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`expert runs from every chair, which meanseven as a group with a range of abilities, it’seasy for you to ski together.Worthy of a bucket list of its own, Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine serves up a unique skiexperience, whether it’s when you view the incredible,frozen Lake Louise below the astoundingVictoria Glacier, or see thebreathtaking Matterhorn of the Rockies, Mt.Assiniboine, as you streak down South Dividerun at Sunshine Village on a bright, bluebirdday. The feeling and awe inspiring views thatgo hand-in-hand with Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine’sphenomenal skiing is something thatevery skier should experience at least once intheir lifetime.For more information, snow reports andlive web-cam feeds from all three resorts, visitwww.SkiBig3.com.Tri ResortMountain Facts:• Almost 8,000 Acres• 274 Runs• 26 lifts• Over 30ft of annual snowChristopher Schermulycontributed to this article.Whitewater Ski Resort is a 15 minutedrive from Nelson in the southern interior ofBritish Columbia, Canada. This smaller ski resortis situated in the Ymir Bowl on YmirMountain, in the Selkirk Mountains. TheSelkirks receive an abundant amount of drysnow. This location in a high alpine bowl providesan annual snowfall average of approximately40 feet. Lifts ascend the shoulders ofthe bowl and provide easy traversing routesalong ridges to the top of Ymir Peak. In additionto its plentiful snow, the resort is renownedfor its tree skiing and steep runs: 56%are advanced or expert, while 32% rated asintermediate. The remaining 12% of the trailsare classified as easiest.A Master Plan expansion announcedabout a decade ago, along with a change inownership, is showing results with the additionof the Glory Ridge Chair in 2010. Severalmore chairs are planned to increase its lift capacityto 5,000 skier/riders - more than triplingits carrying capacity. The addition of new liftshas also resulted in the creation of new opentrails and gladed areas. Backcountry skiingand riding is popular among the more advancedsnowsport enthusiasts.Whitewater Ski Resort expands.photo / Whitewater Ski Resort.For a change of pace, get out the crosscountryskis or snowshoes. There are 13groomed and trackset Nordic trails over 15km.Or, get your camera, a pair of snowshoes andwalk along the 10km of terrain designated forsnowshoeing. Rental shops can be found atthe mountain’s day lodge.There is no lodging at the ski area, but avariety of unique inns, hotels, motels and hostelsare available in Nelson. The old gold andsilver mining town has received a face liftrestoring the historic downtown and BakerStreet to its original glory.Due to the natural beauty of surroundingmountains and lakes, the city has become amecca for artists, galleries and culture.If you want to relax those tired muscles,there’s relaxation and revitalization at one ofthe three nearby thermal pools, spas and hotsprings.The easiest way to get to the resort is tofly to Spokane, Washington, and reserve a spoton the Queen City (Nelson) Spokane Shuttle.Visitors can also fly into the smaller CastlegarAirport, southwest of the city.www.skiwhitewater.comWhitewaterMountain Facts:• Almost 1,184 Acres• 78 Runs• 3 lifts• Over 40ft of annual snowWhitewater, B.C.Surroundedby theNaturalBeauty of theSelkirksFar West Skier’s Guide / Digital Edition Insert 2O12 - 2O13 20