by Richard Rice, Ski Safari Director
The combination of these two contrasting destinations really blew me away when I tried it in 2005.
Whistler....
I have been visiting Whistler for many years now. I could have quite easily just spent a relaxing week enjoying my favourite cruising runs and hanging out with friends - I’m so glad I didn’t! Fully recognizing one’s tendency to ‘plateau’ in terms of ski ability and technique I signed up for a clinic with Extremely Canadian, a group of elite skiers who try to push you just that little bit further.
And they did. Bumps, steeps, trees, chutes - we did it all… and normally one after the other. We were lucky with the snow and had good dumps overnight to soften the falls! We were taught to look further down the hill, beyond the turn you are about to make – to anticipate what is coming and be prepared to react. We’d stop 50 yards from a point at which the slope disappeared from view. Cara, our instructor, would go first to check there was nothing over the edge that would kill us. Then we’d have to ski the first pitch and go over the edge without hesitating, reacting to whatever was there.
It was a great experience and one I’d recommend to anyone who can ski confidently but feels that the progression of their skiing is flattening off! I got a few tips to work on and my technique on the harder stuff improved – I’ll be back.
My Whistler stay was completed by an amazing day with Whistler Heli-Ski. It was one of the last days of the season and fresh snow lay deep on the flanks of the mountains to the north west of the resort. Simply put, our four runs that day are some of the best runs I’ve ever had.
Hawaii...
Hawaii was a new experience for me. Not a natural beach holiday person (I can normally sit still in the sun for 15 minutes max) I was a little unsure about spending 5 whole days in the Islands.
After the 5 hour flight from Vancouver we landed at the small airport on Maui in bright sunshine with a fresh breeze blowing and impressive views of the island’s two huge volcanoes. We hired a small car and spent the time exploring this diverse island.
What I had not been prepared for was the raw natural energy of the place. The sun was strong, the tropical showers torrential, the vegetation vibrant and the sunsets magical. It was invigorating to see and feel the power of the elements.
One day Maui was battered by a storm, short and sharp. Next day a few brave surfers were out, being towed in to the biggest waves I’ve ever seen anyone surf. The rides were long and scary and the pro-photographers out in force.
Although an ideal honeymoon destination, Hawaii is not just about romance - there is genuinely masses to do. Diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, fishing, golf and that’s before we get on to the eating and drinking. I am a real sushi fan and spent several evenings at the superb Sansei in Kapalua.
I was really surprised by Maui – beautiful, varied and powerful. We had a great time and there is something about combining snowy mountains with sunny beaches that really works. It is an unusual and memorable experience; an epic trip.
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