Skiing Whistler's Sacred International Trees

Submitted by VShuley on Wed, 2010-01-20 14:13

Words and Photos by Vince Shuley

There aren’t very many more secret spots left on these mountains. The golden age of areas like Kybers Pass and CBC Trees staying fresh till the end of the day has long since passed. There are just too many curious riders in this town. Some have learned the hard way- by getting lost and having to overnight or by getting themselves severely cliffed out and requiring rope rescue from Ski Patrol. Others have learned the smarter way- by being guided by skiers and riders who have experience in these areas.

The end result is that these once hallowed ski zones have become pillaged by powder hungry locals. On a stormy powder day no savvy skier will waste their time floundering in the Whistler Bowl whiteout, they go straight into Kybers. The high elevation tree skiing is perhaps the best bang for your powder buck on either mountain and anyone who doesn’t get greedy will safely make the exit back towards Peak to Creek without trouble.

But there is one zone which still separates the proverbial powder sheep from the powder goats. International Trees is a mid mountain powder playground for those who are wise enough to navigate it. Long laps are required with numerous boot packs to avoid the creek beds and unskiable cliffs. But if you have a keen sense of direction and are a good judge of when to back away, you will be rewarded with endless pillow lines and deep powder tree skiing. International is not where you launch blindly off convex pillows- flat landings and tight trees are what will greet you if you are not careful.

If you are breaking trail into International you are confronted with a confusing network of cross fall line manoeuvring and traversing. Bear in mind some stray sheep will follow your tracks; if you see them direct them back towards safety.

The storms in the last 7 days have deposited over 156cm of fresh in Whistler. The tree line skiing is some of the deepest we’ve seen in a few years. Snorkels are recommended.

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