung illness. In February 2022, he started the process of amending his will.…

There are more than 75 ski areas in Quebec, and many remain a well-kept secret. Passionate moms and pops created these family gems years ago. Today, younger generations, co-ops and visionaries have given them a polish. Tailored for beginners, families on budgets, and energetic ski tourers, these areas offer family-friendly, all-day experiences for less than a round of burgers and beer at a destination ski resort. Bonus: no traffic. We collected five award-winning, low-altitude ski jewels in Quebec you may not yet have noticed. MONT CASTOR First opened in 1947, Mont Castor in Matane hosted early ski races in the Gaspésie region. Families remain the focus, with three lifts and 19 trails—four are open for night skiing. Passes cost less than $35. Kids can try the tube slides, snowshoeing and…