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This video shows a wide variety of winter adventures to be had in Western Canada.Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh2c6OPvovM
The options are endless. A mind-boggling number of possibilities exist in the Western region of Canada to enjoy the great outdoors during the winter season, but how many people know?
SnowSeekers Inc. is a media company dedicated to highlighting the vast number of winter destinations in Alberta and British Columbia to prospective visitors from across Canada and throughout the world, through a variety of media platforms including print, web and television.
Read MoreThrough the season SnowSeekers provides up-to-date snow conditions for over 35 ski resorts. Share this page with your friends and bookmark it for an easy check-in to your favourite resorts and to stay in the know on who's getting snow.
Hard to believe another season has come and gone so quickly. Thank you for book marking this page for future reference, SnowSeekers delivers you snow conditions updated several times per day. We're down to only a few left for the 2012/13 season that are still open & you’ll find their reports below. Looking for other adventures, check out our affiliate site, www.FestivalSeekers.com for all the latest on Alberta and BC's event schedule.
Conditions last updated on at
If the snowfall from this section is not listed on a specific resort's website, then we calculated the total based on the amount of snow that's been reported in previous 24 hr reports.
'0' AND Resort != 'Edmonton' ORDER BY Amount DESC"); while ($resort = db_fetch_array($oneday)){ if ($i == NULL){ $i = floor($resort['Amount']); $width = 280; $color = 'd5372e'; } else { if (floor($resort["Amount"]) == 0){ $width = 50; $color = '043558'; } else { $width = 280/($i/floor($resort["Amount"])); if ($width == 280){ $color = 'd5372e'; } else { $color = '043558'; } if ($width < 50){ $width = 50; $color = '043558'; } } } if (floor($resort['Amount']) != NULL || floor($resort['Amount']) != 0){ print "Conditions last updated on at
If the snowfall from this section is not listed on a specific resort's website, then we calculated the total based on the amount of snow that's been reported in previous 24 hr reports.
Conditions last updated on at
If the snowfall from this section is not listed on a specific resort's website, then we calculated the total based on the amount of snow that's been reported in previous 24 hr reports.
Conditions last updated on at
If the snowfall from this section is not listed on a specific resort's website, then we calculated the total based on the amount of snow that's been reported in previous 24 hr reports.
Conditions last updated on at
If the snowfall from this section is not listed on a specific resort's website, then we calculated the total based on the amount of snow that's been reported in previous 24 hr reports.
'0' ORDER BY BasePacked DESC"); while ($resort = db_fetch_array($base)){ if ($i == NULL){ $i = floor($resort['BasePacked']); $width = 280; $color = 'd5372e'; } else { if (floor($resort["BasePacked"]) == 0){ $width = 50; $color = '043558'; } else { $width = 280/($i/floor($resort["BasePacked"])); if ($width == 280){ $color = 'd5372e'; } else { $color = '043558'; } if ($width < 50){ $width = 50; $color = '043558'; } } } if (floor($resort['BasePacked']) != NULL || floor($resort['BasePacked']) != 0){ print "The options are endless. A mind-boggling number of possibilities exist in the Western region of Canada to enjoy the great outdoors during the winter season, but how many people know?
SnowSeekers Inc. is a media company dedicated to highlighting the vast number of winter destinations in Alberta and British Columbia to prospective visitors from across Canada and throughout the world, through a variety of media platforms including print, web and television.
Read MoreFound in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan, Big White ski resort carries the name for good reason. They’ve got snow ghosts galore, giving the place an unearthly look. You’ll find plenty of Champagne powder here, enough to make you feel giddy. Families, friends, and first timers will love Big Whites mountain village, which is packed with a solid array of amenities and adventures. Read more about Big White Ski Resort here.
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"; } ?>
Read MoreAs a celebration of all our Aussie friends that cross the pond to play around in the snow with all us Westerners, several ski resorts are hosting Australia Day festivities over the next few days.
Read MoreWhere else can you ski by the hour? Known as the locals’ favourite, this small and friendly resort is located within minutes from downtown Banff. Mt. Norquay has five lifts and 28 runs, to suit all skiing abilities. Experts can whoop it up on the gnarly Lone Pine, while cruisers will love Bruno’s Gully. Switch your skis or snowboard for a snow tube and slide the slopes in the tube park.
Read more about Banff and Mount Norquay here.
Read More
DISCLAIMER: The SnowSeekers apps that are currently in the iTunes store are LAST YEAR's versions. The text on this page is referring to the 2.0 version that will be coming out in November.
In 2009, SnowSeekers launched a series of 12 iPhone applications - the SnowSeekers Go-Guides. These digital guidebooks informed users about where to go and what to do at their favourite ski resorts in Alberta and British Columbia.
Read MoreThis is bound to become a family favourite. We’re certain everyone will enjoy the cold-water plunge pools and hot water pools to soak the bones after a day on the slopes. Fairmont Hot Springs is a full-service resort that not only offers slope-side accommodations, but also each lift ticket includes access to the hot springs. It’s located along the Powder Highway in British Columbia’s interior, about an hour north of the Canadian Rockies International Airport, about 16 km from Cranbrook. Read more about Fairmont here.
Read MoreCALGARY, AB — Over the past few years the Calgary Snow Show has become a tired, formulaic shadow of its former self. Where once it stood as the rallying point for skiers and snowboarders desperate to get the season underway, it dwindled into a safe, comfortable gathering that incited less enthusiasm than a shoe sale.
Read MoreIf you crave the backcountry, be smart about it. Get some training. If you've had some training, get refreshed. It's your life—and the life of your backcountry buddies—at stake.
Read Morelink_path}'")); $nid = explode('/', $this_link->link_path); $teaser = db_result(db_query("SELECT teaser FROM {node_revisions} WHERE nid='{$nid['1']}' AND vid=(SELECT vid FROM {node} WHERE nid='{$nid['1']}')")); print "
"; } ?>
Read MoreExperience the thrill of being hurled down a bobsleigh run with 14 turns at speeds of up to 120 km per hour, or soak up some Olympic history at Winsport’s Canada Olympic Park. You can also brush up on your ski stance before heading out to the Canadian Rockies resorts. Another must-see polar experience is the Calgary Zoo’s penguin exhibit.
Read MoreThere’s a reason why the town and the ski resort share the same name. This destination exists for one purpose - to ski and have fun. The mountain has three high-speed quads which whisks snowboarders, skiers, and snow-seekers to some grand experiences. Its annual winter Carnival in February is something to experience. With wallet-friendly après ski amenities, the town is full of ski junkies and it’s not hard to enjoy some Montana cheer and revel in its love for everything snow. Read more about Whitefish here.
Read MoreFor the true adventure enthusiast. If you're researching your next catskiing, heliskiing, or overseas excursion, we recommend taking a look at the sites below. You'll find all the best info from Canada, Australia, the UK, and more. Research potential adventure opportunities, plan and prepare accommodations and dining, or register for top of the line instructor courses.Read More
Fernie is a ski town where you can feast on enchiladas from a Mexican diner while the spicy Curry Bowl awaits at the ski resort. Just a two-hour drive from Calgary, you’ll find powder-filled days paired with this friendly former mining town with a rugged charm. Fernie and its namesake alpine resort are blessed by snow gods. His name is The Grizz and legend has it that he lives above Polar Peak and bestows the slopes with a snowy bounty. Each year the resort receives well over 30 feet of snow.Read More
Welcome to our Banff, Alberta coupon page.
Each of these coupons can be found in our SnowSeekers Go-Guide smartphone application. All you have to do is show the coupon on your phone at one of these businesses, and you get the deal. Pretty simple.
Read MoreA killer photo taken from the peak of the Knob, at Jasper's Marmot Basin.
Read MoreEach of these coupons can be found in our SnowSeekers Go-Guide smartphone application. All you have to do is show the coupon on your phone at one of these businesses, and you get the deal. Pretty simple.
But these coupons aren't just for smartphone users. If you don't own an iPhone, or BlackBerry, or Android, simply click on a coupon below and print it out. Show this printed version the same as you would the digital version, and away you go.
Click on coupons to view/print.
Click the link for more information on Canmore/Kananaskis winter activities..
Click on a coupon to view/print.
Bring your printed coupon to the business in question to receive your deal.
Only 45 minutes west of Calgary, Canmore is the perfect basecamp to tackle the Canadian Rockies. With its own mountain town charm, Canmore is home to great dining and many winter adventures. Places such as Fortress Mountain, Kananaskis Provincial Park for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and ice climbing, plus the ski slopes of the Bow Valley (Sunshine, Norquay and Lake Louise) will leave any snow-seeker satisfied. Canmore has been on the world stage many times with its internationally acclaimed Nordic ski centre, located just minutes from the town centre.
Read MoreIf you’re looking to get your riding fix and save some dineros at the same time, Kokanee Winterfest at Mount Washington delivers the goods from Monday, January 9th to Friday, January 13th.
Read MoreEach of these coupons can be found in our SnowSeekers Go-Guide smartphone application. All you have to do is show the coupon on your phone at one of these businesses, and you get the deal. Pretty simple.
But these coupons aren't just for smartphone users. If you don't own an iPhone, or BlackBerry, or Android, simply click on a coupon below and print it out. Show this printed version the same as you would the digital version, and away you go.
Click on coupons to view/print.
Click the link for more information on Castle Mountain.
Click on a coupon and to view/print.
Bring your printed coupon to the business in question to receive your deal.
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Mount Haig dominates the landscape and puts Castle Mountain smack in the middle of this epic landscape. One of only two Cat-skiing operations in Alberta, Castle is considered one of the best-kept secrets of the Canadian Rockies. Find out more about Castle Mountain here.
Read MoreFor the true adventure enthusiast. If you're researching your next catskiing, heliskiing, or overseas excursion, we recommend taking a look at the sites below. You'll find all the best info from Canada, Australia, the UK, and more. Research potential adventure opportunities, plan and prepare accommodations and dining, or register for top of the line instructor courses.Read More
Three hours west of Calgary is Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, B.C. You’ll be greeted by five bowls and an assortment of ridgelines, fingered with black and double-black runs that will give you a permanent grin. This is powder paradise. That’s because the mountain gets about 25 feet of snow a year, giving you the chance to really push your limits. Don’t miss the Stairway to Heaven quad chair, which puts you right into the thick of it. Find out more about Kicking Horse Ski Resort here.
Read MoreSanta has a special meaning in the hearts of all of us this time of year, but did you know Santa is a great snowboarder?
Read MoreRanked as one of North America’s premier trail-filled urban environments, Edmonton is known for having one of the world’s most concentrated areas of greens. But in winter it has a reputation as a premier winter city. Choose from dozens of trails to snowshoe, Nordic or alpine ski, or hit the slopes at four separate ski hills, all within the city limits.Read More
There's nothing better than a day (or two!) on the hill with a friend.
Read MoreThis is a place where the laundromat's magazine rack includes the latest ski magazine. Its Nordic ski tracks extend for 64 kilometres – all lit up nightly. Kimberley is an ideal stop for families and skiers looking to rip up some glades and surf some sweet snow. The convenience of getting here includes arriving by air at the Canadian Rockies International Airport, 20 kilometres from Kimberley. That puts you on the chairlift within 20 minutes. Read more about Kimberley Ski Resort here.
Read MoreWant to experience some of the world’s best viewing sites for the Northern Lights? Then hit Fort McMurray, AB. Outside of its oil production reputation, the city boasts miles of snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, and lots of ice fishing locations.
Read MoreMount Washington Alpine Resort is an alpine skiing ski resort located on Mount Washington on the eastern edge of the Vancouver Island Ranges in British Columbia, Canada. Read more about Mount Washington Alpine Resort here.
Read MoreBe sure to enter our Fountain Tire Total Snowfall Contest, which can win you 2 SEASON PASSSES to any resort listed on SnowSeekers.ca, and 4 GOODYEAR TIRES.
Read MoreNelson, British Columbia is home to Whitewater ski resort, which boasts 12 metres of snow in a season. Choose your adventure - backcountry ski lodges or Cat or heli-ski operations. There is no shortage of powder-packed adventures. Whitewater and area will leave you with a permanent grin and make you the envy of your ski buddies. The resort is home to three lifts and 78 runs, including the new Glory Chair, which offers excellent intermediate and advanced adventures. Read more about Whitewater Ski Resort here.
Read MoreThis photo was posted or our Facebook page by fan Tony Byrnes, who had a stellar shoot at Sunshine that day. Seriously, this is just one of half a dozen epic pow shots he sent us.
Read MoreThis is the northern basecamp to the Canadian Rockies. Its luging club keeps the love for winter alive as does its annual Ice Magic winter festival every February, which plays host to a collection of adventures for many snow-seekers. About a three-hour drive west of Edmonton, a stay in Hinton puts you just 45 minutes from Marmot Basin ski resort, at the entrance to Jasper National Park.
Read MoreMarmot Basin is set in spectacular Jasper National Park. With eight lifts, it delivers generous servings of the light, fluffy, Canadian Rockies Champagne powder. It can be like surfing on a cloud. Located about 350 kilometres west of Edmonton, Jasper is one of Canada’s signature ski towns. Known for its natural rough-cut beauty, this is a real mountain town that loves winter, putting it in a category of its own. From one end of the park to the other, you’ll also find miles of ice canyons, and glaciers.Read More
Sterling Todd Keys, a friend of SnowSeekers since last season, has just signed on as an official correspondent for us! We're super stoked to officially have Sterling in the fold, and you will be too, as his work is always stellar. Just take a look at this epic panoramic shot he took yesterday on Mount Washington!
Read MorePanorama Mountain Resort is located just outside of Invermere, B.C. About an hour and a half north from the Canadian Rockies International Airport, Panorama invites you to unplug and get away from it all. Get your day started on fresh tracks within any of its 2,800 acres of snow-filled glory only to retire later that night to outdoor pools and hot tubs known as Panorama Springs. Feeling adventurous? Hit RK Heli-Skiing, which runs from Panorama’s base. It’s the perfect spot to get you psyched for the backcountry.Read More
Many of us only think west when we look for our next snow fix. But Kinosoo Ridge east along the Saskatchewan-Alberta border, provides families with not only some solid turns, but also some excellent bonding time. It’s known for its family-friendly vibe plus it’s a great place for any beginner to get their ski legs.
Read MoreIn recognition of the unbelievable start to the season in Western Canada, here's a photo that celebrates the best feature of snowfall (at least in this guy's opinion): snow ghosts!
Read MoreLike a little rock n’ roll on the slopes? Ski slopes named Revolution, Twist and Shout, and Satisfaction makes Powder King your kind of place. Known as the “Whisper of the North” by the locals for its near unbelievable snowfall counts, this is a place where you’ll have to have a good sense of direction. That’s because locals have been known to steal the sign off the highway to keep this powder gem to themselves. Powder King is about 45 minutes north of Prince George, B.C., and offers up a variety of snow-seeking satisfaction, from heli-skiing, to snowshoeing in an old-growth forest.Read More
Lake Louise is known as one of the world’s most beautiful ski and snowboard destinations. When you get there you’ll see why, once you take in all of that vertical. Choose from a luxury stay at the Chateau Lake Louise or a rustic backcountry cabin. The cloaked- in-snow landscape makes winter the most romantic time in this Rocky Mountain destination. Read more about Lake Louise here.
Read MoreRevelstoke has a raw energy. It has the pulse of a big city, but the adrenaline is all natural coming from the pleasure of serious powder. Fact: If you ski Revelstoke Mountain Resort from top to bottom eight times in one day, you will have skied the height of Mt. Everest - because RMR has bragging rights with its 5,620 feet of vertical. Pack your ski legs for the awesome glades and expect nothing less than a premier experience on the rest of slopes. Stay in accommodations that include a powder concierge – whose job it is to uncover some snowy stashes just for you.Read More
A personalized ski area, new beginner areas in Revy, and a contest that can win you a round-trip ticket to Cranbrook, two days of skiing in Kimberley, two nights accommodations, a snowmobile tour and a gourmet dinner.
Read MoreWith Marmot Basin already reaching half its average annual total snowfall by the end of November, tree skiing in Jasper doesn't get much better than this. New SnowSeekers correspondent, Todd O'Keefe hit up Marmot's trees last weekend and produced this photo. Check out his article here, as well, where you can discover some of the mountain's finest lines.
Read MoreRed Mountain is steeped in history. This is the backbone to much of Canada’s love for winter. Where else in Canada will you find the country’s first chairlift or a winter carnival in its 110th year? The town of Rossland, B.C., is home to Red Mountain, which lives for winter. With Red Mountain resort in its backyard, it’s easy to see why the resort with 1,685 acres of skiable terrain and more than 80 runs pleases the most discerning snow-seekers. Read more about Red Mountain Resort here.
Read MoreSome could call Lesser Slave Lake the ice fishing capital of Canada, but then you’d also be overlooking the options of snowmobiling, snow-shoeing and a stellar display of dazzling northern lights.
Read MoreIts new My1Pass program offers guests six snow-filled experiences all with one pass - among them skiing, snowboarding, tubing, cross-country, snowshoeing and ice-skating. Located just outside of the town of Vernon, B.C., and 30 minutes north of Kelowna’s International Airport, Silver Star Mountain Resort is a stellar destination. The condos, townhouses and slope-side accommodations provide a colourful backdrop to the main event – which is on the slopes. Resort bylaws mandate purples, oranges and blues for the on-site buildings.Read More
From the parking lot, take the 18-minute gondola ride up to a scene straight out of a snow-globe at 8,954 feet above sea level. Sunshine village is located 1 hour and 20 minutes west of Calgary, just outside of the town of Banff, Alberta.Read More
Sunshine Village, a long supporter of snowboarders and snowboard culture, will be celebrating World Snowboard Day on December 18. Click here for more info on what should be a pretty stellar celebration.
Read MoreLocated about three hours north of Edmonton, snowmobile fans will love Whitecourt. The region offers so many trails that it easily supports four local snowmobile clubs. Ride “hut to hut” across acres of marked terrain.
Read MoreThe name of the ski resort is Hudson Bay Mountain, located just minutes outside of Smithers in Northern B.C. Snowmobiling, endless powder fields, and laying down tracks in one of North America’s top back-country ski areas is all possible here. Lift services at the resort allow you to rent a cabin and stay on the mountain. Read more about Hudson Bay Mountain here.
Read MoreWant some of your best winter shots to appear as SnowSeekers.ca's Photo of the Day? Post your pics to our Facebook wall. We'll be choosing one great shot every day. Post often and get bragging rights among your friends!
Read MoreA family-friendly destination, Sun Peaks allows kids to become skiers and snow-seekers for life. Its pedestrian-friendly village is a nice balance of European meets Canadiana. This is all within an hour’s flight from Calgary, or a 3.5-hour drive from Vancouver. Sun Peaks is an easy getaway that puts you smack in the middle of some fluffy skiable terrain. It is also famed for its annual wine festival, which pairs two of our favourite things - fine British Columbia wines and winter fun.Read More
Be sure to enter our Fountain Tire Total Snowfall Contest, which can win you 2 SEASON PASSSES to any resort listed on SnowSeekers.ca, and 4 GOODYEAR TIRES.
Read MoreEach of these coupons can be found in our SnowSeekers Go-Guide smartphone application. All you have to do is show the coupon on your phone at one of these businesses, and you get the deal. Pretty simple.
But these coupons aren't just for smartphone users. If you don't own an iPhone, or BlackBerry, or Android, simply click on a coupon below and print it out. Show this printed version the same as you would the digital version, and away you go.
Click the link for more information on Edmonton winter activities.
Click on a coupon and to view/print.
Bring your printed coupon to the business in question to receive your deal.
Shames Mountain gets some of the world’s biggest snowfalls. We dare to say, it probably gets more snow than any other lift serviced operation on earth. It’s been known to snow so much here that people get stranded over night in the day lodge because the parking lot transforms into a mogul field. Looking to make a snow-seeking adventure you won’t forget? Head to northern British Columbia and head to places such as Terrace, Smithers, and Prince George.
Read MoreA beautiful sundown shot from Mt. Washington Alpine Resort in March of 2011.
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Mountains are the foundation of the skiing and boarding experience, and the Coldsmoke Powder Fest—held at the beautiful Whitewater Ski Resort in Nelson, BC—celebrates them like no other event.
The four-day festival is packed with opportunities for people to celebrate the backcountry experience. There are clinics from beginner to advanced levels, where people learn skills like route finding, skiing style for off-piste, avalanche training, and telemark skiing.
Taking place from February 24-27th, the Coldsmoke Powder Fest is packed with clinics and backcountry travel & freeski competitions that will test the fittest folks out there; and, of course, the après ski scene will be packed. Dances, music, and socials to celebrate fine days in the mountains reward all in attendance.
To celebrate the upcoming Coldsmoke Powder Fest, SnowSeekers, Whitewater Ski Resort, the Mountain Hound Inn, and KNL Tourism are partnering to send one lucky winner to Whitewater (in Nelson, BC) with:
All you have to do is fill out the form below, and make sure you answer the skill-testing question! The contest will run until February 14th.
Read MoreLocated on the West Coast of B.C.’s Vancouver Island, when you get to Ucluelet you’ve run out of road. Heading any further west requires a sea-faring vessel because the next land mass is Japan. “Uki,” as it’s known as by the locals has two big winter claims to fame: It has some of the biggest swells for surfing, which happens year-round and because of this phenomenon, it’s also become famous for its storm-watching tours in winter. You can opt to watch the intensity of the storms from the comforts of a lodge or put on some rain gear and experience it first-hand.
Read MoreSay hello to Huck, a CARDA Avalanche Dog from Castle Mountain.
Read MoreAt SnowSeekers, we call this Canada’s Las Vegas. With more than 200 runs and 80 nightclubs and restaurants in a pedestrian-friendly setting, it’s evocative of the Alps. And, it’s all within 1.5 hours of the world-class Vancouver International Airport. All eyes were on Whistler during the 2010 Olympic Games, but it has been recognized by the world’s media for years as one of the top ski and snowboard destinations. Read more about Whistler Blackcomb here.
Read More"I was a volunteer for the Men's set-up and events just gone at the World Cup at Lake Louise... This was the sunrise from the platter on the first training day. A view like this makes dragging B-netting all the more pleasant!"
Read MoreEach of these coupons can be found in our SnowSeekers Go-Guide smartphone application. All you have to do is show the coupon on your phone at one of these businesses, and you get the deal. Pretty simple.
But these coupons aren't just for smartphone users. If you don't own an iPhone, or BlackBerry, or Android, simply click on a coupon below and print it out. Show this printed version the same as you would the digital version, and away you go.
Click on coupons to view/print.
Click the link for more information on Golden and Kicking Horse winter activities.
Click on a coupon to view/print.
Bring your printed coupon to the business in question to receive your deal.
CALGARY, AB — With the mornings having that crisp chill in the air it is clear that the seasons are changing. How do you prepare for the winter snow season? Have you thought about how doing some physical preparation will help you once you get on snow?
Read More100 cm of new snow at Marmot Basin from Nov. 22 to Nov. 29!
Read MoreEDMONTON, AB - Think back to two seasons ago - the year was 2009 - and holy dina did the snow hit early in November and man did it just keep on coming…sound familiar?!!
Off www.snow-forecast.com they are reporting Northern Escape Heli-Skiing is expecting another 146 cms come through this Sunday…that’s almost 4.8 FEET.
Read MoreWelcome to our Jasper and Marmot Basin ski and snowboard coupon page.
Each of these coupons can be found in our SnowSeekers Go-Guide smartphone application. All you have to do is show the coupon on your phone at one of these businesses, and you get the deal. Pretty simple.
Read MoreEach of these coupons can be found in our SnowSeekers Go-Guide smartphone application. All you have to do is show the coupon on your phone at one of these businesses, and you get the deal. Pretty simple.
But these coupons aren't just for smartphone users. If you don't own an iPhone, or BlackBerry, or Android, simply click on a coupon below and print it out. Show this printed version the same as you would the digital version, and away you go.
Click on coupons to view/print.
Click the link for more information on Kimberley winter activities.
Click on a coupon to view/print.
Bring your printed coupon to the business in question to receive your deal.
Each of these coupons can be found in our SnowSeekers Go-Guide smartphone application. All you have to do is show the coupon on your phone at one of these businesses, and you get the deal. Pretty simple.
But these coupons aren't just for smartphone users. If you don't own an iPhone, or BlackBerry, or Android, simply click on a coupon below and print it out. Show this printed version the same as you would the digital version, and away you go.
Click on coupons to view/print.
Click the link for more information on Revelstoke.
Click on a coupon to view/print.
Bring your printed coupon to the business in question to receive your deal.
SnowSeekers is kicking off the 2011/12 snow season with its best contest yet!
One lucky winner will receive TWO SEASON PASSES for the 2012/13 season to ANY resort that we cover on SnowSeekers.ca, as well as FOUR GOODYEAR TIRES (installed), courtesy of Fountain Tire.
Read MoreVANCOUVER, BC — You asked for change.
Read MoreBANFF, AB — Generally when I am in Banff, Alberta, I am there to do some serious shredding at Lake Louise, Mount Norquay, or Sunshine Village, all within easy driving distance from the Town of Banff, which makes the town a great base for a ski vacation – or a winter vacation in general.
Read MoreBANFF, AB — Planning a Banff ski vacation is either really easy or really difficult (depending on how you look at it. Banff hums with activity: a rockin’ nightlife, great family activities, plenty of accommodation options and of course, some excellent dining. It's easy to find things to do, but it's difficult to make the choice on what to do.
Read MoreCASTLE MOUNTAIN, AB — It’s printed right on the lift tickets – “Powder to Share” – and the resort lives up to its boast. Tucked in the southwest corner of Alberta, along the North American Continental Divide, is one of North America’s snow-filled hidden gems: Castle Mountain Resort.
Read More
CASTLE MOUNTAIN, AB — Interested in a secret? There is this little known place with terrain so stellar and snow so thick, that it rounds up a few firsts for ski resorts here in Canada.
