Opening Day...View of 1,000 Peaks

mid mountain above the clouds

Opening Day was glorious, sunny and perfect!  The temperature was sitting at -13 in the morning, but warmer at the peak.  The summit elevation is 7875 feet with 4,000 ft vertical.  There are 120 trails, and 3 quad chair lifts to the top.  The longest run is 5.5 km. and the average temperature is - 3 for the season.  This is our favorite place in the West!!!!

view of 1,000 peaks

After a morning run from the top - down, we went for lunch.  I made a pot of soup for dinner while we ate.  Back outside to play.  We went back up to the top.  It was almost tropical!!! Much warmer than the base and almost time for a suntan.  We skied down  Stumbocks in fresh powder.  But not with much grace.  We need more practice!!  I feel like a beginner once again.  My legs hate me today!!!

snow covered tree under a glorious sky

 Jasmine (one of our new ski friends) mentioned a ski workshop with level 4 instructors.  Well, it didn't take much thought and so we both signed up.  It's a three day, 4 hours per day intense course on advanced skiing.  It's back to school for Bob and I.  Gotta love it,  Intro to class....wine and cheese tonite!! But first, a trip to the T Bar and Grill for happy hour.(JUST ONE) There we met Rick Jensen CEO and President of Panorama, a wonderful and very friendly gentleman.  It's great to be able to meet the owners as well as the staff. 
Only one beer as we are going to ski school; tomorrow's class starts at 10am sharp.

love under the moon

The adventure continues.....and as for now, some pretty pictures of the full moon in the mountains!!!!  Time for wine and cheese.....

and in the hot tub!!!

The Best Cafe in Canada

Staff @ Kicking Horse Cafe

e mail nightmare resolved

Yes, it's Kicking Horse Coffee Cafe in Invermere, British Columbia. Coffee is Peace, Coffee is good, Coffee is the Best!  I only drink coffee on occasion, but what a treat.  Now, their teas are fabulous. The building is environmentally friendly, their coffees and teas are all organinc and fair trade. They even have bamboo travel mugs!  Since our e mail system on the mountain does not allow us to send e mails through Windows Live, we decided on our trip down the mountain into town, we would have a cup of java at the Kicking Horse Cafe.  What a great excuse!  Anyway, as soon as we booted up our laptop..pop..all the e mails were sent.
On our trip down the mountain (18 km of winding road) 3 deer had pranced in front of our Jeep.  The largest deer we have ever seen.  We originally thought they could be Elk.  Deer have white tail and prance like a bunny.  So, since it is that time of year, They will be Comet, Cupid and Prancer. We completed our shopping,  Yes, more food.  The calorie burn in on!!!  Circle Health Food Shoppe had Ambrosia apples.  They are from the west coast and we are told, "They are the most sweetest and amazingly fragrant apple you will ever smell and taste"  We weren't dissapointed.
We met a fellow skier Cornell from Seatle who was skiing alone, so he joined us for the afternoons.
His son Jonathon who is new to snowboarding and improved dramically with a lesson. Here he is sporting his new goggles ready to rock.

jonathan, a new snowboarder

Anyway, back to skiing. We skied the Powder trail all afternoon.  Out of the Blue, a SNOW SNAKE!  Bit my foot and down I went.  Snow up the shorts!!!!! (a snow snake is a twig or small sapling exposed out of the snow)  It tripped me up, but good.  No worries,  I had to fall sooner or later.  Now that's over with, on with more skiing!  Yea... Last ride of the day.  They saved a chair for us one more time!!!!
 Panorama only have 6 runs open, until the official opening day on Friday 9 December.  We are told there is a ton of snow at the on top.  I will let you know tomorrow. 
Until then, John Lennon said: "Possession is 9/10 of the law.  It is 9/10 of the problem"  It is the anniversary of his death in 1980.  Let's remember the life of an amazing artist.  Now, back to skiing............. Future posts:  The 12 days of Christmas...........

Rules of a Ski Bum

early morning grooming

Top Ten Rules of a Ski Bum

Rule #1:  Education:  Education = Sucess, income, lifestyle.  Because, you can't be a ski bum forever.  Reality is waiting and besides, you need an income to eat!! Food is a top priority when you are buning mega calories on the hill as a "ski bum"

Rule # 2: Never say the word work while being a ski bum.  That's a four letter word.  NEVER!!! Work is only necessary if you have no money and are hungry.  You will either work before becoming a ski bum like Bob and myself or work after becoming a ski bum.   If this is you, return to rule # 1.

