Winter is here! As December draws closer, ski hills are finishing up their final preparation for the season and skiers everywhere are itching to get out and play. Fortunately for me, I didn't have to wait for the hill to open and was able to get out in the backcountry for some early season turns over the last two weeks (Nov 9, 10 and 16th). Although I have been sick with mono for the last 2 months, I got the go-ahead to return to activities a few days before a tentatively planned trip to Fernie. Since I hadn't really done anything for a long time, I was expecting to have a really hard time with the touring. Luckily, everyone was also fairly out of shape and more than happy for an excuse to wait up and take breaks.
 |
| My first day of the season! Still recovering from mono but just happy to be out playing |
We started with an easy tour out to the back side of Fernie Wilderness Adventures. Jason had never ski-toured before and was also fairly new to skiing. We promised him mellow terrain but apparently our definitions of mellow are a bit different. He learned really quickly how hard it is to get up when your skis are tangled in the trees and spent more time falling down the hill than actually skiing. It was a steep learning curve for sure! It had snowed 75 cm in the week before we came out so I am guessing we were the first ones in this zone this season. It was still pretty thin and I was happy to walk away without any major scratches in my skis.
 |
| It looks soft and deep but beware of snow snakes underneath! |
We took a day off to recover and enjoyed a bit of time in Fernie. I was able to meet Ken, the Alberta and East Kootnay rep for Marker/Volkl and sit in on a product knowledge session, so if you want to know anything about their awesome line up of gear and outerwear for this season, let me know! The Guides Hut in Fernie and Michael from Marker/Volkl was able to hook me up with some new gear for the season. I am especially looking forward to trying out my new skis, the Volkl One. I will wait until there is a bit more of a base though!
 |
| Much needed ski touring refreshments |
After a relaxing day in town, Kyle and I went for another easy ski tour. This time we found much better coverage and even got a few fresh turns!
 |
| The Fernie Trails Alliance has awesome donation boxes at their trailheads. Support your local trails in style. |
We weren't the only ones who have been bit by the powder bug. There were tracks everywhere. Luckily for the Fernie locals, the hill is opening in just under a week.
 |
| Kyle "the banana" getting his rad on |
Jen, Kyle and I decided to head to one of the local hills this past Saturday to try out some new gear. Jen was having a problem with her new dynafits which kept popping off, resulting in a sled ride down the mountain, a concussion and an awesome black eye. Get well soon Jen and we will be back skiing in no time!
 |
| First chair lift ride of the year! Thanks to Marker for the awesome new helmet/goggle kit! |
This Sunday was another touring day! Despite the forecast calling for -19 with windchill, we headed out to Highwood Pass where it was snowing like crazy! We weren't the only ones with the same idea, I think we counted over 40 people out and about in the backcountry.
 |
| Awesome day to be out on my Nanuq's |
For the first part of the day, it was pretty socked-in but as we approached the ridge, the clouds broke and we could see! The snow looked awesome but there was a bit of a crust layer underneath so we had to be careful higher up. As we got close to the top, we heard and saw a big slid coming off the headwall on the other side of the valley. A big piece of cornice had fallen down the 80 degree slope, taking all the snow off the rocks. After that bit of excitement, we decided we had gone high enough for one day. It was a good choice too, the snow turned out to be much better lower down where the sun hadn't affected it.
 |
| The visibility cleared up for us just as we approached the top of the ridge |
Overall the last two weekends turned out to be a great chance to test out some new gear, get the legs moving again and get outside. Not to mention the few little tastes of the things to come this season. I think it is going to be a good winter. Pray for snow!
 |
| Who would have expected to get such good pow in November? |
No comments:
Post a Comment