A Perspective on Terrain

The Chatter Creek tenure has increased in size from 50 sq. miles to 92 sq. miles, or about 238 sq. km. At any one time, this area is shared by 36 skiers and boarders and 6 guides.

By comparison, the area of Whistler-Blackcomb is about 33 sq. km., Vail has about 22 sq. km. and Squaw Valley has about 16 sq. km. (ref). Hence, the Chatter Creek tenure will be over three times the size of Whistler-Blackomb, Vail and Squaw Valley combined.

This huge area permits Chatter Creek to consistently provide high quality powder skiing and "fresh tracks" through long periods of drought. As dry, snowless periods draw on, snow on south- and west-facing slopes become sun- and wind-crusted and only the north-facing slopes retain the light powder snow that Chatter Creek is famous for. In 2005, there was a 5 week drought without snow. However, Chatter Creek was able to provide great skiing every day, right to the end. The new addition to the tenure will ensure this capability through even longer periods without snowfall.

See our Ski Run Index for detailed information and photos for each ski run and ski area at Chatter Creek.
Click to enlarge.