All photos by T. Hynd
The 9th annual Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest has launched into action. It began last night with a movie opener at the Civic Theatre before participants took to the slopes at Whitewater Ski Resort this morning.
The ROAM Randonee Rally had racers ready to alpine tour 16 kilometres up and down various ridges surrounding the ski area before the ski lifts began to roll.
Operations manager Colby Lehman said top skiers have finished the course in a matter of two to three hours in the past.
The avalanche hazard is low in the Kootenay Boundary; however, the melt freeze spring-like conditions make the skiing off piste challenging. New this year is the option for tag teams in addition to the long and classic courses.
The Valhalla Slopestyle Comp is taking place in the terrain park with great views for spectators riding the Silver King chair.
Dozens of ski clinics, including steeps with legend Eric Pehota, and youth clinics with Trace Cooke will continue Sunday.
“The focus is totally different this year,” said clinic coordinator Karen Reader, in reference to the lack of fresh, abundant powder. “The focus is on the essence of skiing, being stoked, snow play and being in the Kootenays.
“The people that come to teach are so accomplished and competent, it doesn’t matter what the conditions are.”
Whitewater volunteers John Van der Holt and Noreen Clayton.
Volunteers Noreen Clayton and John Van der Holt said people come for all-over year after year. “A group from Norway have been coming here for the last seven years, and they think it’s so great to be here,” said Van der Holt. People come from everywhere, somehow they find us.”
Ski demos, fat tire bike rentals and plenty of swag are available at the Coldsmoke village trade fair through the weekend, as well as metal work sculptures on display. A village après ski party gets underway after the last run tonight leading into the Backcountry Buff-eh dinner at the lodge with live music from jazz duo Doug Stephenson, Clinton Swanson followed by a four piece funk band.
The fun continues on Sunday with the poker run and The North Face backcountry olympics.
