A Daredevil’s Summit of Ski Slopes
The majestic beauty of mountainous terrain can be humbling, insignificance against grandeur. If you have a pair of skis on, and the skill to use them, the sight will bring that same appreciation for beauty along with excitement and sheer adrenaline value. Combine the highest peaks with the most treacherous paths back down, and you will have found the perfect spot for anyone who wants to go beyond normal downhill skiing to extreme skiing. For daredevils everywhere, the idea is not in the least daunting, it’s a challenge they willingly take up, and luckily, there are ski resorts that cater to their fondest desires.
Whistler Blackcomb Mountains – Canada
Both standing over 7000 feet tall, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains in British Columbia can be one of the most thrilling, and daunting rides of your life. For those wanting a normal ski experience, with close to 200 trails, Whistler Blackcomb gives ample opportunities to try your skill, or luck, but for those wanting something more, it does not disappoint either. The lifts here will take you part of the way, but to get the peak of Blackcomb, be prepared to hike. The Ruby Bowl at Blackcomb is marked as a Double Black Diamond run, meaning the run is only for those advanced skiers, who are ready for treacherous terrain from start to finish…and this finish requires over 5000 feet of bumping, weaving and dodging your way down to the bottom.
Les Grands Montets – France
Chamonix, France is the destination of choice for those wanting to try their skills in the Alps, Mont Blanc, standing at 15,774 ft can seem daunting, but the real challenge is on the northern face of the region at Les Grandes Montets. The ride down will leave your cheeks suitably chilled from the force of the wind as you race to the bottom, providing you actually make it to the peak. The climb itself can be challenging if you are not watching for crevices, but the ride down through chutes, open bowls, and cliffs will make it worth the effort.
Las Leñas – Argentina
7,400 feet up in the Andes Mountains, Las Leñas beckons to those wanting an adventure in downhill skiing. Not far from Buenos Aires, the popularity of Las Leñas has shown that the money spent to build Marte, a state of the art lift, to get adventure seekers to the top. The slope down is steep, and the chutes are lined with jagged rocks as well as open faces, meaning you will need to stay alert all the way to the bottom to properly navigate the terrain.
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February 19th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Blackcomb Mountains is where the 2010 Olympics are headed so I am thinking it has to be a great place. Wonder how much the preperations would be hampering current tourists though. I would hang on to that trip till after the Olympics, or during those if I can afford that and visit when I can see all they have delveloped Blackcomb Mountains into.
February 29th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I’ve been there, Las Lenas is gorgeous and it was my best skiing holiday in years, its highly recommended.
Check this site:
http://www.laslenas.net/laslenasinfo.html