Some new lead

Yesterday we toured off RMR (Revelstoke Mountain Resort) and ventured into Kokanee bowl. I had hopes of  blue skies and sun, but inevitably we were stuck in the clouds all day.  I have never skied in Kokanee bowl so I was interested in checking it out.  There are a few nice alpine lines that tear down into this small bowl, and I have always wanted to ski them. As I have mentioned in the past I have an obsession with skiing new lines. Any exploratory adventure gets pencilled in on my maps. So for 9 years I have diligently marked down each and every line I have skied in the Selkirks. I get excited while I am out touring these new lines and usually I can’t wait to get home and pencil them in. Especially if they are great descents.

 The North Westerly winds had played havoc with the alpine so our line off Kokanee was not  exactly the way I had dreamt. But regardless the exploration was great.

 Today we hit a highway shot I have always thought about. Nothing dramatic but a 4000 foot line that is always spotted when driving home from Roger’s Pass.  This little line sits above Greely and gives access to a ridge that is full of great features. We sampled a few runs off the east side and then finished off with the  four grand to my truck.  Today was the first somewhat sunny day in awhile and the mountains looked beautiful.

Jumbo Cabin

The whole reason I went up to Jumbo was that I hoped to be able to get some quality footage for the Sweetgrass Production boys. I figured that if I wanted a small section in their movie I would have to dedicate some time to getting the footage. When the opportunity to go to Jumbo presented itself it seemed the ideal location to get some great video. I imagined hiking a summit before sunrise shredding down in the morning light, while the boys filmed from the cabin doorstep. Then nailing great footage all day to finish off with some really beautiful alpen glow turns.

 I couldn’t have been farther from the truth. We experienced amazing snow, but absolutely no light. No matter that the turns were epic it seemed like we would never get the light to capture it. It grew frustrating for me to be there. I was there strictly for video purposes and it seemed pointless since we were not getting anything decent.  But we tried and hopefully some of it turns out.

The cabin was a classic backcountry hut. Designed for six we filled it with ten people. Great times were had I just wish I had been there to simply ski the fantastic snow.

I have almost finished the latest movie, I have had enough footage for a bit I just didn’t have enough time to put it together.  Nothing epic just great mountain moments.

The last two days have been memorial days for two friends who have been lost to the mountains, Greg Todds and Aidan Oloman. Both amazing people that  are missed by many. Greg died on th 13 of jan 04, and Aidan the 14th of Jan 06. 

Charley’s first day of skiing.

There are always times throughout the season where I get a little behind on my blogging; the holidays being one of those times. I apologize and will do my best to get back on top of things.

I have been skiing in the backcountry off the hill and spending time with the relatives and friends. But things have finally slowed down and I hope to be back on track.

 Yesterday we took Charley skiing, it was great. Nothing like watching your 2 year old daughter enjoying herself as she slides down between your knees. She also really enjoyed the magic carpet rides back to the top,"I am a big girl Daddy, a big girl". Afterwards she kept talking about how she wanted to go skiing again, definitely daddies little girl.

 Well its 4 am and I am off to a little hut for three days. The hut is called Jumbo pass hut and is situated in the Purcell Range just west of Invermere. It will be a fun filled time where we try and get some footage for the Sweetgrass boys. A group of young Colorado boys up here making a movie. I will also get back after it with my own videos and get so more sweet footage.

 all for now.