49 North Ski Resort

I am at 49 North this weekend for a training camp with the Red Mountain Academy. They are off to such a good start down here. This area gets the same weather systems as Red Mountain but they always seem to be open earlier as they don't need as much snow as us to open. This place is like a bigger version of the Paradise side of Granite Mountain. Long runs, it is a nice place to let your skis run.

As you can see from the photos the snow conditions are excellent. I skied all day today and didn't even see a rock much less hit one.

CSIA Course Conductor Training

Early season conditions at Lake Louise were outstanding. Skiing mid week is better, no crowds as you can see in the photos.

I skied with Sun Peaks Ski School Director Vincent Lafontaine (red pants) and Canadian Ski Quest instructor Mike Manara (in black).

For me skiing with guys like Mike and Vincent is the best way to start the season. It is so inspiring to be skiing with guys of this caliber for my first runs of the year.

Sharp Skis are Good Skis

I had my skis tuned by Mike at Mike Lindsey Ski Services. Mike is a former Canadian National Team Ski Technician. He made my day yesterday. What a difference a professional tune makes.

CSIA Course Conductor Training

This is Norman Kreutz From Silver Star getting back in tune with his skis.

Today was day 1 of CSIA Course Conductor training at Lake Louise. Conditions on piste were perfect. The snow was firm but very easy to find grip on.

It was so nice to let the skis run and to feels my skis work. I am very happy with my knee, I really didn't think about it and did not feel it either. Great start to the season.

Winter in Banff

It is nice to see winter in a town that make it look so good. I am really looking forward to skiing at Lake Louise tomorrow.

First Turns are Powder Turns

I am in Banff now, I am here for the CSIA Pre Season Training. On the way here I stopped at the Kootenay Pass and had a quick tour. It was fantastic, just like Red Mountain in mid winter. My first turns were powder turns, what a great start to the season.

First Run of the Year

I just got back from Blackjack cross country area. My first run of the 2012 season (X Country run anyway).

It is one of those days that would have been epic had it been mid winter. It snowed all night and cleared just before the sun came up. I was the first one out but not the only one judging by how many cars I passed on my way home. I imagine Blackjack will be grooming the trails, we definitely have enough snow.

Rossland Weather

Photo of the day:

The weather is great here but it just keeps snowing!