Checking in from Smithers, BC

2 weeks down, 4 to go. So far, I have had amazing ski days at Tyax, Shames, NEH, and Hudson Bay. Today is suppose to be our last day in Smithers, BC, but we are trying to extend our stay for one extra day. Wish we could stay an extra week!

Next stop: Smithers, BC!

Frosty trees reminded me of my east coast roots at the top of Hudson Bay Mountain in Smithers, BC. Holly Walker hops through the winter wonderland. We met some fantastic people, investigated the entrance to an old mine shaft, and skied the community trail to town when we missed the last chair back to the other side of the mountain (where our car was parked). Thanks for the ride back up Tonio! Good times!

Storm day

Ilya Storm works for the Canadian Avalanche Association and we were very happy to have him as our guide at Northern Escape. He helped us stay out of trouble and waited patiently for us to putz around with the camera while I am sure he would rather be doing more of this! I think our guide here got photo of the day! NICE!

Escaping to The North

Putting my new camera pack to the test while Brigid and Holly try to withstand the rotor wash at Northern Escape Heli.

The Clik Elite Contrejour 35 has been a MAJOR improvement over my last pack. These guys actually understand how to build a great photo pack. It's about time!

Powder Wednesday @ Shames!

Holly Walker and Brigid Mander loving life on "Powder Wednesday" at Shames Mountain. The ski area is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and the Snow Gods have been VERY good to them this year.

Flying to Terrace, BC

Gone for a week and don't want to let perfectly good broccoli go to waste. Holly Walker gets excited about her green veggie vitamins waiting for Hawk Air to fly us far north.

Athelstan

Lead Guide and GM at TLH, Cliff Umpleby, hadn't skied the Athelstan Glacier in over 4 years until today. I guess we got here just in time for a pretty good couple days. And by "pretty good..." I should reiterate, the lead guide and GM hadn't skied this glacier for over four years. The snow was good and stable, the holes were filled in, and the scenery was stunning to say the least!

The View...

...from my office today. Thanks to TLH (Tyax Lodge Heliskiing)!

Free Range

Free range horses on the 4 hour drive north from Whistler, BC to Tyax Lodge.

Out of Office Reply:

On the road for the next 6 weeks! YahooOOoOOoOO!