Rule # 3:  S.K.I. = Spend Kids Inheritance.

Rule #4:  Become a Ski Whore:  Let me explain. Look for deals, freebies, coupons, senior discounts, early bird specials and invites to dinner.  Anything that will save you money.  Purchase you season's pass in the spring and save up to 60% off the reg. price. As an extra bonus ski pass holders can get additional discounts on clothing and of course, food....Bonus, more food!!  Don't forget to shop local and support small business owners,  they may be secret ski bums at heart. You don't need to feel bad buying discounted produce at the grocery store. The produce may not look as sexy as the good stuff, but it tastes great.  A little bruise on that banana never hurt anyone.

Rule # 5: When travelling from ski hill to ski hill stay at a hostel.  You can share food and stories as well as share a room.  They also provide private rooms and bathrooms if you prefer and share the common room (glorified rec room) and kitchen facilities.
Bob and I stayed at Kicking Horse River Lodge and Hostel a few years back.  We met skiers from around the world doing the same as us.  International Ski Bums!  By the way, the community kitchen is the place to be when you are staying in a hostel.  Let's be friends, and can you pass the meat!!!!

Rule # 6:  Shaving is optional!  I'll let this one be......

Rule # 7:  At the end of a glorious ski day, you must, I mean MUST go to the hot tub to heal your aching muscles, but not (of course) without a cold beer.  Any beer will do, some are just better than others.

Rule # 8:  Don't wear make up or use hairspray while skiing.  You will end up looking like Alice Cooper in his prime by the end of the day.  If you think "Helmut Head" is just too sexy, see what you look like with hairspray!  Bob, you can skip this rule.....

Rule # 9:  Eat, Drink, and Wear Sunscreen!!!  You are now skiing regularly most of your waking hours, so EAT.  On a good day you will burn 5,000 to 7,000 calories.  What an excuse to eat that chocolate bar and extra piece of bacon.  Drink plenty of water.  Between the cold, high altitude and extreme dry weather you will dehydrate and shrivel up.  Yes, it is a dry cold.  -30 isn't just a dry cold, it's damn cold!  So, save that beer for the hot tub.  Wear lots of sunscreen.  You do not want to look like an old and used baseball mitt or Lizard Lady by April.  Yes, we will have better tans than you sun worshipers and snowbirds in the south.  Except, ours will be from the neck up.
Rule # 10:  Remember, we are ski bums, not a ski "ass"  Treat Mother Nature and yourself with respect and  play safe.   Live your dream as Bob and I are doing and enjoy each day as if it were your last!!!

waiting for the sun

The adventure continues....Tomorrow, we shop for underwear.  PS:  Jean, they weren't in Bob's boots afterall!!

We've Got Legs..tired ones!!

a glorious morning

Our first day skiing, sunny -15 at the base.  Panorama opened one week early. There are alpine ski teams here from all of Canada and USA practising their skills before they begin to compete here in Canada and Europe.  The Mile One chair is running and only the bottom 3rd of the mountain is accessible this week.  It's actually a blessing.  We can break in our legs gently, well almost.  It doesn't matter how much you train and cycle prior to ski season, It still hurts!!! Getting dressed, well that's another story.  A bit of a clothing malfunction.  Lack of men's underwear to start.  Bob has many pairs of undies, but they are nicely folded in the dresser, clean and ready to wear...In Ontario.  I will be skiing with a cold buttock, as my thermal long johns are nicely tucked away in Ontario with the undies.  Oh well, it could be worse.  Now the ski boots. All summer they were nicely buckled and packed away.  Now try to jam you foot into one.  Not going to happen. Yes, all the buckles are open and a tug and a push, but no go.  Did our feet grow? That's impossible! Grease up them little piggies!! Bob thought he broke his foot trying and trying, and then, success and yes, it's in the boot. Now the other foot.  I'm laughing, then thought, I'm next.  Ok, Bob weighs more than me, but I'm standing on my foot trying to slide it in the boot.  Twenty minutes later, pop, and in it goes.  I'm Tired, and now we have to ski after all this!  All geared up and now the bladder is full.  But it's not me, it's Bob.  Believe me, it wasn't me this time.  For those who don't know, I have a 1 hour bladder and don't miss any opportunites by passing by a restroom.

Yes, we're really here!

