COMP - Deep Powder Skiing at Whitewater
Whitewater Ski Resort recorded a total of 163cm of ski-movie-worthy powder in 7 days. Skiing this amount of powder can make anyone feel invincible like Superman. It is important to remember the dangers of skiing deep powder whether in the sidecountry, backcountry, or even inbounds. Two key factors to remember are:
- Be aware that you cannot see what may be hidden beneath. Large snowfalls will cover small trees, rocks, and stumps that can cause injury. To avoid this, try to be familiar with the terrain you are skiing. However, if the terrain is unknown it is important to anticipate that there may be hidden hazards below.
- It only takes one small tumble to end up in a tree well. It is not unknown for even experienced skiers to have their lives claimed by tree wells. One part of the solution is to always ski with a buddy using a leapfrog technique and to have easy access to a whistle.
Managing risk, bringing the appropriate gear, and knowing how to correctly use that gear can bring amazing skiing experiences such as mine around the Whitewater sidecountry during the week of 163cm.
The video below is short and simple only focusing on the quantity and quality of the snow for December 19th and 20th.