Winter Backcountry Gear P.17 WWildild IIslesle TheThe Islands'Islands' AdventureAdventure MagazineMagazine January-March 2002 Canadian Outdoor FREE Leadership Training an outdoor career awaits - p.10

check in online www.wildisle.ca Wild Isle On the Road Voyage North to Shames Mtn p.12 North Island Kayak Mt Cain Coming Events Rentals & Tours Jan 19th - National Ski & Snowboard Week Telemarking Day - demos & races Serving Feb 24th & 25th - Northern Winter Fest and the Central Coast March (day to be announced) - Cain Cup downhill race

North Island High Now it's easier than ever to get to 2 locations Mt Cain on our new Shuttle Bus. Alder Bay/ & Bus leaves from Highway turn off @ 8:30 am Alder Bay/Johnstone Strait & and from Ski area @ 4:30 pm Fare by donation Port Hardy Snow Lines Port Hardy (250) 949-7669 Campbell River (250) 287-9274 For information or brochure Accommodation & Info 1-888-668-6622 Toll Free 1 877-949-7707 The adventure begins 1.5 hours www.island.net/~cain north of Campbell River [email protected] www.island.net/~nikayak Wildild Islesle CONTENTS W I From the Field p.5 The Islands' Adventure Magazine Letters p.6

Backcountry Ski Tours p.8

Wild Islander - Leon May p.9

Canadian Outdoor Leadership Training p.10

Wild Isle on-the-road Shames Mtn - Terrace p.12 www.wildisle.ca Play Safe - Winter Terrain p.16

Reviews p.17

Directory p.19 Cover: John Roberts, Rugged Mountain Contents: Launching kayaks on the Breton Islands - west coast adventure •

Boats, boards and backcountry a ferry ride to north coast powder p.12 WildÿIsle

Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park

WILD GO CAVING! See ancient fossils CAVING and amazing crystal formations! - Easy 1.5 hr. "Family Tours" www.hornelake.com - 3 hr. "Triple Cave Adventure" - 5 and 7 hr. "Extreme" caving trips (250) 757-TOUR (8687) climbing underground waterfalls www.wildisle.ca 3 Arc’Teryx Sold WildWild IslIsleIslee EDITORIAL Well known B.C. based Magazine manufacturer of fi ne packs, outdoor clothing and harnesses t’s hard to Hopefully the island winter is # 19 Jan-Mar 2002 Arc’Teryx has been sold to believe Wild going to cool down shortly. It can Adidas-Salomon of Germany. IIsle is rain all it likes below 3,000 ft The company was founded by Publisher/Managing Editor heading in to its but alpine showers in January are B.C. climber Dave Lane as Rock Philip Stone fi fth year of simply not required. Still it’s hard Solid Manufacturing in the late Assitant Editor publication with to complain about weather when 1980’s. Ryan Stuart the printing of this you’re in a place where you can -Vancouver Sun latest issue. But ski one day, mountain bike the Associate Editors yes here we are 19 issues under next and if your lucky enough to Tanya Storr, Greg Shea our belt and going strong. have the time, extend that list to Snow to Surf 2002 We’re pumped from the fi rst the end of the week. Round up the athletes and start of what we hope will be an This issue we bring safety tips training because the 20th annual Contributors & ongoing series of trips taking and reviews of winter backcountry Snow to Surf multi sport relay Photography Wild Isle on the road. This gear. The sophistication of race is fast approaching. “Canada’s Premier Multi-Sport Relay Race,” Jerry Reed, Greg Shea, issue we bring a full report equipment seems to know no from Shames Mountain in North bounds making it all the more runs on April 28th, 2002 combines Ryan Stuart, Leighton Western . enticing to deek out of bounds. seven legs covering 62 km of the White, Philip Stone A huge thank you to all the Heed the words of caution Comox Valley, from the start on kind people we met in Terrace. contained herein and make use of the snow of Mt. Washington to The hospitality we received was public services like the Canadian the fi nish in the surf of Georgia Wild Isle is published 5 times warm and memorable. If any of Avalanche Association who if you Strait. In between athletes a year by Wild Isle Media our Southern B.C. readers are can believe it are on the brink downhill ski, cross country ski, and is distributed free of charge across even the slightest bit curious of dissolution because of a lack run, mountain bike, road bike Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, Queen Charlotte Islands and B.C. about Shames then quit of funding. Check their web site and canoe. Teams cover every Mainland Coastal Communities. wondering and get moving! You for details and help this excellent spectrum of competitiveness and are broken down into eight Editorial & Advertising will not be disappointed, the service if you can. Inquiries to: stories are all true! Play safe this winter and most categories. Wild Isle Magazine Look out later this year for of all have fun. We’ll see you in the To win teams will have to be P.O. Box 482, Heriot Bay, B.C. reports from the Olympic spring with more news and stories fast, and to enter they have to Canada V0P 1H0 Peninsula, WA and other future from the wildest of isles. be almost as fast. The race is Tel: 250 285-2234 Cascadia destinations. Philip Stone so popular it fi lls to capacity in Fax: 250 285-2236 only a few weeks. So gather the eMail: [email protected] team now, registration opens in February and will be full in fi rst Opinions expressed herein are HAPPENINGS week of March. those of the writers & in no way For contact info check out Jan. 13, 7:30pm Slideshow ‘A Jouney into Nepal’ David Lam Aud. UVic refl ect the views of the publishers, the Snow to Surf website at staff, distributors or advertisers. Jan. 17, 7:30pm Slideshow ‘A Jouney into Nepal’ Old Church, Courtenay www.snowtosurf.com The sports featured in Wild Isle Jan. 14 SIMBS Annual General Meeting www.simbs.com are inherently dangerous with real Jan. 19 National Ski & Snowboard Week BC-wide Ski Areas Lillooet Ice Festival risk of serious injury or death. The 2002 Lillooet Ice Climbing Jan. 26-27 Avelanche Awareness Course island.net/~hipski In no way whatsoever should this Festival will be on the weekend magazine be taken to advocate Early Feb. Registration begins for Snow www.snowtosurf.com of January 25- 27. The only other participation in any activity to Surf relay race details available at this time are portrayed. Wild Isle is provided for Feb. 24-25 Mt Cain Winter Festival Mt Cain that there will be a social on reading enjoyment only. Jan. 25-27 Lillooet Ice Festival Lillooet the Saturday night (26th), but If you choose to engage in any apparently no clinics. There may Feb. 6-10 Vancouver Boat Show Vancouver, BC activity featured in Wild Isle you do also be some sort of social on so at your own risk. Feb. 15-17 Outdoor Adventure Travel Show BC Place, Vancouver Friday night (25th). Speakers, Feb. 16-24 Vancouver Mountain Film Festival Centennial Theatre, N Van sponsors, etc. TBA. Printed on The organizers of the festival, Mar. 1-3 Victoria Boat & Outdoor Show Tillicum Mall, Victoria by Castle Printing 250 285-2679 Team Lillooet (Paul Malkinson) All rights reserved. Copyright 2001 Mar. 16 Vancouver Island Loppett Race www.mtwashington.com hope to have a news release ISSN 1480-4026 April 26-28 Canadian Adventure Kamloops sometime soon, with additional Canada Post Agreement number Tourism Conference 250-371-5843 information. Information will – 40030406 April 28 Snow to Surf Relay Race www.snowtosurf.com also be posted to the ice climbing part of CASBC’s website Next Deadline for May 17-19 Coast Kayak Symposium Thetis Island casbc.bivouac.com/ice0102.htm Ads & Editorial June 21-23 Vancouver Island Paddlefest Ladysmith E-mail to the festival organizers can go to th March 15 , 2002 for If you want to have your event in HAPPENINGS, send us a fax at (250) 285-2236 or [email protected] or Issue 20 - Apr-May 2002 email at [email protected] with all the dirt. [email protected] 4 www.wildisle.ca Send Wild Isle your news item - press release, event FROM THE FIELD info, new products etc.. [email protected]