Read MoreWhat one receives out of life comes back to how much passion one brings to the table. With the return of Charlie Locke to one of North America’s most iconic snowbound destinations, not only is the passion back at Lake Louise Mountain Resort, its heart and soul is stronger than ever.
Read MoreJASPER, AB — After flying into Edmonton, Alberta after a 12 day tour around the coast of Vancouver Island, I found myself immediately making plans to hit the road again, destination Jasper and Marmot Basin Ski Resort.
Read MoreJASPER, AB — It’s those runs that a lasting impression that most skiers and snowboarders crave.
Read MoreBANFF, AB — Well what can I say. Sunshine Village just never seems to disappoint! But who would be disappointed in mid-May strapped to a snowboard? I certainly can’t think of anyone.
Read MoreBANFF, AB — Even just standing at the lip of it is intimidating. Sunshine Village’s Delirium Dive is infamous amoungst skiers and snowboarders across Canada, and it’s only one of three free ride zones here – the other two being Wild West and Silver City.
Read MoreBANFF, AB — The history of Sunshine Village, found in one of the world’s most recognized parks – Canada’s Banff National – is a storied one. In the early 20s Sunshine Meadows, which is now home to Sunshine Village, had been a popular camping spot.
Read MoreBANFF AB — It’s funny how I get the butterflies, a little nervous to be on the snow. Me! I have been a snowboarder for over eight years now, but I grew up a skier, so once in a while I get to put on the sticks and head out for ski.
Read MoreBANFF, AB — Finally! After a long summer of anticipation I was back on the slopes, cleansing the soul with some crisp mountain air and the incredible views of the Canadian Rockies – and Mother Nature had provided her own present in the form of 11 centimetres of snow over night.
Read MoreBIG WHITE, BC — Minimal traverses and big, big snows make Big White the perfect destination for those of us on a board. This resort, situated about 40 minutes out of Kelowna, British Columbia, was one of the first in Western Canada to welcome snowboarders. With its epic glades, big sweeping runs and stellar terrain it really is a snowboarder’s mountain.
Read MoreKICKING HORSE, BC — When the dinner bell rings at Kicking Horse Resort, there are a few options on how to fuel up, but none will be as uplifting as a visit to Canada’s most elevated dining experience – Eagle’s Eye Restaurant.
KICKING HORSE, BC — In 1883, Sir James Hector, a surveyor with the government, was on assignment to find a way for the railroad to get through the mountains. He was kicked by a horse and presumed dead.
Read MoreKICKING HORSE, BC — The anticipation was as thick as the powder we were all waiting for. It was 8:20 p.m. on a Saturday morning and Kicking Horse Resort was just about ready to crack its season wide open.
KIMBERLEY, BC — If you are in need of a break from skiing or snowboarding, Kimberley offers a number of other outdoor activities including cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, helicoptor tours – even a chance to sleep in an igloo.
Read MoreKIMBERLEY, BC — Tucked away in the East Kootenays in British Columbia is a resort that defies it’s reputation. Part of the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies family, for many, Kimberley Alpine Resort is a family resort and it is – but a family resort that caters to every member of the family, including those who love to dive into chutes and hit the glades.
PANORAMA VILLAGE, BC — It really started to feel like we weren’t in a resort anymore. The run from the summit of Panorama Mountain Resort is so long, at about four miles, and with so much terrain to choose from, it’s easy to escape that "resort" feel.
Read MorePANORAMA, BC — All I could hear was the sound of boots stomping down the hallway – and plenty of laugher. It’s not the sound you want to wake up to when you’ve only been asleep for a couple of hours.
Read MorePOWDER KING, BC — Tucked up in the northeast corner of British Columbia, not far from Prince George, and close to the Alberta border is a place known as Powder King Mountain Resort. It’s a place where many a skier or rider’s powder-filled dreams come true.
Read MorePOWDER KING, BC — Powder King isn’t an easy destination to get to, but if you’re looking to acquire some legendary times in a place that is on the cusp of reality, British Columbia’s Powder King is your destination.
Read MoreRED MOUNTAIN, BC — Rossland, British Columbia, home to Red Mountain Resort, is a town that is stoked in ski history. It was in the late 40s that the first chair lift in Western Canada went in, with remnants that are still there today.
Read MoreRED MOUNTAIN, BC — When I first met Howard Katkov, president and CEO of Red Mountain Ventures in 2005, he and a few others had just bought Red Mountain Resort located deep in British Columbia’s Kootenay Mountains – only a short drive away from the Canadian-US border.
Read MoreTERRACE, BC — Have you ever been swept away by a place so much that you just didn’t want to leave? It’s exactly what happened to my buddy, Dave Wilson on his first trip in a chopper with Northern Escape Heli-Skiing.
Read MoreTERRACE, BC — "Looking back on the perfect powder 8’s that we laid, it was amazing," said a good friend of mine, Julie Henderson after another glorious day with Northern Escape Heli-Skiing (NEH) which is located about 30 minutes outside of Terrace, British Columbia.
Read MoreFERNIE, BC — It’s the only way to stay on top of it – you’ve got to be on a pair of skis or a snowboard.
Read MoreMOUNT WASHINGTON, BC — When someone says the word island to you, do you immediately think of palm trees and a Corona?
Read MoreMOUNT WASHINGTON, BC — A dude walks up to a bar that houses a surf board overhead and orders up a Mai-Tai. He’s geared up in snowboard boots with his deck under his arm; no this is not the start of a bad joke – it’s just another great day at Fat Teddy’s Bar & Grill, found at one of British Columbia’s top ski resorts—Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
Read MoreSUN PEAKS, BC — From past visits to Sun Peaks, located just outside of Kamloops, British Columbia, I concluded it was a nice “family destination.” Oh how wrong I was.
Read MoreSUN PEAKS, BC — Want to give the skis or board a break for awhile, or maybe you don’t even ski or snowboard but you still want to get out and enjoy Mother Nature.
Read MoreUCLUELET, BC — It’s not known as the Wild Pacific Trail for nothing. Set along the shoreline of Ucluelet, British Columbia, visitors will find an accessible hiking trail that will do a whole lot more than just getting them out into the great outoors.
Read MoreUCLUELET, BC — The Village of Ucluelet takes its name from the local tribe which means "the people from the safe harbour" and is home to about 2,000 people. But a ’village’ ... it is anything but.
Read MoreUCLUELET, BC — The west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia is a treasure trove of outstanding adventures that can be had any time of the year.
Read MoreWHISTLER, BC — There are many great debates to have when in Whistler, such as where to party, which restaurant to eat at, which patio to hit for après, but none can be so challenging as standing at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb and making the call on which mountain to hit.
Read MoreLAKE LOUISE, AB — Lake Louise is a premier winter destination offering over 20 outdoor activities; with all the wondrous adventures to be had, finding the right place to reside is integral to achieving your perfect holiday.
Read MoreWhen it comes time to get out and shred some gnar, there are few other places like Lake Louise Ski Area who offer just what anyone needs right where you want it.
Read MoreBANFF, AB — This season has really gotten off to an epic start and with big snow dumps early this season, it means everyone has lots of snow to play in or with, including the terrain park team at Sunshine Village.
Read MoreCASTLE MOUNTAIN, AB — Arriving at Castle Mountain at 9:30 p.m. from the Calgary Airport, I wasn’t able to preview the mountain, so, I went looking for some clues to get an idea of what I was in for.
Read MoreCANMORE, AB — A little over 20 years ago Calgary, Alberta and the surrounding area, including Canmore, welcomed the world during the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Read MoreEDMONTON, AB — Given that I'm a relatively new skier, I'm sure there are some on-hill moments where I look like a baby giraffe that’s escaped from the zoo and has somehow gotten a hold of a pair of skis.
Read MoreMarmot Basin and Jasper, Alberta events and up to date news. Check back and get the latest information regarding what to do on your next Jasper, Alberta ski holiday.
'0' ORDER BY weight ASC")); $links = db_query("SELECT link_title, link_path FROM {menu_links} LEFT JOIN {node} ON substring(link_path, 6) = {node}.nid WHERE plid='{$plid}' AND {node}.status = '1' ORDER BY weight ASC"); while ($this_link = db_fetch_object($links)){ $pathTo = db_result(db_query("SELECT dst FROM {url_alias} WHERE src='{$this_link->link_path}'")); $nid = explode('/', $this_link->link_path); $teaser = db_result(db_query("SELECT teaser FROM {node_revisions} WHERE nid='{$nid['1']}' AND vid=(SELECT vid FROM {node} WHERE nid='{$nid['1']}')")); print "JASPER, AB — As a snow seeker from Edmonton, my attention has been squarely fixed on the slopes of central and southern British Columbia; however, over the last decade, a light has been growing in the corner of my gaze that I can no longer ignore.
Read MoreCANMORE, AB — Hanging from a sheet of ice on the side of a mountain is a pretty gripping experience. For Marco Delesalle, a Canmore-based member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, it's a regular occurrence and one he likes to share with everyone.
Read More'0' ORDER BY weight ASC")); $links = db_query("SELECT link_title, link_path FROM {menu_links} LEFT JOIN {node} ON substring(link_path, 6) = {node}.nid WHERE plid='{$plid}' AND {node}.status = '1' ORDER BY weight ASC"); while ($this_link = db_fetch_object($links)){ $pathTo = db_result(db_query("SELECT dst FROM {url_alias} WHERE src='{$this_link->link_path}'")); $nid = explode('/', $this_link->link_path); $teaser = db_result(db_query("SELECT teaser FROM {node_revisions} WHERE nid='{$nid['1']}' AND vid=(SELECT vid FROM {node} WHERE nid='{$nid['1']}')")); print "
"; } ?>
Read More'0' ORDER BY weight ASC")); $links = db_query("SELECT link_title, link_path FROM {menu_links} LEFT JOIN {node} ON substring(link_path, 6) = {node}.nid WHERE plid='{$plid}' AND {node}.status = '1' ORDER BY weight ASC"); while ($this_link = db_fetch_object($links)){ $pathTo = db_result(db_query("SELECT dst FROM {url_alias} WHERE src='{$this_link->link_path}'")); $nid = explode('/', $this_link->link_path); $teaser = db_result(db_query("SELECT teaser FROM {node_revisions} WHERE nid='{$nid['1']}' AND vid=(SELECT vid FROM {node} WHERE nid='{$nid['1']}')")); print "
"; } ?>
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"; } ?>
Read MoreThe latest info about accommodations, hotels and condos at Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Snowseekers is your source for the latest ski and snowboard resort information.
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"; } ?>
Read MoreThere are several ways to get to Ucluelet, including driving, ferry, private boat, and regular or charter flights. Most visitors, especially those from out of province, start their journey by air landing on Vancouver Island in either Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox, Ucluelet itself or on the mainland in Vancouver. With the exception of Vancouver (add in a 1.5 hour ferry ride), all destinations have easy scenic driving access to Ucluelet.
Read MoreFERNIE, BC — You know you are somewhere incredible when every time you turn around you have to remember to pick your jaw up off the ground. Island Lake Lodge, located just on the outskirts of Fernie, British Columbia, is just such a place.
Read MoreKIMBERLEY, BC — There are almost too many reasons to come to Kimberley: alpine skiing, nordic skiing, ice fishing, fly fishing, white-water rafting, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding, heli tours, and even a mining railway tour.
Read MoreKIMBERLEY, BC — After a long day of shredding at Kimberley Alpine Resort, you want nothing more than to sit back and relax with a heaping pile of nachos, a couple of beers, and some stellar tunes. It’s time to hit up the Stemwinder Bar & Grill.
Read MoreKIMBERLEY, BC — It takes some time to unlock the glory that is found in tree skiing. Some of my happiest days are getting lost within an outstanding gladded run. Off the groomer and into the trees provides a unique look at the snow.
Read MoreFERNIE, BC — With five powder bowls – the most in the Canadian Rockies of any resort – there is a lot to explore when you get to Fernie Alpine Resort, which is located five minutes outside of the City of Fernie, British Columbia.
Read MoreKIMBERLEY, BC — If you’ve spent your winter shredding the mountain on a pair of skis or a snowboard and are looking for a relaxing change of pace, or even if you don’t ski or snowboard at all and just want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, then the Snowshoe Fondue Experience at Kimberley Alpine Resort might be just what you’re looking for.
Read MoreSILVER STAR, BC — The ski industry has changed dramatically since I started skiing; on a dare, riding without poles in a one-piece snowsuit. Leaving Alberta at an early age, my family settled in Armstrong, just outside Vernon, British Columbia in the Okanagan Valley. In those days, the Okanagan’s main industry was not tourism or wine, but logging. The people were all hard working and homes were not strictly used for vacationers from Calgary, Alberta.
There are some people who have discovered the true in-bound treasures the Lake offers, and it's these rarely-accessed gems that keep them coming back every year. If you want to get into some of these unbelievable areas, you're going to have to work for it.
Read MoreWill Colford reveals through his own experience that Lake Louise has a large amount of advanced terrain accessible by lift, located on the backside of the mountain that few people know about.
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"; } ?>
Read MoreFORT SMITH, AB — Now retired from his 'civilian job,' Sonny MacDonald is a larger-than-life, self-taught artist who started carving at the age of seven. Among others, he has done commissioned work for both Pope John Paul II and Prince Phillip of England, but whether it's a commissioned piece or something for a trade show, anyone visiting his workshop can clearly see that MacDonald 'needs to carve.'
Read MoreBIG WHITE, BC — When you step back and take a look at the operation, it’s pretty impressive; no wonder it’s known as Big White Ski Resort. It’s a winter playground home to 118 runs, 460 odd acres of open free ride areas, about a dozen off-slope adventures (be sure to hit the snow coaster), 17,000 pillows and a village chocked full of excellent dining and après offerings.
Read MoreBANFF, AB — I'm a sucker for the underdog. It's why I cheer for the Columbus Blue Jackets and why Rudy is one of the greatest movies ever made. It's for this same reason that I was so excited to hit up Mount Norquay, located less than eight kilometres from the Town of Banff. As it turned out, it's a great place to spend some time during your Banff ski vacation.
Read MoreBANFF, AB — It was Walter Phillips, renowned artist and namesake of the Walter Phillips Gallery in Banff, Alberta, who said, "Water is the most expressive element in nature. It responds to every mood, from tranquility to turbulence."
Read MoreFORT MCMURRAY, AB — Beginning the middle of December a road appears between Fort McMurray, in Alberta's northeastern corner, and Fort Smith in the North West Territories, and every year, by the end of March, it disappears. This road is known as Alberta's Winter Road – and what an adventure it provides for winter enthusiasts looking for something that is truly "off the beaten track."
Read MoreWHITECOURT, AB — Pushing in the throttle is like pushing a weed whacker against my eardrum. My grip tightened as my front skis lift off the snow and my machine left the pack behind. I was snowmobiling in the Alberta capital for snow machine recreation: Whitecourt.
Read MoreCANMORE, AB — My adolescent dream of being a coureur des bois, an unlicensed fur trader navigating the Canadian wilds with nothing more than a pair of snowshoes and a few provisions while circumventing the law, was briefly awakened as I shoed the Lower Lake, Spray Lake, and Hogarth Trail in Canmore, Alberta.
Read MoreFORT CHIPEWYAN, AB — Located 280 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan (or Fort Chip as many call it) is Alberta's oldest European settlement. Established in 1788 by the North West Company, it's location on the northwestern tip of Lake Athabasca plus the convergence of two more bodies of water in the immediate area, the Rocher and Quatre Fourches rivers, made it an ideal site for a fur trading post.
Read MoreFORT MCMURRAY, AB — Alberta's Winter Road begins north of Fort McMurray, but before you hit that wintery trail, spend a few days exploring the many winter adventures that are available in this dynamic city that acts as the urban gateway to Alberta's northeast and beyond.
Read MoreFORT SMITH, NWT — Fort Smith, located just above the Alberta border in the Northwest Territories, is totally different from what I had expected. Than again, I didn't know what I expected, only that I was glad I could finally say, "I've been to the Northwest Territories."
Read MoreFAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS, BC — Some things are inescapably synonymous with one another: peanut butter and jam, Burt and Ernie, Doc Pow and "lovin' life." This season has added another pairing to that list: snowshoes and fondue.
Read MoreFAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS, BC — When I moved to Western Canada six months ago I was incredibly green to ski culture. At the beginning of the season I heard mutterings here and there about the "Ski Gods" and how each winter they bless Western Canada with an incredible season of powder.
Read MorePANORAMA, BC — What's separated me from the rest of the SnowSeekers crew for much of this season has been the fact that for almost every hill we've visited it's been my first time there. This most recent tour saw us hit up Norquay, Fairmont, and finally Panorama, three of the more family-oriented hills in the Canadian Rockies. It was interesting to see how each one did things a little differently.
Read MoreFAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS, BC – It's amazing what possibilities come your way when you simply open yourself up to friendship, that may have sounded a little cheesy, but it's absolutely true.
Read MoreJASPER, AB – Major facelifts for Paradise and Eagle Chalets, a new online reservation system, expanded snowmaking and snow retention, new features added to the Rogers terrain park, and more.
Read MoreFERNIE, BC – SnowSeekers first trip to Fernie this season was absolutely outstanding. Click here to check out all the pow pow to be found at one of British Columbia's greatest ski resorts.
Read MoreBANFF, AB — It’s mid-April and 24º C. I’m wearing the legal limit for clothing, and drinking my beer as fast as I can so it doesn’t get disgustingly warm. Where am I? Honolulu? Nope. Puerto Vallarta? Nuh uh. Believe it or not, I’m sitting on the deck outside of Mad Trapper’s Saloon at the base of Sunshine Village.
Read MoreGOLDEN, BC – Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is about to get sooo much better. Some new terrain is opening this coming season – a fourth bowl – which will add some new powder pathways that are sure to leave us powder hounds with an even wider case of the permagrins.
Read MoreCASTLE MOUNTAIN, AB — The only cat skiing operation in Alberta and one of the few resort-based cat skiing operations in western North America will thrill guests at Castle Mountain Resort again this season.
Read MoreLAKE LOUISE, AB – The next time you’re driving down the highway I want you to consider what it would be like to be outside your vehicle travelling at 110 km/h. Then imagine strapping on a pair of skis and pointing them straight down the side of a mountain at this same speed. Now add another 50 km and you’ll be have an idea of just how fast the world’s best ski racers are.
Read MoreEach of these coupons can be found in our SnowSeekers Go-Guide smartphone application. All you have to do is show the coupon on your phone at one of these businesses, and you get the deal. Pretty simple.
But these coupons aren't just for smartphone users. If you don't own an iPhone, or BlackBerry, or Android, simply click on a coupon below and print it out. Show this printed version the same as you would the digital version, and away you go.
Read MoreAll opinions expressed on SnowSeekers.ca website are solely those of their authors, and do not necessarily reflect those of SnowSeekers.ca. All content appearing on the SnowSeekers.ca website are © copyright of their respective authors or producers and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the author.
Read MoreSnowSeekers.ca does not sell or rent your personal information to anyone. When SnowSeekers.ca does share information, it is of a general nature and does not contain personal information.
Getting there:
With easy air access from many of the major western Canadian cities into the Terrace Regional Airport, a short 30 minute drive will soon ensconce you in lodges that are the definition of luxury, Northern Escape Heli-Skiing provides the ultimate heli-ski experience.
The terrain:
Read MoreTemperature outlook – Freezing levels are currently hovering near 1200m (mid mountain) and are expected to remain steady throughout the week.
Forecasted snow – A small storm is expected to move in tomorrow bringing 5-10cm (2-4 inches) followed by sunny breaks Wednesday before another storm rolls in on Thursday bringing upwards of 20cm (8 inches) by the end of this week.
Current snow line – accumulations to near the middle of Wizard Express on Blackcomb or Fitzsimmons Express on Whistler
New snow / Base – A storm delivered around 15cm (6 inches) of new snow over the last couple of days with a current snow base of 68cm (27 inches) as measured at the Pig Alley weather station at 1650m on Whistler Mountain. In the high alpine accumulations are sitting at over 100cm+ (40 inches)
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 Photo courtesy of Doug MacFarlane |
 Photo courtesy of Doug MacFarlane |
 Photo courtesy of Doug MacFarlane |
PEACE RIVER, AB — My last Alberta road trip started off as it usually does. My boyfriend and I have our heads in a map, determining which secondary highway or off-the-beaten-path route we are going to take.
Read MoreTest - Check back for updates and the latest info about skiing and snowboarding at Big White ski resort in British Columbia. Snowseekers is your source for the latest ski and snowboard resort information. - Test
Read MoreThe latest info about skiing and snowboarding at Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Snowseekers is your source for the latest ski and snowboard resort information.
Read More |
Marmot Basin got hit with a whopping 25 cm of snow last night!
While work crews are busy making final preparations for Marmot’s November 11 opening, local skiers and snowboarders woke up to a big surprise: snow covered peaks in all directions. “There’s nothing like a huge snowstorm in mid October to get our local skiers and boarders fired up”, said Brian Rode, Marmot’s VP of Marketing and Sales. This is shaping up to be a repeat performance of last season when we had record snowfall in October and November”, added Rode.
Marmot ski patrol and lift maintenance crews are getting the mountain ready for opening day and, while the snow that blankets the mountain will force them to make some changes to their work schedule, it will not slow them down. It just means that some of their work will now be done on skis and snowmobiles rather than on foot or by truck, something no one here is complaining about!
Read More'0' ORDER BY weight ASC")); $links = db_query("SELECT link_title, link_path FROM {menu_links} LEFT JOIN {node} ON substring(link_path, 6) = {node}.nid WHERE plid='{$plid}' AND {node}.status = '1' ORDER BY weight ASC"); while ($this_link = db_fetch_object($links)){ $pathTo = db_result(db_query("SELECT dst FROM {url_alias} WHERE src='{$this_link->link_path}'")); $nid = explode('/', $this_link->link_path); $teaser = db_result(db_query("SELECT teaser FROM {node_revisions} WHERE nid='{$nid['1']}' AND vid=(SELECT vid FROM {node} WHERE nid='{$nid['1']}')")); print "
"; } ?>
Read MorePlease fill in your email address here and we will remove you from our mailing list.
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'; } else { echo "Thank you for answering $poll_answer"; $file=fopen('sites/snowseekers.ca/files/polls/answers.csv',"a"); fwrite($file, "$ip, $poll_answer, $name, $email, $city, $country, $age, $phone"); fwrite($file, "\n"); fclose($file); } // This function generously provided by linuxjournal.com // http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/9585 function check_email_address($email) { // First, we check that there's one @ symbol, // and that the lengths are right. if (!ereg("^[^@]{1,64}@[^@]{1,255}$", $email)) { // Email invalid because wrong number of characters // in one section or wrong number of @ symbols. return false; } // Split it into sections to make life easier $email_array = explode("@", $email); $local_array = explode(".", $email_array[0]); for ($i = 0; $i < sizeof($local_array); $i++) { if (!ereg("^(([A-Za-z0-9!#$%&'*+/=?^_`{|}~-][A-Za-z0-9!#$%& ‚Ü™'*+/=?^_`{|}~\.-]{0,63})|(\"[^(\\|\")]{0,62}\"))$", $local_array[$i])) { return false; } } // Check if domain is IP. If not, // it should be valid domain name if (!ereg("^\[?[0-9\.]+\]?$", $email_array[1])) { $domain_array = explode(".", $email_array[1]); if (sizeof($domain_array) < 2) { return false; // Not enough parts to domain } for ($i = 0; $i < sizeof($domain_array); $i++) { if (!ereg("^(([A-Za-z0-9][A-Za-z0-9-]{0,61}[A-Za-z0-9])| ‚Ü™([A-Za-z0-9]+))$", $domain_array[$i])) { return false; } } } return true; } ?>
Contest Regulations:
**Prizes must be accepted as awarded. No age restrictions. Arrangements for prize picked up MUST be made within 10 days. By entering this contest, you acknowledge that you may receive from time to time, by e-mail, information about the respective sponsors listed on this page. You may unsubscribe at any time upon receiving an e-newsletter.
Read More Marmot Basin on Sept. 20, 2010. The mid-mountain snow fall was approximately 12 cms. Photo courtesy of Marmot Basin |
Canada’s most elevated ski area, Jasper’s Marmot Basin, received over 10 cms of snow on Monday, and higher elevations received a significant amount more than that.
At 1,700 metres, Marmot boasts the highest base elevation of all Canadian ski resorts, meaning it often gets large amounts of snow when it's raining down in the Athabasca Valley and the town of Jasper. That was exactly the case this week when a mix of rain and snow fell on the valley floor while heaps of wet, white snow fell on the mountain slopes.
Last winter Marmot opened on November 11, its earliest opening date ever, with ideal snow conditions. So far this fall is shaping up to deliver a repeat performance. Our fingers are crossed that this season can start off even better, and we can help break Marmot’s record setting year for attendance (last season).
“I think this snow is here to stay”, predicted an optimistic Brian Rode, Marmot’s VP of marketing and sales. “We may still get some warm weather, but given that it’s nearing the end of September, I am quite sure this is the beginning of a very good base layer.”
Marmot Basin is once again targeting November 11 as the opening day of the season, only 49 days from today. For a preview of what to expect this season, check out this photo from just a few days ago.
