‘Pure, Simple & Real…DEEP’
Despite the fact that Powder Magazine readers voted Nelson “Best Ski Town in North America,” it feels like time has stood still in this powder paradise for the past 30 years. Whitewater, only a 20 minute drive from Nelson, is an authentic ski hill and mass tourism is nowhere to be found.
It is the exact opposite of a crowded European resort. The three old-fashioned, rickety second-hand chairlifts take you up to extremely steep tree runs. The only restaurant on the mountain is a simple, cosy day lodge made from timber, where young and old mingle and everyone seems to know each other. We stand out in our colourful gear and are quickly known as “the Dutch Girls.” During lunch, I always ask our new ski friends what brought them to Nelson. An oft-heard response is: “I came here for a few days and just never left.” I certainly cannot blame them; the deep powder, pure stoke and genuine atmosphere make WH2O a special place.
People of the powder
Dedicated ski bums of all ages make me realize that skiing is more than just a sport here; it is positively a way of life. Quality of life is the main thing, and people here wholeheartedly enjoy themselves. For us, the combination of breath-taking nature and mountains of powder – an average of 12 metres a year – in such a friendly and creative town makes Nelson the best place for us to visit. After all, where else are people so laidback that they refer to work as “the four-letter word we try not to use”?
Dream BIG, dream DEEP!
A very exclusive, high-end ski lodge is nestled in the complete wilderness upon the Quesnel Lake surrounded by a pebble beach – quite a memorable setting for a heli ski lodge! The Silver Tip Lodge is so remote; it is only accessible per helicopter on a 45-minute flight from Williams Lake, making your stay a grand backcountry adventure. In the winter of 2017 this private heli-ski operation will open its doors for private groups up to 10 guests and with an average snowfall of 14 meters per year and 118 different runs you will be skiing fresh lines every run.
The lodge is located in the Cariboo range, the most northerly mountain sub-range of BC and this northerly location ensures great snow quality throughout the whole season. Heli-skiing in the Cariboos is a proven formula for success as the first two heli-ski operations carefully choose this range too already in the 1970’s. Willy, our Austrian guide who has been guiding in this area for over 10 years, ensures us that Silver Tip has some of the best heli-skiing terrain in the world. Knowing he has guided at several operations we can’t wait to experience this ourselves!
Sky high
Who knew it was possible to climb into your private helicopter just meters away from the breakfast table? The adrenaline races through my body as the pilot clamps on his headphones and the propellers begin to rotate faster as formidable mountains loom in the distance. Our very experienced pilot Ben flies straight to a ridge, skilfully swings the tail around, and lands on a tiny plateau marked by a stick with orange tape, which turns out to be the landing zone.
Kneeling, we watch the helicopter take off as the snow whips up and stings our faces. Slowly, the humming fades and a deafening silence fills the air. We are standing on a summit in the Canadian wilderness, miles away from the nearest ski lift or town. Everywhere we look, we see endless untouched powder fields and breath-taking mountains as we drop into our 700 vertical meter run. With aching legs and a massive grin I ski towards our “taxi”, the sky is the limit! Each run is more spectacular than the last; I’m completely high on life and can’t get enough of this heavenly playground.
The majestic wooden lodge offers indulgence and comfort, including all the usual luxuries plus an outdoor hot tub with a lake view and a fully stocked bar. Every evening a three-course dinner is laid out for us. But if you aren’t careful, you might end up with a heli-belly with all that tantalizing food. Heli-skiing at the Silver Tip Lodge is not just all-you-can-ski; a more accurate description would be all-you-can-wish-for-and-more. Life just doesn’t get any better than at the Silver Tip Lodge!
Details:
For accommodation in Nelson we recommend the Alpine Inn, a very comfortable motel. The rooms are equipped with a small kitchen and a night in a twin room starts at $99. Make sure to check out the two day special for $202, which includes 2 Whitewater day passes and two nights in a twin room.
The Logden Lodge is another great option, located just outside of Ymir (also a 15-minute drive to WH2O) in a dense forest with no other sounds than a small running creek. The Dutch owners, Paul & Annelies, two former diplomats, designed the cute and boutique cabins themselves and it is the perfect place to completely relax, for example with a book in front of the fireplace.
Images: Caroline van’t Hoff