Victoria Outdoor Show Vancouver Island’s own outdoor Van Isle Recreation Ski to the IMAX extravaganza comes to Tillicum Mall, March Mt. Washington and the National st rd Corridor - Out of the Closet 1 to 3 when Island Events hosts the 9th ® Annual Victoria Boat & Outdoor Show. Stop Vancouver Island is quickly becoming a Geographic IMAX theatre partner in to meet and chat with tour operators, world leader in outdoor recreation. A big to bring ski excitement to Victoria manufacturers and other outdoor part of the Island’s success is the efforts of Victoria, BC – Vancouver Island skiers are professionals. Discover excellent deals on local organizations like the Vancouver Island in for a double treat this year. The IMAX boats, bikes, kayaks, dive gear, maps and Recreational Corridor. theatre is presenting the exhilarating feature much more. For more info including exhibitor Since 1994 the VIRC has worked with Ski to the Max and Mt. Washington is now info visit www.victoriaboatshow.com stakeholders and user groups to open up that much closer. Look for Wild Isle’s booth while you’re the Island to hikers, mountain bikers, horse Ski to the Max is a lighthearted feature with there we’d love to meet you! riders, enduro-cycles and ATV’s. daredevil athletes performing heart-stopping Last year the VIRC Brigade 2000 showed stunts. A Bond parody, the fi lm is a sure that it was possible for a mixed bunch of way to kick off the winter with an intense recreational users to travel from one end of adrenaline rush. And, after the fi lm, every the Island to the other, off road and through skier in the audience is going to be itching to The Dirt on Victoria’s the bush. hit the slopes. The plan is to connect Sooke to Cape Scott, Most Islanders head off to Mt Washington Women’s Bike Club with a network of separate trails for each to get their snow fi x and this year it’s quicker What started out as a casual ride among user group. The networks are linked with and easier to get there. With the completion friends has evolved into Dirty Girlz, full service “Stations” every 30km, where of another portion of the Island Highway, it is

www.wildisle.ca a club like none other in Victoria or users can start or stop their journey or just now just a smooth and easy three-hour drive anywhere else on Vancouver Island. rest and relax for a day or two. A person from Victoria to the top of the hill. Members are signing up and nine local could travel its full length by horseback in It’s a great combination, a fi lm that gets bike shops are offering their support about a month, by mountain bike in two or you in the mood for skiing or boarding and through member discounts and three weeks, by hiking in about fi ve hard a ski hill near by. The National Geographic involvement in programs such as the weeks and by enduro-cycle or ATV in about Theatre and Mt Washington are making it an bike maintenance clinics. “The support a week. Or one could take a day or two just even better combination. Simply present your we received when we first presented to go between any pair of stations. 2001/2002 lift pass to the theatre and save the idea of creating a women only club There are many Island stakeholders who $1.75 on your admission to Ski to the Max. was greater than we ever expected. This will be affected by the VIRC, and who can And present your Ski to the Max ticket stub gave us the confidence to move forward participate in its benefi ts. We now have a at the mountain and save a whopping $10.00 with becoming a society and creating clear plan to present, and we now need to off of the regular lift pass price. That’s like this unique club that offers its members bring this plan to those stakeholders and going to the fi lm for free. west coast adventure •

a full range of programs and services,” discuss the next step. Please be part of that With these two great ski adventures it said Rebecca Gardner, president of Dirty process. - Jerry Reed VIRC promises to be a fun winter on Vancouver Girlz. Island. Some of the programs in place include regular group trail rides for all skill levels and bike maintenance clinics. Other WildÿIsle programs and services in the works include skill specific clinics for advanced riders, weekend getaways, website with interactive features, bi-monthly “The Latest Dirt…” newsletter and special events. The current focus is on mountain biking but activities related to road riding, urban riding and other areas of cycling will soon be offered. With the casual, non- competitive atmosphere combined with the support and encouragement offered by other riders and the exceptional member benefits package, many find the club a great fit and the $40 annual fee a small price to pay for everything they get in return. Membership, “test ride” Rental Fleet Sale! Over 100 Boats! and clinic inquiries can be directed to Rebecca in Victoria at (250) 380-3054 or www.comoxvalleykayaks.com 1.888 545.5595 [email protected] www.wildisle.ca 5 Send Wild Isle your news item - press release, event info, new products etc.. LETTERS [email protected] Dear Editor, Dear Editor, With regard to Andy Smith’s article shallows, not to mention the noise. Thank you for your comments describes concerns expressed by both Snowmobiling Around Strathcona Park On several occasions we have found Heather/Rolf. I understand your point support and non-support groups. in the October-December issue of Wild litter left behind - beer cans, etc. The of view but feel your are trying to Instead of focussing on any one word Isle, let’s make sure snowmobiling does Mitlenatch Field Naturalists Society, read something between the lines which or what “could be” perceived between just that, stay around/outside the Park a member club of the Federation of is not there. When I used the term the lines, it may be better to look at the and not inside. Snowmobilers have the BC Naturalists already voiced their “unfortunately”, it was directed at the article as a whole and pick out the facts rest of Vancouver Island with its many concerns, as did many other groups, snowmobilers, because in fact, it is as presented: logging roads to pursue their sport. during the whole public process. unfortunate to them. It is “not” - snowmobiling is not allowed; In his article Andy Smith appears to Considerable time and effort has been unfortunate to yourself or anyone who - park users have identifi ed that the suggest that the decision to exclude expended in writing letters, attending supports the present policy because the serenity of the park must be protected snowmobiles from Strathcona Park meetings. We fi nd it somewhat alarming policy is in place and no snowmobilers and be able to enjoy the park without the is unfortunate - he uses this word to see a senior parks employee using are presently allowed in the park. If noise and use of snowmobiles; several times when referring to the a public forum to question a relatively you have had a chance to read any - there are many areas around the public process which culminated in this recent land use decision and, by the of my previous articles in Wild Isle, it park which are perfectly suitable for decision. Is he suggesting that the whole frequent use of “at this time” suggesting should be obvious that they attempt to snowmobiling process be repeated? Unfortunately, to the snowmobile enthusiasts that be neutral, not taking sides but rather Having said all this, I do appreciate to use his word again, snowmobiles the decision could readily be reversed presenting multiple views, in order to you taking the time to express your are not compatible with other user as long as they make enough noise. illustrate to readers the complexity of concerns. It helps us better understand groups such as skiers, snowshoers and What message does this convey about park management - hence the title “View what people are thinking and keeps us all those individuals simply wishing to enforcement by the Parks Branch? As Point - the view is not always clear”. on our toes. experience the amazing silence of a a footnote, the Mt. Washington area With my goal being to confi rm the As a footnote - In order to prevent winter landscape. Equally important, was featured in a recent edition of park “is” closed to snowmobiling, I chose BC Parks from being accused of having a snowmobiles are not “terrain friendly” “Explore Magazine” as one of the to express it in an empathetic way, hidden agenda, I should tell you that the as far as the vegetation and wildlife are top cross country ski areas in the to soften the “not allowed” statements snowmobile groups are heavily lobbying concerned, in fact they are destructive. country. Is it economically wise to (plugged in “four” times throughout the the Minister about access into Strathcona One has only to venture into the compromise this activity? Skiers do not article) directed at that segment of the Park. We have presented the history and Divers/Rossiter Lake on any winter appreciate snowmobiles crisscrossing readers who do support snowmobiling. rationale for not allowing this use, but it or early spring weekend to observe or paralleling the trails, not the mention Confl ict resolution experience has taught is strictly up to the Minister whether she these unfortunate effects - trees run the noise from nearby valleys. us that it is advantageous to work with all wishes to sign off the revised Master Plan over, branches cut down to form rough Yours sincerely, groups, showing empathy (not sympathy) with this current policy - or not. trails, machines running through the Rolf and Heather Kellerhals for their point of view. The article also Take care! Andrew Smith Peppercorn Trail Motel • •

