Crashing with our friends in Rossland at their self
described hobbit house we were privy to some great beta for some guaranteed
turns. For the 3rd day in a row the sun was out and I was beginning
to think that snow magically appears in these parts. As our hosts prepared for a
week at the notorious Kokanee Glacier Cabin with a high pressure system camped
in for the week I dreamed once again of a backcountry hut trip. We however were
very indecisive and had a late 10am start hoping for a mellow half day. Mostly
due to the large amount of beer we consumed the previous night.
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| 1 down 3 more to go |
Setting our sights on Mt Plewman its southern slopes were
baked and crusted. Once we hit the alpine we were drawn the beauty of the
ridgeline and set out for a high alpine tour over 3 of the seven summits of the
legendary Seven Summits Mountain Bike trail. Upon seeing this terrain we found
our previous stoke and quickly laid waste to the vertical ticking out metre by
metre with the efficiency of a well oiled touring machine.
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| Almost there |
The day wore on and the sun fueled our legs and with the
sun descending behind
Old
Glory Mountain
in the background we prepped to hit some nice outstanding north facing steep
skiing. Stability was outstanding and nothing as much as a slough as the snow had bonded well with the lack of snow and cold temperatures. Unfortunately that
will all change in next storm system with the variety of surfaces it is bound to
bury.
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| Final Turns of the week |
Diving through smooth sparse forests and schussing another
300m of skiing we made our way back to the car to finish our trip with a great
meal. You have to cherish these ski moments when you get them you never know
when you may ski again.
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| Chasing the last of the light |
Each of us ski for different reasons; Some to escape
reality, others to feel the sense of accomplishment and many for the pure joy
and exhilaration of being in the mountains being surrounded in its grandeur and
beauty. Our group shared a common bond for the week to experience new areas in
search of great snow. I constantly battle the complacency that sinks in from
having so many great ski days in the past five years. It is refreshing and
motivating when you ski with people for who a trip was an eye opening
experience, skiing terrain and snow they have only seen in magazines. It really
is a treat to be a part of trip where members have had the best ski days of
their life. The quest for virgin powder continues…..
Labels: Kootenays