Read More
'; } else if ((!$_REQUEST["name"]) || (!$_REQUEST["email"]) || (!$_REQUEST["city"]) || (!$_REQUEST["country"]) || (!$_REQUEST["phone"]) || (!check_email_address($email))){ echo '
***You must fill in fields marked with a star (*).***
'; if (!check_email_address($email)) { echo '
***Your email address must be in the form emailname@somehost.com. For example, dano@snowseekers.ca***
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'; } else { echo "Thank you for entering!"; $file=fopen('sites/snowseekers.ca/files/contests/revycontest.csv',"a"); fwrite($file, "$ip, $name, $email, $city, $country, $age, $phone"); fwrite($file, "\n"); fclose($file); } // This function generously provided by linuxjournal.com // http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/9585 function check_email_address($email) { // First, we check that there's one @ symbol, // and that the lengths are right. if (!ereg("^[^@]{1,64}@[^@]{1,255}$", $email)) { // Email invalid because wrong number of characters // in one section or wrong number of @ symbols. return false; } // Split it into sections to make life easier $email_array = explode("@", $email); $local_array = explode(".", $email_array[0]); for ($i = 0; $i < sizeof($local_array); $i++) { if (!ereg("^(([A-Za-z0-9!#$%&'*+/=?^_`{|}~-][A-Za-z0-9!#$%& ‚Ü™'*+/=?^_`{|}~\.-]{0,63})|(\"[^(\\|\")]{0,62}\"))$", $local_array[$i])) { return false; } } // Check if domain is IP. If not, // it should be valid domain name if (!ereg("^\[?[0-9\.]+\]?$", $email_array[1])) { $domain_array = explode(".", $email_array[1]); if (sizeof($domain_array) < 2) { return false; // Not enough parts to domain } for ($i = 0; $i < sizeof($domain_array); $i++) { if (!ereg("^(([A-Za-z0-9][A-Za-z0-9-]{0,61}[A-Za-z0-9])| ‚Ü™([A-Za-z0-9]+))$", $domain_array[$i])) { return false; } } } return true; } ?>
Contest Regulations:
**Prizes must be accepted as awarded. Must be 18 years of age to enter. Arrangements for prize picked up MUST be made within 10 days. By entering this contest, you acknowledge that you may receive from time to time, by e-mail, information about the respective sponsors listed on this page. You may unsubscribe at any time upon receiving an e-newsletter.
Read More Doc Pow cuts some stellar lines in a blanket of champagne powder. DOC POW/SnowSeekers |
If it wasn’t snowing 20 centimetres a night that season, there was something wrong. From what we’ve been hearing here at SnowSeekers, the 2010/2011 season could be just like what we experienced 11 years ago.
Folks in Nelson, British Columbia are saying the rabbits are putting on an extra furry coat, while people out in Eastern Canada are seeing high numbers of wolley worms. Folks, including the Farmers Almanac, are calling for the return of La Nina. Could it be?
The season of 1998/99 is the year I picked up snowboarding. My first day official day snowboarding was actually a night, a night that was powder-packed with over 72 cms on the ground. With the return of La Nina this coming season, it gets a guy like me really, really stoked. Oh boy, did everyone pack their snorkel gear in 98/99!
That legendary season I was working up at Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver, and was in my office through the day with a radio on my desk; that radio helped me monitor when we might be opening (we’d been closed for two days due to the massive blizzard). Patrol made the call that afternoon around 4 p.m. that they were opening for night skiing around 7 p.m. that night. I immediately got on the phone to my buddy ‘Brownie’ down in the city not saying much other than, “Dude, you gotta get up here.” Brownie was there and we set out in this big white bliss.
When you land in a pillow of powder, and it’s over 76 cms (2.5 feet) deep, you’re left with a sensation that is hard to describe. But what I can say is it leaves you with the most incredible feeling of your life.
Brownie was similar to I. He’d only been boarding once before too, but that night was one of those nights that will do down as history, actually the entire season will. Working to get the groove on a snowboard is pretty easy when the bailouts let you down gentle with a big “poof” into a big white fluffy pillow. That season Cypress came second in the world to the highest snow fall for a season – 2891 cms (that’s around 95 feet). We started calling the road up to the ski resort Cypress Canyon Road, as on either side were about seven metre snow banks!
As referenced in this recent Whitewater blog – it talks about why the rabbits are bustin’ out their best white coats and the wolley worms are a sign things are about to get white.
Let ‘er snow, let ‘er snow.
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Stay Tuned starting February 11 through March 1 the SnowSeekers team will be live from Whistler/Vancouver to bring you our look at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
This coverage will include:
Daily video blogs at http://www.youtube.com/user/SnowSeekersInc
Engaging stories via our blog at www.snowseekersblog.blogspot.com
Facebook updates on www.facebook.com/snowseekers
Twitter updates at www.twitter.com/doc_pow
and lots of incredible photos.
Starting February 11th this page at www.snowseekers.ca/olympics will bring you the action with feeds from all of the above. Don’t miss out on any of the action, bookmark this page today and be sure to subscribe to follow the feeds above.
Came across this pretty cool video by Nuulife Cinema called It's Winter.
With each Fall season the people of Whistler wait for the first snow to hit the ground and the chance to get out and shred. Well, the snow is here and there is a ton of it. The wait is over and your powder dreams have become reality once again.
Whistler's supposed to get 70+ cms of snow this week. If you still need a kick in the @$$, check this out.
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'; } else if ((!$_REQUEST["on_hill_apres"]) || (!$_REQUEST["name"]) || (!$_REQUEST["email"]) || (!$_REQUEST["city"]) || (!$_REQUEST["country"]) || (!$_REQUEST["phone"]) || (!check_email_address($email))){ echo '
***You must fill in fields marked with a star (*).***
'; if (!check_email_address($email)) { echo '
***Your email address must be in the form emailname@somehost.com. For example, dano@snowseekers.ca***
'; } echo '
'; } else { echo "Thank you for answering $poll_answer"; $file=fopen('sites/snowseekers.ca/files/polls/newanswers.csv',"a"); fwrite($file, "$ip, $poll_answer, $name, $email, $city, $country, $age, $phone"); fwrite($file, "\n"); fclose($file); } // This function generously provided by linuxjournal.com // http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/9585 function check_email_address($email) { // First, we check that there's one @ symbol, // and that the lengths are right. if (!ereg("^[^@]{1,64}@[^@]{1,255}$", $email)) { // Email invalid because wrong number of characters // in one section or wrong number of @ symbols. return false; } // Split it into sections to make life easier $email_array = explode("@", $email); $local_array = explode(".", $email_array[0]); for ($i = 0; $i < sizeof($local_array); $i++) { if (!ereg("^(([A-Za-z0-9!#$%&'*+/=?^_`{|}~-][A-Za-z0-9!#$%& ‚Ü™'*+/=?^_`{|}~\.-]{0,63})|(\"[^(\\|\")]{0,62}\"))$", $local_array[$i])) { return false; } } // Check if domain is IP. If not, // it should be valid domain name if (!ereg("^\[?[0-9\.]+\]?$", $email_array[1])) { $domain_array = explode(".", $email_array[1]); if (sizeof($domain_array) < 2) { return false; // Not enough parts to domain } for ($i = 0; $i < sizeof($domain_array); $i++) { if (!ereg("^(([A-Za-z0-9][A-Za-z0-9-]{0,61}[A-Za-z0-9])| ‚Ü™([A-Za-z0-9]+))$", $domain_array[$i])) { return false; } } } return true; } ?>
Contest Regulations:
**Prizes must be accepted as awarded. Must be 18 years of age to enter. Arrangements for prize picked up MUST be made within 10 days. By entering this contest, you acknowledge that you may receive from time to time, by e-mail, information about the respective sponsors listed on this page. You may unsubscribe at any time upon receiving an e-newsletter.
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Starting Tuesday, October 19th, head to the SnowSeekers Facebook page for your chance to get in on a sweet ticket giveaway. Every Tuesday from now until the end of the season, we'll be giving away a pair (and sometimes a few pairs!) of tickets to any Ski Big 3 resort – winner's choice.
We'll be doing contests via our fan page each week to determine who brings home the prizes. There'll be photo contests, scavenger hunts, video contests, and more. This Tuesday (Oct. 19), we're kicking things off with a day-long trivia event, where we'll be posting 1 question an hour for 8 hours, and the person (or people) with the most correct answers wins a pair of tickets, to be redeemed at any time through the season.
Tell your friends, tell your family, tell your dog if he has a facebook account. And make sure you "Like" the SnowSeekers page, because you can't win unless you're a fan.
See you this Tuesday, and even better, see you at a Ski Big 3 resort this season.
Think snow!
Read MoreThe resorts and communities of British Columbia offer some epic winter events.
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How up-to-date is the information on each resort?What kinds of off-hill activities are featured in the guides?Do the guides contain information related to the 2010 Olympics?What information is included on the "Mountain" section of each guide?Are there links to each accommodation/restaurant/store?
Sign-up for the “Seeker”, SnowSeekers’ newsletter and enter the contest for a chance to be a exclusive SnowSeeker Correspondent at the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler BC April xx-xx.
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Mt. Norquay delivers one sweet ride
VIDEO: The Snow Show - Banff episode
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With the way the current weather system is hitting Whistler, the conditions for skiing and riding are getting better and better every day.
Whistler Blackcomb has a current snow base of 137 cms with total of 266 cms (8.7 feet) snow so far this season. The forecast is calling for more snow to hit Whistler Blackcomb today, followed by sunny skies; it doesn't get much better than that!
 Photo courtesy of Logan Swayze |
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| Snow Valley in Edmonton | CLOSED |
| Castle Mountain | CLOSED (April 5th) |
| Nakiska | April 11th |
| Mt. |
From sporting and cultural events to fantastic finds for anyone visiting Whistler anytime, the SnowSeeker team covered it all.
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Instead of throwing out a list of adjectives about Whistler Blackcomb and what it's like to work there, I'm going to, instead, say to you, "Why in the hell wouldn't you want to work at Whistler Blackcomb!!"
The only thing about skiing/boarding 8,171 acres of the best powder on the PLANET, is getting paid to do it. Yeah.
It's not just a job, it's a frickin' sweet job.
Before applying, you should be aware of the following:
1. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada (i.e. have a valid work permit, permanent residency or Canadian citizenship)
2. You must be present in Whistler for the interview process.
3. You can apply for up to three positions at a time (this is not mandatory). However, you will only be considered for one position at a time.
4. If you have any recruiting related questions/inquiries, or are experiencing any problems copying and pasting your resume, please contact Employee Experience at 604-938-7557 or employeeexperience@intrawest.com
5. If a position is classified as "INTERNAL ONLY", you must currently be working for Whistler Blackcomb or you must have worked for Whistler Blackcomb within the last 18 months.
PLEASE NOTE: All Whistler Blackcomb employees must provide a satisfactory criminal record check when hired.
All Whistler Blackcomb postings show a closing date; however, depending on the volume of applications received, a position may close early. If a closing date shows April 16th, note the posting will actually close on April 15th at midnight. So we strongly recommend that you apply for a position as soon as you see it, to avoid missing out on the opportunity.
For a complete listing of available jobs, CLICK HERE.
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Hopefully you've experienced it in YOUR boots. I know I have. It's known as "powder euphoria", and if your not careful it will do you in. It's a feeling when your out ripping through the trees or in a massive powder bowl, to where nothing else exists except the present moment in time, where your surfing or shredding this white fluffy cloud. The thing you gotta watch for...is of corse your line. You can get so caught up in the moment, that you don't even realize what your heading for. While hitting some glade runs in Panorama off of "View of 1000 Peaks" , we found our fall line heading into a canyon cliff with a 65 foot drop. Good thing Doc Pow was leading the way. He made some heavy turns up ahead to avoid this drop and as I came up to his tracks and looked over the side I couldn't help but snap a pic. KNOW YOU LINE!
Located in Terrace BC is the planets LARGEST heli-ski tenure. Northern Escape Heli-Ski is an amazing place. The tenure is a quarter of the size of Switzerland. Leaving what seems like an infinite amount of terrain to shred. Unfortunately the weather has not been co-operating this morning. We are here on assignment to get coverage on the 4 day doctor conference. Doctors from all over sign up for this educational adventure to gain credits, and at the same time get some amazing turns in. The skies seem to be clearing. Hopefully we can get some good footy today up there. Stay tuned!
Read MoreYesterday was a great success. The conferences went well, and more importantly the docs got to go shred the hill all day!. They came back tired as hell with empty belly's and full cameras. Which translates into work for me! I put together a little slideshow for them to watch at breakfast this morning and it was a hit! Today they are off again and I would assume to have some more footage and pictures to play with when they arrive. In the mean time, I'm off to shames mountain with Doc Pow and a couple other physicians to shred the gnar! enjoy.
Read MoreSo this is it! Unfortunately I'm off today to the coast. Great time with the doctors. The conferences were very interesting, and a pleasure to shoot. Its puking snow again, hopefully they get out in the chopper for a few last turns before they take off tonight. Yesterday they got a full day in, which means I got to make another little something for them. They took more video this time which was great. Unfortunately I was unable to go up with them! blast! haha oh well. I got some turns in at Shames Mountain. Interesting terrain there. Very soft powder though. Anyways, the breakfast bell is ringing. Enjoy.
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SO I've had quite the amazing last couple days. To start off I got to see the ocean for the first time on a little solo assignment shooting a segment on BC Ferry's. The ferry runs from Prince Rupert along the west coast all the way down to Port Hardy. From there I picked Jim up at the airport in Campbell River. STELLAR DRIVE through Vancouver Island. From Campbell we drove 3 hours to a town call Ucluelet. Rad town to say the least. Total surf town. The surf shop doesn't close down for the winter, as the best waves here are IN the winter. Pretty crazy. We got geared up with some wet suits and some board courtesy of Inner Rhythm Surf Shop and off we went. Hitting the water with a board for the first time was an amazing experience. I knew the water was salt water. But its HONESTLY super salty, I was amazed. The scenery here is crazy. It doesn't even feel like I'm in Canada. Its so green, and rich, and it looks so foreign. Pretty rad. Anyways were rained in rite now, we were suppose to go shoot some surfing with some dudes from Inner Rhythm but being the rain capital of the WORLD, time will tell when were able to grab some good footy. Stay tuned!. ALSO a new video has been posted on the SnowSeekers site. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Be sure to check it out!! http://www.snowseekers.ca
Out of Ucluelet and onto the ski hill. The ocean is only visible now from the top of Mount Washington. Were here now, back to the normal game of SnowSeekers to bring you a segment on Mount Washington Alpine Resort. I cant help but keep looking back at all the surf pics and the clips of footage we got. Jim bought a rad little camera thats waterproof so we took er' for a spin! I put together a little video to show what we were up to splashin around in the Pacific. Special thanks to Inner Rhythm Surf Shop for all the surf gear and especially Mark for those crucial lessons! They came in pretty handy, tho the video will display otherwise. Let it be known that there WAS some waves to be stood on by the two of us haha. Another thanks to the Surfs Inn for letting us crash there for a couple nights while in town. Enjoy the video! Back to snow, check out the new Panorama video at www.snowseekers.ca
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As mentioned below in my last post, one of the stellar things
about Nothern Escape's annual steep camp program is the education that comes with it.
"We pass along this eduction because then people can be aware of their skiing, the terrain and make the most of it," explainsYvan Sabourin, 12 year mountain ski guide with Northern Escape.
For my buddy Michael Grand, a big lesson was learned about looking before your leaping, as the guides lead us off with the words, “ok so I want you to just get out on this slope and take which ever line you think is the right one.” Grand, a first time backcountry skier, charged over a lip where you couldn’t see to the other side only to be in one of those, “oh shi*t” moments dropping I’d say about 15 feet into a creek bed and into asizeable hole. A double eject later and a strong sense of pride missing, Grand was back, with that lesson learned. “You want to establish the run before you and asses which hazards could be out there, if you just ski into it blindly, that is where you can get into trouble. Always look before you leap," says John Forrest, anouther of Northern Escape's stellar guides.
Some big lessons came into play yesterday morning, when they took us to one of the venues to be featured in this fall's release of Standard Film's Black Winter. This one was all about how to read the terrain and prepare yourself for potential sluff hazards. Sluff is the small stream of snow that can come loose as a skier or shredder makes their traverse.
“On a particular slope you can give a big cut turn, I’d say on anything with an over 45 grade pitch. Do a big wide cut turn on top of it and continue to ski out to the side. You could experience a sluffslide, wait for it to run out and than which will clear the way for your turns below," explainedSabourin. "Should you get caught in it, work your best to ski out to the side." As he explained, even this little stuff can really get you in trouble.
As for the run from the top its was gnarly, big mountain riding at its best, two shoots, some trees and a few major cliffs to avoid but all us steep campers made it out in one piece, all fully charged to get up and do it all again.
It's stellar this is five days...lots more ops to shred some more gnar!
doc pow over and out
http://www.snowseekers.ca/
On our tour through Southern Alberta, we had the luxury of hitting this place up. Castle Mountain Resort prints "powder to share" on their lift tickets, and they aren't kidding. When we got in the first night, there was this hilarious staff party going on at the T-Bar pub and grub located at the bottom of the hill. These guys were awesome, they have a themed party every other wednesday. This party was themed 80's night. Twister was rockin' and so was the rest of the clan. This place isn't just a great night scene, but for apres after a hard day of riding you can't go wrong either. Their pizza is definitely something to write home about. On the hill is just as good. The mountain sits rite along the continental divide with some epic views to say the least. They recently installed a new chairlift opening up a wealth of terrain for the resort. You can't go wrong at Castle. See for yourself, watch the video on our website! www.snowseekers.ca
Well what can I say. Mount Washington was another amazing experience to tack onto the west coast tour. We hit the slopes with a fellow snow seeking friend Brent from Mount Washington Alpine Resort. We toured around the mountain with him all morning, filming the good stuff Mount Washington has to offer. Came across some pretty rad stuff! Jim and Brent hiked up this steep slope on a run off the Boomerang chair so I could get a nice shot. Successful ski tour to say the least. I love these ski tours. While I'm out there filming, its like being on a giant location scout for the runs I want to hit on my free time. Brent took us over to the Outback. This has the gnarliest runs of them all. With a massive dump of snow a couple days before, shredding the trees of runs like 
Billabong and the Copper Glades was ridiculous. Being my first actual double black diamond runs I was amped as hell. If hit some pretty steep terrain at Kicking Horse. But hiking past a double black diamond sign and dropping into a chute as wide as something like my car is defiantly something to write home about, and I don't drive a limo. After a gnarly day on the hill, why not go down to the Crown Isle Golf Club and shoot some balls? Can it get any better. I don't even golf, and I knew I was getting myself into something really cool. One second I'm dropping into some double diamond glades, and the next me and the Doc are shooting 9 at Crown Isle. I'll stop bragging now. Anyways make sure you check out the video! It turned out well.---->snowseekers<------
Only about half an hour away from beautiful Kamloops, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort is quite the site to see. Three mountains for one ski resort. Are you serious? We got the chance to get out with Senator Nancy Greene to show us some of her favorite spots on this wicked mountain, and really show us what makes Sun Peaks shine. Epic views into foggy valleys as you burn down their wide open groomers is a sensational experience, but ripping down the crystal bowl's intense moguls is a whole nether story. Two mountains chalked with steep terrain and epic glades not good enough? Ride down to the bridge crosswalk and head up to Mount Morrisey for even more action. Special thanks to Nancy and the crew at Sun Peaks for making the experience happen. Read more about the trip -->here<---
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Welcome to The Olympic Snowleopard Challenge.
On behalf of the Ghana Ski Team and one of the UK's premier adventure tour operations entitled the Base Camp Group are introducing the Olympic Snowleopard Challenge 2009.
For those on that side of the pond, this year’s competition will be held at The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead on the 15th of August. The event which begins at 5pm will feature a dual slalom with the usual overdose of prizes.
About The Event
The Challenge has evolved over the last 4 years, doubling in competitor size from 2005 with 40 competitors and between 100 - 150 friends/family members watching (excluding the general public).
In 2007 the event attracted over 200 people. After a year break the challenge is back and this year we are expecting over 100 athletes, their families, media/press, charities and sponsors.
The challenge is a dual slalom race for both skiers and boarders. The event program will have:
1. A dual slalom race.
2. Followed by a catwalk show.
3. Then the prize ceremony.
4. Lastly, the after event party (a chance to relax after a hectic race evening).
for more info visit http://www.basecampgroup.com/content/view/147/212/
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When you hear the word snowleopard many of us would think of an elusive mountain cat, but did you think he could ski?
Hailing out of Ghana - within the African continent, is Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong who carries the aka of the SnowLeopard. And after a stellar season this past on the international slalom circut, we need to re-phrase this alias to The Olympic SnowLeopard.
Western Canada will roar with the leopard's presence as he arrives to rip the slopes of Whistler for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Kwame a father of two, has spent the last four years in pursuit of his goal, to ski in one of the world's most elite group of skiers.
Keep you eye on this leopard- he is skiing places.
Some of Kwame's sponsors include adventure training specialists The Base Camp Group and Italian and ski helmet producer Beori.
SnowSeekers has sealed a deal with The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. We're set to move operations into their Duncan McNeill Centre for Innovation Sept 1 '09. We'll be stationed close to the pub, the gym and it allows us to work with some of the top students from the world of digital media. Some very exciting results for SnowSeekers every where.
Although working from home IS nice, it will be good to get up and GO to work.
Now that that's settled, we just need some snow so I can really get down to business!
Not that this should come off as a commercial.
but I am pretty stoked on this westjet care-ante- if you get snowed in you get to stay another night and ski the next day- with westjet picking up the tab for the overnight....
now you just have to explain it to the boss - label it a "call in well" day......
Jasper’s Marmot Basin ski resort is completing the next phase of one of Canada’s most significant ski lift development projects for the winter of 2009/2010 – the in stallation of 26 towers which will support The Canadian Rockies Express, the longest new high-speed quad chairlift in the Alberta Canadian Rocky Mountains. “It’s an incredibly exciting project which is going to take Marmot into the 21st Century,” said Dave Gibson, President of Marmot Basin. “I am thrilled to be able to work with the very proactive shareholders who purchased Marmot Basin five years ago. This new $8 million dollar expenditure, in addition to the $8 million the shareholders have spent on operational and capital expenditures over the last five years, will certainly enhance the overall experience for our skiers and boarders.” The new lift has a slope length of approximately 2,300 meters and a vertical rise of 596 meters. The bottom terminal will be at the base of the lower mountain adjacent to the existing Eagle Express quad chair terminal. The lift will whisk 2,400 passengers per hour from the lower base area and unload them adjacent to the top of the Paradise chair. With an 800 horse power, top-drive engine and a design speed of 5.08 meters per second (1,000 ft/min), skiers and riders can sit back and enjoy the 7.5 minute ride plus the magnificent scenery of the surrounding mountains that make up Jasper National Park. For more information on The Canadian Rockies Express, please contact Brian Rode at 1-866-952-3816 or HYPERLINK "mailto:brrode@skimarmot.com"brrode@skimarmot.com
This video shows a wide variety of winter adventures to be had in Western Canada.
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh2c6OPvovM
Jackson Hole, WY (Sept 2009) - Re:Session, the latest ski & snowboard film by Teton Gravity Research (TGR), is now available and on tour . This past Saturday, TGR presented the world debut of the film in their own backyard of Jackson Hole, WY. Stoked on by the energy of a sold-out crowd of thousands of snow-crazed enthusiasts, the film kicked off with a smashing debut and raging after-party. In attendance was media from around the country, a star-studded roster of the film’s athletes and, of course, the TGR filmmakers and crew who made it all happen.
Check TetonGravity.com to see when the Re:Session World Tour hits your neck of the woods. There are a limited number of complimentary VIP tickets available for media and industry friends.
September 23, 2009, Revelstoke, BC: Skiing Magazine recently released their 2010 Resort Awards and a new favourite was listed in the top five for “Best Overall Resort” – Revelstoke. The ratings, based on results by reader polls ranks resorts based on terrain, snow, backcountry access, trees, nightlife and parks, with the most prestigious ranking listing the “Best Overall Resort.”
New for the 09-10 season Revelstoke Mountain Resort is launching the Revelstoke Outdoors Centre (ROC), bringing together the industry’s top ski and boarding pros with guiding excellence. Programs include avalanche skills courses, guided backcountry/slackcountry trips, Cat-Heli Prep sessions and specialty education options.
Also new this winter, Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing is expanding its programs to include more customized options, one of which is to fly directly from the Nelsen Lodge, at the base of RMR. Guests will be able to walk out the door of their suite into their waiting A-Star helicopter. The new luxury hotel features studio to four bedroom suites and is available now. Bookings can be made online atwww.thenelsenlodge.com.
To learn more about Revelstoke click here!
This is CRAZY! If I wasn't so busy seeking some snow of my own this winter, I would be ALL over this. What an opportunity.
Top Ski Resort gives away once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
Sun Peaks Resort launches video competition for an all-inclusive season on the slopes
Sun Peaks, BC - Sun Peaks Resort is excited to announce a once-in-a-lifetime competition, I want to be the Snow Bum, giving snow-lovers the chance to win an all-inclusive stay in the mountains for the entire 2009/2010 Winter Season.
One lucky skier or snowboarder will spend the ski season (three months) at BC’s second largest ski area, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling or even dog sledding! The competition winner will be provided with a season’s pass for the mountains, food vouchers, accommodation in a number of Sun Peak’s finest hotels, plus equipment and outerwear. The winner will also enjoy a wide range of additional perks including VIP and backstage passes to resort events and functions.
Potential snow bums can win this opportunity to shred all winter by simply submitting a 60-second video showcasing their wit, charisma, love of mountains, and the ability to make the most of this spectacular adventure. The competition is open to any intermediate skier or snowboarder over 19 years, anywhere in the world.
HOW CRAZY IS THAT!!!
so if you have some videos. UPLOAD THEM TO THIS LINK www.snowbumcanada.com by Sunday, November 15.
Get filming! I heard kicking horse and Revelstoke already got some snow!
Just when the weather gets right, the skies bring snow. It’s a white reset to our year and a brilliant chance to re-connect with nature. The hint of the white stuff coming our way gives me butterflies, getting stoked for another season of epic lines and incredible finds. It's a zest in the air that adds a spring to the step, the season is approaching.
This year’s addition of the farmer’s almanac is calling for a precipitation here out in Western Canada that is to be above average. The annual publication calls for some big snow through November, into January and through March. It’s a stellar forecast that can be found athttp://www.almanac.com/weather/longrange.
Andrew Rushyck over at Castle Mountain in Pincher Creek Alberta was pretty happy with the size of the berries at this year’s annual Huckleberry Festival. In the past 10 years, it’s a theory that has never let him down, “when you see the berry’s this fat and juicy, it's traditionally meant lots of snow is on the way,” said Rushyck.