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www.valhalla-pure.com • 6 www.wildisle.ca Vancouver Mtn Film Festival Arc’teryx Signs Come celebrate Vancouver’s mountain culture! The 5th annual VIMFF will run Morgan Lafonte from 16-24 February, 2002, with the main Vancouver, B.C. based ARC’TERYX shows on Thursday 21 - Sunday 24 at Equipment Inc. announced today that they Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver. signed Morgan Lafonte to join the Snowsports Special guests will include major climbing Sponsored Athletes Team. Morgan is well stars such as Chris Sharma, either Lynn known for stompin’ big mountain lines that Hill or Conrad Anker of the North Face™ separate the boys from the women. Her and Canadian cyclist Alison Sydor. Enjoy a contagious positive attitude, combined with spectacular range of fi lms from around the her superb riding talent makes Morgan an world. Watch for posters and press releases excellent ambassador for Arc’Teryx. plus check www.vimff.org for more info.

MSR Founder Passes Away Paddlefest 2002 Vancouver Island Paddlefest in Ladysmith SEATTLE, WA - On Saturday, November June 21-23, 2002. One of the themes most 24, 2001, MSR founder Larry Penberthy passed likely will be “Paddling Holidays - from away at age 85 of natural causes. tenting to luxury resorts”. We would highlight A long-time climber, Penberthy enrolled outfi tted trips, motherships and lodge based in The Mountaineers’ intermediate climbing holidays plus destination paddling for self- course in the spring of 1968 to become a safer guided trips. This will be our 4th Annual climber and climb leader. As an innovative Paddlefest in Ladysmith. engineer with more than 33 years of climbing Another local event that started in 2001, is experience, he was recruited by the chairman of the Yellow Point Pant & Paddle. It’s a seven The Mountaineers to investigate why 3/8-inch member team relay race; run, 2 person canoe, twisted nylon ropes were breaking during road bike, sea kayak, mountain bike, run. crevasse rescue practice. Surprisingly, during www.wildisle.ca It’s held in September. The fi rst one had 28 Penberthy’s fi rst test, what broke was not the teams. You can fi nd out more by contacting rope, but the carabiner. During the second test, John Surtees of Seaward Kayaks 245-2242 the carabiner held - and the rope did break. Thus began his interest in the integrity of climbing equipment and methods. Between 1968 and 1969, Penberthy worked as an unpaid volunteer with other volunteers, on research into many aspects of mountaineering and general outdoor safety. In 1969, he formed Mountain Safety Research, Inc., to make and sell safe mountaineering equipment as a means of west coast adventure • funding continued research and safety

education. Over the years, Penberthy continued his work and was responsible for making many advances in outdoor equipment design. A dedicated outdoors man, Penberthy WildÿIsle believed that everyone should have an opportunity to experience the outdoors, so that they could appreciate it and be informed enough to make good, sound environmental protection decisions. Penberthy’s tireless interest in inventing new things fueled MSR’s legacy of innovation and widespread consumer acceptance for products that meet the needs of climbers, backpackers, bicyclists, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Correction In the article, Comox Valley Profi le, in issue 18, October-December, we mistakenly quoted Al Dunnett of Ski Tak Hut. We quoted him as saying skiers headed to Mt. Washington won’t stop in Courtenay. In fact Dunnett is hopeful skiers will head into town for services and he notes the detour only takes 10 minutes. We regret the error. www.wildisle.ca 7 Ski Touring at the Logging Camp Opens Ymir Yurts Way to Mt Waddington A British Columbia Eco-Tourism Adventurers & Loggers Rub Shoulders In Success Story with a Mongolian Twist The Heart of the Coast Range

n an area famous for epic of Bute Inlet as accommodation Isnowfall, bluebird winter for tourists and adventurers. Rob days and rich mountain culture, and Laurie Wood, old friends of an eco-tourism evolution is taking Alsager have stepped in to be some place. of the fi rst commercial guides to Tucked away in Southwestern take advantage of the facilities B.C.’s Selkirk Mountains, an area using the camp as a base for their that boasts an average annual well established Mt Waddington snowfall of 1200 cm (40 ft) and spring ski tour. average winter temperature of Reaching the comfort and warm -10°C (14°F), a truly unique hospitality of the Homathko Camp backcountry experience awaits by jet boat up Bute Inlet the adventurous skiers and Woods along with Comox Valley snowboarders. guide Jan Nuspiel fl y by helicopter Starting this winter The with their groups to the head of Kootenay Experience, based in Scar Creek at the edge of the Nelson, B.C. will be offering Waddington ‘Inner Sanctuary’. touring enthusiasts an A 10 day expedition follows opportunity to experience raditionally climbers and exploring the dramatic terrain interior British Columbia’s ski tourers have gained surrounding BC’s mountain reknowned snowfall and terrain, T access to the highest peak entirely monarch including the from accommodation unlike in British Columbia, Mt possibilities of 3,000 ft descents anything you’ve seen before. Waddington, via Bluff Lake in the and climbing the historically The Kootenay Experience calls interior. But true adventure awaits signifi cant Mt Munday. The Mt its novel program of untracked those journeying from the coast Waddington tour is ideal for powder and unmatched living via Campbell River, Vancouver intermediate skiers and conditions the Ymir Yurts. The Island and one of the world’s snowboarders on split boards with operation is run in the heart of grandest fjords, Bute Inlet. a hankering for a true wilderness isolated, high country terrain, in The route from the coast to Mt adventure in the heart of one the mountains south of Nelson. Waddington is laced with logistical of the world’s greatest mountain The area offers incredible, diffi culties. But now a meeting of ranges. The return trip includes a limitless tree skiing, over 20 alpine minds between Maurelle Island night back at the Homathko Camp bowls and peaks offering 2,800 based guides Rob & Laurie Wood and a soak in a monster hot tub foot descents to valley bottom. and Homathko Logging Camp with a million dollar view before What exactly is a yurt you ask? operator Andy Alsager has made jet boating back down Bute Inlet. Originally designed in ancient this ocean to alpine adventure a For more information including Mongolia used by the likes of much easier proposition. booking details call toll free Genghis Khan, yurts are large Alsager has opened his camp 1-866-285-2724 or visit circular tents. They are made located on the breathtaking www.wildisle.ca/adventures for up of wooden lattice walls, Homathko River delta at the head more details and great pictures. supported by a network of rafters that join in a central hub. Dropping into typical Ymir Yurt terrain, A snowcat is used to access photo by Joe Schwartz. the area, from the colourful rural community of Ymir, located 20 minutes south of Nelson. Guests are shuttled to the top of Wild Horse Pass, where an incredible ski touring experience awaits. Trips range from four to eight days all are catered, and can be either guided or unguided. Prices range from $495 for four days unguided to $1195 for eight A yurt under winter snow days catered and guided. For more photo Leighten White. info call 1-888-488-4327 or visit www.KootenayExperience.com Big country with big turns and high adventure around Mt Waddington photos: Philip Stone 8 www.wildisle.ca Leon”Mayday”May

