Whitewater's annual powder festival is happening February 24-27

AMBER HAYES

NELSON, BC — Mountains are the foundation of the skiing and boarding experience, and the Coldsmoke Powder Fest—held at the beautiful Whitewater Ski Resort in Nelson, BC—celebrates them like no other event.

The four-day festival is packed with opportunities for people to celebrate the backcountry experience. There are clinics from beginner to advanced levels, where people learn skills like route finding, skiing style for off-piste, avalanche training, and telemark skiing.

The clinics at Coldsmoke are taught by some of the best rippers out there, including Karen Reader and Alison Gannet, who I have had the great pleasure of skiing with; I admire both their skill and teaching abilities. Like the rest of the clinic leaders at Coldsmoke, I know they can inspire anyone to reach the next level.

Taking place from February 24-27th, the Coldsmoke Powder Fest is packed with clinics and backcountry travel & freeski competitions that will test the fittest folks out there; and, of course, the après ski scene will be packed. Dances, music, and socials to celebrate fine days in the mountains reward all in attendance.

As you’re drawn further and further into winter experiences you’ll find yourself seeking solace, camaraderie, and the purest lines possible. Off-piste experiences slow down your journey, while simultaneously speeding up your access to joy. It is comparable to a zen experience, at times, a vacation from the noise and crowds while narrowing the experience down to you and the environment.

For me, the gentle sounds of bindings clicking, snow crystals sighing, breathing in that crisp air while surrounded by mountains, is the recall of every perfect tour I have ever had.

It is, of course, also the best way to guarantee immersion in the “coldsmoke,” the label given to the lightest, driest powder one can ski. Being in these inspiring conditions is something I wish everyone could experience and that is why I love the Coldsmoke Powder Fest.

Come out to the Coldsmoke Powder Fest and get closer to the heart of the mountain experience.

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