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Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest Puts Spotlight on Backcountry Skiing and Riding
The Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest in Nelson, B.C., is a grassroots gathering to celebrate deep snow, backcountry skiing and snowboarding. The event, set for Feb. 23–25, 2007, was created to promote the terrain, climate, magic, fun and knowledge of backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
Telemark skiers, alpine touring skiers and backcountry snowboarders meet at the base of Whitewater Winter Resort for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding, skinning, clinics, slide shows, movies and revelry. The event is designed for both experienced and debutant backcountry skiers and snowboarders. Proceeds will go to the Canadian Avalanche Centre, and will be used to help support the continued existence of vital public avalanche safety products and services.
You name it, it's happening, at all ability levels: intro to steep skiing, intro to off-piste skiing, ski touring made easy, backcountry snowboarding, backcountry route finding, snow assessment, advanced alpine touring, advanced telemarking, using avalanche beacons, women-specific clinics, kids tele clinics, avalanche rescue skills, tree skiing, backcountry tours and more.
Coldsmoke Village will be set up in the heart of Whitewater Winter Resort. Industry leaders will be on hand to showcase the latest in outdoor products for backcountry skiing, freeride and avalanche safety. Product experts will set you up in the latest demo gear for testing. And this is the place where you'll meet for all clinics and expos.
Other events include acclaimed ski films by Bill Heath and slide show presentations by Andrew Maclean, ski mountaineer and author of "The Chuting Gallery"; Martin Volken, owner of Pro Guide Service in North Bend, Wash., and author of "Backcountry Skiing Snoqualmie Pass"; and Meagan Carney, former freeride world champion, ski mountaineer and steep skiing instructor.
You must pre-register for the clinics and social activities. The most popular packages are the Full Monty (three-day, ski-and-social package) and the Weekend Monty (two-day, ski-and-social package). Lodging is additional in all cases and must be booked separately. Many lodging facilities are offering a discount for event attendants, but you'll need to ask. For more information and registration, visit the Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest website, www.mountaingear.com/coldsmoke/index.aspx.