W rd and 43 at the World Championships in Vail, Cycles in Courtenay, Smith Optics, Sombrio Colorado. and Airwalk have helped Leon mature. He I “It was my best year ever,” says Leon, with has developed a winning formula at races, a a smile. “Every Canadian race I placed in the combination of training, walking the course top 10 and I had the best Canadian fi nish at and mental preparation. And he says the L the World Cup.” Leon’s rise to the top of world class riding in the Comox Valley helps Canada’s downhill scene began only four as well. He says the Valley and the long years ago. He began racing competitively ups and downs of original home of Powell D eight years ago. “It was different back River helped his fi tness and riding ability. then,” says Leon. “I raced in all three events, Sponsorship and race winnings allow Leon (downhill, cross country and dual slalom) to take the summer off work to concentrate most people did. But now the courses and on riding. He works at a Courtenay café demands of the events on the riders are so during the winter and has picked up work different you have to specialise.” as a Balfa rep for the West Coast this year. I Eight years ago the downhills were just His focus this winter is to prepare for next for fun. Leon focused on the cross-country season. “I want to be number one in Canada,” until the training got to be too much. he said. “The Canadian Nationals are the one S But Leon quickly points out that he is race I have wanted to win forever.” Leon May looking good in yet another not lazy. During the 16 to 17 week racing If his record from last season is any Canada Cup leader jersey at Fernie BC. season it’s hard to train, so preparation is indication Leon May is headed towards L Photo: Josie Boulding key. His training regime begins at the end the world stage not the veteran’s circuit. By Ryan Stuart of one season. For two months he casually Johnathan and I push off above the rock drop. trains, going to the gym three times a week Me on my feet, Johnathan easing his bike A training his core, explosive strength. The down the steep, slippery humps. As I almost www.wildisle.ca pulled up beside Johnathan Bonk. work out is full body, “I build every fi ber and fall on my butt I think to myself, “maybe by Our tires hovered over a drop that muscle,” he says. “Keep strong, stay strong.” the time I am 30 I will be able to ride down this N Iled into a long section of wet and As the off season progresses Leon begins a pedaling.” I take one look up the cliff and say, slimy bedrock rolling ever steeper out of short intense routine. “The fi rst time I did it I “Nope, I’ll just leave that one for Leon.” WI sight. My mouth went dry. almost died.” And he gets on his bike, riding D “Where you or I would hit the brakes 3 or 4 hours on road bikes. As summer and hesitate before going down that,” he approaches he rides more and more, building said leaning over the edge trying to his endurance. “You need endurance even in a E spot the bottom, “Leon would pedal down four minute race.” His program has worked. it.” “You mean, where I walk down it,” The results prove it and his muscular frame R I thought to myself. By now I knew shows it. He stands over 6 ft, his shoulders enough about Leon May’s mountain are wide almost making his thin frame Vancouver Island's Specialty west coast adventure • biking ability to believe it. I had seen look stocky. His head is topped with almost ski and snowboard shop

him fl y off the jumps in a dual slalom, shaved light coloured hair. His intense race off the lip of the half pipe and fl y stare hides a soft spoken, calm person. His Home of fine muscular jaw and cheek bones hide his into the woods at the Canada Cup in Rossignol P Fernie, and had heard how he placed gentle and friendly nature. Behind it all lies 20th at the World Cup Downhill Finals at a man who loves speed. “I’m a bit of a speed Products WildÿIsle Mt. St. Anne, Quebec. In his eight year freak,” he grins. “I like to go fast no matter R of racing the 30 year-old rider continues what sport.” Whether riding on dirt or • Skis to improve. With his 30th birthday last snow, Leon charges fast and furiously down year he became eligible for the veterans the hill. Leon doesn’t think his love of • Snowboards O circuit, yet his results suggest he has just speed is dangerous. On the contrary, he started to come into his own. almost always feels in control and sees the • Boots The 2001 season was his best ever, challenges of moving quickly in the woods F victory at the Mt. Washington downhill and around rocks as a good mental challenge • X-Country race, 3rd in the overall Canada Cup that keeps him ready for race day. standings, four out of fi ve yellow leader In the last two seasons his race readiness • Clothing I jersey and 10th at the Canadian Nationals. has improved considerably. “Three years ago Not only is he one of the top riders in I was riding a relic,” he says. In 2000 he rode • Packs Canada but this year he hit the world for Giant and this year jumped on board with L stage hard with a 30th at the World Cup Montreal frame manufacturer Balfa. Balfa Rentals & Sales race in Vancouver, 20th at Mt. St. Anne along with his other sponsors, Forbidden

E Do you know a Wild Islander? 334 2537 We are always looking for interesting people from Vancouver Island who explore and enjoy our 267 Sixth St. - Courtenay backyard. If you know someone who would make a good Wild Islander, let us know. Send us a fax at (250) 285-2236, email at [email protected], or call us at (250) 285-2234. www.skitakhut.com www.wildisle.ca 9 ANADIAN

Paddling the exposed weCOLTst co asgrto iusp a eye higshli theght open for m saenya - COLTies. C Rounding Maquinna Pt, Nootka Island cold November mist of many a fi reside (or campstove- is hanging over the side) yarn? To fi nd out and report grey lake water while back I retraced a path back up the in the comfort of twisting Gold River highway that I UTDOOR theA timber crafted lodge, laughter, had driven many times during my wholesome food and singing warms own time at Strathcona Park Lodge the air and hearts. It’s departure as an outdoor leader and C.O.L.T. day at Strathcona Park Lodge for Instructor in the early nineties. twenty new C.O.L.T. graduates. One thing that is immediately O After one hundred close knit days apparent that sets C.O.L.T. apart - fi fty on the water and fi fty in the is the location of Strathcona Park mountains - life has never felt so Lodge itself. Within two hours good! drive of the lodge there are world From the heat of the late coastal class environments for rock summer through to the cold rains climbing, whitewater kayaking, EADERSHIP of fall these women and men have alpine backpacking, paddling in experienced an intense skills and tidal rapids, sea kayak touring, leadership training course delivered caving and more. by world leaders in the fi eld. So its As I continued my drive no surprise that they are stoked! westwards from Campbell River L The lure of adventure and the the mountains swung into view. lifestyle that accompanies it has With them they brought back many spawned an entire industry memorable trips with C.O.L.T. and dedicated to teaching leadership the high energy characters and and adventure sports skills. The experiences that happened along Canadian Outdoor Leadership the way. Once again I found myself RAINING Training program based at marvelling at the diversity and Strathcona Park Lodge on splendour of Strathcona Park and Vancouver Island BC is the ultimate the rest of Vancouver Island. There of the semester courses. C.O.L.T. is no classroom like it and the Tby Philip Stone is a 100 day immersion in a wide recent graduates I had come to variety of disciplines from alpine to meet will be the fi rst to tell you! ocean and for its participants a life “C.O.L.T. was in the sun, in the experience. rain on mountains and on water, The program has developed at through happiness, through anger, Strathcona Park Lodge over 26 through nervousness and excitement. years initially with a prime focus All of this with people you love to train leaders for the Lodge’s and who you didn’t even know two own outdoor education programs. months before” Niki Cochren from In that time over 700 COLTies have Milgrove, Ontario told me. participated in the program many For Niki two highlights of her of whom have been and continue C.O.L.T. experience were the thrill to be the backbone of British of whitewater kayaking and the Columbia’s adventure recreation philosophical insights of veteran industry as leaders, guides, C.O.L.T. mentor Rob Wood. “The instructors, business owners and self reliance trip was the most other professionals. It is diffi cult incredible experience, self reaching, to move within the adventure fi eld looking inside myself and fi nding not especially on the west coast without only what was there but also how meeting someone who bunked in much the mountain environment the ‘Annex’ at some point. really has to offer you,” Niki What is the secret of the C.O.L.T. described her experience under experience that has kept it not Rob’s tutelage. Learning the ropes of glacier travel on Mt Rousseau, Strathcona Park only at the forefront of outdoor For aspirant outdoor leaders the leadership training but the topic expertise of the many C.O.L.T. 10 www.wildisle.ca Vancouver Island is not only home to some of the greatest outdoor experiences in the world but home to one of the best training programs around.

