The Slackcountry is where adventure awaits, just outside ski resort boundaries. No need to sweat and toil to ‘earn your turns’ in the Backcountry. With ski lifts to assist, experienced Slackcountry enthusiasts can enjoy untracked snow from quick laps to full days of exhilaration. Find your thrill within sight of the alpine resorts on the Powder Highway.
WHITEWATER SKI RESORT
Dreamy tracks in Whitewater’s out-of-bounds Ymir Bowl tell the tale of local hard-cores who have the gear and the know-how to push the limits and drop into any of a dozen or more runs like First Choice and Dog Leg.
REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Montana Creek shouts an untracked call to riders from the top of Revelstoke and offer fresh tracks long after the resort’s in-bounds moguls take over. Greely Bowl, while not technically Slackcountry as it is inside resort boundaries and avalanche controlled, still requires a short boot-pack to drop in, an effort guaranteed to thin out the ski tracks.
KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN RESORT
In the Dogtooth Range above Golden, advanced Slackcountry skiers and riders skin up to Ruedi’s Ridge and Ozone just outside Kicking Horse Resort.
FERNIE ALPINE RESORT
Fernie’s legendary bowls see regular Slackcountry traffic. With Fish, Orca, and Cabin Bowls accessed from the Great Bear Quad, and Siberia and Mongolia Bowls are a short skin track away from the Timber Bowl Quad. Nearby Lost Boys Pass is aptly named, so be warned.
*** It’s steep, it’s deep, and don’t let the name Slackcountry deceive you, it is every bit of the definition of backcountry, meaning that the consequences are serious for poor decisions. Bring your avalanche safety training, rescue gear, skins and deep snow travel gear, extra food, water, and clothing, a map, and a way to communicate in case of emergency. Never venture out alone, and be sure to leave a plan with someone you trust if you head out into the Slackcountry. BC Adventure Smart and Avalanche Canada offer great resources to help you get informed before heading into the Slackcountry. ***
