Some skiers aren't content with pretty scenic trails and predictability. For those who prefer to take it up several notches, here is a list of Canada's most difficult and dangerous downhill ski runs.
Ruts that are four feet deep, moguls and a generous scattering of rocks. Sounds a little scary, but that's just the top third of the run. Couloir Extreme is home to Whistler's Couloir Extreme race, an annual competition for professional skiers. This slope is the top choice because of its insane speed potential and its 762 vertical meters.
A triple black diamond trail, this is the steepest run at Le Masiff (with a pitch of 64 per cent), and widely regarded as one of the most difficult ski runs in the world.
Needles is known — and feared — for its speed and impossible steepness. Stats list the angle of steepness at 45 per cent, and the top third of the run is littered with rocks and moguls.
There is no shortage of double black diamond runs at this resort, and it's well known as an expert's playground. In fact, Fernie's square footage devoted to expert terrain is actually larger than most other ski resorts in their entirety. Siberia Ridge Run and Steep & Deep are the two most feared runs, but Siberia has the edge because it boasts the same sharp angle of steepness but has monster moguls as well.
Many professional skiers consider Climax to be the hardest run they've ever attempted. As far as "tree runs" go, this is probably the ultimate, and it would be difficult to find a more narrow chute to navigate. Both factors combine to make for some hair-raising moments and a need for extra adrenaline. The view from the top of Climax is also prized as being one of the very best there is.
This is the most severe, the most difficult, the most anxiety-inducing run Canada has to offer. It's easy to determine this fact, since only here are skiers forced to obey a set of strict safety guidelines. No one is allowed to attempt Delirium by him or herself; skiers must have another adult with them and be in possession of certain survival tools such as a shovel and an avalanche transceiver.
