Plunging into the extreme ski zone
The intense challenge of skiing the ‘steep and deep’ is, for most advanced skiers, an opportunity to push the boundaries of adventure.
With plenty of trepidation — OK, let’s just call it downright fear — I ease my ski tips over the edge of the wind-scoured cornice at the top of Delirium Dive, one of Banff Sunshine Village’s legendary “extreme” skiing zones.
It’s go time. And yes, potentially, epic face-plant time. Either I commit to this maniacal (in my opinion) move of dropping into “the dive”... or I take the walk of shame back up the stairs and ski down the front side with the rest of the mogul-mowing masses. I say a quick prayer and take the plunge.
“Plunging” into extreme skiing zones is not something I take lightly. (Nor should you.) However, the intense challenge of skiing the “steep and deep” is, for most advanced skiers, an opportunity to push the boundaries of adventure and experience a level of exhilaration that can be off the charts.
Thankfully, for advanced and expert skiers, the mountain resorts — all of them — provide plenty of pristine “play areas” with chutes, glades, drops, super-steep fall lines and challenging terrain.
The issue, of course, is this type of terrain can be downright dangerous — even deadly. Naturally, the tougher the slope the more important it is to know the terrain, the current snow and weather conditions, the risks and the features that can, potentially, cause serious injury. So, yes, do your homework and know where you are going!
Inexperienced skiers who are not properly outfitted or do not possess the advanced skills necessary, should always stay clear of expert terrain. Your life — and the lives of the people who may have to come to your rescue — is on the line.
That said, skiers who have the necessary skills have a number of unforgettable options to “plunge” into perfection. Here, in no particular order, are five of the best “extreme” zones in the mountains.
KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN RESORT Whitewall
The upper bowls and chutes (there are more than 85) at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort near Golden, B.C., are legendary for their super-steep fall lines, sweet Champagne powder and sublime beauty. And Whitewall — the steepest of the steep, the baddest of the bad — is widely considered the trump card. With four ribs that funnel into Fuez Bowl, the premise on this rock-smeared face is simple: pick a line, pick your drops and point them down. It’s skiing it that’s the hard part.
CASTLE MOUNTAIN South Chutes
Boasting some of the steepest continuous fall lines in North America (up to 32 degrees for over a kilometre!), the South Chutes at Castle Mountain are (especially on a powder day) the cat’s meow for skiers and boarders who like to operate on the redline. While these barren, rocky, above-tree-line chutes need a few good storms before they’re skiable due to their southeast orientation, the snow here tends to stick around. Fresh lines can often be found days after a snowfall.
BANFF SUNSHINE VILLAGE Delirium Dive/Wild West
Without a doubt, Sunshine is home to some of the gnarliest and nastiest in-bounds terrain on the planet. While Delirium Dive boasts the famous drop-off-the-cornice entry( you can also pick a less intimidating start) and a diabolical 40- degreepitch, the Wild West zone starts rather mild. But the mellow slopes in the early going change dramatically as skiers are squeezed through tight chutes, cliff bands and steep, technical terrain. Snowplow enthusiasts may want to ski elsewhere.
LAKE LOUISE SKI RESORT Whitehorn
Affectionately known as the “backside bowls,” the many gullies, drops, powder-choked chutes and ice-smeared rock walls that comprise the Whitehorn area have been the setting for numerous ski films, including a couple of Canadian classics by Sherpas Cinema. Not only are skiers treated to jaw-dropping visuals, but the many frightening features in this area promote an extreme brand of freestyle skiing that is world-renowned in the “wild” community.
FERNIE ALPINE RESORT Currie Bowl
Fernie’s storied upper bowls — there are five of them — pack a powerful punch. Or is it powderful? If your quest is the holy grail of neck-deep snow and super steep fall lines, Currie Bowl won’t disappoint. Extreme enthusiasts can hit epic runs like Sky Dive, which says about all you need to know about the nature of this terrain.