National Geographic Adventure

Come ski with us at Big White Ski Resort, Kelonwa, British Columbia.

Extreme Photo of the Week: Heli-Skiing Rogers Pass, British Columbia, Canada

“I just let my skis guide me,” says Canadian big-mountain skier Leah Evans of threading through pine, hemlock, and cedar trees while backcountry skiing Rogers Pass outside of Golden, British Columbia. “I grew up tree skiing at Red Mountain Resort, so I’m very comfortable navigating in the trees,” says Evans, who started Girls Do Ski, an initiative to get more young women on the slopes with special ski camps. Her next competition is the International Freeskiers Association World Tour, which kicks off in January 2012 from her home turf in nearby Revelstoke.

Getting the Shot
“I’m a big fan of aerial perspectives and tree skiing—so I combined the two,” says photographer Jordan Manley. While photographing for Great Canadian Heli-Skiing, an operator located between Golden and Revelstoke, Manley captured the unusual perspective. “It isn’t very common to get a view of tree skiing from just above the canopy. We took the doors off the helicopter and strapped in.” The photo was taken using a Nikon D3s and a Nikkor 17-35, f/2.8 lens.

Photograph by Jordan Manley

Extreme Photo of the Week: Climbing Near Squamish, British Columbia, Canada

“Being in this crack was surprisingly secure—when I was not moving,” says climbing guide John Furneaux of tackling Public Image, a 4-pitch route on the North Wall of the Squamish Chief. “Whenever I tried to make upward progress it felt like I might be spit out into the abyss at any moment.” The tight squeeze afforded amazing views of giant old-growth cedar and douglas fir trees and Squamish, British Columbia, a gateway to world-class climbing, whitewater paddling, wind sports, and mountain biking. “As much as I hate to give away my secret playground,” comments Furneaux, “I have to say that if people are looking for adventure, Squamish is truly the destination they should visit.”

Photograph by Paul Bride