Photo: Paul Morrison
It’s that time of year again. November just can’t roll fast enough. Cold weather is setting in and the occasional flurry can be spotted out your office window. Butterflies fill the stomach and the anticipation of winter is palpable. Talk about cooped up. While we can’t help you make tracks just yet, Uncooped has spent much time researching new improvements at resorts across North America so that you can bomb that new stash on all your 2009 ski trips.
Since you don’t go to the mountains to drink martinis on a spanking new sundeck, we’ve weeded through all the PR hype and eliminated the likes of concrete pours and upgraded cafeteria facilities. What’s left are the most exciting terrain expansions, new lift and cat access, trail additions and other improvements that will lay way for thrilling new lines.
We’ll be breaking it down by region in a series of articles. For the most exciting additions in the ski world this year, we first head to the big north—British Columbia.
Talk about additions. How about the addition of an entire resort right into the heart of one of the world’s most-renowned ski/snowboard locales? Revelstoke actually officially opened last season, but this year they’ll double their acreage and add some serious vertical. 5620’ of vertical will make Revelstoke the new North American king, surpassing Whistler’s vertical mile. It’s all part of a 15-year, $1 billion plan which will transform Revelstoke into a world-class 4-season resort with 100 runs. Revelstoke will be the only resort on the continent to offer lift, cat and heli skiing right from base. Diehard skiers and riders will surely want to get in early on what’s sure to be one of the hottest resorts in North America. Scheduled opening November 27.
Another top addition coming out of BC this season is the Peak to Peak Gondola connecting Whistler Mountain with Blackcomb Mountain. Set to launch Dec. 12, the Peak to Peak will provide a scenic 11-minute trip, completely revolutionizing access between the huge mountains. Seamless Whistler-Blackcomb transport will make it easy to ride any of Whistler Blackcomb’s 8171 acres at any time. No need to ride Whistler one day and Blackcomb the next. Resort opens November 27.
Fernie adds some serious gladage to the mix this winter with glade cutting going down on KC Chutes, Cedar Ridge, Currie Glades and Stagleap. Much of the glade clearing will be performed with intermediates in mind, providing generous spacing between trees. Also expect some newly-cut lines on Mitchy Chutes. Scheduled opening is December 6.
A new park is set to launch that will be nearly a mile long. The park allows skiers and riders to showcase their skills (and mishaps) before an audience at the slope side village and riding the Mile 1 Quad. Be prepared to drop and stick your sickest moves. Set to open December 12.
Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain will feature a new glade run this year. Shore Glades will offer beautiful views onto the city of Vancouver and surrounding mountains. Set for December 14 opening.
New trees dubbed Goodtime Glades will open this season. This new trees will be spaced for novice skiers just developing their tree skills. New features will also be added to Washington’s advanced terrain park. Opens December 5.
70 acres of new riding across 20 individual lines has been added to the Lonesome Fir Glades. The expanded glade area will allow riders to choose expert or easier intermediate lines, creating tree skiing for all abilities. Opens November 22.
Canadian Rockies International Airport
Also of interest to anyone looking to travel to resorts in BC’s interior this winter, Delta will be running 3 direct flights weekly between Salt Lake City and Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook, BC. This will make trips to resorts like Fernie, Kimberly and Panorama quicker and easier.
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