10 of the most challenging ski-slopes in Canada
Canada is not short of terrifyingly steep terrain for expert or advanced skiers seeking their next jaw-dropping chute. Double Diamond routes are found in almost all ski resorts and every one of them surprises skiers with its unique curves and rocky terrain. These slopes are not for the faint of heart and definitely not for anyone who’s only been skiing a few times. But for the advanced skier looking for their next conquest? They will be everything their ski dreams are made of.
Dynamite at Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort, near Montreal
This slope is famed in ski circles for its steepness. Skiers will need to slowly twist their way down this short by very vertical and narrow chute.
{Read:- Three ski-resorts less than an hour from Vancouver }
Charlie’s Bowl at Jasper National Park, Alberta
This challenging slope is mostly made up of double black diamond terrain, and as the name suggests there are large bowl-shaped dips in the snowy ground. Any skiers will need to be skilled enough to pick up speed for small uphill climbs.
Look Out Chutes at Lake Louise, Banff
If you’re looking for a powdery unkempt mountain side punctuated by evergreens, this slope is for you. Found in the Lake Louise Ski Resort, skiers will find this sheltered freestyle slope in the Larch section of the park.
Gun Run at Mt. Norquay, Banff
Not only is this considered the most difficult run in Canada, but the resort itself is home to several of the steepest slopes in the country. The mixture of perfectly prepared slopes and ungroomed territory makes this an advanced skier’s heaven.
Desperado at Castle Mountain, Rocky Mountains
This ski run is a record holder boasting the most continuous vertical ski run in North America. Castle Mountain is one of the lesser known ski resorts but almost all chutes are aimed at advanced or experienced skiers. You won’t find many beginners attempting anything on these slopes.
West Cirque at Whistler Backcomb, 121 km north of Vancouver
One of the challenges of this steep slope is just getting onto it in the first place. Skiers will need to awkwardly side-step between rocks before finding the small gap. Once you’re on the steep slope, there’s nowhere else to go but downhill with no interconnecting slopes to escape on.
Gun Barrel at Panorama, Canadian Rockies
This chute is found in the ‘Extreme Dream Zone’ of Panorma Ski Resort, so advanced skiers know there’s fun to be had. Gun Barrel, however, is somewhat unassuming at first glance: nice and wide, plenty of room, what’s so advance about this? Then it quickly narrows for the final drop and all becomes clear.
The Wildwest at Sunshine Village, Banff
This slope is so advanced skiers need to get permission before taking it on. Before starting your journey to the top of this peak the resort requires you log your name at Scurfield Point. You’ll also only be permitted to head up if you have a helmet and avalanche search equipment. Definitely one for the advanced skiers then.
Red Mountain Resort, Rossland, British Columbia
Red Mountain was the childhood skiing resort of 1968 Olympic gold medallist Nancy Greene. Apparently learning to ski here meant “everything else seemed easy and not very steep”. The resort doesn’t have one particular stand out slope, as what drives advanced skiers to its peaks is the sheer amount of free-ride areas and unprepared runs.
Polar Peak at Fernie Alpine Resort, British Columbia
This resort is one of the best rated in Canada thanks to its impressive powder skiing and legendary bowls. At the very top stands Polar Peak, where skiers can absorb views of the park before bravely descending down the 40-degree slope. There’s a good range of trails skiers can follow: some join onto other double diamond chutes, while others meet intermediate blue slopes for skiers who feel their adrenaline levels have hit their peak.