instructors, such as Rob Wood, glacier skills trip, a mountain of ten provides a perfect example who deliver this highly diverse journey, a west coast sea kayak of how groups start, evolve and program is one of the key tour, tidal rapids trip, canoe circuit take their fi nal form in an outdoor, ingredients to its success. Certifi ed along road trips to surf kayak, often wilderness, setting. and acknowledged experts in their whitewater kayak and rock climb. C.O.L.T.ies have come from fi elds the men and women who In addition time is spent in every corner of the globe to teach, guide, encourage and class learning navigation, river participate in the program mentor, together bring this world dynamics and rescue, wilderness including, Australia, Japan, USA, class outdoor leadership program to fi rst aid, radio operators, canoe United Kingdom, Europe and New Strathcona Park Lodge is nestled in the life. Harmony Zielger from Nelson instructors the latter three offering Zealand and have left to continue forest on the shores of Upper Campbell BC explained “the instructors are the opportunity to secure an into equally varied paths. Some Lake at the edge of Strathcona Park experienced and knowledgeable, each industry recognized certifi cation. have a clear plan to embark on All this adds up to an a career in outdoor education as Park Lodge were a big part of the “All leadership action packed 100 days. leaders, others may extend that lure of C.O.L.T. for Simone and Gerald Pollack from New path to professional guiding while Jessica. They knew that not only courses offer great York summed it up for some C.O.L.T. is a chance to would their time be spent with “simply the most learning gain new experiences, stretch their the thrills and spills of the river instruction, what and fun packed into 100 limits and meet new people. and the serene beauty of the makes the lodge special days I’ve ever had”. Naoki Usui came to Canada mountains but also amongst the Amongst these high looking for a radical change in company of good friends in a is the environment it energy trips and courses a lifestyle after working a stressful small working community by the

www.wildisle.ca strong vein of leadership job as an engineer in Japan. When side of a sparkling lake ringed takes place in” development prevails he heard about C.O.L.T. while with snow topped peaks. That preparing those that climbing in Squamish he knew he is what seperates C.O.L.T. from offered something different in their intend to pursue a career had found the way to bring about other leadership semesters says style of leading, teaching and being in the outdoors for the complexities a change. “This is what I wanted to Strathcona Park Lodge’s Executive with people. I felt I could learn a and subtleties of group dynamics do I just knew I found it!” he told Director Jamie Boulding. lot and take a little of each style to and leadership. me. “Vancouver Island mountains “All leadership courses offer great develop my own”. While in the fi eld participants are very like mountains in Japan, instruction, what makes the lodge It takes a wide range of skilled take turns leading the whole group just with less people. I felt quite at special is the environment it takes instructors to complete a C.O.L.T. to develop their own leadership home” he said. place in,” he said. “Not only is semester and a look at the skills and style. With students Justin Farquhar from Toronto, Vancouver Island a special place, but program’s itinerary shows why. In coming from all walks of life Ontario came to C.O.L.T. after so is the lodge. It is a small community with wide ranging goals and working seven years as an that attracts people with similar west coast adventure • one hundred days students will embark six seperate backcountry interests a typical C.O.L.T. group educational assistant. He had a interests with diverse backgrounds trips including: an introductory is a mixed bag. So the insight into broad background in many of and brings them together.” mountaineering trip, a snow and the dynamics of their own group the outdoor activities covered by A successful C.O.L.T. graduate C.O.L.T. but was seeking some may be asked to return after the additional skills and leadership course to take part in a six week training to enable him to work practicum and then join the close WildÿIsle in a school outdoor program and knit working community. For many prepare to tackle some more this is the icing on the cake as few ambitious mountaineering other leadership programs can lead challenges. so smoothly into employment in Simone Merkel and Jessica the outdoor fi eld. Doerner were travelling together So the lilting refrains sung during from Germany in the summer of the farewell lunch will for some 1999 when a chance encounter be one of their last memories of a in a Campbell River grocery store life experience at C.O.L.T. and for brought them up to Strathcona others the draw that will carry them Park Lodge for a visit and they through the winter until the sound both became enchanted with the of cheer returns to the picturesque Lodge, the surroundings and the lodge nestled by the side of a lake in C.O.L.T. program. They continued the heart of Vancouver Island. their global travels but both were For more information about enchanted by the intense C.O.L.T. and other programs at experiences C.O.L.T. promised and Strathcona Park Lodge call planned to return. And they did. 250 286-3122 or check it out on the Climbing high above Landslide Lake The warm welcomes and web at: www.strathcona.bc.ca on Mt. Colonel Foster spectacular setting of Strathcona WI www.wildisle.ca 11 POWDER PASSAGE

he taste of powder skies and covered in a deep blanket of snow, and on to Shames fi lled my lungs. It itself, a ski hill buried under stung my cheeks and lengendary dumps of bottomless Tfl ew around in front powder. of me. Plunging in again, my From Vancouver Island the world became white, coming out easiest way to Shames is of the turn trees, mountains and aboard BC Ferries weekly run on the snow slope reappered. I the Queen of Prince Rupert from stopped, and as the snow settled Port Hardy up the Inside Passage to Prince Rupert, followed by a around me Phil appeared. two hour drive along the mighty “Those were, by far the sickest Skeena River to the town of turns of my life,” I gasped. Terrace. Smiling, Phil, turned downhill And so to Port Hardy we and disappeared in a rooster tail drove beginning a journey north. of cold smoke. Huddled in a secluded harbour His hat bobbing through the the ferry yawned. Its bow fl ung trees. Snow was everywhere, in wide open like the mouth of a the air, on the trees, fi lling my huge tyee waiting for another mouth and down my back. This feed of cars, trucks, containers is what we had journeyed to and passengers bound for Prince the North West corner of British Rupert and the isolated Columbia for. communities en route. Inside the While planning a trip to the bowels of the vessel cars and North Coast powder enigma of trucks were jammed together in Shames Mountain, Terrace, B.C. tight rows. The bigger vehicles I never imagined it would be chained to the deck to keep them this good. But what a superb there in the rough seas ahead. adventure this turned out to be. A maze of hallways and Beginning with a ferry voyage staircases tunnel their way up up the historic Inside Passage, through the hull of the Queen of of the North Pacifi c, through Prince Rupert from the car deck by Ryan Stuart Northern BC, dark under winter to passenger decks. There are

Above: Daryl Person ripping some out of bounds powder on ‘Burnt Trees’. Here: Two snowboarders savour the view before taking a run through Shames legendary powder. 12 www.wildisle.ca Stashed away in the stunning Skeena Valley is an often talked about but little known ski hill boasting N. America’s highest average annual snowfall. Wild Isle hit the roadways and waterways of the BC North Coast to discover the truth behind the myth of Shames Mountain...

