Ash's Visit

It was fantastic to see Ashleigh and to have the opportunity to take her out on her first day of backcountry. One problem, it hadn't snowed in a week and the sun completely crusted the snow. I hope she trusts us that conditions do get better, really...

Manklow explaining the finer points of backcountry safety or the size of some fish he caught...

Everything was peachy on the way up...

This is also exactly how I felt about the conditions that day. TERRIBLE!

Don't ask... it's genetic and there's nothing I can do about it.

Kicking Horse in the sunshine, but no snow...

Come back soon!

Ice Climbing

On Carrie and Justin's visit this year, Grant took us out ice climbing in Kootenay National Park. It was Carrrie, Justin, and Heather's first climb and they all made it up! I'll chalk that one up to Grant's patience and guidance.

Fish on ice...

Wells Grey - Part 1

This had been a dream of mine for a long time... Fortunately we made it a reality this year and spent a week in the backcountry of Wells Grey Provincial Park, BC. We had an amazing group and couldn't have asked for better conditions. Heady, Nick, Robin, Grant, Heather, Ian, Agata and myself should have brought snorkels, as it snowed over 90 cms that week. Can't wait to go back next year. Enjoy the pics.

Coolest cat ever! We had to take a 12 km logging road to the park boundary and hike another 4 km to the hut. However, with the rediculous amount of food that we brought, that 4 km was done twice and Manks, Robin and I almost didn't make it...

Our first home, Trophy Hut, complete with composting toilets, propane heat, individual beds, and the best part a sauna!

Did I mention the snow. Heady is loving life, look at that pow grin.

The most stylie skier out there, Mr. Gordon.

Heather rippin the pow.

Schipper's killer air. I think he hit every booter in the park.

Agata up to her waist.

Wells Grey - Part 2

After a 4 night stay in Trophy, we made the long traverse across to Discovery Cabin, deeper in the park. It was a spectacular traverse with some great turns. The hut was hidden in a valley at the base of a dynamite run. At this point we were accompanied by our fearless guide Ian, who was kind enough to ski cut some slopes that hadn't been touched in a few weeks.

Trophy Hut, notice the fresh snow on the roof!

Carving an uptrack to the backside of Discovery.

This was the lightest snow I have ever skied. You could pull your pole through it with no resistance at all. I believe I may have a pow grin.

Meadow in front of Discovery.

Nick leaving his mark.

Robin rippin the ridge.

Traverse on the way out of Discovery, the start of a really long day.

A final group shot in the park. What a trip.

New Years at Roger's Pass

I was able to meet up with Manklow, Ian, and Agata for some quality turns at Roger's Pass over New Years. I think we made it to 11:00 on New Years but definitely made up for it during the day. The first 3 shots are actually from a trip to Asulkan hut that Nick and I took the year before. Yes, all those tracks belong to Manks and I (mine are the prettier ones)
Best feeling ever!
Such an amazing magic hour. This picture was followed by the infamous run, Steps to Heaven.
Manklow showin off the styles.
This is a common view of Nicks backside. Common winter scene.
I love the PASS!

New gear!

This was Heather's first tour on her new gear. I've finally got her hooked!

Emerald Lake

Heather and I were able to get away for a relaxing weekend.
Shoulder season + offseason rates = Beautiful weekend at Emerald Lake
The clouds were really low all weekend which made for some great atmosphere for mysterious pictures. As I posses little mystery, all the pics are of the mountains.

It's tough to beat the scenery, even in the clouds.

Halloween Weekend

After a trip to the market, I totally schooled Heather in pumping carving. However, I may have cheated and used power tools...l

Nostrils are really hard to cut with a knife.

Look at that surgical technique.