While in I was in Whistler two months ago for the Canadian Ski Council Meetings, a meteorologist from Environment Canada was calling for another El Nino year with more precipitation and some higher than expected snowfalls for us here in the West.
Sound’s like we all may want to keep our snorkel gear handy.
If you are looking for info on where you may want to travel to this season, hit us up at http://www.snowseekers.ca/
Watch for our SnowSeekers Go-Guides launching this season for your iPhone or Blackberry.
Don't forget to become a follower on our blog here so we can keep you up to date with all the latest and greatest happenings from the world of winter.
Let ‘er snow, let ‘er snow
Doc Pow
The Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance clicks in with SnowSeekers and NAIT.EDMONTON, October 9, 2009 – A three way collaboration between some of Canada’s finest educators will see the development of a motivational and inspiring documentary. The Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA) has contracted SnowSeekers, a snow minded new media company, to produce the film.
“We want to show people how available skiing is, how fun the sport can be and how accessible it is for everyone regardless of where you are from or what background you bring to the slopes. We see this film as a huge opportunity to bring all of these factors to light and we, as the part of the industry, share a common goal in introducing and developing the sport of skiing within our communities,” explains Brahm Reinblatt, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the CSIA. The film will profile the CSIA’s Skier Progression program, allowing for a fun and safe environment while learning to ski.
The 12-minute film and three-minute internet piece, will profile a girl of ethnic background and her toils and triumphs in learning to ski, a journey that covers day one through to enjoying the mountains for her first time.
“As a filmmaker I want this documentary to inspire people of all cultures and ethnic backgrounds to get out and take ski lessons. If nothing else get out and experience winter. I want to make it clear that anyone can do anything they want if they put their mind to it,” explains SnowSeekers’ Photography Director and NAIT digital media graduate, Brandon Boucher.
Production for the piece begins mid-November for release February 1, 2010.
Live on the Powder Highway this season.
Found in the interior of BC, The Powder Highway is made up by seven resorts including Red Mountain, WhiteWater, Fernie, Kimberley, Panorama, Kicking Horse and Revelstoke. For the full lowdown on all these destinations and more consult our website at www.snowseekers.ca
If you are looking to win your way onto the higway this season, check out this short video....
I am not kidding, this literally could be the best contest ever produced by Kootenay Rockies Tourism:
br />
good luck
If you haven't yet, please consult www.avalanche.ca for the latest in their course offerings and get educated.
As much as we all love to run around and play in the mountains - we have to know how they work and what dangers can await.
This is a video showing a burial and recovery of an avy victim....it makes your stomach turn, while at the same time it really makes you want to get out and get educated.
Notice that upon finding the victim they DO NOT move him- the last thing you'd ever want to do if your buddy has a spinal injury is yank on their arm or neck until you completely uncover him and than assess any potential injuries.
Avalanche Skier POV Helmet Cam Burial & Rescue in Haines, Alaska from Chappy on Vimeo.
October 27, 2009 Revelstoke, BC – With 51cm of new snow on the mountain and more snow in the forecast later this week, it is shaping up for a great winter at Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
“Staff are wading through over 50cm of snow in The Ripper area as it is a north-facing aspect,” said Steve Parsons, Director of Mountain Operations. “At the weather station at 1950 meters we’ve measured 51 cm of new snow and the freezing levels are expected to stay at about 1000 metres which is ideal conditions to keep snow on the mountain.”
Learn more about Revelstoke here.
And if that doesn't excite you. Check out Sun Peaks!
Sun Peaks Sports Director Alain Brunelle tested the powder up at Sun Peaks this morning. The last couple days have brought 40cm of snow, bringing the base at Sun Peaks to 70cm! More storms are on the way, with snow expected Wednesday night, Thursday, and Saturday this week.
Learn more about Sun Peaks here.
How sweet is that?
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Here is a sneak peak to SnowSeekers new website launching later this month!
EARLIEST OPENING EVER!
Jasper, Alberta
November 3, 2009 –Marmot Basin opens on Wednesday November 11th, the earliest opening date ever for the ski area located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. Six lifts will be open on the first day of the season including the Eagle Express Quad Chair, Paradise Triple Chair, School House T-bar, Eagle Ridge Chairlift, the Magic Carpet and the NEW Canadian Rockies Express.
A combination of natural and manmade snow has given the area a solid base with good snow coverage throughout the mountain. Marmot Basin will open with 38 runs on the 11th with more runs expected to open soon thereafter. The runs will include terrain in the lower area, upper mountain and the Eagle Ridge area.
With above average snow coverage Marmot Basin will open the new Canadian Rockies Express, the longest high speed quad chairlift in the Canadian Rockies.
From the ski area base, the Canadian Rockies Express travels 2.3 km (1.5 miles), whisking skiers and boarders 596 vertical metres (1,955 ft) up to the mountain top in less than eight minutes. The lift is the largest chairlift development in North America this season.
For more information be sure to check out our Jasper section.
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Lake Louise, Alberta: Lake Louise, Canada’s Favourite Ski Area, will officially open for the season on Friday, November 6 thanks to Mother Nature and one of the most sophisticated snowmaking systems in the world.
Skiers and snowboarders will be able to experience those first delightful turns of the season from the top of Glacier Express Chair down three runs: Bald Eagle, Wiwaxy, and Easy Street. These runs descend 1,450 vertical feet over their 3 kilometer length. More runs and lifts should be open by the following weekend, and most of the mountain following one or two more good snowfalls.
All amenities at the full-service base area will be open, including food and beverage facilities, retail, rental and repair shops, the daycare and ski school.
“We’re extremely excited about being the first major ski area in Canada to open” says Lake Louise Marketing Director John Ross. “Because we are one of the few ski areas in the world that can offer superior early season snow, the World Cup circuit will once again start at Lake Louise on the weekend of November 28th prior to moving to the U.S. and Europe. This winter will also be jam packed with various other exciting events such as the Canadian Powder 8 Championships, The Olympic Torch relay, and various other races, festivals, and snowboard events”.
Lake Louise is also reaffirming its commitment to offering a superior terrain park and is pleased to welcome back Jeff Patterson who is world-famous for his designs. Offering a unique and exceptional variety of rails, boxes, jumps and other special features, small portions of the park will be ready, already, by Friday.
Reduced lift ticket prices will be in effect for opening weekend. Adults can ski or ride for $38, seniors (>65) and youths (13-17) for $26.40 and children (6-12) $12.50. Louise Card holders will receive a $10 discount and do not have to use their first day free.
And of corse, for more information visit our Lake Louise section.
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Yesterday was a big day in SnowSeekers world. We made our first of many submissions to our friends at Apple with our SnowSeekers Go-Guides. Launching Dec 15, 2009 SnowSeekers is stoked to announce a world first- Go-Guides for your iPhone and Blackberry....
Here is the outline we sent into Apple:
Heading into any winter resort can be a daunting experience especially when you consider something the size of Whistler - consistently ranked as the number 1 ski resort in North America (13 years running by Skiing Magazine - October 2009). Unlock the best of Whistler by having the latest and greatest information from the resort right on your iPhone. Over 40 years of industry expertise has gone into the construction of these SnowSeekers Go-Guides.
Considering between the two mountains - Whistler and Blackcomb - that there are well over 200 runs and that the village of Whistler includes dozens of bars, restaurants and shopping options, this app will provide you with all the information you need to maximize your winter vacation. Not knowing where to eat, where to ski and what to do while in town is a challenge for any skier or snowboarder, whether it’s your first or tenth visit to the destination. Leave Whistler having the best time possible, pick up a the Whistler SnowSeekers Go-Guide today.
This app includes:
STILL TOP SECRET!!! but things like GPS locator technology, digital trail maps and daily snow reports are all in there, plus lots of other exciting features.
This digital guide book was crafted by the ski and snowboard industry experts at SnowSeekers™ Inc. Recently recognized by the Canadian Government as one of Canada’s most innovative companies these SnowSeekers™ Go-Guides are part of a cross platform Western Canadian based new media company which brings its audience the best of the best from the winter destinations throughout Alberta and BC via a TV series, an e-newsmagazine website @www.snowseekers.ca and a series of SnowSeekers™ Go-Guides including Whistler, Fernie, Banff and many others found here in iTunes.
Upon the start of the Whistler SnowSeekers™ Go-Guide you will be welcomed by a short video introducing Whistler and all its potentials. After this short movie a table of contents allows you to further your areas of interest with chapters on:
-The Mountain
-Dining, Après and Nightlife
-Accommodations
-Off-Hill Attractions/Events
-Transportation
-Shopping
-Deals & Coupons
and within each section you’ll find those tips from the locals to deliver you the “inside edge” to what Whistler has to offer.
13 titles are coming including Mount Washington/Comox, Whistler, Vancouver (Cypress/Grouse/Seymour), Sun Peaks, Big White, SilverStar, Revelstoke, Golden/Kicking Horse, Red Mountain/Rossland, Fernie, Kimberley, Banff (Sunshine/Lake Louise/Norquay) and Jasper/Marmot Basin. They will retail for only $1.99 per title and will be available soon off the iTunes and BlakcBerry apps stores.
For more info drop us a line at info@snowseekers.ca
Languages:
English
Requirements:
Compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch
Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later
Data connection
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There are a few excellent things we can say to a person, one is to wish them a happy birth-day, the other is to wish them a happy first-day with the start of a ski season!
There were a whole lot of those wishes going around yesterday at Marmot Basin in Jasper- and it was with some serious just cause- Mother Nature had all delivered us a serious first-day present!
"This is the best first-day I have ever had," said snowboarder Jaro Malanowski of Edmonton, Alberta. "The snow is fantastic! Man I love this sport and it's wicked to be back out on the board." The snow was light, fluffy and there's lots of it! I think Marmot's been thanked by Ullr, the Snow God, for the recent install of their new chairlift and that thanks resulted in a whole lot of hootin' and hollering yesterday on the slopes.
Moving through the Grizzly Glades yesterday morning, found under the Eagle East Quad, my buddy Will Colford and I were met with face shot after face shot. "This is cat ski quality skiing right now," exclaimed a seriously stoked Colford after our second lap.
It's epic to be getting days like this in so early in the season when traditionally are not meet with this type of euphoria until maybe mid-December....but hey who is complaining?
With the install of this new chair, the Canadian Rockies Express, any snow seeker can get from the base of Marmot and into the goods so much quicker, it's now only a smooth seven and a half min ride away. For more on this impressive system have a look to some of their videos off the Marmot website
Marmot's opening with four lifts turning and 43 runs - the most amount of terrain available currently in Western Canada! These kind of stats can't help but make it a happy first-day! For more on all the adventures in Jasper, consult our Jasper page.
While in Jasper getting in these goods you are going to need a place to stay so dial up a night a two with any of Decore Hotel's properties. We stayed at the Tonquin which is home to some awesome outdoor hot tubs, a pool and Nick's Prime Rib Village, who makes a mean prime rib sandwich.
FYI, Banff's Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, are now open as well and are getting some glowing reports. It's time to get out there and enjoy the winter.
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Stay tuned all summer for SnowSeekers' coverage of the highly anticipated event
The opening reception of the Touring Exhibition: Swiss Guides: Shaping Mountain Culture in Western Canada was held on April 8th, 2010 at the Harbour Center in Vancouver. By all accounts, the opening was a rousing success. Ms. Ilona Spaar (PhD. Cand.), curator of the exhibit, introduced the exhibition.
Read MoreMarmot’s rec’d over 47 cms in the past 24 hours and 35 cms since the blizzard blew in Sunday night….
they are expecting another 20 cms in the next 24 hours with another storm cell hitting this Saturday.
One of Marmot's marketing gurus Meg's Gibson said to me this morning that they physically could not ski all the lines yesterday….you may want to look into booking your flight now.
As she drove up to the mountain this morning she had tears in their eyes from the epic conditions they were witnessing.
giddy up! and get up there!
it just keeps snowing at Marmot, check out the vid from yesterday-
Marmot's Got some serious snow from Jim Barr on Vimeo.
For more on what you may be missing check out the Marmot section of our site....
let 'er snow, let 'er snow
Get Ready for a really powder filled weekend at Lake Louise as ALL LIFTS OPEN THIS WEEKEND!!
Thanks to abundant natural snowfall during the first three weeks of November, the Lake Louise Ski Area is pleased to announce that all nine lifts at the popular Banff National Park ski resort will be operational for the upcoming November 21-22 weekend.
With 30cms of new snow during the past week and a settled upper mountain snow base of 87cms, both the Larch and Ptarmigan Chairs will be opening for the season at 9 am on Friday, November 20.
“This is truly an exceptional start to the ski and snowboarding season,” confirms Lake Louise Ski Area Marketing Director John Ross. “With all nine lifts in operation, skiers and snowboarders will be able to explore all four mountain faces and enjoy over 60 different runs at Lake Louise. The weather forecast is also calling for continued snowfall, so conditions throughout the mountain will only get better.”
Although ski conditions are exceptional for mid-November, skiers and snowboarders should still exercise caution as plenty of natural hazards still exist throughout the mountain. Please be aware and ski with care!
For more on the Lake please click here
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Alberta hills are getting hit with the good stuff, but British Columbia is getting blasted with snow as well which is causing delirious smiles on resort staff throughout the province. Records are being broken and resorts are continuing to get a jump on the season and open earlier.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort received a memorable November snow lambasting over the last two weeks. With more snow in the forecast for the next few days, the resort announced that it will open for winter operations on Saturday, Nov. 28, two full weeks before the originally scheduled opening day of Dec. 11.
Kicking Horse is getting dumped on as well, and is looking to give everyone a sneak peak on Dec. 5 and 6, with full operations beginning Dec. 11.
Big White was scheduled to open this weekend, but the amazing snow dumbs had the crews flickin' the switches on the lifts last weekend. With an alpine base of over 65 cm, epic turns are being made off the Ridge Rocket Express, Plaza Chair and Lara's Gondola. Sister hill, Silver Star, where Nordic fans have already been enjoying the trails for the last two weeks, is also set to fire up the lifts this weekend with amazing conditions for everyone attending its opening weekend festivities.
Sun Peaks, another hill that opened early thanks to Mother Nature, has eight of its 11 lifts in operation and there is skiing and riding from top to bottom.
With over 362 cms (142.5 inches) of snow so far this month, Whistler Blackcomb has more than doubled its average November snowfall of 148 cm (58 inches) and is well on its way to the possibility of breaking the record of snow in the month of November, 416 cm (164 inches).
Shot at Marmot Basin Wednesday Nov 18th.
Now that's some serious snow.
Giddy UP!!
Last night I watched a girl learn to make the most of winter; I watched her learning to ski and it was an event that re-affirmed just why I love snow sports so much. With eyes wide open and a big smile on both her and her mother’s face, Sunny Gantumur took to the slopes and nailed it.
Photo by Kristy-Lynn Polowich
It was really the debut of a project we here at SnowSeekers have been working on since July - that to produce a documentary about a little girl who learns to ski. It's in partnership with theDigital Media Students at NAIT, so it was a full on film crew out there last night, boom mic, two cameras and all.
With rosy cheeks and a big cheer in her eyes, I sat at the end of the lesson in awe with how energized our subject of the film was. The biggest and brightest surprise I received was when she asked if after her lesson this Saturday if she could stay on to practice and this was after her first lesson! As her family originates from Mongolia, only moving to Canada four years ago, Sunny was already conditioned for a big winter outside. With a brother who speed skates Sunny was looking to enjoy winter in a new way by hitting the slopes instead of the ice.
We were down at Snow Valley, a ski resort here in the heart of Edmonton Alberta for the first shoot of our documentary to be released February 1, 2010 and in association with the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance. After a few stretches in the parking lot, Sunny took to the slopes like a champ. “She is really picking things up quick,” said her instructor Christina Schmidtke, who learned to ski on these same slopes and now gives back by instructing a few hours a week. We watched as Schmidtke passed Sunny through a few drills, like getting in and out of her skis and becoming confident in moving around in them. After the first half an hour of giggles and laughs shared by Sunny and her instructor I asked if she was cold and needed a break, “no I am good, but my cheeks they feel a bit cold,” my immediate response was “yah, you’ll be the one in class tomorrow with the rosy cheeks and all your class mates will be asking you where you were last night!” You could see her eyes light up with excitement from the statement as she jumped back onto the magic carpet for another spin.
Those rosy cheeks are the sign of a skier, snowboarder or fan of the snow. Get out there and get your glow back! Watch for more updates as Sunny takes to the slopes through the next few weeks leading up to her climax December 12th weekend at Castle Mountain Ski Resort as she tackles the Canadian Rockies for her first time.
Stay Tuned!
check it out! we got our first turns in with the cameras at Sunshine Village in Banff. It was a great day, having some fun with the cameras, shredding some gnar.
Today's Edmonton Journal has a great story about our documentary with Sunny.
Have a read by clicking here
British Columbia's Big White Resort now has 18 runs open as of Nov. 21 while Alberta's Sunshine Village announced the opening of Goat's Eye and the terrain park today. Sunshine now has all three mountains open, giving skiers and riders a tonne of options to play on.
Ready for a preview of the Olympics? Make sure to head to Alberta's Lake Louise Ski Area for the Louise World Cup which kicks off with the men's alpine events Saturday, Nov. 28 followed by the ladies Dec. 4. The races are part of Banff's WinterStart Festival – a kick off to the ski season and Christmas.
Image: Mount Washington’s grooming crews have their hands full with 300 centimetres of snow in 7 days!
Credit: Mount Washington Alpine Resort
It’s official; Mount Washington Alpine Resort has now surpassed- make that blown past- their old snowfall record for the month of November. The resort received a whopping 440 centimetres of snow over the last three weeks. With one week left this month, conditions are looking ideal for this Saturday’s opening day.
“Our old record for November snowfall was 300 centimetres in 2006,” explains resort spokesperson Brent Curtain. “Needless to say, this month we’ve seen unprecedented amounts of snow up here. We received 300 centimetres in the last week alone!”
As of Monday, November 23rd, Mount Washington was reporting a snowbase of 240cms. “This is a base we usually see in mid-January. We’re standing on 6 feet of compacted snow in front of the Alpine Lodge and it gets deeper the further you look up the mountain,” Curtain adds.
NAIT's board room POW-WOW
Sunny isn't just hitting the slopes - she is nailing them, three lessons in and she is attacking the slopes with a serious appitite. And everyone involved in the production of this documentary is loving it. Today they took a chance to go through footage and see how things are shaping up.
Progression on the documentary being produced between SnowSeekers and NAIT showcasing the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance is coming along better then anyone could have expected. Just this week SnowSeekers announced the addition of Jaro Malanowski to it's team, recognized as one of Canada's preeminent directors/film producers. Malanowski's job in working with SnowSeekers Director of Photography, Brandon Boucher is to take the film from an idea to reality.
The reality is securing the film's goal of increasing diversity on the slopes, attracting a wider demographic to take up skiing and with Sunny and her family being from Mongolia, things are looking bright. "One thing we notice is the diversity on the slopes of Snow Valley, let's capture this with more b-roll," says Malanowski.
Things really picked up this past weekend when mom took to the slopes with Sunny- taking a lesson program on site at Snow Valley right along side her daughter. Word is that the dad is not far behind, stay tuned as the whole family gets ready to tackle the Canadian Rockies, Dec 10-12th weekend down at Castle Mountain Ski Resort just outside of Pincher Creek.
by Justin Kowalczuk 
Upon arriving at SnowValley we noticed the fresh powder being made on the hill, thus., it was apparent from the get go that today was going to be an epic shoot. The crew was fully determined to shoot the final day with ease and confidence that presented the true strength of each other. With some quick planning by the director Brandon Boucher any scenes that were once missed were completed. Furthermore, we were able to film some truly great scenes that will lend a hand in the editing room. Also, Sunny continues to tear up the slopes, and it seems with each day she is getting better, and better. Today, she was carving down the slopes with Christina like a pro. It is apparent in their smiles that both Sunny and Christina have created a natural bond together, and trust one another as they shred the pow. Sunny’s mother stood at the bottom of the hill watching proudly as her daughter tackled what seemed like a beast of a hill on the first day. Today was a truly glorious day, everything ran smoothly and perfectly. Next, we will all be heading to Castle Mountain! Stay tuned for more updates about the crew and Sunny’s adventure in achieving our goals.
Delirium Dive is back in business.
The ultimate in big mountain experiences got the green light from Sunshine’s snow safety team and is open for the season. It’s the earliest opening in the Dive’s 10-year history.
“This is what extreme skiers and riders wait for all year,” says Doug Firby, associate director of communications at Sunshine Village. “The fact that we’re able to open the Dive so early in the season is proof of how much snow there is at Sunshine Village right now.”
Big mountain riders know that an influential Australian newspaper last year named the Dive one of the top 10 off-piste runs in the world. That’s because, with 600 acres and 2,000 vertical feet, this in-bound terrain is enough to make its expert skiers and riders, well, delirious.
So after some amazing holiday cheer, we enter 2010 with a fresh start and a thirst for snow. The Sunny On The Slopes film is well under way in the editing room. SnowSeeekrs assistant editor for the film (Nick Sieben) has been a busy guy over the past week. We finished shooting the film during the top of December, with our final shoot being at Castle Mountain, AB. It was a hit, the story is becoming more than we expected and we are very thrilled for the release. Sunny's parents both got the ski bug, resulting in mom on ski's, and dad on a snowboard for the final shoot. Absolutely thrilling to see. More blogs on the edit process to come! 
Stay tuned!
Weather's fantastic here in Jasper. No new freshies, but the smilin' bartender at the D'ed Dog tells me the skiing at Marmot Basin is still fantastic - 'bloody beautiful' to be exact. Can't wait to get up there today. Hope you're all getting in some great turns this weekend.
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Normally when you head out on an animal wilderness tour, you are taking your chances on actually seeing any wildlife; after all it's not like someone opens the gates and says, "Okay fellas, go do your thing for the tourists." but not 10 minutes out with Jasper Adventure Centre and we had to slow down for a small herd of White Tail deer on the road. If we would have been faster, I would have had pictures to prove it, but these deer are skittish and with a flick of their tails, they were bounding over the ditch and disappearing into the trees.
Less than two minutes later, who's coming up the road? Mr. Coyote himself (or herself). Nonchalantly trotting up the road towards us and ignoring the crows diving over his/her head. Our guide, Dieter Regett brought back the reality of the animal kingdom by suggesting that there must have been a kill that both scavengers were after, thus the dive-bombing crows.
This was just the beginning of our morning adventure here in Jasper National Park, and what a way to start. To find out more, visit our Jasper section over the next few days for the follow-up stories and more on Jasper, Marmot Basin and the upcoming Jasper in January Festival.
Cheers, Barb
SnowSeekers, bringing its audience the best of winter in Western Canada, is stoked to have become Travel Alberta's roving reporters for the Olympic Torch Relay through the province!
Watch for updates throughout Jan 12-21 where we will deliver you top notch video, photos, blog posts, tweets and updates via facebook giving you a front row seat to the action.
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So today was a big day at the office for SnowSeekers. With just arriving back from an amazing tour of British Columbia's finest, I stepped into the office today to find a hard drive sitting on my desk. My assistant editor Nick has finished the rough cut of the film, now the fun begins. I am beginning to make the final cut on the film. Watching Sunny's progression on film is really something else. We here at SnowSeekers are very excited for the final cut of the film to be finished.
By Rick MacDonnell
If there’s one thing that can be said about the Olympics, it’s that it brings all kinds of people together. Lloydminster’s Bud Miller Park was brimming with people from all walks of life, including twins Harold and Harvey Hawer, lifetime residents of Lloydminster, who have been waiting 77 years to see the Olympic Torch with their own eyes."
“It’s great to see all these kids out having so much fun with [the festivities], but when you’ve been waiting to see the torch as long as we have, it’s an entirely different experience,” said Harvey. “When you get to be a little older and a little wiser, you realize that this moment means so much more than the symbol of some games.”
“It’s about community, and spirit, and ... and coming together,” added Harold.
Content to stand far to the side of Bud Miller Park, the Hawer brothers were all business when it came to waiting for the torch to arrive. Arms clasped behind their backs – mirror images of one another – both Harold and Harvey kept their eyes fixed on the point where Merv Mann, a local hockey player and coach, would later enter the park, torch ablaze.
Such controlled intensity would be envied by the Olympians themselves, to be sure.
No strangers to sport, Harold and Harvey still take part in a curling league twice a week, and together they’ve participated in the Canadian Senior Games three times in lawn bowling.
“There’s a 55 to 70 group, and there’s a 70+ group. If you’re over 70, you can still play in the 55 to 70 group, if you want. Each time we’ve gone, we’ve competed in separate divisions,” said Harvey. “We don’t ever want to compete against one another.”
“He just doesn’t want me to beat him,” laughed Harold.
Later in the evening, as the torch finally entered Bud Miller Park and parted the sea of passionate supporters, I glanced across the crowd and saw Harold and Harvey, still in that same spot, still with their arms clasped behind their backs.
No shouts, no screams, no claps. Just a turn, a look, and a nod.
Then a smile.
For me today was very special. It was the first time that I got to see the Olympic torch up close and personal. As we were driving out from Edmonton to Lloydminster to bring you this coverage, it was like I was heading to a concert that I have been awaiting for a long while. 
It was 14 years ago, while living in Vancouver, that I got a look at what was to be the country’s collective future. At the time, a group that included Arthur Griffiths, one-time owner of the Vancouver Canucks, was working to secure for Canada and British Columbia the world’s largest winter sporting event. I was working for the Greater Vancouver Open, a PGA stop and this Olympic bid office shared with ours. Everyday I’d pop my head in there to investigate thinking all along how incredible it would be to welcome the world.
After years of effort, that dream came true and now the Olympic Torch is making its way across the country, and along the way, igniting the hearts and minds of millions. The numbers of this three and a half month tour are staggering. The relay touches 1,038 communities in 106 days including 187 community celebrations with 12,000 torch bearers covering over 45,000 kilometers.