sitting areas, a cafeteria, TV room, berths Restaurant it was at last time to crash. and even a saloon, which is home to some Collapsing on the bed waves still rolled colourful characters and a dance fl oor. my body from side to side, my stomach still The 1960’s era decor harkens back to a heaved and sighed along with the swells now scene out of Murder on the Orient Express. many miles away. Slipping into a deep sleep The clean, compact cabin comes complete dreams of the snow that lurked above fi lled with glazed hardwood bunk beds, antique my head. bedspreads, 60s style cushioned seats, a table and a surprisingly spacious head, complete with a full size shower, toilet and sink. Terrace, B.C. The beds are comfortable and warm Morning arrived and with it a chance to providing hour upon hour of slumber relief as indulge in another BC legend, the White Spot the ship slipped and rocked through the grey breakfast, here conveniently attached to the North Coast drizzle. Coast Inn. Fueling complete it was powder time. Pulling out of Port Hardy the ferry Pulling out of the hotel onto Lakelse Ave we immediately passes through the roughest discovered we were within walking distance of water of the trip, Queen Charlotte Sound. the liquor store, the grocery store, a couple of Here sea sickness sent many a passenger to snowboard stores and the local Valhalla Pure

www.wildisle.ca an early sleep and fi lled the bar with patrons outlet. What more does anyone need. hoping to numb the senses. Twenty fi ve kilometres, 15 minutes, west, With nausea subsiding as the ferry enters back toward Prince Rupert, the Shames Ski calmer water moments of distraction are Area access road turns up the valley of the Shames Mountain Facts: provided by an occasional call to one of the same name. The runs perched above the Elevation: Base Area 700m (2297ft) small communities dotted along the coast. valley, rise up toward a rounded ridge. Veterans Summit 1197m (3927ft) of the Mt. Cain and old Mt. Washington Bella Bella slipped by during the dead of Vertical: 497m (1630ft) night, but early the next day the ferry came roads will be envious of the quick 15 minute Lifts: 3, 1 T-Bar, 1 triple chair, 1 handletow. sliding into the tiny port of Klemtu. drive and minimal climb on a wide MOH On board passengers stared out the window maintained road from the highway to Shames’ Trails: 21 covering 43 Ha (133 Acres) trying to fathom what life is like in a parking lot. 15 Ha (50 Acres) of natural glades community accessible only by water, 200 he empty Monday morning lot was 21% Beginner, kilometres from the nearest town. Outside the covered in a six inch dusting from 60% Intermediate west coast adventure • rain poured down on the villagers engrossed Tthe previous night. Shames’ two 19% Advanced in the weekly frenzy of activity sparked by lifts don’t run on Monday and Tuesday but Season: end of November/early December to a quick skin up the triple chair and T-bar the arrival of the ferry. Cars and trucks Easter or 1st weekend in April busily shuttled people from one end of town accesses enough backcountry terrain Annual snowfall: 1200cm, 40ft to the dock. People picked up parcels and to provide ample distractions dogs roamed the street. With the last Klemtu Where to fi nd out more: WildÿIsle passengers on board the ferry slowly pulled www.shamesmountain.com out, steaming north. Annual Highlights: Dummy Downhill Race, All that day clouds, rain and snow Snowmobile Hill Climb (sanctioned event on dominated. Life on board became a rotating western circuit) 2nd weekend in March, Mr schedule of staring out the window catching Mikes Corporate Challenge triple slalom 52 an occasional glimpse of porpoise or dolphins, teams in 2000. Mr Mikes BBQ, live band, reading, watching the snow line drop, walking sunny days. around the boat and dreaming of the powder that awaited. Onhill Transport: McDonalds Ski Express Finally the ferry pulled in to Prince Rupert. leaves Terrace 8am Saturdays & Sundays It was pouring. A background sense of and holidays for Shames Mtn, departs seasickness lingered in my stomach as we Shames at 4pm, fare $3 p.p. each way. A trial made the 150 kilometre drive to Terrace bus service will run from Kitimat & Prince through the continually stormy evening. Rupert in 2001/02. Rain, snow, slush, sometimes all three, covered the road and fi lled the air. We crawled into town two hours later and quickly Above: Judd Rouse dropping in to the gully on checked into the Coast Inn of the West on ‘Burnt Trees’. Left: You’re assured of a warm welcome from the the high street in downtown Terrace. After a friendly locals at Shames Mountain. monster feed at the Gourmet House Japanese www.wildisle.ca 13 The journey on BC Ferries from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert can have a few wild moments too. Shampagne Powder Dropping off the right is the bootpacking their way under open glades of Burnt Tree, to the the rope. We on the other left North Bowl and Deliverance. hand followed local rider Peter All of the runs fall steeply before Nickerson into the in bounds picking up traverse lines back to trees. Between almost every run the lifts. the trees seem perfectly spaced We wandered up the ridge, dug for turning. a pit through Shames’s 200 plus Nickerson says that he has centimetre early season base, and seen it snow everyday for three then skied a long, treed, face shot weeks straight, “20 centimetres fi lled line to the base of the ski every night.” When it snows that area. much he says nothing is ever The next day we explored the really tracked up. Even after North Bowl side of the ridge. two days without snow we found for a couple of days. Countless skiable lines fall from Through waist deep snow we untouched stashes on every run. After a few quick pointers the ridge tops into high bowls rode down into the basin. But The only drawback to getting from a friendly liftee we hoofed and hanging valleys. Everywhere it isn’t all play! Skinning and lots of snow, 40 feet of snow a up the quiet runs and found the chutes, bowls and glades beckon snowshoeing back to the ridge season is the norm, is usually boot path and skin track that with untouched lines of deep top took ages with each step avalanche danger. That much rises up the ridge above the T-bar light snow. Avalanche chutes forward coming at the cost of snow usually mean avalanche enticing riders towards a snowy break up the forest that clings sinking two feet into the control headaches, not at Shangri-La. precariously to the steep sides unconsolidated snow. With a Shames. Gordon says there The paths wandered through of the domed granite summits. track set two more runs on the is almost no avalanche terrain the forest shuffl ing along the More ridges roll away leading same run left us returning down inside the boundary rope. Under ridgeline. Thigh deep snow towards more stashes, more the ski hill in the dark. But the the rope is a different story. met each errant step. And big chutes, more trees and more open velvety snow on the hill made a With an open bounds policy of fl akes kept falling. Despite the bowls. If this terrain and snow blind cruise effortless. “it’s your responsibility,” don’t snow the clouds began to break was anywhere else in North Wednesday the lifts opened. expect a rescue from the ski hill up revealing huge mountains, America it would house a mega We pulled into the parking lot if something goes wrong. plastered in snow, rising up in resort with lifts running up every with 30 other vehicles and “We call the RCMP,” Russel every direction. hill. But this is Northern BC, jumped on the lift ready to tear said. “We don’t have the staff to A maze of interconnecting we were alone. up the runs. deal with it.” ridges winds around every valley Here and there tracks With “only” 200 centimetres Russel says the Shames creating a ski touring paradise. disappeared off the ridge. on the ground early season snowpack is usually stable, conditions prevailed. At Shames especially compared to the that means stump and log Canadian Rockies. jumping down the black diamond “This is an ideal backcountry runs. The deep snow, now settled skiing area,” says Russel. “We to thigh deep, made the pillow gets lots of snow and almost drop easy. Powder was no wind.” The big mountains everywhere, including a light around Shames block all but the dusting on some of the groomed strongest winds from buffeting runs. Gordon Russel, general the mountain. manger of the ski hill, says Just a few hours up the grooming is done on all beginner highway is another little area and intermediate runs, except with monstrous backcountry. Kermode, a nice fall line run. Above the town of Downtown Terrace. “I don’t groom Kermode so Smitheres sits Ski people have an easier Smithers. The proximity bump run to learn on. of another hill opens After the up the possibility of freshies had a deep powder tour, been tracked beginning in up many Shames and Terrace • British Columbia locals continuing to The Coast Inn of the West is Terrace's finest, with a began Smithers and on downtown location that is second to none. All our recently renovated guestrooms are deluxe and air-conditioned. We offer ski packages and more facilities than any other hotel in town; Fanny's Lounge, Hanky Panky's, White Spot, Cold Beer & Wine Store and the list goes on! Toll Free In BC 1-800-549-3939 250-638-8141 email: [email protected] 14 www.wildisle.ca to the famous dry powder of the Interior of BC eventually looping back to Vancouver and the Island. But with Making It Happen time running short we spent our last Getting to Terrace: day at Shames. Passage on B.C. Ferries from Port Hardy Vancouver The wind was calm and the clouds Island to Prince Rupert on the North Coast. Check out high when we hooked up with local www.bcferries.com for schedule & booking info. Drive riders, Daryl Person, Judd Rouse and Highway 16 150 km East to Terrace. visiting kiwi Ben Taylor, for a run down Burnt Tree. We hiked along the ridge to the second hump and dropped Getting to Shames Ski Area: into perfectly spaced trees. The hero Drive west on highway 16, towards Prince Rupert, for snow blew around each of us and hung 20 minutes. A well marked turnoff climbs the Shames in the air. Between the face fulls, River valley for 13 km(15 min.) to an elevation 700m. The I aimed my boards through the trees hill has rental facilities and a day lodge. The lifts run and into line beside the others above a Wednesday to Sunday 9 am to 3:30 pm. Lift tickets cost ravine. Below, pillow drops fell steeply $32 a day. $8 for one ride lift ticket. into the basin. The others dropped off two small cliffs and disappeared in Where to Stay In Terrace: clouds of snow before sliding out into Take your pick, Terrace has numerous motels, hotels the gully. B&Bs to choose from. Some that caught our eye: I rode off three consecutive pillows. Coast Inn of the West - 1-800-633-1144 The light snow left me in the white Northern Motor Inn - 1-800-663-3390 room and made me feel weightless. I New Remo B&B - 1-250-635-5061 landed in the gully outrunning the sluffs Best Western Terrace - 1-800-488-1898 before pulling up next to Phil. Through Eagle Lodge - 1-250-5504 deep breaths I gasped, “THOSE Can you say “fall line”? Shames Mtn packs Complete listings - www.terracetourism.bc.ca were the sweetest turns of my some sweet runs into a compact lift area. But www.wildisle.ca life.” WI the hill is the tip of the iceberg of the descents possible in the surrounding terrain. Where to Eat In Terrace: Don Diegos - Mexican, Evergreen - Pub fare, pool Gourmet House - Japanese cuisine Blackstones - Fine dining, make a reservation. Back Eddy - Pub fare

