Story and photos by Holly Walker 

As this season approaches quickly and snow accumulates lower and lower on the Coast Mountain Range, I can't help but to look back at last season and the many amazing days of pow. I don't even know how many pow days I skied in Whistler during December. It was just enough to make me question a road trip to the Selkirk Mountains in Interior BC in early January to check out Nelson and Whitewater for the first time.

Crystal Rose-Lee and myself packed our ski bags and headed south down Highway 99 and across the border into the U.S. I had some business to take care of en route, so we took advantage of cheap groceries and even cheaper booze. On return entry into Canada 6 hours later, that booze was confiscated. we hadn't been out of the country long enough. Rookie move.

Saddened, our spirits picked up as we arrived to Nelson to find fellow freeskier Peter Valisek's house. Peter, his cat Rico and houseguest 'Cheddar' Ian Watson were waiting for us. After a good dinner and an even better night sleep we woke to a storm outside.

Crystal and I got back into the car and headed the short drive up to the mountain. We were both stoked by the snow falling outside and had never skied Whitewater before. We met up after one run off the Silver King chair with Nelson's photog Brian Ralph and Biglines' Anthony Bonello. At a resort with only 2 chair lifts, it is not hard to find your friends.

Brian Ralph

The boys took us up the Summit chair and off the backside to find amazing pow in the trees. Faces shots masked our smiles and though we never saw the peak that day, the endless trees kept us entertained. We ended the day with a ride in the back of a truck to the main base area in time for après beers at the Coal Oil Johnny's Pub inside the Skiers Lodge. At the days end there were no regrets and I hope this next season brings as much snow to the Selkirks as last.I might just have to make another trip.

Anthony Bonello

WHITEWATER STATS:

Average snowfall: 40ft/1,00ocm

Vertical Drop: 396m / 1,300ft

Ymir Peak: 2,398m, 7,867 ft

Terrain: 20% beginner, 40% intermediate, 40% expert

Lifts: 2 double charies, 1 handle tow

Open December 8 to April 9 2007

Lift rates: Adult, $46 / Youth, $36 / Junior, $28

Also has great cross-country trails

www.skiwhitewater.com

Info & Reservations: 1.800.666.9420