When the torch was here in Alberta at the end of November, it made its way by plane but this is certainly not the only mode of transport now. The torch will be conveyed by horse drawn carriages, sled dogs and even Alberta’s own Charlie Locke, owner of Lake Louise, is offering up a unique mode of transport – snowmobile on Jan. 21.
Here in Alberta, the torch will be carried by 1,000 torch bearers and will cover over 3,400 kms throughout the province before it is handed off to the British Columbia residents for the final push to Whistler.
Over the next 10 days, the torch will stop in dozens of communities throughout the province, including our capital city, Edmonton. It will head down to Drumheller to hang with the dinosaurs, into the UNESCO World Heritage site of Head-Smashed in Buffalo Jump and back to Alberta’s Olympic roots at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary. Smaller centres such as Airdrie, Vegreville and High River will also see the flame carried through the hometown streets, and of course, it will head into the Canadian Rockies of Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise.
Watch for more updates as we bring them to you daily from the road.
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By Rick MacDonnell
When Tim Squire moved from England to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan at the age of 14, his mother told him that they did it so he could realize his dreams. More than 30 years later, as the Olympic Torch made its way through Lloydminster, Alberta, Squire's dreams became a reality.
A little more than a year ago, Squire wrote his application essay to become a torch bearer for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Citing his more than 20 years as a youth soccer coach and community mentor, Squire hoped his contributions would be enough to garner him a spot. However, he wasn't holding his breath.
"It wasn't until June or July that I received the word. They contacted me in an e-mail, so I didn't really believe it," laughed Squire. "There are so many hoaxes out there, you know, and I thought that I was such a longshot. But in the next month or two, I kept receiving these emails and then in August, I received one that specifically mentioned my coaching background, and I then knew. This was real."
When asked what it was like to be chosen as a torch bearer in Canada, rather than his native England, Squire beamed with Canadian pride. "Most Canadians don't understand just how beautiful their country is. It's the most beautiful country in the world. I couldn't be more proud to carry the torch as a Canadian."
And Canada couldn't be more proud of Squire. At the evening's celebration in Lloydminster's Bud Miller Park, Squire couldn't walk five feet without being asked for a photo, or hounded for an autograph.
"It's surreal. I feel like a celebrity. Everyone's just so nice, asking to take my picture or shake my hand ... it's an unbelievable impact that this torch has. It's incredible how it brings out the best in everyone it touches."
Canada's torch run is the longest in the history of the games. By the time it reaches Vancouver, British Columbia, the relay will have covered over 45,000 kilometres.
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By Rick MacDonnell
Often lost in the fanfare of the Olympic athletes are the hundreds of artists who make the Torch relay and Olympic games so beautiful. One such artist is Edmontonian Stephen Chung, who's been an ice sculptor for over 20 years. For the folks of Vegreville, Alberta -- the second stop in the Torch's current trek through the province -- Chung crafted two marvelous representations of the Canadian Olympic spirit: a figure skater and a hockey player.
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By Rick MacDonnell
Question: How many hours of television can a person watch on the
amount of energy saved by recycling just one aluminum can?
This was just one of several dozens of questions included in Coke's "Green Jeopardy" game outside of its trailer in Vegreville, Alberta today, the second stop in the Olympic Torch run through the province. Kids competed for bragging rights, rather than prizes, and that was more than fine with them. Answers were shouted with a gusto usually reserved for race tracks.
"The concept of the games is to teach kids about green practices in a way that's fun and enjoyable," said Kristy Payne, Coke's public affairs manager, who will be carrying the torch in Edmonton tonight. "Kids need to know that living green isn't just about grand gestures; it's also about living an active lifestyle and doing small things to help the environment every day."
Coke, an Olympic sponsor for since 1928, is making great strides to decrease its environmental footprint, especially with the 2010 games in Vancouver.
"At Coke, we now have something called a 'plant bottle,' which is a bottle of Coke made from 30% natural plant materials," Payne said. "Every single coke bottle at the games will be a plant bottle."
Most staggering is Coke's plan to leave the Olympic games having created no waste whatsoever. "We're shooting for zero waste in Vancouver. By working closely with both WWF Canada and the David Suzuki Foundation, we've formulated a plan that should allow Coke to achieve 100% collection of all waste products, and we will recycle 99.9% of that."
At each of the Torch relay stops, as well as throughout the entire Olympic games, Coke employees will wear clothing completely manufactured through recycled Coke products. "Each employee you see is wearing approximately 234 recycled Coke products. Our jackets are 25, our ski pants are 20, our gloves are 3, and so on. The numbers are printed right on each piece of clothing, so it's a great way to generate awareness," Payne said.
They look great, too.
Oh, and the answer was three.
Extra underwear, three pairs of socks, two pairs of pants, two shirts, two sweaters, one wind breaker, one jacket, extra mitts, touque, heavy boots, a hockey jersey and one great big smile. “I feel like I’m in Hawaii,” says Pam Cholak. She and her two children – Zack and Alyssa – stand affront a crowd of flag waivers on a clear Edmonton night, the very front. However, spirits are only getting higher as the mercury drops lower, and the Olympic torch draws nearer. Edmontonians are a hearty people. They cheer for their hockey team during a ten game losing streak. They read “second coldest place on Earth” and feel regret they were only ‘second’ coldest. They miss shoveling the walks during tropical vacations. When most people would be isolated by the winters, Edmontonians rally behind it.
A trait that is immediately apparent as suddenly, the crowd begins to stir and jeer. The most iconic winter symbol of all enters the grounds: an Edmontonian protected by layers of warm clothes, carrying an undying flame to the centre of the stage. Kids and parents alike line the centre isle. Jubilation erupts when the torchlight reflects in their eyes.
“It’s great seeing all these people around,” says Truman Giant. Visiting from Slave Lake to see the Olympic torch come to the provincial capital, Truman feels at home. “I just like the winter so much. It’s refreshing.” Turning back to Pam I ask if all her layers are keeping her warm.
“I only need three things to keep me warm,” she says as the flame is transferred to the dais. “Alberta blood, Olympic spirit, and the smiles on my kids faces.
As former Olympian and Edmontonian native Doreen Ryan finishes raising her arms in spiritual triumph, Native Edmontonian singing group Asani raise their voices in triumphant spirit. 
In school, we had to learn both the English and French versions of O Canada, no different than two sides of a cereal box. The bi-lingually legislated part of our heritage is omni present. But, Canada is not a bi-lingual country, and we share a far deeper heritage beyond that of our colonial ancestry. Edmonton especially has a rich history involving our Native heritage. So like the crisp night air stealing breath, Asani’s rendition of O Canada was both refreshing and overwhelming. 
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By Jim Barr, SnowSeekers Inc.
Today was day four of the torch being back in the province and its fourth community celebration – Camrose. Yesterday was a day off for the torch and the massive train that travels along with it, and the job that VANOC (Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee) is doing to bring the Olympic spirit into communities throughout this country is really impressive.
The day off was a great opportunity for everyone involved to take a breather, regroup and take stock of what we had been witnessed to so far – most of which is truly amazing.
Wednesday night, Brandon Boucher, SnowSeekers’ director of Photography, and I got the chance to see the relay up close and personal as it made its way through the streets of Edmonton. It wasn’t intentional.
We were at the Parliament Buildings (there’s an excellent tour you can take virtually anytime) and as the torch made its way out from the celebration they had on its steps, we decided that it would be a good idea to follow it up the road to bring you the best possible video of it.
As we made our way back out onto the street, we started to run alongside the bearer keeping pace right to the end of his run which allowed us to witness the passing of the flame to the next torch bearer – which was really, really cool. Than the next bearer started to run and he was moving fast – fast enough that we had some challenges just trying to keep up but we weren’t letting that flame out of our site.
VANOC has about 10 support vehicles which travel with the flame (stay tuned to future blog posts and we’ll bring you a look at the vehicles). As each torch bearer is finished his or her leg, VANOC picks them up and bring them all up to the main community celebration, which in this case, was Edmonton’s Sir Winston Churchill Square in the centre of the city.
If you are as fascinated by the operation as myself, have a go to www.vancouver2010.com and click on Olympic Torch Relay where you can even find a cool map laying out all the stops.
By Will Colford, SnowSeekers
The Deputy Chief of the Camrose Fire Department said, “The Olympic torch is one flame we can let burn.” Here in Camrose, however, there is another flame that burns in the members of the community. With seemingly the entire town closed down for the Olympic Torch Relay, there appears to be more volunteers than spectators.
Jenn Cook, Wilma Shields, and Doris Hoffman are three such outgoing folks who volunteer at every community event. “It’s just great to be out in the town and see old friends you haven’t seen in a while. By volunteering at every event, we get to go to every event.” Though they were excited for their local hockey and curling tournaments, the Olympic Torch Relay was one event they won’t soon forget.
Local artist Andrew Phillips noted how the community gives “….an amazing amount of support for artists. I’m here at the torch relay with a booth. Not only am I not being charged for the booth, the city had volunteers to help me set up.”
Further to the volunteerism and community spirit, Deputy Chief Don Rosland remembers a fire at the elderly care centre not too far away from the relay event. “As the fire grew, we needed volunteers to help move the patients inside. The head nurse had her pick as the entire street was lined with local residents who were on hand willing to help in what ever way they could.”
One would almost think that the torch was hardly needed to inspire community spirit in Camrose; it was plain to see that its symbol of enduring community spirit is already reflected in every town member.
By Will Colford, SnowSeekers
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By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.
Mayor Morris Flewwelling describes Red Deer Alberta as a community with “a strong tradition of coming together for one big party.” Looking across the crowd, I’m reminded of the endless wheat and canola fields surrounding Red Deer. After attending several relay legs, it’s clear the mayor knows his town, as this is the biggest torch event I’ve seen.
A hay-bail ball-hockey rink is packed with future Olympians. Not one, but two stages feature Alberta entertainment. Families line up for hot maple syrup cured on beds of fresh snow. A local break dance troop is throwing down. And overlooking everything is a massive JumboTron with a live feed of the approaching torch, making its way through the city. Interwoven in the “one big party,” former Olympians, Deidra Dionne and Jamie Salé enjoy the company from their hometown.
Local Jordan White thinks the turn out is because the ‘community’ of Red Deer encompasses so much more than just the city itself. “All the surrounding rural communities are apart of the central Alberta metropolis. They’re what gives Red Deer its flair.” As award-winning alternative country musician, Corb Lund takes to the stage for a second time, his talk of a bigger turnout in Red Deer than Edmonton is met with little surprise. But as the mayor said himself, “I’m not surprised it’s a barn burner. We get so many great events through here the city and the community just knows to expect a great time.”
By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.
“My daughter’s running beside the torch tonight,” says Andrew Ruain of Red Deer, Alberta. He wonders if there will come a time when, instead of just running beside the torch, she’ll run holding the torch. Fortunately, Ruain’s daughter is in the right city.
Mayor Morris Flewwelling is quick to point out the city of Red Deer is a community that “…backs the arts, sports, and thrives in winter. We have the highest concentration of medal contending Olympians per capita.”
The mayor is a strong individual with confidence in his community, and he’s right. Red Deer backs its athletes and, as a result, nurtures some of our country’s top medal contenders.
As I used to work with Olympic aerialist, Deidra Dionne during college, I am familiar with the time and effort the athletes, and the community as a whole, put into training and perfecting their sport of choice. Though I have no personal connection to Olympian and hometown girl, Jamie Salé, her presence tonight at the torch relay shows the pride the community takes in her being from central Alberta.
Even CBC sportscaster Ron McLean is beaming and boasting of his Red Deer heritage. Speaking to all the easy-going people out for a good time, there definitely seems to be something special about the city of Red Deer.
By Jim Barr, SnowSeekers Inc.
The Olympic movement is about bringing people together, its about sharing cultures, learning from one another and acheiving goals. As our team makes its way around this province, I have been asking those who are part of the celebrations and the tens of thousands of Albertan's who are out to share in the Olympic glory, "What makes this a great place to live?"
For Susan and David Guba from Drumheller, that answer was simple. 
"Our province is an incredible place to live and its the people that make it great. We are a province that is full of people who are there to help each other out," said Susan.
And certainly the Gubas were there in 1988 to help people out, volunteering for the '88 Calgary Olympics. They had the chance to reflect back on that experience yesterday, seeing the Olympic flame up close again as it marched into The Canadian Bad Lands Passion Play Theatre in Drummheller. It was sight that brought both of them to tears.
"It was such an incredible exerpience, to be apart of history and share in the excitement, its really hard to explain," said Susan. For David, his times during the Calgary games was about the chance to connect with fellow Albertans, Canadaians and people around the world.
"The people that we laughed with, the opportunity for us to share stories from our province and to be proud of what we are so fortunate to have. Then to see that flame back in Alberta here today ... it really choked me up and brought tears to my eyes."
This theme of hospitality is one we've been hearing a lot of as we make our way around the province, we really are a place where people care.
"We are strong. We work hard and we really work to see our dreams come true," explained Gisselle Beauchesne of Medicine Hat at last night, where the celebrations took place under the world's largest teepee- the Saamis Teepee (which was constructed for the Calgary '88 Olympics to showcase Alberta's heritage.)
Stay tuned for lots more as we make our way into Taber and Lethbridge today – where the torch will be making its way across the 100 year old railway bridge through town.
By Will Colford
The torch relays allow the community and its members to showcase talents beyond coming together. Each town on the relay has its own heroes, former Olympians, and rising stars. Courtney Morris, a senior at Drumheller Composite High School, is one such star who draws inspiration from the OLympic spirit, her community, and other home town heroes.
"Getting to sing with my classmates at this, of all venues, was extremely special," said Morris. Being the lead singer for the performance, Morris exemplified the leadership qualities of the lead torchbearers, and Olympians themselves.
"Her voice is strong enough to carry the torch," remarks a crowd member. Morris plans to take her singing to a professional evel as she's already applied to several prominent musical schools within North America. She Aspires to be like another prominent singer in the community, Canadian Idol contestant, Jenn Beaupré. But in my opinion, She doesn't have very far to go.
"I really look up to her for inspiration and hope to be as good or better some day." Above all the hype, people like Morris are what the torch relay is all about. It's a chance for a community to come together and celebrate the people who make it special.
For more on the festivities in Drumheller please check out Travel Alberta's You Tube channel
By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.
As an avid snowboarder, it shocked me to see a thriving ski hill in Drumheller Alberta; however, having learned on a river valley hill myself it should have came as no surprise such a small hill fosters such big dreams.
Having been opened for approximately 15 years, Drumheller Ski area faces constant challenges to keep the lift turning and the snow flying. One local is no stranger to facing challenges and is very glad the hill, like himself, rises to the occasion, giving him a place to train and ski. Jay Dekyser raced during the World Special Winter Games in Quebec last year.
"Fifth fastest in the country," exclaims Dekyser. He is proud of his accomplishments, as is the greater Drumheller community and his coach Martin McSwede -- Drumheller's lead torchbearer.
The hill, coincidentally, is located one hoodoo away from the cauldron site. "Having the flame come to this spot means a lot for our winter program and athletes such as Jay," said McSwede.
Without hills like the Drumheller ski area and their enduring spirit to provide the community with facilities and training programs, Alberta would be without many prominent Olympians and opportunities for athletes like Dekyser's love for skiing and the local hill are synonymous: it lets him "go real fast ... real fast."
By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.
‘Menace’, ‘Scourge’, ‘Gang Member’, though often wildly inaccurate portrayals of B-Boy dance crews have cast them in a negative light, Medicine Hat’s own dance troop has never felt the community stigma. “Usually B-Boy crews don’t have great reputations in the community, but hear in the Hat we have overwhelming community support,” said long time J-Fish member Kevin.
General Manager says the support stems from a new approach on behalf of both parties. First, “Medicine Hat is a town that’s open to new ideas.” Like the troop itself, a southern Alberta town open to new ideas and change is a refreshing opposite to the stereotype. Second, “to be successful in the hip-hop scene for as long as we have and will continue to be, it takes hard work, dedication, and a healthy life style. There’s been better crews out there, but they burn out from all the late nights and partying.” J-Fish on the other hand is dedicated to dancing, and the community respects that; in turn, the crew respects the community and is all too willing to represent them at an event like the torch relay. It’s not uncommon for the team to put in three-hour daily practices. Like the other artists performing, and the Olympians they’re cheering on, J-Fish Crew are driven by an enduring commitment to their art. In fact, ten year vet Loki worked 200 hours in the two weeks preceding the event, then took two flights, had a 14 hour layover between them, arrived in Medicine Hat an hour before the crew had to be at the event, and was still the first one to show up – with bells on. “Being able to represent my town, and perform for them at the same time gives me all the energy I need.”
J-Fish Crew embodies the spirit of the torch and sets the bar for anyone wanting to know what kind of dedication it takes to achieve your dreams.
By Will Colford, Snowseekrs Inc.
Alberta is no stranger to “world’s largest”. Off the top of my head, there’s the worlds largest cowboy boot, egg, golf tee, sausage, and baseball bat. However, Medicine Hat is home to a structure that is equally large in cultural significance as it is in height. The World’s largest Tipi is more than a kitche gimmick. It takes something this large to represent the local First Nations communities as an identified whole. “For me, this place is my culture, it’s more than just a structure, it’s where I feel most at peace,” said former cultural interpreter Carrie Lloyd-Stewart. 
The Tipi was constructed for the 1988 Calgary Olympics, and then was reconstructed in order to ad more support and relocate. “Each pole,” remembers Carrie, “took about five to six hours to erect. The Tipi stands as a landmark everyone from Medicine Hat identifies with, and feels pride for. Within the inner ring are “paintings that run in conjunction with each other to tell the story and represent all the tribes and people surrounding Medicine Hat.”
As the torch relay represents enduring spirit and community pride, the world’s largest Tipi is a fitting location to house the festivities. It is perhaps the only place on the relay that holds a candle to the symbolism of the torch itself. Taken together, Medicine Hat’s torch lighting ceremony is overwhelmingly spiritual.
Why do Albertan’s love country music so much? The question seemingly answers itself; however, they might be a deeper explanation. Terri Clark, North American Country Music star, happily flew home to Medicine Hat for the torch ceremony. “It’s been great being back,” she says. “I’ve got to run into all my old high school friends and take a tour around and see all the changes. My school is a lot bigger than I remember.” Terri was glad to see an event like this bring the whole community together, and honoured to be apart of it.
especially, then, identify with country music because Canada can be identified within the people and small town communities of the province. Read More
By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.
Jeannine Patrick is no stranger to the news industry. Over the summer she delivered papers for the local Taber Times. “Who are you with? Taber Times or the Herald?” She asks. Her boldness only helps foreshadow her future in the industry.
“I think the torch coming through town will most likely make the paper. I’d put it in if I ran it.” Jeannine is not only one of the local Taber people, lined along the street to see the torch run by their homes, she is also apart of the school choir selected to sing the national anthem during today’s cauldron ceremony. So, not only does she aspire to report the news, but she’s also – for today – apart of it. 
Her father, Malcolm is understandably proud of his daughter. “Her singing in the choir today makes her apart of the history and legacy of the torch as it comes through this town.”
Though she still has the world in front of her, Jeannine knows success is made through dedication and hard work. “Delivering papers was hard, but I made one $125.00. It was worth it.” As the torch connects her and others like her to a greater tradition, it’s an experience she will always carry.
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube athttp://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Jim Barr, SnowSeekers Inc.
As the Olympic Torch makes its way across this province, it’s travelling by more ways than one. Snowmobile, Horse Drawn Carriage and in today's case, an Olympic first – via a vintage hand railcar across the world's longest and tallest railway bridge, Lethbridge’s High Level Bridge.
I caught up with one of the four who had the chance to pump their way into the history books. "When we got to the other side I could see my kids standing in the audience and tears started to well up in my eyes … it’s a pretty emotional experience," said Olympic torch bearer, Don Burla.
And a little hair-raising I'd gather as Burla and his mates where not just on any ordinary set of tracks; the bridge is a steel structure suspended 314 feet above the ground. Burla was joined by CP locomotive engineers, Brian Lagace and Gord Balderston along with rail car mechanic, Roger Brown on a vintage handrail car on loan from Calgary's Heritage Park.
The Lethbridge Viaduct as it’s known, is owned and operated by Canadian Pacific Railway and just celebrated its own 100th anniversary. It's a piece of history Burla's been working on since 1978.
The bridge spans over a one mile and took over two years to build – construction took two years, from 1907 to 1909. "I started with Canadian Pacific as a bridgeman and worked on keeping this very bridge in great shape," said Burla. 
I asked him if there were any memorable moments from working on a bridge of this magnitude. "Well you certainly know when there is a wind about, it can get pretty interesting out there.”
Lucky for all of us the sun was shinning and the temperatures were mild. I am sure Burla and his team would have kept themselves warm pumping their way across the bridge for their 20-minute ride pulling the Olympic cauldron behind them.
It was a once in a lifetime sight.
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube
By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.
Up to his knees in muck, award-winning country musician, Corb Lund and his buddies realized they weren’t getting their truck unstuck for some time. Frustrated and tired of pushing and digging, Lund took out his guitar and wrote the country music radio hit, Truck Stuck in the Mud. Unlike the mainstream Nashville style of country, Truck Stuck in the Mud was written in the underground country-style known as the cowboy ballad. Simply put, these are stories that stem from real life experiences, people, and places.
“I didn’t really know any better, right from the start I just wrote songs about my experiences. The style is very personal.” As such, Lund’s listeners are able to find a relatable quality in his songs that speak to their own experiences, especially here in Alberta.
Lund has played all over the world singing about the experiences of his hometown, Taber Alberta. And now things have come full circle as he is playing two sets on this leg of the Olympic Torch Relay in the town where his music stems. As we walk through the crowd to a quieter space, Corb seems to be on a first name basis with practically everyone we pass. In fact, before we can even begin, he has to go quickly check on his Mom. Local Harley Phillips notes, “Nice part about Corb is he hasn’t forgot his grass roots.”
“My Folks still farm south side of town. I grew up in that one and only house,” says Corb. Whether he’s singing about his brother the tool push, the wisdom of his grandfather, or the critters on his ranch, Corb is singing about home and the people he knows there.
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube athttp://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
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By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.
Shaking off the cold, they stood backstage in high spirits, waiting to go on. The University of Lethbridge Women’s Choir were about to sing the official community theme song – composed by Gregory Charles – There’s a Light.
“It a great song and is a lot of fun compared to what we usually sing,” said Naggie Ambler. “You can tell time really went into creating it, and having sections in both English and French speaks to our Canadian identity.”
The ladies recognize the prestige of being selected for the song. “Having the flame come to Lethbridge is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but then to be selected to sing the official community song for our community is just indescribable,” says Ambler. But then, it may not be all that surprising for a choir from the University to be selected to represent a community it is such a big part of. The University of Lethbridge is – to put it simply – involved. Southern Alberta is a sports centric region, and the facilities at the University hold every major elementary, high school, and semi-professional sporting event south of Calgary.
However, the University contributes in another major way, and is largely responsible for giving Lethbridge and Southern Alberta such a strong arts scene.
“Not only are the fine arts a huge part of the program, but the University exposes Lethbridge and Southern Alberta to five new forms of theatre every year,” said Alexa Shapiro, a current student of the theatre program. “Very shortly, the theatre program is putting on a rendition of the musical, Hair. For a Southern Alberta community, Hair should raise a few eyebrows.
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
As the Women’s Choir finishes a heart-felt and melodic rendition of There’s a Light, it’s apparent that light in Lethbridge is due in no small part to the University and its students.
By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.
Walking through the festival grounds, a curious sight passes by. Walking together are two torchbearers, from different Canadian Olympics.
Donning the fluid colors of the Vancouver 2010 games is Bob Chabay. Bob recently retired from the Provincial Government after 35 years of loyal service to the province he loves. As a parting gift, he thought it might be great to carry the torch in the city he prides – Lethbridge. His pledge on the application was to both live and promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
Beside him stands his wife, charged up for her husband and nostalgic about her time with the torch during Alberta’s own 88 Calgary Olympics. Her onepiece Red and Whites are pristine and vibrant, as though she could run a few legs of the relay tomorrow. What really strikes me is her touque, which has retained the maple leaf points after all these years. Bonny, however, garnered her spot in the Calgary torch relay in a much different fashion. “Back then you could pick up the applications from the Petro Can. It began one day when I picked up two. One for me and one for Bob, but I ended up filling out both. Before I knew it, I was tracking down stacks of a hundred and sending them all in. All told, I filled out 11,001 applications.”
For the torch to come to Lethbridge and for Bob to carry it epitomizes the fire of Southern Albertan’s have for sport. “Southern Alberta is a sporting region. We grow up on the ponds or the hills, so an event like this just brings the whole community together.”
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.
Growing up in a small town, I know first-hand the importance of staying busy. Idle hands are, after all, the Devil’s playthings. I know it now and my parents knew it then. As a result they kept me busy and involved with as many sports and recreational programs as possible. The community of High River, however, has a significant advantage over my hometown: a recreation centre. Above the entrance are three signs designating the three activities contained within the rec centre, or as I call them, the three recreational pillars of any small town, swimming, curling, and ice rinks. “Without the rec programs the kids are out on the street, maybe getting up to stuff they shouldn’t be,” said Darryn Gold Thorpe, director of the centre.
Cynthia Phaero, the center’s program administrator tries, “to implement a wide variety of sports programs to see which ones the kids like best, then promote those.” The local care foundation donates money, enabling a free swim twice a week. The centre isn’t just for the youth either. “During the day the seniors use all the facilities through a wide variety of programs like aquatic aerobics, a curling league, and even a senior men’s hockey league called the Old Timers. But more than just a sporting facility, the rec centre is a social hub where people of all ages within the community go to be social and enjoy sport.
It was a fitting site for the Olympic Torch Relay ceremonies in High River. Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.
