Ability
Retallack Cat Skiing caters to strong skiers on downhill or telemark skis, or snowboarders who are in good physical condition.
The southern Selkirks are not gentle, not rolling, not flat. They are consistently steep with pitches of 25 degrees or greater, and mostly treed.
Adventure powder skiing does not require picture perfect style and technique. Physical fitness is just as important as skiing ability. However, it requires a certain agility and manueuverability on skis or a snowboard in deep and wild conditions. Most of our runs have steep sections that equal "black diamond" runs at international ski resorts.
At Retallack we almost never have to deal with wind slab or suncrusts. The snow is almost always powder or good corn (in the spring). However, powder snow comes in many densities, consistencies and depths. An experienced adventure skier will tell you that powder is always great, but never the same! How can that be? Trust us, from boot-top recrystallized facets to waist-deep new snow... it's all good. Part of the journey is understanding the factors that come together to make that particular snow crystal, that feel like that .... it's magic!
As well as providing safe skiing, our guiding team will instruct and coach you through the steps of maneauvering in the deep snow, finding your 'path' down the untracked runs, and learning how to wiggle through the trees. There are a few preparatory steps you can take on for yourself, starting now... that will make this process easier and more fun!
Remember, powder skiing and riding is physically demanding. Everyone knows that losing a ski or recovering from a fall in the steep 'n deep is a very exhausting process. But, it will happen and here's how to prepare for your Retallack powder experience:
- Put in some really full days at your local ski area and get those ski muscles firing; Cardiovascular training should include the equivalent of running at least 3 miles (5 km). Stairs, interval training, swimming, cross-country skiing and other aerobic programs are all good!Incorporate some muscular conditioning into your workout routine, with an emphasis on abdominal/core stability and the hip and groin area. If you have a history of knee problems, follow the advice of your current medical specialists for balanced and complete prep for the deep snow manuevers.
- Ski at one of our local hills, for a taste of the steepness and snow conditions that you might encounter at Retallack: Whitewater, Red Mountain and Sun Peaks.
Retallack now offers two group service in two different snowcats, so that we can accommodate differing experience and ability levels. Please be aware that in certain circumstances, the group you travelled to Retallack with may be split up for the ski day. On most days we can adapt the program to suit the fast and the faster.
"Our guides at Retallack got a feel for the group's skiing ability, and
made sure the expert skiers were challenged to the point of giddiness, without
leaving those of lesser skills embarrassed or frustrated..."
--Jim Flax
