Saturday, March 1, 2008

Road trippin'

With a new set of wheels at hand we hit the road. Although still with no money we targeted resorts we could ride at for free with our staff pass.

Kimberley
Just 90 minutes away from Fernie, this was a cool day trip. With only 3 chairs this is not a very big resort. Kind of local and small. This is looking down the main lift line.

Bella carving up what little snow was around.
Our housemates who joined us for the day, two aussie girls, Macca and Leets. Riding the old school double chair.
The highlight of the trip was these hot springs. Although they smelt like eggs and made cheap jewellery turn black, they were really refreshing and WARM!!!!
On the way for an icy dip in the flowing creek.

The record was 40 seconds of full body immersion. Intense cold with pins and needles everywhere. That is a chunk of snow i am holding. Luckily the 40 degree hot springs restored your warmth soon enough.

Sunshine VillageLots of sun. Our first extended trip was up to the Banff area, about 5 hrs north of Fernie.
More in the mountains that what Fernie is. About 700m higher in altitude makes a big difference. Snow everywhere, although not as deep as Fernie. They have only had 3m for the year versus the 9m we've had at Fernie.
The terrain park.The top of the mountain view.
Looking up the ridge line.

Lake Louise
Lake Louise base area. Bella at the top. The actual Lake Louise is to the left of Bella's head and is frozen over.
Looking down the top of the mountain. The right hand side leads down to the base area. The left side is mostly blacks and double blacks. Some guys contemplating double black diamonds in not great snow conditions.

Other stuff around Banff
Some Rocky Mountains.
Some old fancy hotel.A limesonte canyon called Johnstone Canyon. Created over 8,000 years due to water erosion.A frozen waterfall. Only frozen on the outside with the water still flowing underneath as evidenced by the bubbles in the pool.
Up close.Bella wandering through a wintery walking path.
Some happy trippers.