Synonymous with community and cross-cultural togetherness, the Olympics have rarely, if ever, been a platform for such an important relief effort as the one that is taking place right now in Haiti.
Tonight, at the Torch's stop in Calgary, Alberta, Merv Chia, volunteer regional president for the Red Cross's Southern Alberta chapter, came out to speak to the gathered crowd of nearly 20,000 about the work being done in Haiti, and all the work that yet needs to be done.
"Here in Canada, (the Olympics) really pull Canadians together," Chia said. "It's so gratifying for us to be a part of this and to band with the Olympics to spread this very important message."
That message: keep up the hard work.
"On the regional level, we're fundraising all across the country. So far, across Canada, we've received approximately $26 million in funds already. The support and generosity is really incredible. And the funds are matched by the government, so you can really double that number."
Despite the massive relief efforts that are taking place, not just here, but all over the world, Haiti is still in a state of utter and total disrepair.
"As soon as the earthquake hit, the Red Cross organized what's called 'Disaster Response Teams.' The Canadian Red Cross has sent staff there. We've sent volunteers there providing emergency disaster response, which at this stage is emergency shelter, food, and water.
"But the need is huge, and it's going to continue because the devastation to the country is enormous. The last statistic that I read was that 70% of all their buildings have been destroyed. So there's really no basic infrastructure left, it's been crushed. So what we're focused on is just trying to help rebuild communities."
In addition to disaster response teams and medical personnel, the Red Cross has organized psychosocial programs to help people cope with the trauma that they've received.
"The shock itself is just so inhibiting."
If there was ever a time to embrace your worldwide community, this is it. For not only does the Olympic Torch connect communities, it most certainly connects the world. Please donate.
By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.
So much of the Olympics rests in people's freedom to create and spirit to achieve. For Luke Whiteman of Calgary, Alberta, that freedom and spirit take shape in the form of Men's Fancy Dancing, an Aboriginal style of dance native to Montana, where he was born. He has lived in Calgary for the last 11 years.
"Opportunities like the these (Torch) relays are wonderful because they're all about being recognized," Whiteman said. "People from other countries, maybe they don't hear about Native culture; so getting to dance in so big a place, and for it to be seen worldwide, it gives us that chance to show our culture."
Whiteman wowed the crowd at Olympic Plaza with his vivacious performance, one simultaneously breathtaking for both the performers and onlookers alike. If you take most forms of dance and consider them walking, then Men's Fancy Dancing is sprinting. It's fast, energetic, exciting, and powerful.
"I always tell children that in order to be healthy, you have to eat right. To be physically fit, you have to exercise. And that's what I tell them when I dance. Get motivated."
Although it's also about health, it's even more so about pride. "We dance because we love it and because it's our culture. Most importantly, though, we do it to show our children that it's important to (preserve) our culture through dance. To have that opportunity, it allows us to be role models. We want to show the kids, 'Don't be ashamed of your culture.' Don't be shy. It's who we are.'"
Whiteman's opportunity to educate and strengthen his people isn't over in Calgary, however. Just six days ago he was informed that he has been chosen to participate in the Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver.
"(Tonight's dance) was just a teaser," Whiteman laughed. "Just wait until Vancouver. I can do a lot more."
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
Check here for a deeper history of the Buffalo Runners:
Ken Williams, who reinstituted the society, told me that before the introduction of the horse and rifle, Native bands would use sites like Head Smashed In to great affect. The Society of Buffalo Runners was a separate group within each tribe. It was their mandate to identify runners at a young age and “capture” them into the society. A very spiritual affair, these elite runners would be trained and instituted to herd the buffalo to these site. The Runners were prided for their speed, legendary endurance, and skill.Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at
http://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
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By Jim Barr, SnowSeekers
These last few days have really taught me a lot about the human spirit. Travelling on the road with Olympic flame has educated me on the fact that so many of us really do care about each other, we really do want to help each other out and make a positive difference in the lives of others. It's the 12,000 torch bearers who emulate this to a tee and after continued discussions with them these past few days, it's easy to see just why they were chosen for their historic roles.
There was a lot of history in the crowd last night in Calgary as this city welcomed back the Olympic torch for the first time since 1988. Many were sporting the vintage '88 Sun Ice Olympic jackets - many very proud Albertan's. Folks like Don Goodrow, who remembers his time as an Olympic torch escort runner like it was yesterday. "My responsibilities were to travel along side the torch as it made its way across the country. I helped if anyone wanted pictures with the torch and or allow people to run along side of it. Those were still the most emotional days of my life."
When I asked him about what it was like seeing that torch again tonight some 22 years later, just what that meant for him, and with tears in his eyes, Goodrow said, "When the torch bearer spoke of emotion it was such a true statement, it brought it all back. Those incredible moments that we shared with the entire world."
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube.
By Jim Barr, SnowSeekers
Albertan Mac MaKenny, owner of the HomePlace Ranch in southern Alberta, rode his way into the history books tonight, by becoming the first and only torch bearer to have ever taken the Olympic Torch by horseback. He was on the back of his trusted steed, Rollin' Thunder on the corner of the famous "Red Mile" or 17th Ave and 4th St getting ready to saddle up with the Olympic flame. For him it was certainly not just another day out on the ranch. "It was a magnificent experience and great to do it on horseback. This horse was pretty comfortable with it, he's been in a few movies and has even had Jack Hanna on his back when he was up here shooting his TV show this past summer."
For MaKenny, the Olympics are a time to reflect, to think about all the good things that have come our way."You think back to how quickly time has gone by and how many things have happened since 1988. It makes you appreciate all the things that have made you happy and all the people along the way that have helped to create those memories."
For MaKenny and his horse, Mr. Thunder, I wanted to know what they thought about this great province, "Alberta has so much here, its western spirit, its Canadian Badlands, the beautiful Canadian Rockies and than to be in the City of Calgary tonight with all this excitment, this province really has everything." But with all of this is there anything that surprises him about Alberta? "Everything surprises me about this province, we have so much going on here."
Finally I asked MaKenny if there were any specific messages he'd like to send out to the atheletes that will be in these games in only 25 days. "This is our opportunity to shine, leave it all on the ice, the slopes or the in the sleds, do you'r best and bring us back gold!" For more on MaKenny's hometown hospitality, take a trip out to his dude ranch sometime, consult www.homeplaceranch.com For all the latest on our Olympic coverage, consult Travel Alberta's YouTube channel
By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.
For teacher Judy Sliwinski's grade 6 class at Chestermere Middle School, the Olympic Torch couldn't have come through Chestermere, Alberta at a better time.
"My grade 6 kids are learning all about ancient Greece in class right now, so I think that makes them feel really tied to an event like this," Sliwinski said.
Sliwinski's class was one of dozens of classes that attended Tuesday's Torch relay in Chestermere. In all, five local elementary schools sent their kids to watch and take part in the festivities.
"This is a once in a lifetime event that they (the kids) are able to witness here today. Who knows when the flame with pass through Alberta again, so for some of them this might be the last chance they ever have to see it."
For Sliwinski, she's relishing the opportunity to see the Torch this time around. "As far as I recall, the Torch didn't pass through Chestermere on its way to Calgary in 1988. So just like the kids, this is a once lifetime opportunity for people like me as well."
The Torch's presence in Chestermere today was a symbol of the town's rapid evolution over the past number of years. Sliwinski feels a sense of validation, that her town is finally on the map.
"This is a huge deal for Chestermere, and we want the kids to see that. This town has grown so much in just the last few years, so I think that today is, in part, a celebration of that. Chestermere is a significant place now. We now have the facilities to accommodate an event like this."
As important as this moment is the for town as a whole, Sliwinski knows that the real winners on this day are the children. "Today will show the kids how important these games are to people, and how they aren't just games. It's great for them to see how the whole community comes together to celebrate."
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.
On a day when the Olympic Torch came through the town, Chestermere, Alberta's brightest light was the Keister Family Fiddlers.
"Words cannot describe how excited and proud we are to be involved with the Olympic Torch Relay here in our home of Chestermere!" said Sherry Keister, guitarist and mother of the Keister Family Fiddlers.
The Keisters got Chestermere's Torch celebration started with a bang today, as they took to the stage and electrified the home crowd. Consisting of mother Sherry, and daughters Quinn, 14, Claire, 13, and twins Faith and Paige, 10, the Keister Family Fiddlers have been wowing audiences all over Alberta for the last four years.
"We all started playing the fiddle when we each turned six, but we started playing together as a group four years ago," Quinn said. In addition to their fiddling, the girls also step dance and sing – all at the same time.
While today's Olympic rally was undoubtedly one of the group's career highlights, these young girls are no strangers to the spotlight. Just last year they managed to perform a whopping 150 times.
"The girls have already gone through a lot," Sherry said. "They've played in minus 30 weather at the the Airdrie Festival of Lights, and performed to almost 25,000 at the BMO Kids Day Breakfast at last year's Calgary Stampede."
While Chestermere's crowd wasn't quite 25,000, the ovation they received would have fooled anyone. The town is clearly proud of their hometown girls. "Playing at home, at the Torch rally, it makes things more exciting, but it also makes you more nervous," Quinn said. "I had an idea what it would be like, from seeing it on television, but it completely exceeded my expectations."
"It was a lot of fun," said the twins, Faith and Paige.
Because of the group's busy schedule, the girls have actually been going to school online this year. This "virtual schooling" seems to be working out quite well for them all. "We love it," Claire said. "It makes things a lot easier. And because of the CD, we don't really have a lot of time."
The CD in question is a planned Keister disc that should be hitting shelves this spring. The girls have been working diligently on it for months, and based on today's performance, it can't come too soon.
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.
For Jim Richards, director of torch relays for VANOC, the Torch's trip through Alberta has been something of a homecoming.
"I've been living abroad for many years, and I thought that getting involved (with the relay) would be a great opportunity to come back to Canada. I've worked with the
Olympics since 1988 in Calgary, and ever since then it's been a big part of my life.
The entire torch relay has been magic, but particularly so here in Alberta. "
Tonight's leg of the Torch relay was in Airdrie, just minutes away from Richards' hometown of Calgary. The close proximity allowed him to reconnect with not only his friends and his family, but the province and culture that raised him.
"Half of Canadian Olympic athletes reside in Alberta, so I can't help but believe that there's a huge connection between their success and their families, friends, relatives, and neighborhoods. There's a feeling and a good that's created as a result of the games, and the result of participation in sport. Albertans truly understand this and it's a huge part of our culture. That, to me, says so much about who we are as Albertans."
All bias aside, Richard's favourite moment of the entire Torch relay thus far took place this morning at the Olympic Oval in Calgary.
"For me, the epitome was when we had the chance to take the Olympic Flame down to the ice where Canada started to build out its heritage (in '88). To share that flame with the athletes that will be representing Canada in three short weeks, to watch their eyes connect to the people in the stands, the message, the Olympic flame, to see them recognize that we were all there to support them ... that was just beautiful. That was the best moment of the entire relay."
When asked for a message he'd like to send to all of Canada's Olympic hopefuls, Richards' said, "Do your best. Give it your all. Don't hold back. Do yourself proud and do your country proud."
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.
Each stage of the Olympic Torch Relay has featured a performance of our national anthem, and tonight's rendition, by a local elementary choir from Airdrie, Alberta, was certainly one of my favourites.
The invitation to sing tonight's anthem was personally extended to L'ecole Francophone D'Airdrie by Mayor Linda Bruce herself, in recognition of the school’s dedication to strengthening the forming pillars of learning: learning to do, learning to know, learning to be, and learning to live together.
I had the chance to chat with two of the performers, Desiree and Aimee Sweetapple, aged seven and five respectively. They were sweet (pardon the pun) enough to give me a private rendition of what they told me is their favourite song.
When asked what her favourite song was, young Aimee immediately cried, "Oh Canada!" and looked at me like I was crazy to think that there could possibly be a better song out there. I asked her why it was her favourite, and she said, "Because ... the flag," then proceeded to giggle and wave her tiny Canadian flag back and forth to hammer home her point.
There's something about the innocence of a child that can take you out of your familiarity with something and reveal just how powerful and precious it is. The Sweetapples' performance of our national anthem – their obvious pride in singing it – was a poignant reminder that this song we all know so well has a power and meaning beyond those simple words.
So many of us mouth the words and sing along to the anthem at sporting events and community gatherings, but rarely do we listen to those words and take in what they mean. Hearing them from the Sweetapple sisters was like listening to an entirely different song, one that beamed of pride.
"We sang on stage tonight," Aimee said, "for our country."
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at YouTube/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.
Twenty-two years ago, Keith Shaw of Calgary, Alberta was one of eight Olympic Torch bearers who rode in the first van as the Torch passed into this province. To this day, the feeling has never left him.
"It was just fantastic," Shaw said. "My Dad was there, which made it really special for me to have been able to share that with him. It's still one of my fondest memories."
Shaw shook his head when asked to think about what the current Torch bearers are thinking and going through at that moment. "You get excited in the van while you're waiting your turn. Then all of a sudden you realize that it's your turn, so you get out, and you're still waiting. Then you see it coming towards you and the momentum is almost unbearable."
As he spoke, Shaw's eyes became increasingly distant, and it was clear that he wasn't in 2010 anymore. He was back in '88.
And then when you run with it ... it's powerful. It's powerful."
Dressed in his original Torch Bearer suit from 22 years ago – which still fits perfectly, I might add, as a result of him still swimming four times a week – Shaw beamed about the power of Western Canada and it's Olympic reputation.
"We put on a pretty good show, I think. We had a fantastic crew of volunteers, there were so many people who were committed and they were trained very well."
Shaw doesn't see things playing out any differently in Vancouver. "The coaching programs, the volunteers, and the facilities are what brought the Olympics back to Western Canada. And now with the 'Own the Podium' program, I think it's really going to pay off. It should be fantastic."
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.
For Ann Drabble and Nancy Fehr, volunteering during the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary, Alberta wasn't just a full-time job, it was a full-time job on top of a full-time job. Both teachers (now retired), the ladies would teach until 5 p.m. every day before heading to the old airport.
"After the athletes got off their planes at the new airport," said Fehr, "they would get transported to the old airport, where we'd help them get their pictures taken, supply them with their IDs, and everything. Basically, we were in charge of providing the athletes accreditation throughout the games."
"They couldn't go anywhere or do anything without their accreditation," Drabble said. "We had all the power," she laughed.
The pair also volunteered for the 2010 games in Vancouver and were accepted, but due to some unfortunate circumstances they will not be able to attend. They took some solace in the celebration at Canada Olympic Park today, though.
"This is a great experience," Fehr said. "We're reliving the whole (Olympic) experience again. It reminds me of when Calgary had the 20th anniversary here two years ago, and Eddie the Eagle was here, and a lot of the Olympic athletes and family were here. It's so great to catch up with people and experience everything together again."
When asked why they decided, of all the Calgary-area festivities, to come out to the COP Torch relay, they had one unified answer. "This is the one where they were giving out cowbells!"
"We want to ring them when the torch bearers come," Drabble said. "The first 500 people got them, and we got the first two. We started a waiting line, we wanted to get them so badly. We were even the first two to get the pancakes!"
Fehr, feigning annoyance, turned to me with a smirk, "She picked me up at 6:15."
Unapologetically, Drabble replied, "When something like the Olympics happens, we're right in there."
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.
On every leg of the Olympic Torch Relay through Alberta, a different choir has performed the song, There's a Light, written by the New World Choirs. In Canmore, the chosen choir was the Bow Valley Chorus, led by Music Director John Goulart.
The Bow Valley Chorus has been performing together for over 10 years, singing classical choral music with orchestral accompaniment. They typically sing the likes of Mozart and Beethoven, but Goulart knew that the opportunity to perform There's a Light at a Torch rally was too great to pass up.
"We haven't done something like this before," said Goulart, "but we've certainly performed in some major concerts over the last decade. To perform as part of the Olympic celebration is a privilege and an honour that we're all really proud of."
A native of Canmore, Goulart is certainly in tune with what makes Albertans achieve such great heights athletically.
"Just looking at the Bow Valley, specifically, you can see that there's a very strong connection to the Olympics here. You have the Banff Ski Racers, you have the Banff Ski Academy, there's Thomas Grandi who lives in Banff, and a former neighbour of mine – Jan Hudec – is on the national ski team and has done very well internationally.
"We also have two gold medalists from the last winter olympics who live in Canmore, Chandra Crawford and Sara Renner. These people are prominent in the community, they play an active role, and because of that they get a tremendous amount of support from the community."
There certainly seems to be a connection between the Bow Valley's athletic success and the way in which its residents live their lives.
"Everyone gets out and participates, gets out and runs, gets out and skis. There's a whole bunch of winter activities that basically make this place one of the the nicest places to live in Canada."
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.
For the Cuban-Canadian Latin-jazz group, Bomba, being a part of the Olympic Torch Relay ceremonies in Banff is a validation of their status as Canadian citizens.
"This really means something to us Cubans," said Aldo Aguirre, one of six Bomba members. "Coming to this country and achieving success is one thing, but to be embraced and accepted like this is a big deal. We're all honoured to be here."
Having toured for over 10 years in places like Korea, Italy, Cuba, the UK, and the United States, Bomba knows what its like to leave Western Canada (they're based in Calgary) and return to find it all the more beautiful.
"Coming back after a long absence allows you to see a lot of things you take for granted," said guitarist, Rubim De Toledo. "The tradition that's rooted in Western Canada, the natural beauty, and of course, all of the fantastic winter sports here. I can tell you from experience that when people from all over the world think of winter and sports together, they think of Canada."
Listening to the guys of Bomba talk about their adopted home is to hear everything that's great about this province.
"When we're gone, we miss the calm, the quiet, the less-than-hectic lifestyle," Aguirre said. "Western Canada is ... just so empty. But in a great way. There is so much room to breath here and enjoy how gorgeous this province is. There's nothing better than the chilled-out mountain lifestyle where time just doesn't seem to go anywhere."
Sounds like a Canadian to me.
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.
Nothing quite compares to a proud mother.
Maria Leung is the mother of Torch bearer Shirley Leung, who ran through Banff, Alberta today. In Maria's case, "proud" might even be an understatement.
"We're so, so excited," Maria said. "We were so very happy to see her (Shirley) run with the Torch today. We truly feel a part of Canada now."
Maria and her husband, Peter, came to this country 20 years ago from Hong Kong in order to provide better opportunities for their children; although they never expected that carrying the Olympic flame would be one of them, this is definitely what they had in mind.
"We feel very lucky to have been a part of this. Something like this didn't feel possible before it happened, and now that it has ... it changes what you believe."
The entire Leung family was on hand in Banff. They even brought a homemade sign that said "Go Shirley!" in Chinese calligraphy. They were living it up at the festivities, as well.
"Oh, gosh, this is so much more than I expected!" Maria said. "This party is so much fun!" Maria was dancing around with her Canadian flags and glowing Coke bottles all evening, and her energy never wavered. All this after flying straight from Hong Kong the night before.
She can always sleep. She can't always see her daughter carry the Olympic Torch.
"We never thought she (Shirley) would have a chance to do this. I won't sleep for days," Maria laughed.
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.
As the Olympic flame made its way through the last few legs of its tour through Alberta today, it stopped at Banff's Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the birthplace of the National Parks system in Canada. One hundred and twenty-five years ago, in 1885, Banff became this country's first National Park, and it was right here in this spot.
In 1885, the Hot Spring Reserve was created, and since then it has slowly grown into the large park that is located there today. There are now 42 National Parks across the country, and there are well over 900 National Historic Sites.
"For us, this is where it all started, and for that reason it's a really important place for us," said Amar Athwal, interpretation supervisor for the Cave and Basin.
The Parks Canada crew were really excited to have the Torch pass through their beloved site. Their energy was palpable. "It's amazing for us. Just like the Olympics for Vancouver, this event will live in our history as one of our great events. To have it come to the birthplace of the National Parks system, it's unique for us and very important for us as well.
This park is a part of Canadian heritage. It's been with us for 125 years, and let's hope that its going to be with us for the next 125 years. For that flame to come out here, it shows how important this place is, not only to those people who work here, but to all Canadians."
Truly a proud Canadian, Athwal doesn't like to refer to these Olympic Games as taking place in Western Canada; these are Canada's games, meant for all Canadians.
"I think as Canadians we'd be completely behind the Olympics whether they were in Eastern Canada or Western Canada because this is truly an amazing country no matter where you go.
We're hoping a lot of people come out here from Eastern Canada and watch and cheer on the athletes as we, together, try to break our medal record."
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Jim Barr, SnowSeekers Inc.
The Olympics bring a wealth of benefits to any host country and its communities. We’ve seen this in action as we’ve travelled with the torch; it binds a community, ignites spirit, creates memories and leaves tremendous opportunities.
In Alberta we’ve seen some stellar benefits for our athletes. In addition to some stellar training facilities at places like Canada Olympic Park and Nakiska Ski Resort, the torch made a stop to the Canmore Nordic Centre yesterday – where it was carried in the finest of forms. The Canmore centre, also a legacy of the ’88 Olympics, is a training grounds for many of the 20 athletes where the torch made its way around the centre for a spin on skinny skis.
It was a pretty cool site when the torchbearers made their way around one of Canada’s premier Nordic training facilities ski by ski. It was a train of 20 skiers, including George Martin, who was a course marshal for the ’88 Olympics here in Canmore. I caught up with him just moments before the flame was back in his eyes. “It will be an exciting feeling to have that torch in my hand; I am very thrilled to see it again.”
The group of 20 skiers included Kurtis Wenzel, who is the youth World champion of the sprint biathlon. “The traditional biathlon no longer exists, it’s now broken up in to three or four differing events and Kurtis has mastered one – the sprint,” said his mom, Trish.
Did you know that half of the Olympians who will be representing Canada in these games are based or are from this province? One would think it might have a little to do with the wonderful training facilities
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Jim Barr, SnowSeekers Inc.
Over the past two days, the Olympic Torch has been carried to some pretty stellar places and now, it’s been carried through the Canadian Rockies and into some pretty spectacular spaces. Twenty-two years ago the Government of Alberta helped to open up Nakiska as part of the 1988 Olympics, an outstanding ski resort tucked away in Kananaskis country – it was the site yesterday of Olympic history, which incorporated a collection of up-an-upcoming athletes. The folks from Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, the owners of Nakiska, put on a great celebration
The return of the Olympic Flame to Nakiska was a triumphant one that included skiers from the Nakiska Ski Team. It was pretty cool to see them rip the slopes as they made their way down towards the Flame. Over at Sunshine, the celebrations continued with the addition of a lasting 2010 legacy here in Banff. Whistler Blackcomb has installed a temporary chair that will take people from the base of Creekside up to the finish line for the downhill events. Afterwards, it will have a permanent home at Sunshine Village.
“Sunshine has played host too many Olympic athletes who have trained here. With the installation of this chair, we help to continue that legacy,” said Sunshine’s president, Ralph Scurfield. “It was a partnership with Whistler Blackcomb that said, ‘OK, we will get the chair if you guys buy it once we are finished with it,’” said Scurfield, in a special celebration that welcomed the Olympic Flame to the slopes of Sunshine this morning.
Sunshine has been known to be an environmentally friendly ski destination, having received multiple awards for its environmental efforts. The resort welcomes the new chair in May where it will replace the Strawberry chair, helping to enhance the visitor’s experience. For more on the new installation and for all the exciting details on Sunshine please click here.
Just up the road, a big party was happening on the slopes Lake Louise Ski Area – owner Charlie Locke dawned his chariot (a snow cat with a pretty impressive set up on the back so he could stand and wave at the crowds) to take the flame up the slopes of Louise. The folks at Louise had constructed a pretty stellar ski jump outfitted with the Olympic rings to welcome the Torch in style. Ski jumpers, a solid ski run with a collection of ski instructors and a crowd of admirers were all a part of the action.
There were more than a few spectacular ice sculptures too, all in celebration for the Ice Magic events that are taking place this weekend at Lake Louise Village.
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.
It was a bittersweet afternoon at the Alberta/British Columbia border as the Olympic flame left Alberta for its final push towards Vancouver and next month's Winter Olympics.
Among those on hand was Premier Gordon Campbell of British Columbia, as well as former Alberta premier, Peter Lougheed, who was the last Alberta torchbearer. Lougheed was met at the border by B.C. Lions head coach and general manager, Wally Buono.
After 12 wonderfully hectic days of following the flame through this province, I was sad to see it go. But the team and I have nothing but fond memories of our time with the Relay, and have come away with a renewed respect for not only the province of Alberta as a whole, for hosting such amazing events, but each and every Albertan who came out and supported the Torch along the way.
"The people of Alberta have been very strong supporters and great partners of ours as we work so hard to make these Canada's games," said Campbell. "The border is really a great place to symbolize the unity of not just British Columbia and Alberta, but Canada as well."
Jim Richards, the director of the Torch Relay, has been present at each and every stop throughout Alberta. This native Calgarian is still taken aback at the passion and spirit of his home province and how much they're behind these Olympic games.
"It's been remarkable seeing the enthusiasm, the support, the passion that Albertans have for the Olympic games. it's only been a generation since they hosted the games in Calgary. Albertans understand the importance of that, the legacy and what that means to the communities."
"It inspires everybody," Campbell said of the Torch. "I think it inspires young people particularly, which is what's so great about it."
The young were out in full force throughout this entire Relay, a fact not lost on Richards, who wanted to thank them all from the bottom of his heart.
"I'd like to thank the Albertans for every moment of every day. When they took their kids out of school, when they came to join us at celebrations, they participated fully. It's been remarkable. Hopefully it's been as good for them as it was for us."
It was, Jim. It absolutely was.
Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
The SnowSeekers team is spread far and wide this weekend. The film crew is in Revelstoke shredding and paragliding - hope they keep their pants clean. And some of us are here in Lake Louise for the Ice Magic festival and a few runs at Lake Louise resort.
After an enjoying an excellent dinner show at the resort (the Torchlight Dinner), I took a stroll around the staging area here at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where the carvers are set up; carvers from around the world I might add - from New Zealand to Russia.
