Archive for the 'Skiing' Category
Ski Season in the Rockies is Officially On
Sunshine Village opened today, after the first winter storm dumped a modest 34cm of fresh snow this week. I’ve been in Banff for almost 6 years now, and this is the first time I’m not there for opening day! I injured myself a couple of weeks ago — impaled by a tree branch — and the doctors insist that skiing right now could lead to further complications. So I’m at home, gazing at the web cams:
Sunshine Village Opening Day '08
Looks like a beautiful, sunny day. Last season was OK, but it didn’t snow nearly as much as previous years, and the avalanche conditions remained treacherous all season, which pretty much ruled out back-country skiing in the Rockies. Delirium Dive didn’t open until the spring. It was no 2006.
My fingers are crossed for this year. The latest avalanche forecast says that we might get more snow this weekend!
A series of storms are lining up off the west coast for the weekend. We will certainly see some more snow and wind but amounts will depend on how far south the storms will track.
I’m stoked. I have some new skis this season, sitting over at the very short-staffed Mountain Magic, waiting for new bindings to be mounted. I’ll be out there as soon as I’m able!
2 commentsBanff’s Christmas Avalanche Forecast
The good people at Parks Canada have really outdone themselves in their latest avalanche forecast, on December 24th, 2006. Unfortunately, they don’t record the forecasts in a chronological blog-like format, but rather, the same page is updated every 3 days or so, wiping out old content. There are a lot of great reasons not to do it that way, such as having the historical conditions available in an easily accessible way to those who are interested, but that is another story.
For your enjoyment, and for posterity, here is the Christmas Forecast:
Synopsis:
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all along the divide,
a few skiers and snowboarders checked out where to ride.
With a robust winter snowpack trip plans were made with some dare,
but steep unsupported lee features must still be treated with care!
Also be cautious of thin leading edges,
a possible place where slabs can pull out in wedges.
The cornices all looked so huge by the bunch,
don’t sit underneath one if you stop to eat lunch!
Avalanche Activity:
Although Santa prefers to have reindeer guiding his sleigh,
we used a helicopter to look all around the ranges today.
While we checked every aspect and searched far and wide,
we were unable to locate a single new slide.
Outlook:
Santa’s first stop tonight is the coast with a sack full of new snow,
by the time he stops here he’ll only have about 5 or 10 cm to show.
With the danger at moderate this little teaser will leave us craving some more,
but be thankful at least we’re not getting a visit from the holiday hoar.
Travel Conditions:
With the endless storms that have battered the coast,
its those far western mountain ranges that really can boast.
Out here in the Rockies we’ve seen a constant west wind,
leaving a variable snowpack which we all must contend.
Although Parks Canada’s forecasters always struggle to rhyme,
we know the best gift you can give is to come home safely every time.
Merry Christmas!
SM/MH
Fantastic job, SM/MH!! Happy trails…
No commentsStill Good Early Season Conditions at Sunshine
Yesterday morning there was a little over 20cm of fresh snow at Sunshine Village, on top of the 48cm from the previous four days. The sun came out, and the ski conditions were great.
Unfortunately, the Angel and Continental Divide chair lifts were still not open, so its still just low elevation skiing. It was a lot less crowded than opening day, so there were plenty of fresh tracks to be had all morning. Despite the deep snow, one must be vigilant for shallowly buried rocks and stumps. Check out this nasty ski-eater that I uncovered. On rocks, you’ll either get too much traction, or not enough, depending on the shape of the rock and how you hit it. So be wary this time of year.
1 commentSki Tip: How to Mitigate Burning Legs on the First Day of the Ski Season
Every year, it seems, no matter how dedicated I am about pre-season training, the first few days are always a killer on the legs. However, this year it was a bit different, and I don’t think it had anything to do with training.
This summer, aside from trail running, I started participating in two new sports: mountain biking and rock climbing. One thing that they both have in common, if you’re striving to do them well, is how important it is to be aware of and in control of your level of exertion, and the efficiency with which you move. If you’re biking up a steep hill, you will find it much easier if your upper body is relaxed as much as possible. Just flexing the muscles in your upper body causes your heart to work much harder, and that leaves less energy for your legs, which need it the most.
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First Few Days of the Ski Season!
It was a spectacular opening this season — both Sunshine and Lake Louise had great conditions. I have to say though, Lake Louise had way more snow, and there was easily twice as much terrain open. The Summit lift was open, and there were several excellent lines down from the top, with my favorite being Outer Limits. Outer Limits is to the far skier’s right at the Summit top, on the front side, right next to the area boundary fence. The snow was knee-deep and powdery, and from there you can ski all 991m of vertical.
Conditions at the Lake Louise ski resort on it’s opening day 2006.
The head ski patroller remarked that it was the best conditions for opening day that he’s ever seen. I’m not sure how long he’s been there, but I would guess more than a decade (some patrollers have been there 20+ years). It was a full-on powder day, on the first day of the season. I think its going to be a great winter!
2 comments