on THE FIRST dusting of snow cn the locai mountains usually sends blood coursing through skiers’ veins in an- ticipation of the perfect powder run or mogul face. By ELIZABETH COLLING News Reporter Vancouver has often been touted a skier’s paradise with easi- ly accessible mountains like Grouse, Cypress and Seymour 2 stone’s throw from the city and with world class mountains like Whistler and Blackcomb as a weekend escape. But the rest of B.C. has a let to offer skiers, According to Tourism B.C., this province has more than 30 downhill ski resorts and more than 30 cross-country skiing areas. So skiers with a few extra holi- day days might want to venture forth to new slopes and new challenges this season. Here is a smattering of B.C.’s ski mountains to explore in each region. Standing at 2,316 metres (7,600 feet), Big White is B.C.’s highest ski mountain. Big White boasts it is a ‘giant’ of a mountain, attrac- ting lots of light dry snow because of its altitude. With Kelowna as its nearest town, Big White offers 45 runs, three triple chairs, and various other lift facilities, including the Ridge Rocket, a high-speed quad chair, part of Big White’s $4 mil- lion expansion plan for 1989. Big White opened for business Nov. 23, and sales and marketing manager Andy Schwab expects MUSH! Pole power isn’t always necessary for cross-country ski C.’s 30 ski resorts ] € a have an Engiish sheep dog as companion. growing numbers of skiers to be attracted to Big White. “‘We’re in big anticipation of the Coquihalla opening up. We’re ex- pecting lots of skiers when high- way access improves,’’ Schwab said. For a more family-oriented ski area, Vancouverites might try the three-hour drive to Manning Park Resort in the Coast region. With 26 downhill runs and 30 km of track-set trails, Manning Park gives skiers a choice of sports, both easily accessible from the resort. Accommodations manager Murie! Peterson says the moun- tain’s two lifts are close together so “it’s not easy to lose your kids.” Manning Park will be open seven days a week starting Dec. 21 until Jan. 8 and downhill skiing will regularly be open five days a week including Sundays. Heading into the South Cariboo, serious cross-country skiers will find a number of challenging and varied trail systems there. Eating habits affect performance YESTERDAY'S DINNER and this morning’s breakfast both affect today’s ski run. Of course, everything you do in- fluences your performance, but food is an especially important variable because it has both short and long-term benefits. A healthy diet can help you ski your best, right now, while helping to ensure that you'll still be skiing 30 years from now. Skiers make hard demands on their bodies. As a result, the im- portance of fitness, nutrition and exercise to their daily routine is paramount, Combining all the right nutri- tional elements in your diet can go a long way toward optimizing your performance. Food provides protein, fat, car- bohydrate, fibre and some 22 vitamins and minerals, in addition to other nutritional factors. Ideal selections of food should provide about 15 per cent of calo- ries as protein, 60 to 65 per cent or more as carbohydrate and no more than 20 to 25 per cent of calories from fat. Food must also provide eating enjoyment. Mealtime should be a time for fellowship, relaxation and mental stimulation. Healthy, pleasurable food choices are more than just a train- ing option. Food can enrich your life and should become a part of your character. Three major resorts link up a 200-km groomed trail network in NEWS photo iing if you 27 - Wednesday, November 29 , 1989 - North Shore News the 100 Mile House Area. In addi- tion, the 99 Mile Trails follow In- ternational Racing Federation standards and have 30 km of com- petitive night-lighted track. As an added attraction, the Wells Barkerville area is an inter- esting area to explore the days of the gold rush, stagecoach and cowboys. The Cariboo also has a downhill ski area at Troll Ski Resort, 44 km east of Quesnel. Troll Resort has 13 runs and three T-bars, one of which is the second longest T-bar in North America at 6,500 ft. The runs range from beginners to advanced. The mountains in the Kootenays lay claim to some of the best powder in B.C. Bic, Mol and Thule: vehicle. ski racks ¢ to fit any — Historic Red Mountain is one of the oldest ski areas in western Canada, boasting the west’s first chairlift built in 1947. Based at Rossland, Red Moun- tain actually comprises two moun- tains, Red and Granite, with a ski- ing vertical of 850 metre (2800 ft), and 36 runs primarily targetting intermediate skiers. Another ski resort in the Kootenays is Whitewater near Nelson. Situated in a natural snow bowl under Mt. Ymir, Whitewater averages more than four metres of snow each year. The mountain has 20 runs (50 per cent of which are expert), two double chairs and a T-bar. 879 MARINE DRIVE. NORTH VANCOUVER CALL COLLECT 980-241] aon.