Where to Get Gear: The ski hill rents skiing and snowboarding gear. Valhalla Pure has a decent selection of spare parts and touring gear. Ruins and Anzad have a good selection of snowboard gear. west coast adventure •

What to do Apres ski In Terrace: The Terrace Community Centre’s pool, hot tub and sauna are open to the public. There is a movie theatre, lots of nice restaurants and two night clubs. One in the Coast Inn of the West and one in the Best Western. Evergreen WildÿIsle Pub is a great spot for an apres beverage.

Acknowledgements Other Winter Attractions & Activities: Wild Isle thanks BC Ferry Corporation, Cross country ski trails at Onion Lakes complete with The Coast Inn of the West and Shames Mountain for their support and hospitality. adjacent hot springs. Snowmobiling everywhere.

Terrace Trivia: Invert Your Eyes Population: 20,000 Employers: Government, Forestry, For a visual introduction to Shames Mtn and the immense Service Industries Climate: Despite its snowy neighbour surrounding backcountry - along with other some spots in Terrace enjoys a mild near coastal climate due to its BC check into “Inversion”. A ski-centric video from Wasp low elevation and proximity to the Skeena River. Films, “Inversion” is well shot with a motivating soundtrack but could have had a tighter trim in the editing. The Shames crew of Cam Eby, Dean Wagner, Tim Dopko, Laura Sager not only produced but also are among the many talented skiers featured. South Coasters will drool at the light Annual Highlights in Terrace: powder and Islanders envious of the amount of backcountry River Boat Days - August long weekend, Kermode terrain. For copies and cool stuff hit www.waspfi lms.8m.com Christmas Parade - 1st weekend in December. www.wildisle.ca 15 PLAY SAFE Winter Terrain Planning to duck the ropes now and then at your favourite ski hill or head out for a multi day ski tour? Start with the basics and learn to read mountain terrain in winter. e ton p S i l errain is one of the indicate low levels of avalanche i most important activity. On the other hand small ©Ph Telements in the twisted leaning trees in the “staying safe in avalanche middle of bowls and chutes show terrain” game. It is one factor areas of high avalanche activity in the avalanche awareness and thus places to avoid. Benches, equation that year after year ridge lines, slopes with no snow, ackson

remains roughly the same. dense stands of trees and low J

Snowpack conditions may angle slopes are all safe terrain aron

fl uctuate from day to day let alone features as long as no hazard A from year to year and it takes exists from above. © training and experience to unlock the secrets of snow stability. Look Up! But looking at the terrain you Always watch for dangerous regularly ski or ride and learning avalanche terrain above where Be Prepared of the transceivers one at a time Being prepared is the best way how to pick a safe line is the you are traveling. Below cornices, to demonstrate how that can affect to stay safe. Know where you’re fi rst step in playing it safe out of rock outcrops and stands of trees their range. going and how you’re going to bounds. are all high avalanche trigger Remember no matter how cool get there. Get beta, avalanche Any snow slope worth turning points. that transceiver looks strapped on can slide. Slopes of 30 to 45 and weather forecasts and local outside your jacket as you strut degrees are in fact some of the knowledge. Take an avalanche the lift line it’s going to look pretty most likely to cause dangerous Avoid Terrain Traps course. stupid sitting on top of the snow avalanches and the most likely to Passing through narrow gullies, Practice with avalanche beacons while you’re buried below after attract skiers and snowboarders. creeks, steep walled valleys or a few times a winter, especially the being ripped off by the power of For trees to effectively anchor depressions on slopes are all fi rst few times out. Get to know an avalanche. Wear transceivers a snow slope and prevent examples of terrain traps. In these their range, how they work and under your jacket! avalanches they would have to features the hazards of a slide how to work with them. A great Always carry a shovel and probe be so close together that skiing are multiplied: fi rstly an avalanche exercise is to turn one transceiver in avalanche terrain. Avalanche or riding would be next to funneled into a narrowing feature to receive and have one member debris hardens after a slide into impossible. But trees can indicate will increase in intensity and of your party walk away from an almost impenetrable mass of the relative frequency of secondly in such places even small you. Watch how far they go snow and ice. Digging someone out avalanches on a slope. Large slides can have serious before having to turn the range will be impossible without a shovel. mature trees lining chutes or consequences if for example a skier down, and how far the beacon Probes provide a perfect tool for running down ridges may is pushed into a creek or off a cliff. transmits. Change the orientation speeding up searches and digs. Even in small avalanches beacon Studying the terrain you are heading to from a good vantage signals only narrow searches down point helps identify safe lines to ride and potentail hazards to a general area, probes help that might not be apparent once you’re upon them. The terrain pinpoint the spot. on Mt Thelwood, Strathcona Park pictured here is typical of Learn and more importantly coastal alpine. understand a few snow pit stability tests. Rutschblock and shovel tests can give a good idea of slope stability. You’re out there to have fun, but remember to play safe, play conservative and survive. WI