It was the first evening of competition and the blocks of ice are just that - for the most part, beyond carving out some rudimentary designs, it still looked like mammoth blocks of ice. But some of the carvers were kind enough to show their end designs on little signs - pretty impressive. Can't wait to see what happens today.
While I'm spending the day with the carvers and doing a little snowshoeing, others are at the ski hill. Friends of SnowSeekers, Howard and Shauna said yesterday at the hill was brilliant and there's a hint of snow in the air today, so SnowSeeker scribe, Will Colford should be laughing down every run.
Hope your weekends are equally fun - and loaded with some outdoor adventure.
Cheers, Barb
PS: If you haven't checked out the Alberta portion of the Olympic Torch relay, do so at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
On January 14th, SnowSeekers officially launched 12 Go-Guides for the iPhone. These digital tour guides--downloadable as iPhone applications--give you all the latest and greatest information about 12 of Western Canada's greatest resorts, right on your phone.
Each app includes:
Everyone wants to leave a resort knowing that they had the best time possible. Knowing what activities and amenities are available goes a long way to maximizing your winter vacation.
For prices, a list of titles, and other info, visit www.snowseekers.ca/iphone.
Read More
By Mark Sereda, SnowSeekers Inc.
Since joining the SnowSeekers team in early January of this year, I …‘the newbie’…’the rookie’…and/or even ‘the intern,' have learned some important lessons that I feel read the best in blog-format: short, informative, and (most importantly) useful. Not only am I learning how to professionally operate a camera and advancing my editing knowledge/skills, but I’ve also picked up some interesting life/athletic lessons along the way.
As a treat for those of you who drop by the website/blog, I offer my advice through recent personal experiences. Enjoy.
Nordic Skiing.
Kimberley, British Columbia offers up great viewpoints during some adventurous trails, perfect for Nordic skiing. After being relieved of camera-duties, Doc Pow took me down a few challenging paths, which he said took him back to the good old days. It had been a decade since I had last fitted my feet into Nordic skis, and knew some learning was at hand, or I suppose foot.
Turns out the entire body plays a big role in smooth movement on these skinny sliders. It began to slowly come back and soon enough I was coming up with entertaining descriptions of the movement-style required. The best was my idea to think of it as doing a “backwards-moonwalk” because your toes stay to the ski and you're propelling yourself forward. Think about it!
Extras:
- I keep my knees parallel to the set tracks to maintain balance.
- I noticed that pushing my ankles out, inside the tracks, during downhill slides helped me stay in the tracks.
- Always stretch before taking part in Nordic skiing and prepare yourself for some serious exercise, especially if you’re trying to keep up with Doc Pow.
But Nordic skiing with Doc Pow was relaxing compared to our recent tour with the Olympic Torch through Alberta. If I learned anything on that tour, I learned how to shoot on the fly – fast. The learning curve here at SnowSeekers is steep to say the least. If you haven't seen any of the footage, feel free to drop by www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada
As we mentioned before, Sunny On The Slopes is currently being cut. We are very excited to release the final cut here at SnowSeekers, but we have something for you to check out in the mean time!
Wow - talk about a feast. Just finished an amazing all-you-can-eat Alaskan King Crab dinner at the Sawridge Inn here in Fort McMurray. An excellent start to our Alberta Ice Road adventure.
True, it's a little different from SnowSeekers' usual slope-side outings, but we're all about the snow and enjoying winter to its fullest – and travelling the ice road definitely falls into that catagory – especially when you throw dog sledding, ice fishing and keeping an eye on the night sky for the famed aurora borealis - the Northern Lights.
Bill Rockwell, a local tour guide with Altacan Tours and expert on shooting the dancing lights, gave us a tutorial on the best way to capture the memory no matter what type of camera you have, and to a person, we are all stoked to see if we can match the images he's taken. Fort McMurray and points north are suppose to be a hot bed for the lights - let's hope it clears by tomorrow night.
Bright and early tomorrow morning, we hit the road - next stop Fort Chipewan and on to Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories on Sunday. It's my first time being this far north and I am definitely excited. This entire area is part of the Wood Buffalo National Park which takes up a big chunk of Northern Alberta, sides into NWT and is Canada's largest national park. It's also home to the last free roaming herd of wild wood bison.
Can't wait to see these big bruisers, plus once we hit Fort Smith, we will be hanging out with Sonny MacDonald, a renowned carver who has carved pieces for the Pope and of for the Queen. I'm sure he has one or two stories to share.
Alas, internet is sketchy in these parts, so you will have to stayed tuned to SnowSeekers.ca to see how this journey ends and whether or not I survived Alberta's Ice Road. Top speed is 45k.
Hope you are finding some truly out-of-the-way snow adventures this weekend,
Barb
By DOC POW
In 1996 I was living in Vancouver, British Columbia working with the now concluded PGA Tour – The Air Canada Championship. Our golf tournament office shared space with this tiny office of three, who at the time were working on Vancouver’s bid for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Working on my tourism management diploma, I was in their office every day poking my nose around to learn just how a city bid for the world’s largest sporting event. 
That summer, Vancouver went up against Toronto who received the Canadian nod to go up against Beijing, and we all know who won that bid process. That left Vancouver in the winter spot for 2010 (which as a snow addict I couldn’t have been happier about).
Fast forward 14 years to today and now I am sitting in Whistler with 24 hours to go before the world’s biggest winter festival and sporting experience kicks off. We drove from Edmonton to Whistler – a 14-hour cruise that took us to Vancouver to scoop up our broadcast and accommodations trailer for the three weeks. Who could afford the $2,000 a night for rooms? As a start up media company, not us – so we got smart and last August rented ourselves a 31-foot deluxe trailer – our new home away from home.
Our company, SnowSeekers Inc., one of Canada’s leading snow-minded new media companies, is here to bring you a look at the culture of the Olympics, all the concerts, the parties and stories to answer the question of why Whistler is now welcoming the world. Our team of journalists will do this through You Tube, Facebook, Twitter, Blogger and Flickr to bring this exciting look at the games. We are pleased to hook up with audiences in the UK, Australia, the US, Canada and over 154 countries from around the world who will be following us through our partnerships with www.basecampgroup.com, saltmotion.com,www.freshpeaks.com and more.
Every day you can expect from us a daily video blog, editorial, photos and updates from the epic centre of the Olympics. For the full experience, please follow along atwww.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews
Stay tuned – there is LOTS to come!!!
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
After skiing and snowboarding for 19 years, getting my first turns at Whistler today left serious impressions.
Not to brag, but I’ve ridden nearly every resort in Western Canada. I rode the day “epic” became cannon. I’ve had turns so deep, my board ran into bioluminescent sea creatures. In short, the last two decades have been good … really good.
However, my life as a rider will forever be divided into two categories: before and after Whistler. Coming into town it’s very clear Whistler is not a typical ski town; it’s a mecca. There’s a reason Whistler is consistently ranked amongst North America’s best ski destinations, and it begins in the village.
The cobblestone streets are lined with the best restaurants, shops, pubs and clubs. Each one potentially contains your idea of a perfect party. Each menu contains your idea of the perfect meal. Each shop has that perfect item you can’t find anywhere else. Sure the chains are present, but they’re buried within the most eclectic collection.
Of course the good attracts the bad. Prices go up. Pretensions rise. Exclusivity becomes the norm. The only element devoid of this phenomenon, however, is the riding. It’s all good. To get an idea of what Whistler Blackcomb is like, picture your top five favourite mountains.
Then think of what makes them your top five: terrain, specific areas, hiking, glades, groomers. Then take those five elements and put them into one hill. Heading up the 7th Heaven chair, I saw the Sunshine Garbage chutes, Revelstoke’s North Bowl, Lake Louise’s glades, Terminator from Kicking Horse, and Red Mountain groomers. Then I realized, I was on one chairlift, of one section, of just one hill.
I’m not going to get into specifics yet; suffice it to say I’m looking forward to the next two weeks of exploring just what made Whistler a host mountain for the 2010 Olympics, and the best winter destination in North America.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
“There’s way more to it than people realize,” says Stefan Jones. Standing in the Whistler tuning station I was about to learn just how true Jones’ statement is.
Typically, getting your skis or board tuned involves a quick drop off. You hand your equipment over to the someone dressed in wax-stained attire; they look back at you with a mixed air of superiority and apathy; you try your hardest to sound like you know better.
Usually phrases like ‘core shot’ and ‘base grind’ are about as far as you go before submitting, giving up and saying, “What ever you think is best.” 
In this sense, getting a tune is a bit like taking your car into the mechanics: you’re not sure exactly what’s wrong with it, you just know how to describe it in vague, generalized terms. It’s also the right thing to do, because a good tech does know more than you and shouldn’t care what your opinions are.
“I know exactly what the equipment needs just by looking at it, and that’s a skill that only comes with years of experience, riding particular snow conditions, and working with all kinds of equipment problems.”
Almost like an artist seeing the stroke pattern in a painting, or a musician hearing sheet music, Jones sees the structure and functionality of a ski or board.
“Different skis and boards have different structures depending on their use. After all, you’re not riding on snow, you’re riding on a thin layer of water cushioned by a thinner layer of trapped air,” explains Jones, like I understand any of it.
Apparently skis and boards melt snow underfoot as they ride around. Different skis will trap and use air pockets differently, depending on if they are slaloming, racing, or free riding. In this way, techs imprint a pattern, or “structure” in the wax on the base of the ski or board to maximize its functionality. After getting a tune, take a look at your equipment and notice the pattern imprinted.
In order to imprint this pattern, Jones uses a high-dend tuning machine, complete with ceramic diamond grinding stones, and diamond imprinted steel tuners. 
“The machine has over 300 signatures I can put onto the equipment, and it’s all in German so that took some time to learn.”
There are so few of these machines in Western Canada, one person composes the entire maintenance department. Again, Jones knows what kind of riding you’re doing, and what conditions you’re doing it in.
After the machine grinds and imprints a signature, then the equipment gets waxed. Again, depending on temperature, conditions, rider type, equipment type, and a host of things the average skier or border never thinks about, wax plays a vital role.
“This chunk here costs about a $150. That’s not even the high-end stuff either. A vile of the powder runs about $275, and it only lasts for one or two runs.”
The Whistler tuning station has one last phenomenon worth mentioning. Unlike the rest of the village, the tuning shop is staffed almost entirely by Canadians. Given all the knowledge, experience, and time it takes a tuner to get as dialed in as Jones, it’s no wonder the locals are the only ones accepted.
Without riding the mountain every day, in every type of condition, for many years, you can’t understand how best to tune the equipment and read the customer’s needs.
“It’s not just their skis or boards the customer is trusting us with, it’s their lives.”
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
“That third gate is seriously wicked,” said Max Isaac as he looks over the men’s downhill course. Today is training day for the skiers, and according to Isaac they’ll need to pull out all the stops to top the podium on a course that isn’t “a token Olympic downhill.”
Isaac is a ski school instructor from Australia. He’s been working in Whistler for five seasons and flies home ever summer to work the winter season in Australia. That way, he skis all year round. The man knows what he’s talking about.
As a downhill racer gets a little sideways through a gate and over a steep, Isaac winces. He’s cheering for a hometown friend.
“I grew up in the same town as Jono,” he says with pride. He’s referring to Australian skier Jono Brauer, one of two Australians to be selected for the competition.
According to Isaac, Brauer was recognized as a natural talent at a young age. He’s been training with the Canadian team for a long time and is the first Australian to qualify for all the Alpine events.
Unfortunately, Brauer has had several major injuries and corresponding surgeries.
“He has trouble even walking,” notes Isaac. “He has had to avoid training, instead just rocking up, doing one ski before the event, then just going for it.”
The Alpine ski events are notorious for season and career ending injuries.
Just this year during the Lake Louise world cup event, American favourite, T J Lanning suffered shredded knee ligaments, a neck fracture, and shattered Olympic dreams all in the same horrifying moment.
But, that’s what makes Brauer so astonishing. Even after all the injuries and all the surgery, and all the abuse his body ahs taken, he’s here in Whistler competing one more time for Olympic Gold.
Isaac, will assuredly be right along the fence cheering Brauer on.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
Nearing the top of the hill, on the second last lift before the top is bittersweet. The sun crests the clouds and two things become immediately apart. The conditions are ideal, but the chair to access them isn’t open.
Bombs are going off and every so often a patroller skis a line and gets back on the lift, only heightening the tension and angst. Every time the chair begins to turn, you think it’s time. Then you see a rope drop and you can’t put your board on fast enough, only to find out it’s still not time.
“Sorry folks, it’ll be half an hour at least,” says the liftie. Even still, the line is beginning to build.
After a few more runs, the line is full and there’s no more risking it. It’s time to line up and wait. The mood is almost somber. It has gravity. It’s maybe like watching a meteorite about to land on earth and change your way of life forever, but nobody knows where or when or how, all they can do is wait. 
The ski patrollers again ski down and skip to the front of the line. Everyone hears the ding ding of the chair lift start cycle.
“Is it just for the patrol?” someone asks. The patrollers don’t make eye contact with anyone in line, and just push strait to the chair. The machine lurches forward about to pick them up. Everyone is waiting for some kind of update before the patrol leaves. The line is silent. The patrol turns back and says, “Strap up everyone, it’s time.”
The meteor lands and everyone screams and rushes and panics, then it gets truly crazy. By the time I make my way to the front, the first chairs have unloaded at the top and people are imprinting tracks in the untouched bowls and chutes. A skier pokes out at the top of air Jordan – a triple drop section that combines for about 120 feet. Everyone in line goes nuts. Poles are banged together, boards a slapped on the graound, cheers, yells, and “DO IT!” fill the air.
He points his pole and lets go. He lands the first drop and takes off the second. Landing in the larger patch a slab breaks off, hurtling towards a 60 footer. He pops out with just enough time to set himself, then lets go again off the 60 foot face.
Sticks the landing and everyone’s world has been changed forever. My chair scoops me up and I turn my gaze to scan for the perfect line. They’re all perfect. Soon it will be mine turn. I can’t wait.
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WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
Welcome to Whistler Whereabouts. Because Whistler Blackcomb is so massive with so many places to ski and ride, I’ve decided to ride a new section every day and tell the tale of my experiences.
My first day, however, may very well be my best. I began the day at 6 a.m., heading to the village with a “first tracks breakfast” ticket in tow. This program allows anyone with a lift ticket to head up early and get breakfast on top of Whistler at the roundhouse lodge. It was a great spread, with a fine selection of bacon – essential for early morning fuel.
At some point, someone clangs a giant bell, and everyone stuffs down their stray pancakes, and gulps the rest of their juice and coffee, then scrambles outside for first tracks. Since you can access several areas from the lodge, people are breaking off in every direction, making it impossible not to second guess your decision.
Thoughts like, “Those people look like they know where they’re going.” creep in. But then you strap in and commit.
The area I committed to included the Old Man area, followed by Franz and the glades skier’s left of Franz. These funneled down to the highway 86 cat track, eventually leading to the Big Red Express chair, and back up to the Roundhouse lodge. (head to Whistler’s interactive trail map at media.intrawest.com/whistler/trailmap/index.html?int=banner-nonflash_mapbtn_101807 to follow along).
Getting first tracks through this area was varied and quick. The wide open meadows of Old Man nicely gave way to the chutes of Franz and the spacey glades left of Franz. The trees themselves looked like Old Growth cedar, making a steep face very technical and picturesque. In two hours, we lapped these lines no less than seven times. Each time fresh tracks were had. 
Though it contains a few traverses, and a bit of planning, the area itself is steep and technical. If the snow wasn’t there, I would have had a difficult time on a board. But on skis, it would make for some seriously technical riding. Stay tuned for part two of my day, and the highlight of my life: Whistler Bowl and the Peak Chair.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
Canada House opened today as any good Canadian venue should: with breakfast. The pancakes, music, and maple syrup were all in plentiful supply this morning as Canada House opened its doors on the first day of Olympic competition.
The mood was all "Please" and "Thank yous," "After you" and "I insist." Even though it was packed, everyone was eager to make space for one more hungry Canadian. Families with kids, and glass-eyed spectators alike ate with verve and cheer.
We as Canadians, after all, have a lot to cheer about at these Olympics as our nation gets to host the world and demonstrate our hospitality. 
Even though the games represent the panicle of international competition, the mood within the village is anything but competitive. The conversation this morning buzzed with last night’s ceremony event.
In true Olympic opening ceremony fashion, something had to go slightly wrong.
Off the top of my mind, I remember a foible in Sydney with the hydraulics, and a big scandal in Beijing involving the replacement of one little girl who could sing for a more aesthetically pleasing one who couldn't.
However, unlike those ceremonies, ours was received by Canadians with whit and comedy. We are able to laugh at ourselves and let others in on the joke. By comparison to other opening mishaps, cutting to Steve Nash awkwardly looking around, signaling the hydraulic malfunction was more hilarious than embarrassing. Moreover, the rest of the ceremony was downright spectacular. The lighting effects with the whales, the fiddling and dancing routine, and KD Lang’s beautiful rendition of Halleluiah were just a few highlights.
So what if the delegates were a bit late and Wayne had to fend off some ‘jovial’ yahoos when travelling to the outside torch site. As Canadians, we expect these lesser important quirks.
Remember when Chrétien got ‘attacked’ with a pie to the face? Or when our flag was hung upside down during a medal ceremony? Or who could forget Rebagliati’s ‘performance enhancement’?
While other nations would be embarrassed, we take it in stride, and let out a collective chuckle over some pancakes.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
Welcome back to Whistler Whereabouts, my daily report on specific ski and snowboard areas of Whistler Blackcomb.
Today’s area included some of the best runs I’ve ever, or possibly will ever have: Whistler Bowl and the Peak chair. (Please read my blog, Waiting for it to better understand the atmosphere in the lift line, waiting for patrol to open the area. Moreover, check out the trail map to follow along the areas I’m speaking to:
www.ski.com/resorts/trailmaps/tmn_whistler.jpg)
My first taste of the Peak chair admittedly came yesterday during a white out wind storm. The light was dangerously flat and the only discernable features were the many cliff banks that define the area. In fact, the poor visibility made the chair ride a bit horrifying as massive slabs of rock would materialize out of the mist and snow, then drop away into nothing. It made me wonder just how high up I really was.
Going down was like reverse blindness, just piercing white in every direction. Feeling my way down a combination of deep pow and the crests of mammoth moguls was disorientating. However, through the maelstrom it was easy to know how good this area could be.
Today, I realized that potential. Rising above the clouds, the Peak chair area was draped in sun and snow alike. After waiting in line for the area to open, it was finally time to experience what I previewed a day earlier.
The Peak chair accesses four glory bowls. Each one is jammed with steeps, chutes, cirques, couloirs, glades, cliffs, and all manner of intermediate and extreme terrain. From left to right there’s Glacier Bowl, Whistler Bowl, and West Bowl.
It’s a hard decision when you reach the top and throngs of people are scattering in every direction trying to get the freshest tracks on the best lines. But you have to make a quick choice since more people are following close behind, ready to grab your perfect line before you can.
I decided to go with what I vaguely knew, Whistler Bowl. Straight up, the bowl is a typical alpine fare, meaning it’s wide open and loaded with snow all the way down to the tree line. You can follow the bowl into gladded areas called Doom & Gloom and Frog’s Hollow. But that means taking two chairs back to the top, burning a full fresh run. 
Not knowing, I began to follow a sharp traverse leading skier’s right, heading under the lift line, high up in the bowl. What I didn’t know is that the traverse led to a tight couloir known as the Coffin. You can’t turn, you have to air over a few drops, and it’s straight down.
I opted out, angry for wasting time. Somehow I found myself on the ridge separating Whistler Bowl and Glacier Bowl. Looking at the steep never-ending line I had to double check if the area was actually open. It was.
In 19 years of skiing and snowboarding, I can count on one hand how many times I’ve experienced a run like this, and one of those times was cat skiing. It just kept dropping away as my edge sunk deeper into the fluff. A skier came on my left and crossed my line with a slash. I blew through his sluff like a fireman running out of a burning building. I was painted with snow and took a hard breath in. It felt like breathing for the first time.
The run began to mellow as I came into the Saddle. My adrenaline level began to drop as my euphoria level began to rise. I looked back at my line in admiration for only a second because more skiers and riders began pouring over the crest. It reminded of the scene in the Lion Kingwith the stampeding water buffalo.
Back in the lift line, everyone was silent with glee. I am told on a normal day you only get one run before it’s all tracked. I managed to get three, all fresh. The Peak chair takes skiers and snowboarders to the top of Whistler mountain, but today it might as well have been the top of the world.
Stay tuned for more runs like these.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
DOC POW, SnowSeekers Inc.
Are you ready for a bash? The folks in Whistler are. Thirty-eight shows over six stages that run from 9 a.m. through 11 p.m. each day. They have brought in some hired guns including some of the Whistler’s finest to produce this experience that includes Shawn Pozer of Boombox, a Vancouver-based production company, who just got back after working with the Super Bowl.
Kristine Robinson is with Whistler Live!, managing the six stage sites that are sprinkled around the village. “This is a fusion of sport and entertainment,” explains Robinson.
And she’s right. Over the course of the games, the folks from the community are working to bring these stages to life.
“Damien Marley, Swollen Members, Bedouin Soundclash and several cultural events are just some of the performers who will be a part of the celebrations,” she explained.
Going off their experience and success of such event as Whistler’s World Ski and Snowboard Festival in April and events in the summer such as Crankworx, the team is working to bring the best of Whistler to the roughly 40,000 to 50,000 people who are expected in Whistler each day.
Having been to both events, I know what it feels like to be immersed in a crowd of soon to be 10,000 of your closest friends with an awesome band on stage. The vibe is like something you’ll ever experience anywhere else – this is Whistler at this best.
They’ve been waiting for the moment for over 50 years – they’ve bid for the game five times, first starting in 1964! In this case, it’s ‘sixth time is the charm.’
For a full look at what is happening in and around Whistler through the games, you can check out www.whistler2010.com/whistlerlive
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
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DOC POW, SnowSeekers Inc.
One of the best things about travel is you never know what or who is around the corner. That sentiment couldn’t ring stronger than here in Whistler at the Olympics. At a media reception tonight at the Whistler Media Centre – one of the epicenters for the world’s media in Whistler Village – I was in mid-sentence when I turned around and said, “Hey that is Ross Rebagliati.”
It took seconds for me to make my move to get in a chat.
For those of you who need a refresher, back in 1998 at the Nagano Olympics Rebagliati won an Olympic first – gold in snowboarding, only to have it stripped after a drug test, which tested positive for marijuana.
Rebagliati was taken into an interrogation room where IOC representatives from around the world grilled him – an 18 year resident of Whistler – about the lifestyle that he was a part of.
At the time, snowboarding was a demonstration event at Nagano and there were a lot of misconceptions about the sport and the people.
Anyway, the decision was quickly overturned and the IOC reversed its decision, re-awarding Rebagliati his medal.
Within days, he was back in the village here in Whistler.
Being in the crowd that February in 1998, I can tell you the atmosphere was almost exactly like last night’s as Canadian athletes took to the stage during the opening ceremony festivities. 
It was pretty sweet – 65 athletes who couldn’t make it down to Vancouver for last night’s opening ceremonies paraded through Whistler before a crowd of about 25,000 strong. Mike Janyk, Canadian Men’s Slalom athlete and Whistler resident, took the mic for a bit to speak about the support he receives from the community. Something Rebagliati talks about as well.
“This community is fantastic. They’ve even named a park and a run after me. Whistler is this incredible place that never disappoints its own.”
Stay tuned for more unexpected experiences – word is we may even be out snowboarding with Rebagliati later in the week.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
It began as a formality. “Here, have a pin,” said Nancy Greene during the Slovenia House opening last night. I didn’t even look at it. Just stuck it to my lanyard and smiled. But something changed as I pinched the backing, pierced the canvass, and pressed the trinket into place. 
“Vancouver 2010, Canada,” read the pin. White and silver with appropriate national and Vanoc colours. Had I known what I was about to get into, I never would have said, “Thank you.”
Pins are the currency of the Olympic games. Pin collectors, buyers, and traders populate the village like undercover police; they could be anyone. As the addiction worsens, people disappear, their faces go, their names go, all I see anymore walking around the most electric place on the planet are the pins.
Volunteer 2010, Munich applicant 2018, Swiss house in both English and Swuisse, Intrawest corporate pin, and the Quatchie Zambonie Visa collection, this is all I can think about.
It’s gotten so bad I tried to trade my team Ireland for a line cook’s nametag. What’s worse is that I got it. I feel like I really hit rock bottom when I saw what looked like a rare white rectangular Canadian pin on the ground, only to realize – as I picked it up – it was, in fact, someone’s unchewed gum. And yet, I can’t stop.
The pin collecting is a great way for even the most out-of-shape spectator to get into the spirit of the games. The transaction of trading usually begins with meeting someone from another country. Then you connect to that person, not through language, but through your shared sport of pin collecting.
There’s a round of competition in which both collectors try to “win” the transaction by getting the better pin. Finally there’s a ceremony in which both ‘athletes’ congratulate each other and say, “Have a great Olympics.”
Everyone has their own tactic for trading up and acquiring rare and sought after pins. My tactic is quite amateur: I lie. 
By telling people the pin is harder to get than it actually is, I have been able to get some pretty great items. However, this backfired when I realized that I am not the only one to have thought of the tactic. I began to wonder if I had, in fact, been trading crappy pins for other crappier pins.
I met a gentleman who could only be described as eclectic. He waved a double-sided flag, Canada on one side and America on the other. He said, “It’s not about competition, it’s about coming together.” I believed him.
After giving up three solid pieces, I received what I thought would be my crown jewel. A circular gold, flag encrusted, double pinner that reads “Whistler Blackcomb Pin Collector.”
On the back it says the pin is limited to only 2010 pieces.
After showing it off today I was gloating to one gentlemen who replied simply, “Oh ya, you can buy those at Seven Eleven for a buck.”
