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Whitewater set for eighth annual Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest

Another great event planned for February 21-23, 2014 with a ton of exciting new highlights
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Valhalla Pure Powderkeg Slopestyle returns at Whitewater Ski Resort this Saturday

Whitewater Ski Resort is getting geared up to host its eighth annual Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest this coming weekend, February 21 to 23.

This three day festival is a celebration of the culture of the Kootenays and its passion for powder.

Powder, something that has not been as abundant this year in the West, is once again making a grand entrance to ensure that the Coldsmoke Powder Fest will be, well, just that. With 40 centimetres fallen in the past week and a tantalizing long range forecast, it looks as though guests of the festival will be guaranteed to experience the Coldsmoke that the weekend is designed to celebrate.

This festival is the only event in the entire industry that offers access to such a high concentration of instruction, coaching and guiding talent as well as serious yet quirky contests and eclectic socials over a period of three days.

“I am super stoked about the caliber of people we have this year — the mean industry experience of the group of visiting instructors and guides we have lined up is about 20 years,” exclaims Karen Reader, coordinator of the clinic portion of the weekend and two time podium winner of the US National Telemark Freesking Championships.

With 36 different clinics offered for every level of skier, snowboarder or telemarkers throughout the weekend — both in and out of bounds — there really is a clinic for everyone during the festival.

If the Olympics have ignited your competitive spirit, try one of our four competitions during the festival weekend: the ROAM Randonee Race (now with a new tag team category!), the Valhalla Pure Slopestyle, the Poker Run with a Race Twist, or The North Face Backcountry Olympics.

Compete in all four events for your chance to be crowned King or Queen of Coldsmoke! The King and Queen will not only be awarded a season pass to Whitewater for the 2014/2015 winter season, as well as a full outerwear outfit, compliments Arc’teryx, but a trophy to display your right to brag!

If on the snow is not your specialty but you love the unique culture of the area, make sure to participate in the social elements of the festival.

The weekend truly kicks off with the Friday night Coldsmoke Opener at the Capital Theatre. A film festival put together by the team at Kootenay Mountain Culture magazine, you know that there will be a good showing of talent both local and beyond.

The Coldsmoke Village will be host to over 15 different vendors over the weekend, including local ski/snowboard shops and brands such as Osprey and G3.

Saturday will also feature a special après party in the Village from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. with DJ Rafferty Funksmith and delicious appetizers. The party continues into Saturday night with a Casino Royale Buff-EH dinner hosted at Ric’s Lounge and Grill in the grand ballroom of the Prestige Lakeside Resort.

The early bird deadline for the clinics and event is Wednesday, February 19 and space is limited so make sure to reserve your spot in your favourite clinic, competition or social event. Register now at coldsmokepowderfest.com or after the early bird deadline by calling 250-354-4944.