Virgin Power Appreciation Society

Whistler, BC, Canada

Whistler seems to be the most talked about resort in North America. And it's not entirely unjustified. It has a fairly enviable snow record. It has fairly enviable terrain. And a fairly enviable (for North America) vertical drop.

I'm not going to sit here and type in a bunch of stuff that can be found out on a million other web sites around the world, but I will recommend some runs.

Underneath the Emerald Express are some fun runs that can be used for both warming up, but also having a blast whilst the staff are blasting the bowls with dynamite. Head into the trees (if you want to) and there are some runs which are simply mental fun.

I have many fond memories of runs at Whistler, some of which I'll share. First off is Harmony Bowl. There are places to drop in from the cat track that runs across the top, called the Harmony Horseshoes. Entrance is via jumping off a cornice. Ordinarily this is something that your average person with a fear of avalanches tends to avoid, but there it was, in a controlled ski area. The landings were soft and sumptuous, the powder was deep and sprayable. I've lost count on how many times I went down there.

There's also a "secret" spot available from the same chair. Oh the sweet powder, it was epic. It's not much of a clue, but it's a very very short hike, and that's all I'm telling. Get your map out.

Over the other side is Peak Chair, offering excellent runs in all directions, with many fine bowls to be shredded. There are so many lines here, I'd be typing this in for weeks. Just get up there and take your pick.