When it’s powder time and the sun is shining, one of the best places to be on either mountain is the Peak on Whistler. After a few laps on the mid-mountain chairs I like to head straight over to the Peak in order to get one of the front positions in the line-up. The crowd builds quickly as the sounds of avalanche bombs alert everyone to the fact that the Peak will open soon.

The powder and vast terrain in the bowls off of the Peak are definitely worth the wait, and if you aren’t in the front of the line that’s ok, because you’ll get the chance to watch one of the greatest, most easily accessed shows in skiing: Air Jordan and The Waterfall. This week, on January the 16 the sun and the powder were both out in great abundance and a world class air show ensued.

The line, unofficially yet commonly known as Air Jordan, is the most famous feature on both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, and I would say is probably the most famous in-bounds line in North America. The line is a rite of passage for anyone in town interested taking their big mountain skiing or snowboarding to the next level. I hate to speculate on cliff sizes as everyone has their own opinion, but my best estimate of  Jordan in it’s present state, with nine metres of snow on it, (or whatever ridiculous amount we have right now) is a fifteen footer on top with a forty foot mandatory lower cliff. Matt Elliott is one of the best skiers in Whistler, and is one of the best skiers you haven’t seen yet in a major ski video. He made sure to be in the front of the line to show us all how to tear Air Jordan a new one.

Matt Elliott skis the monstrous double cliff Air Jordan straight, fast, and clean

Matt Elliott skis the monstrous double cliff Air Jordan straight, fast, and clean

The Waterfall is another famous cliff band on the same face as Air Jordan. The cliffs range from ten to forty feet and were hucked by many athletes on Saturday. It’s so easy to get to these cliffs and the roar of the crowd adds to the tremendous excitement of sending it off of them. The giant icicles make it clear why it is called The Waterfall.

Rowan Hobson throws down for England, or attempts to go unnoticed in his camouflage ski suit

Rowan Hobson throws down for England, or attempts to go unnoticed in his camouflage ski suit

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