Now it is time to play outside. Yes, we did ride the first chair this morning.  A a glorious morning it was.  Cold and sunny.  And a bonus.....no falls or injuries.

Going down the hill the first time today reminded us of the concert on TV last evening..."My Music, The 60's"  Well, let me tell you as being a Hippie in the 60's and now a Hippie Ski Bum, this was the perfect introduction to the season.  (Yes, I still have not shaved the armpits!!!)  Gross!!! (and itchy)  Remember Davey Jones from the Monkees?  How about Paul Revere, Jefferson Starship and the song "Mr. Tamborine Man" by the Byrds. Old songs, new memories. So; first chair up, but not the last ride down.  We opted for an early hot tub and a cold beer. 

Yes, that is a cold beer in the coffee mug!

Sunset over Panorama Mountain

Yes, we've got legs...tired ones.  Maybe last ride down tomorrow.....the adventure continues......www.catsphotography.ca

Set in Our ways

The difference  between old ski bums like ourselves and the young ones, is we are in bed by 9:00 p.m.  The young ones are just getting ready to go out for the evening.  We can hear them upstairs and in the halls of our complex.  (It does't disturb us,.. we were young once too!)  The benefit of being an old ski bum is we are awake and ready to go by 7:00 a.m.!  Our faces pressed against the patio door window, looking at the snow guns in the darkness, waiting for the chair to start up.  Yes, we are overlooking the mountain, the main quad chair, (named appropriately "The Mile High") and the hot pools and tubs.  Unfortunately, opening day is tomorrow and we have been watching the ski team practise on the slalom course.  Again, our faces pressed against the window like a young child waiting to go play outside at the sign of the first snow flakes.  Morning is still a confusion with "where are the plates, can't remember where I put the hats, But don't worry, I know the beer is in the fridge. Again, thank you Bob.  The 2 beers in the freezer, I put one in the fridge.  The other one, guess!  It was good!
Yesterday, in our confused state, we went into town (yes, we actually got back into our Jeep after practically living in it the last 5 days and 3800 kms. later) We found a German butcher shop, and purchased some steak, bacon (Canadian style, of course), wandered around town and visited Sobey's, AG Valley Foods purchased organic fruit and vegetables, checked out the Health food shops.  Thank goodness they carry some organic produce and supplements.  Yes, we are set in our ways!  We do miss the convenience of living close to a large city (Hamilton, Ontario) and in Southern Ontario we have access to a wide variety of foods and diverse selection of ethnic choices. My father was a Greek Chef  That is why we packed the Jeep full of organic and dried foods, just in case we could'nt find any here.  Good decision!!!
OOPs.. pressed the wrong key.  I have to edit this post!!

Sunrise overlooking the village and Mile High Quad

Again, I was saying, yes, food...(still dazed and confused from the trip, but getting better) In southern Ontario the winters are cold, damp and can be rainy, (freezing rain) and yes, snow.  I'm always cold until April.  In Panorama, B.C. it is very dry, usually sunny and lots of snow.  Very dry is an understatement.  We are shrivelling up like dried fruit.  Thirsty!! that's an understatement.  Yes, set in our ways.  Hot!! no, this is not menopause.  Been there, done that.  Just Hot.  It's -10 c. outside and we have the windows open...more dry air.  Turned on the stove and boiling water.  One advantage to dry  you don't have to  blow dry your hair for more than 5 minutes.  Anyway, one more day and we will be on the mountain with skiis on.  9:00 am tomorrow. And yes, our faces will be pressed on the patio door by 7:00 am watching the snow guns and waiting for the chair to start up.  This time we will have our longjohns, turtlenecks and ski gear on at the window!

Feelin' Groovy..........................................



sunrise, Canmore Alberta

We left Canmore @ 9am.  Waited for sunrise to drive through the parks. (too many hazards and road conditions)

We arrived at Panorama Friday just before lunch. It took longer than expected to make the 160 km trek as Hwy 93 was packed snow covered in areas. 

Kootenay National Park, British Columbia

snow capped mountain

 The route is through Banff National Park and then turn south on Hwy 93 toward and through British Columbia and through Kootenay National Park. (Both parks are absolutely glorious full of natural forest and amazing snow capped mountains).

2 large male sheep testing their masculinity

Driving through Radium,  road obstacles such as Big Horned Sheep is guaranteed and we were't disappointed!