www.smartrisk.ca www.snowsmart.ca

16 www.wildisle.ca REVIEWS Winter Backcountry Gear Tube Insulator and MSR Denali Ascent Bite Valve Cover Modular Snowshoes An insulator for the tube MSR’s Denali Ascent are and mouth piece solved the the world’s only modular freezing tube problem Wild Isle snowshoes. In spite of their encountered when we fi rst rather ungainly appearance reviewed the Platypus™ the Denali Ascents prove to hydration system in our April- be a magic carpet ride in the Survival On Snow May 2001 issue. These two little backcountry. products do the trick in slowing The binding system quickly F1-ND Beacons down the freezing of liquids and easily locked feet to A new product from SOS for destined for your metabolism. snowshoe with a simple pull. winter 2001. This solid unit There is a little trade off The high quality, ice resistant boasts a 90m range, 300 hour between function over form as strap used a simple, but minimum transmission time, 7 the once enclosed tube and bite effective single tooth catch to range settings, a directional light valve become somewhat bulky. secure each of the three straps MSR Denali Poles in the front and on the heel. bar indicator, a battery check, The Platypus™ reservoir has Monster baskets made for a The ease and speed of automatic range indicator and a seen a few welcome solid and dependable platform strapping onto boots is generous 5 year warranty. It also improvements too. The plastic it in powder with these three part notable as is the innovative comes with an owners manual is made from is more supple and adjustable poles. Televator™. A simple steel full of useful information. thus durable in colder conditions Telescopic lengthening, wire heel lifter, the Televator™ In the fi eld the F1-ND and two grommets help for tightened with twisting each is a snap to employ and deploy www.wildisle.ca performs. The range was huge setting up in shower mode. section, made adjustment smooth with a ski pole. The heel lifter in beacon trials, and accurately Handy if your buddies won’t let and easy. The locking mechanism works as well as any on a pinpointed targets. you in the snow cave until you held well, even enduring skiing touring ski relieving tension With seven lights that light up wash! stress, until repeated open and on calves on steep ground. the closer the unit gets, the F1-ND A simple trick if you do locking in snowy conditions. A little loss of traction may helps cut down on search times. encounter ice building up in Then the lock tended to slip. be encountered as with the Direction can be pinpointed with hydration system tubes or valve One really nice feature are Televator™ employed the the lights as well. We would like is to blow gently to push the ice the baskets which come off with crampon teeth under the to see a progression of coloured back into the reservoir and away an easy fl ick. It makes storing, instep of the boot no longer lights to help differentiate how from the valve. replacing and removing baskets comes into contact with the powerful the signal was, say two simple and convenient. The grips snow but overall it is a green, two amber and two red. were anatomically curved with To switch from transmit to welcome addition to an west coast adventure • sticky rubber. Even wet gloves otherwise superb product. search required an easy fl ick of a or hands didn’t slide, and they An additional flotation tail button. We liked this feature but fi t the curve of the hand well can be snapped on to the back it would be better with some kind for hiking and skiing. We found of the Denali for better float in of eye catching colour on the slide it hard to micro adjust the pole deep snow. The modular tails switch that would identifying straps. Overall we are impressed that it is in or out. come in a 8” and 4” length WildÿIsle with the Denali poles and are sold separately. We really like the unit and with performance for skiing and

practice and familiarity would hiking. fi nd it easy to work with.

RRecreationalecreational Avalanche Awareness • Canadian Avalanche Association Curriculum WWildild IIslesle • Certified and Experienced Instructors The Islands' Adventure Magazine • Customized Courses • NEW! Backcountry Ski/Snowshoe clinics Subscribe and Have Adventure Don't Leave Home Without It! Come to Your Door

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* includes GST, US & International subscribers pay same price in US funds Please complete both sides of this form and return with payment by cheque or money order to www.island.net/~hipski Wild Isle P.O. Box 482, Heriot Bay BC V0P 1H0 www.wildisle.ca 17 Prior Snowboards - Split Touring Boards as the range of split boards to choose from grows steadily. This year Burton are offering two models the S Series and Cascade S to line up with the well established Voile Split Decision. Hot on their heels are two offerings from Whistler based Prior Snowboards the Splitboard and Swallowtail Splitboard. The Prior Splitboard comes in 161 165 168 172 176cm lengths with the Swallowtail at 172cm Thorlo Ski Light and both models employ the tried and tested Voile binding system. Silk/Wool sock While we unfortunately were They’re comfy and warm and comfortable and warm ski sock. Little doubt about it, this winter unable to get demos of any of these padded for from. The Thorlo As is customary with ski socks sees the split touring snowboard gems prior to press time (sorry!) a ski light wool/silk sock made they wear high on the calf, coming of age. While the principle quick once over on the shelf and my brand new ski boots feel, held in place by an unnoticeable has been around for many years chatting with retailers and riders surprising, less painful. section of stretch nylon. The split boards have been slow to gave the following insights. The The explanation may lie in hold is great. Even a plunge up catch on, primarily we’d imagine Burton boards are slick, precision any of the innovations. Extra to knee deep in snow with the because of the expense. If you are engineering makes for a hot unit but padding in the ball, shin and sock exposed couldn’t pull the going to shell out for a new ride in the fi eld apparently the binding heel of the foot, right in skiing’s socks down. are you going to favour a one is somewhat prone to freezing. The impact zones reduced chaffi ng of The ingredients in the sock, piece for riding the lifts and carry Prior boards on the other hand the shin and pounding on the silk and wool, made for quick it on the odd backcountry foray with the Voile binding seem to have foot and heel. Thinner material drying time. They dried in a or pony up a lot of valuable gas the edge, and they’re local too. under the arch ensured contact 30 minute drive from the hill tokens and opt for the out of For more info log on to with the liner and footbed. But to town. And they stayed bounds luxury of a dual tool? www.priorsnowboards.com probably the most important surprisingly warm even when Tough call and it’s getting tougher www.burton.com feature is the form fi tting wet. Despite snow right into www.voile-usa.com comfort. No bulges, ripples or the boot the socks kept the toes folds in the socks. No sore spots, warm. Which is a nice touch FROM THE MAKERS OF EVEREST for skiing on the Island where pinches or chaffi ng. MacGillvray Freeman's The combination of all those every body part is guaranteed to features results in an extremely get wet. WILD ISLE

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Accommodation Misc. Retail/Rental

Welcome hikers, cyclists, kayakers or anyone in need of a rest SPORTS RENT Wilby Inn Backpackers YOUR COMPLETE SPORTS RENTAL CENTRE Eagles, seals, amazing views, peace, laughter, space & waterfront access. • SNOWBOARDS • SKIS on beautiful Quadra Island Single, double, dorm: day, week or month rates. Strathcona • SURF GEAR • RACKS amidst the Discovery Islands Wilderness Institute • MOUNTAINEERING • CAMP Works in partnership with BC Parks inspiring awareness, • KAYAKS & CANOES • BIKES Pub Open All Year appreciation, and stewardship of the natural world Accommodations, Cottages, through education and participation. sportsrentbc.com Kayak Rentals, Marina, Fuel Ideal for 1 person or 10. Full cooking and laundry facilities. To learn more about programs and volunteering opportunities. www.heriotbayinn.com Ph 250 285-2573 (250) 385-7368 • Information- 285-3322 • 10 min. from ferry. 129 Joyce Rd, Quadra Island Call (250) 337-1871 611 Discovery St. Victoria, BC Discovery Islands Simply the best biking gear around www.discoveryislands.ca 286-6340 www.wildisle.ca www.quadraisland.ca [email protected] 151 Dogwood St Campbell River

Custom shortboards, CANADIAN FOSKETT GUEST HOUSE guns and hybrids. LOOKING At the beach. Private self contained, extended AVALANCHE ASSOCIATION for an affordable way to stay 2 bedroom guesthouse, fully equipped, full hannon kitchen, woodstove, TV & VCR, washer & Courses • Surfboards ADVERTISE dryer. Minimum 3 night stay. CP 14 days Avalanche Bulletins • Drop-off your board Wild Isle Directory Ads Address: 484 Lazo Rd, Comox, BC V9M 3V1 Weather Forecasts • for repair in Parksville from only $45 an issue and pick-up the next time west coast adventure • Tel: 1-800-797-9252 eMail: [email protected]

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