In the Kootenays, winter doesn’t just arrive, it transforms the landscape into a playground for those willing to explore it. For Skylar Hennigar, College of the Rockies’ Student Life Programmer and Events Specialist, the mountains are more than terrain, they’re a way of life, a reset button, and a place where lasting connections are built and where the Institute for Outdoor Recreation belongs.
From Jasper Beginnings to Kootenay Backcountry
After Skylar relocated to Jasper at 22, what began as a casual introduction to snowboarding quickly turned into something more meaningful. With encouragement from friends and time spent learning the sport, snowboarding became a favorite escape from the pressures of daily life.
That passion continued to grow after a move to Kelowna, where a desire to experience bigger terrain and new challenges led to discovering ski touring and splitboarding. Combining hiking and riding opened a whole new world. Local training grounds like Crystal Mountain offered space to learn, build endurance, and even share the occasional uphill track with a pack of huskies.
But it was the move to the Kootenays that truly cemented a mountain lifestyle.
“At the tail end of COVID, I decided if there were ever lockdowns again, I wanted to be locked down in the mountains,” Skylar said.
Living the Backcountry Lifestyle
Now based in the East Kootenay, Skylar credits a semi-pro mountain biker Jena Greaser’s willingness to show all the Kootenays have to offer for ski touring for the fact that he now has over 100 backcountry ski days under his belt and averages about 50 resort days per season. His routine now is both disciplined and deeply rewarding. A typical week might include evening uphill laps at Kimberley Alpine Resort with his loyal four-legged companion, Nyla, plus a mix of resort days and backcountry missions when conditions allow.
The bigger adventures come in the form of multi-day hut trips. These experiences blend planning, teamwork, and adaptability. Days begin early with coffee and route discussions, followed by long climbs often totaling 1,200 to 1,500 metres of elevation and multiple descents. Evenings are spent sharing meals, recovering, and preparing to do it all again.
Very cognizant of the potential dangers of the backcountry, Skylar pays close attention to weather patterns. His motto for keeping safe in the mountains:
“We’re going for a walk in the woods, and if we get to ski, that’s a bonus.”
It’s a mindset rooted in safety, awareness, and respect for the mountains.
Why the Kootenays Stand Out
For snow sports enthusiasts, the Kootenays offer unmatched diversity, and Skylar refers to the region as the mecca for snowboarding. With ten resorts within a four-hour radius, access to legendary snowfall in Fernie, and iconic backcountry zones like Kootenay Pass and Rogers Pass, there is always somewhere new to explore.
Different mountain ranges bring different snowpacks and terrain, creating endless opportunities for exploration and learning. For those who know where to look, boredom simply isn’t part of the equation.
More Than Just Recreation
While the activity itself is physically demanding, the rewards go far beyond the ride.
Being in the mountains creates a unique mental clarity. Evaluating conditions, making decisions, and moving through terrain brings a sense of focus that pushes aside everyday stress. It’s a “flow state” that keeps people coming back.
Equally important are the relationships built along the way. Shared challenges, long climbs, and mutual trust create strong bonds between partners and groups.
“These are some of the purest, most rewarding friendships I’ve experienced,” Skylar said.
Lessons for First-Timers
For anyone considering backcountry skiing or splitboarding in the region, Skylar asserts that preparation is key.
- Take avalanche safety training seriously
- Find a knowledgeable mentor
- Be willing to learn constantly
- Speak up if something doesn’t feel right
Group dynamics can make or break an experience, and safety must always come first. While skill develops over time, awareness and respect for the environment are non-negotiable.
A Year-Round Challenge
The passion doesn’t stop when the snow melts. Skylar’s 2026 personal challenge was to snowboard every month, even through the summer which involves longer approaches and a deeper commitment, but that’s part of the appeal.
Moments That Matter
Some of the most memorable experiences aren’t just about the terrain but the company. Nyla, a Siberian husky and frequent hut companion, plays a big role in those moments. Whether helping pull uphill or racing through the trees, she’s both a partner and a symbol of the joy found outdoors.
In one standout memory, after being left safely behind due to uncertain avalanche conditions, Nyla was later released to find her owner on the mountain. Watching her weave through the forest and reunite mid-descent in fresh powder and blue skies captured everything that makes these experiences unforgettable.
Chasing What Matters
Ultimately, a love of the outdoors has shaped not just Skylar’s hobbies, but his life choices.
Career paths, locations, and priorities have all been influenced by his desire to stay close to the mountains. The takeaway is simple but powerful: what matters most isn’t material, it’s the experiences, the friendships, and the time spent in places that bring you to life.
In the East Kootenay, those opportunities are everywhere, and they help demonstrate the depth of outdoor recreation culture that defines the College’s leadership in the sector.