Radium, British Columbia

Radium is a very pretty town in itself above the Hot Springs.  The springs are glorified swimming pools.  White Swan Provincial Park is a natural hot spring in the wilderness complete with the smell of sulfur.

Runaway Lane in the hills

You wouldn't want to be in front of a runaway transport in the mountains.  They Runaway lane tells the story.  As avid cyclists, would you want to ride through these mountains?  I have to think about this next time we are on our road bikes...hmmmmm.

It was an early bedtime once we unpacked.  That was a chore in itself.  We'll see if we remember where everything is in the morning.  Our eyes and bodies are still glazed over and dazed and confused on the 5 day travel with the added 2 hour time difference.  Tomorrow we will relax and look for a butcher in town and some fresh veggies and fruit.

Opening day is on Monday 5 December. 

Remember, First Chair, last ride. (Thanks Stan for the motto!)

 Feelin' Groovy------Paul Simon

Slow down, you movin' too fast
You gotta make the MORNING last
Just kickin' down the cobblestones
Lookin' for fun and
Feelin' groovy____________

Hello lampost
Whatcha knowin? I've come to watch your flowers growin'
Ain'tcha got no rhymes for me?
Doo Bee Doo Doo,
Feelin' groovy____________

Got no deeds to do
No promises to keep
I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep
Let the morningtime drop all its petals on me...
Life, I love you,
All is groovy____________________

Sir Robert, Skid King

A bit of catching up from last evening.  Driving to Swift Current the engine light came on. The temperature dropping to -9 and everything frozen, we decided to check our vehicle in at Canadian Tire next to our hotel.  A great big Thank You to Cory Cook, & Andrew who promptly checked our Jeep at the early hours of the morning.  As I said earlier, the sun does not rise until 8:30.  Since we are further west, the sun didn't rise until 9ish.  Anyway, we only needed to replaced the radiator cap.  It probably was the gas cap that caused the engine light to come on.  Better safe than sorry.  It is a long way to the next town and cold and windy. We drove to Medicine Hat, our first stop in Alberta  the sun suddenly appeared (it was cloudy the day before). It is rated the sunniest city as well as the Gas capitol of Canada (Natural Gas) . Gasoline in Alberta is $107.9 per liter!

Somewhere in Alberta 100 km south of Calgary

truck stop, Brooks, Alberta

 Well, back to the blog...
That was just the beginning.  It had snowed through the night and ice had formed and glazed the highway in parts.  We waited until the Jeep was released and the sun had risen.  We were back on the road by 9am.  Good job guys!!!! Everything was great. We crossed into Alberta around 10 am., sunny and beautiful, but cold. I still can't get the song "Feelin Groovy" out of my head, then, sh*&^%, F^%$$ and all that jazz.  We hit ice!  thank God the roads are straight and flat; flatter than flat and Bob was driving.  It took us both by surprise.  We did a 2 km skid right down the flatter than flat and straighter than straight road.  Our palms were sweating.  Yes, Skid King is Bob's new title; not the skid king in your shorts, But some fancy driving.  Bob had lots of practise from his youth and parking lot spins.  Again, Thank God for goofing around in cars in our early years.  Your my Hero! I Love you!!!

 That was enough for a break and a bite to eat in Brooks, Alberta, the town of the cowboy. Bob had the best western sandwich ever.  The sun was shining and snow covered prairies, it was so beautiful.  We are not done yet...this time we saw it coming.  The car in front of us started to slide, and now it's our turn.  Not so bad, and another adrenaline rush.  OK, enough is enough.  No more dancing with cars.  We saw a few in the ditch.  Can you imagine a smart car out here?  It would be like the game Pong!  So plan "B" and a change in direction.  Plan "A" was to drive from Swift Current through the Crowe's Nest Pass through to Cranbrook.  The road conditions were in better shape towards Calgary as the temperature was +4 and the roads were dry. So, we landed in Canmore, home of the Three Sisters Mountains for the night. Oh, and by the way, no beer for tonite.  We deserve a glass of good wine, and of course organic "Eco Frog" Cab/Sav/Merlot.  But only one glass (not to worry, it's not a fishbowl glass) if anyone is wondering.  Not to many photos were taken today, but I could not resist a few.  The prairies to some are boring.  Not so. There is much beauty in its simplicity and colour, even this time of year.  So, enjoy the few pics.
 Tomorrow....Panorama, B.C.!!!!!!! Feelin Groovy!!!!!!!!!!!!!