When looking for trip reports, what better than learning from a local themselves, eh? Welcome to the blog, guest writer Guy Hetherington, straight out of Canada.
I’m Guy Hetherington, Head Coach of ALLTRACKS Academy and CSIA L4 Examiner. ALLTRACKS Academy runs all mountain ski camps, backcountry adventures and ski instructor courses in Whistler, Canada. I’ve been coaching in Whistler for over 15 years and hit numerous cliffs over the years – It never gets old!
Most skiers, shortly after getting to grips with staying upright, hanker after a bit more speed and once they have mastered that, they start looking for air. Whether you are surfing, mountain biking or skiing, getting air is FUN!
On skis, people tend to move from little hits at the side of a groomer to man-made jumps in the terrain park. But, I have always enjoyed the free-falling sensation of launching cliffs and the rawness that being in the natural environment offers. Whistler Blackcomb’s vast ski area together with the immediate backcountry, encompasses numerous drops. The high snowfall often (if not always) provides welcome relief on landings.
If you’re skiing this winter, be sure to stay safe and to ski well within your ability. Remember skiing off cliffs can be dangerous. If you are going to go for it, wherever you ski start small and build up gradually.
Video: Teton Gravity Research
Here are my top 3 cliff drops in Whistler:
1. Tower 47 Cliff Drop
As the name suggests, this drop is located very close to Tower 47 of the resort Gondola but is not easy to find. The location means you might not win huge accolades from adoring crowds, as the only people able to see it (other than your skiing buddies) are those in the passing gondolas. However, feel free to congratulate yourself if you do get here.
2. Cafe Cliff Drop
Located on the Blackcomb side of the resort, these cliffs have a range of dropping opportunities. Whilst I would not describe any of the drops as benign, it is possible to restrict the air time to about 6.5-10 feet if you are careful and hit them in the correct location. However, at the other end of the scale, you can easily get up to a 20 foot drop. Those riding the Jersey Cream lift will appreciate your exploits!
3. Air Jordan Cliff Drop
OK, I know this is the obvious choice but I could not resist. This is an iconic drop up there with some of the most notorious in Canada. This double header located on Whistler Peak offers up a 6.5-10 foot step down onto a restricted area of about 20 feet, before you need to launch the primary drop of around 59-66 feet. Suffice to say this is not for the faint hearted. If you do go for it – make sure you wait for a powder day and accept the applause of the Peak Chair lift line.
Video: Devin Montgomery Skiers: Julian Carr and Stan Rey
Stay safe and happy skiing this winter.