I suppose just like the games themselves, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but it’s always a treat just to be playing the game.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
“I have a Canadian for Will,” shouted the chef, holding a beautiful disaster. The tin corrugated dish – normally reserved for Chinese take out – bowed under the sheer weight of the meal it contained.
Thick cut potatoes, topped with cheese curds, a river of gravy, and a full sausage awaited. My arteries shuddered as the plastic fork stabbed the monstrosity. I stuffed my mouth and began shaving years off my life with each glorious bite. 
It’s the Olympics, and the best food from around the world is at my finger-tips.
My first experience with international flavour came at Bavaria House with a giant salty pretzel. The outside was dense and crisp; the inside was a doughy cloud, perfectly salted. One quickly turned into seven, as empty beer glasses – taller than my forearm – piled up beside the plates.
Next was a wild mushroom and pepper soup from Slovenia. If this dish is ‘common,’ the Slovenian quality of life is anything but. It was a rare treat in that I have never tasted anything like it. When you taste something completely new, your brain and taste buds have a sit down and try and work out all the flavour intricacies.
Because of this I can only describe what it wasn’t. It was not watery, greasy, salty, thick, processed, or bland. It was the perfect soup.
Sadly, I will not be able to taste everything the world has to offer at the games; but damn it, like the athletes themselves, I’ll give it my best.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
The cowbells clanged as the crowd began to chant, “Robbie, Robbie, Robbie.” Posted up just below the fifth gate for the Men’s Downhill, everyone was going peanuts as one of the Canadian medal hopefuls pushed out of the gates.
All nations are represented in the crowd. Thankfully someone has a bull horn and is shouting out the times and leader positions as they come in on his iPhone. When they announced that Swiss favorite Didier Defago had taken the lead, a large Swiss contingent is unsurprisingly overwhelmed.
They chant and wave and everyone in the crowd smiles for them. Though we all want our own nation’s athletes to win, you can’t help feel residual joy for the people celebrating beside you.
Like a wave of sound, the cheer follows Robbie down the run. Than at the notorious gate three, Robbie connected and the bells fall silent. It looks like he’s just about to go down as the gate shatters off his helmet, but being the professional he is, he sticks it out, tucks in, and keeps going.
The crowd snaps out of it, and explodes as Robbie blows by.
This is one of the biggest events in the Olympics, only made better by sharing the moments, bad and good, with everyone from around the world, just here to cheer.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
DOC POW, SnowSeekers Inc.
Nadia Durig, from Kelowna, British Columbia, jumped at the chance to represent her family’s heritage by getting in on the action happening around the games. And she did it the best way she knew how, by producing a tasty treat to show off to the world.
“With my Swiss roots I have chocolate running through my veins,” said this Red Seal chef whose uncle calls Switzerland home.
The village here in Whistler is packed full of nations who are showing off their culture via houses. The House of Switzerland is everything from the land of the Alps; it's a house that showcases the best of the country – which last night, included this competition that was caked in chocolate.
“Our history is in chocolate, we are very famous for this,” said the director of the Swiss House, David Grolimund. “For us it’s about quality, creativity and utilizing some of the country’s finest ingredients.”
The Swiss take one of their biggest exports seriously but certainly leave some for themselves.
The 7.7 million Swiss consume over 11.6kgs of chocolate per year – each. And in the spirit of that consumption, the Swiss government called on three chefs to come up with their best chocolate dessert and in honour of Valentine’s Day. Olympic visitors got to vote on their favorite.
Durig heard the call months ago by the Swiss Government to be a part of history and bring her passion to the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb. And it proved to be the right decision.
Her Swiss Bliss, a layered mousse of three types of chocolate took gold last night (Feb. 14) which, for all of us in the audience, was just the ticket to a sweet success.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
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WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
Welcome back to Whistler Whereabouts where I ride specific sections of the mountain each day and tell you about them. 
You cannot come to Whistler without checking out one of the two Nintendo Terrain parks. Having one on each mountain, Whistler Blackcomb has every level of rider covered when it comes to all things park.
If you’re just starting out, hit the Whistler park; the jumps are mellow to medium and the rails and boxes will let you progress without taking a trip to the hospital.
Once you have your intermediate skills down and you want to begin infusing some creativity and challenge into your tricks, then pop over to Blackcomb and head up the solar coaster chair. There is a dedicated lift specifically built for park laps.
Unlike any other mountain I can think of – save maybe the T bar at Red Mountain – the Cat Skinner chair is only as long as the park itself, so there’s no mucking about getting to the hits.
The Blackcomb park is spit into two sections, an intermediate park with good jump, rail, and jib lines. Then there’s the pro park.
You need a special pass for this park which you can get from the guest relations desk in the village. These are the Hollywood big guns. Often the cheese wedges are taller than a grown man, and the tables start at 12 metres (40 feet) and go up from there. You can see these monsters from the intermediate line which helps motivate riders on difficult tricks.
After all, if you’re trying to progress your board slide from a straight rail to a 270 on, and you look over to see someone hurtle themselves 15 m (50 ft.) through the air, spinning like a falling cosmonaut, suddenly your trick doesn’t seem so impossible. 
Even if you don’t ride park, it’s worth it to take a ride up the chair to see something you’ll hardly ever get to see on any other mountain: pros going big.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
• Photos courtesy TOURISM WHISTLER
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
Welcome to the fourth installment of Whistler Whereabouts.
I awoke to the sound of bombs. Muffled and distant, their heavy growls signal another day of deep turns. Groggily, I sighed heavily and got up; the bombs continued.
Sound is an important connector for skiers and borders. Since I was being taken into both Harmony and Symphony bowl on Whistler Mountain today, I decided to keep my ears open. One of the first sounds I heard this morning was an Australian accent from my tour guide, Matt Mohr.
“How ya goin?” he asked, with a strong shake of my hand. 
After some initial discussion about snowfall and just how good it was up top, we decided it’d be best to try for Harmony bowl. A short hike from the Whistler gondola and we were standing on top of the run, Rabbit Tracks.
The stiff wind bristled the pines, like some kind of organic wind chime. The bowl was devoid of people and sound after our boots rested, and the team took a moment to pick a line.
All four of us blew off a wind lip then jet streamed a fresh pow-line to the bottom. Going that fast through fresh sounds like a predatory hiss. As if a snake is giving you fair warning, though you’re not sure where it is. It’s all around.
Immediately after stopping, another familiar sound: laughter – inundating, enthralling, laughter. It’s the only noise that has any chance of describing how we felt. As we make our way down to the Harmony chair, others join our laughter. Everyone in line – all eight of us – were either laughing, or religiously silent.
“Unlike the Coke bottle effect of Whistler Bowl, you get to the top of Harmony and pretty much pick 1,000 different ways to go down,” said Mohr. “There’s all these little sections with six to eight turns in each. The best is linking all the sections together in one continues run. Then when that gets tracked out you can access about 1000 different areas from Harmony.”
Our run took us right underneath the lift line and linked together Little Whistler, the Camel Humps, and the trees to skier’s left of lower Harmony Piste. During this run, a new sound emerged. It’s a sucking breath as waves of snow break head high, every single turn.
Blowing through a solid cloud, everything goes white and you emerge like a rabid snowman, frothing at the mouth and hungry for more.
Like colliding sofas, Mohr hits my glove in a fierce high-five. “How’s that for ya?”
All I can do is exhale and beam.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
As we approached the entrance to the Pan Pacific hotel, a rhythmic thumping could be heard. Salomon was having a party, and just like its free ski sessions, it was about to go off.
Past the velvet rope, the SnowSeekers’ team entered a full frontal fun assault. To our right was the Free Ski TV projecting across the dance floor in mind bending HD (check the video out atwww.salomonfreeski.com/caus/freeski-tv.aspx).
In front of us was the swag table, complete with the RGB colour spectrum of hats and shirts. Behind that was the full ski line, manned by a model and four tubs of beer.
Finally to our left, Kelly and Amanda-Jane were just getting the finishing touches on their new clothes … made of paint … only paint.
Slightly distracted by the ‘new clothing line,’ Ryan – sales and marketing for Salomon Canada – took me through the line up. This year’s line has crazy going on, including the rocker, making the skis spring from edge to edge and float better through the deep stuff.
The line even toys with materials; using innovative cores like bamboo, the materials create unexplored flex patterns, stability, and strength. 
As the party got into full swing, people were pouring into the Pan Pacific to see what all the fuss was about. Standing around with team riders, a few people from Powder Magazine and some others from Tourism Whistler, we realized our everyday conversations about things like Facebook and poutine are way cooler being three feet inside of the rope.
If their skis are even half as good as the party, skiers who rock the Salomons are going to tear the mountain down.
P.S. our video director, Brandon Boucher had a great time. Check out the Flickr pics.
Stay tuned towww.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
Across the street, the Check Republic is battling it out against Slovakia. At Cypress, Shaun White is winning gold for the Unites States, again. But, as far away as the events of the games can transport someone, it’s always familiar times at the Alberta House, especially on Alberta day. 
Many of Canada’s athletes hail from Alberta, including silver medalist, Jennifer Heil and silver medalist, Mike Robertson. As such, there’s a great chance you’ll end up sharing a beverage with one of the athletes.
Tonight, the line up was long. People waited about an hour to get into the open-air patio. However, once in, they were rewarded with a number of great Alberta-based muscians belting out classic tunes, an Alberta centric menu, some home-grown Big Rock selections, and a chance to share a brew with Kevin Martin.
One enthusiastic Albertan recognized the curling guru and shouted, “Hey Kevin, let me get a picture for my Grandmother.”
The crowd laughed and Martin responded, “Well you’re gonna at least get in the photo aren’t cha?”
What can I say – even the pro athletes are small-town Albertans. Even though the entire men’s curling team had a game against Sweden the next morning, they couldn’t pass up such a great time. 
At one point, a Calgarian – appropriately named Mike – asked if it was okay to set his empty glass down on our table. Since our table had been turned from a dining platform to a booze station, the question caught us off guard.
Because the question caught us off guard, Mike retracted his glass in polite embarrassment. Once everyone realized what just happened, everyone all had a good laugh at our over-the-top manners, shook hands, and stuck together for the rest of the night.
Alberta House is a fantastical embassy for a province contributing so much to the 2010 games. Even if you’re not from Alberta, come down, make some friends, and get your yee-haw on.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
The afternoon was winding down and I was enjoying some beers in the lounge car of the Vancouver to Whistler Alberta Train with Alberta country music star, Aaron Lines, chuck wagon driver, Kurt Bensmiller and bull riding champ, Ty Elliot. 
In case you don’t know, chuck wagon racing is the biggest event at the Calgary stampede. You could say the venue is the Olympics of Chuck Wagon, with a million dollar purse up for grabs. This ain’t Canadian Tire money. Within the sport are a few family dynasties. The Bensmillers are one such family.
“My mom cooks for all four camps. My dad, myself, and two brothers. We’re all married now too, so everyday we all congregate as a family and have meals together.”
The Bensmillers definitely have a competitive spirit, and are taking the Alberta Train to the games for three days.
“It’s funny,” says Bensmiller, “people come up to me and Ty and say how crazy our sport is, but we were at the luge today and we think they’re insane. Than there’s the skeleton which is even worse.” 
Like being at the Canadian Finals Rodeo, Elliot notes how the games have, “a similar atmosphere you can’t get on television. The best part is the people and being in the crowd watching, even though you can’t see the whole event.”
They both agree the Alberta Train is, “the only way to travel as everything’s at your fingertips. You can move around and meet people in a familiar Alberta setting.”
As crazy as their sport is, if they could pick any sport to do outside of hockey, they’d be in the snowboard halfpipe.
Elliot, Bensmiller, and Lines are great of examples of what makes Alberta, the train, and the games great: the people.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
Growing up in Alberta makes you a little crazy, and extremely outgoing. After all, how many places is sliding head first down a river-valley ice-bank, in –30C, considered recreational … and social? 
It came as no surprise, then, when I met the perfect example of an “Albertan” on the Alberta train from Whistler to Vancouver. Hadley Lamotte is a skeleton athlete, and just like the province, she’s easy to talk to and a little bit crazy. Though she’s not competing in the games this year, it’s likely Canada will be cheering her on in the future.
As the train chugs through Squamish, Lamotte answers the question everyone asks when watching skeleton: why?
“It’s a total rush,” she says with a contained exuberance. “The sledding community is really tight knit. We all come for a love of adrenaline. We love to train and we live to slide.”
Even at this early hour, Hadley is jittering with energy. You can tell she’d prefer a coaster track to the relaxing plod of the train.
As mentioned in our video blog, www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nOtSVifJ9A&feature=channel, sledders can pull up to eight Gs on some tracks; fighter pilots do seven to 10, but they have special suites.
“It’s not so bad,” retorts Lamotte. “We’re laying down flat so the extra weight of the gravity forces through the banks are manageable. Our centre of gravity is so low, we’re actually considered the safest. It’s when you begin oscillating and your head and feet are dragging on the ice, that gets a little hairy.”
She says this all through a kind of deranged laugh, as though she likes flirting with losing control.
As crazy as her sport is perceived, Lamotte finds one Alberta past-time even worse.
“I went GT snow racing with my nephew the other week. I felt bad because I push it down the track, but I got on that thing with him and screamed all the way down. Those things are nuts.”
Even though she’d rather be going head first down a sheet of ice, Lamotte agrees that if you have to be travelling, the train is the way to do it.
“It’s relaxing and you get to meet everyone on your own time and pace.”
It was time to move on – after all this is what train travel is all about, so I bid Lamotte a good day and headed down the aisle eager to find out whom I might meet next.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
So many ski trips begin early in the morning. Forcing yourself to get up, load up, and head out can be tough. Normally – at least for myself – I’m either stuck in a car smelling like double-doubles and McGriddles, or a bus packed with uninterested strangers. 
But today is Alberta Day, and today things were different. SnowSeekers had the pleasure of riding the Alberta Train from North Van to Creekside, Whistler in style.
Boarding the train in the morning dark meant the rainbow-coloured cars were only hinted at. This reminded me of the Alberta people themselves. Their brilliance can always be noticed, but you need to introduce yourself for their true colors to illuminate.
A few stars clung to the early sky and could still be seen through the bright lights of Vancouver. We boarded the train and headed up the spiral stair to our seats. As I walked down the aisle in search of an empty chair, I was greeted with inviting looks the whole way, as if to say, “Have seat, I’d be glad to meet’cha.”
After deciding to sit with the Calgary Stampede princesses, the train lurched down the tracks. As I met my new seatmates, Vancouver’s night skyline came into view. The open space in-between the dining car and the lounge car was refreshing. The wind swirled around and the clicking tracks kept time.
Further out of town, the sun snuck over the peaks, and I met some new folks.
“How’s the train ride?” asked Sandy Best – public relations for Lake Louise.
Everyone seemed to agree, the train is the way to travel, especially for Albertans. Everyone relaxingly skipped from seat to seat, meeting and greeting as they went, just like home.
With such an eclectic crowd and elegant setting, it felt like a Wess Anderson film, or a Jack Karowack novel. The destination truly was in the journey.
Once everyone had their coffees, Bruce Okabe, chief executive officer of Travel Alberta, personally thanked everyone for coming by handing out iPods. We then all headed down to the lounge car and enjoyed country music star, Aaron Lines strumming away to the growing morning glow.
The soft blue light slowly changed to a dense gold as our mobile home-away-from-home plodded along. When we arrived into Creekside, strangers had become friends, and everyone was a little reluctant to leave.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
There’s a well-known joke amongst snowboarders: What’s the difference between a beginner skier and a professional? About a week. 
For Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong, know as the Snow Leopard, however, it took six years of unrivaled dedication, and perseverance to be able to bare his nation’s flag in the Olympics. For the average medal-contending Olympian, skiing is a life long, expensive pursuit. An average Olympian spends 250,000 euros ($355,000C) per season on staff, travel, equipment, and training.
Not to mention the incalculable amount of money, opportunity, and support these athletes receive growing up.
Kwame, on the other hand, had to begin in a nation without snow, start a program without any funding, and achieve some kind of result at the Olympic games.
Beginning at the bottom, Kwame’s first mission was to secure funding. This is a success story in itself as he alone had to make sponsor contacts, and work tirelessly just to acquire necessities like skis. The most impressive funding tactic was the Sponsor a Spot program.
Anyone can go online and purchase a leopard spot on Kwame’s racing jersey, for five dollars (3.5 euros).
Moreover, one dollar from each spot goes to support one of Kwame’s three charities: a snow leopard conservation program, and two programs helping underprivileged children from both Britain and Ghana learn to ski. 
That appears to be Kwame’s main goal. He’s very clear, however, that he is a sportsman and a competitor. He takes these games and his sport very seriously. After all, Kwame notes that in the beginning, “I was my own coach, my own physio, my own baggage carrier. It was a difficult experience. One I don’t care to repeat.”
But after the Olympics are over, Kwame, who is now sponsored England’s Base Camp Group, will utilize the media attention he’s received, not for his own benefit, but to foster and build a strong ski program in Ghana. That way young athletes will have the chance to compete at the highest level without having to go through everything Kwame has.
What’s the difference between a beginner skier and a pro? A lot.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
Welcome back to Whistler Whereabouts. Since I’ve been riding a lot of Whistler alpine, I decided to check out what Blackcomb had to offer. I’m not going to say I’ve been missing out, just that I wished I could have been in two places at once.
As good as the fresh tracks on Peak, Franz, Harmony, and Symphony were, they don’t have the immensity of Blackcomb Glacier.
After taking the Glacier express above the Horstman glacier, it’s time to get on the Showcase T bar and head up to the top. The T-bar leaves the tree line well behind and transports you along a sun-soaked bowl, lined with rocky spires, and untouched lines.
Once at the top, it’s just a short stroll to access the Blackcomb glacier. It’s not a fresh powder morning, but as far as blue birds go, this is bluer than a smirf milkshake. 
It’s bluer than the blood of a lumberjack. It’s galactic blue. It makes me wonder how the colour blue ever got associated with depression, because this blue is what I live for.
It’s an impressive site from the top of the glacier as you look down into a bowl cut by the same natural forces that helped carve the Rockies. I can’t helped but think of Revelstoke’s North Bowl. Though this would surely be its great grandfather.
Just getting to the other side of the accumulation zone is longer than some runs on major resorts. Just as you get into the broad bowl, you can ride the Blow Hole – a wind-loaded crevasse that runs in between the sidewall of the ice and a rocky spire.
Being on a glacier, the snow is different than the rest of the hill. Some turns are yielding and soft, while others are crusty and quick. At one point it felt like I was riding on the accumulated fuzzy ice found in old freezers. While that may not sound ideal, it was a big thrill for me since I’ve never experienced that type of snow before.
The impressive scale of the glacier is only matched by its surroundings. I am reminded of driving on the Banff-Jasper parkway, except twisting down from the mountain tops are the unique signatures left by avid skiers and snowboarders.
My guide Hayley Ingman is pointing out little hikes and chutes that are, “good on powder days because you can always find snow there.”
Unlike my previous entries, which left me speechless mostly due to the conditions and circumstances around poaching them, Blackcomb Glacier has stupefied me with just how much terrain can be accessed from it’s entrance. I have a knot in my neck from craning it upward, scoping all the lines. “I just can’t get over this,” I say to Ingman.
“You should see it on a powder day,” she says with a look of someone who has seen God.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
DOC POW, SnowSeekers Inc.
As I type this, the world is a very comfortable, relaxing place. I am sitting aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train travelling from Whistler to Vancouver in style with country music star, Aaron Lines strumming a pretty stellar instrumental. He is here to help the province celebrate Alberta Day and they are doing it in style with the transfer from one Olympic site to the next – linking Vancouver to Whistler.
The train’s been rebranded for the month by the Alberta Government and is travelling as the Alberta Train – and we were here for the party.
The provincial government’s mission was simple: to provide an opportunity for travellers from all over the world to experience a little piece of Alberta while they are here for the Olympics. hey did it through a few means, including utilizing the latest in technology supplying iPod touches for guests loaded with content on what keeps the province one of the world’s top spots.
Of course Calgary, Alberta was home to its own Olympics back in 1988, the last time Canada held these games. To celebrate that moment, Travel Alberta welcomed two-time gold medalist, Katarina Witt on the train with us.
“The hospitality and the friendliness of the people is what I remember best,” said Witt during our interview. Witt has been in Vancouver and Whistler as a journalist for ARG German TV – a broadcast rights holder – Germany’s NBC.
Chief executive officer for Travel Alberta, Bruce Okabe asked Witt what her impressions were of the Alberta Train.
“It’s a very great thing to be able to sit back and relax while on a train like this,” she said.
The perfect ride to the perfect place; I couldn't imagine riding into Whistler any other way. It’s not just during these Olympics that you can do this, the Rocky Mountaineer offers up the experience any time at www.rockymountaineer.com/olympicnews
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
WILL COLFORD, SnowSeekers Inc.
Though my pin collecting became somewhat of an obsession, I am quite proud of what I’ve managed to acquire during the games. I am leaving the best place on earth tomorrow and it’s time to weigh in on exactly what I got and where I got it.
These are my top four favourite pins, each are rare and sought after; but more importantly, each one has its own story and memory of the Olympics.
Number 4: “I Feel Slovenia.” On our second night, we were invited to a media party at Slovinia house. You can see the whole thing on our video blog: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8AF6xtwEq0&feature=channel
The house was jammed. There was a wild mushroom and pepper soup like I’ve never tasted; Nancy Green gave the welcoming speech; everyone was excited for the Olympics to really get going.
One of the Slovenian volunteers approached me and we began speaking in a friendly manner. I felt bad because our entire team wore our Jamacian team shirts we got the night before. I asked to get a Slovenian shirt to better promote their team in the village. The volunteer peered around, squinted at me, and whispered in a thick accent, “come this way.”
She loaded me up with Slovenian swag and spirit, not even asking for a thank you in return. Like the pin says, I felt sLOVEnia.
Number 3: “The Volunteer Team pin.” The mascot pin was acquired on the Alberta Train. Though it doesn’t sound very good, this pin depicts a trail of lies. Early on in pin trading, I began to lie about the rarity of each pin in order to get better ones. 
This tactic, however, backfired when I was in fact lied to and got swindled out of two truly rare gems. In fact, since that day I’ve been trying to track down replacements to no avail. The pin I got back turned out be something I could buy from 7-11 for a $1.25. Harsh.
Getting back to the Train, when I was supposed to be interviewing Katerina Witt – two time Olympic German Gold medalist for figure skating – I couldn’t help begin trading with a mother-daughter duo who both had the most supreme collection I’ve seen yet. They might as well have had diamonds draped around their necks. I instantly began salivating.
She opened the negotiating by going after the impressive looking, but truthfully dull, 7-11 hunk-o-junk. I talked it up just as it had been talked up to me and was able to snag two extremely rare beauties: team France and the mascot pin. It is, in fact, the volunteer pin and only those who volunteer at the Olympics receive it.
You can’t buy it, and no one gives it away. It was insidious, borderline villainous and against the spirit of the games, but I had to have it.
Number 2: “Clear green leaf with skier.” I saw this pin on a list of five most sought after Olympic pieces. After partying with some members of the USA Olympic team in Long Horns, I was ready for my bed. However, as soon as I stepped on the bus home, I knew it wouldn’t come soon.
Six Norwegian girls were celebrating their country’s success by belting out their national anthem. This sparked up the Canadians and an anthem war ensued. Moments like these are what makes the Olympics so great to be at. Eventually everyone fell into laughter, but I fell in love … with a pin. 
It was perched on her touque like the idol in the first Indiana Jones movie. I delicately rubbed my fingers, and approached her. By this point I had many great pins, and had let go of my obsessive lying and swindling; I offered a very good trade.
She ended up with a U.S. Department of Special Security. Don’t know where it came from or really what it was, all I know is I haven’t seen another one.
During the trade, I noticed my stop about to pass; however, I was committed and decided I’d just do the whole loop if it meant getting this pin. The deal went down and we began chatting a bit more, as I now had lots of time. The girls, somehow, also missed their stop and asked the driver how best to get back.
This driver, most likely a volunteer, turned the bus around to make sure the girls got home okay. As it turns out, we missed the same stop. The driver’s kindness and willingness to go so far out of his way to help these internationals, just here to cheer on their country, will continually inspire me.
For this reason, I’ll continue to where this particular pin at home.
Number 1: “Ghana Ski Team.” Please read my full blog on the snow leopard:http://snowseekersblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/on-trail-of-snow-leopard
Writing these blogs in the media house one day, I was about to pack up, and head out to find some stories. Then I noticed a press conference with Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong and decided to stay. After hearing Kwame’s story of struggle and perseverance, they opened the floor to limited questions.
Already touched by his story, I asked him to speak more about the physical dedication it took to become a competitive Olympic skier in just six years.
He seemed like he’d avoid the question, then simply said, “I had to be my own coach, my own baggage carrier, my own physio therapist. If I got hurt I had to fix myself. It was such a difficult experience. I never want to repeat it.”
I’m not sure if a tear came to my eye or his, but the quiver and sincerity in his voice held back real pain. Kwame truly embodies what the Olympics wishes it could be. He is the enduring human spirit that reveals humanity’s true potential. Feel free to read his story and support his several causes by sponsoring a spot on his race jersey:
www.ghanaskiteam.com/newsite/kwames-army-paddy-power/sponsor-a-spot
I know they’re technically just pins, but in some degree each one connotes a memory so much better than photos, or videos ever could. These pins are treasures; I am a rich man.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
What a difference a day makes. Twenty-four hours ago, I was camped out on my living room couch in pajamas, sporting only one sock and a three-day puberty beard, watching the Olympics on CBC and TSN like everybody else.
Today, I rubbed elbows with Jeff Blair (one of this country's most prolific sports journalists), had breakfast with Otto Tschudi (a two-time Olympian and the youngest World Cup skier in Norway's history), and interviewed Melissa Hollingsworth just days after one of the most emotional moments in Canadian Olympic history.
Seeing the events and the venues on television was one thing – experiencing them live was something else entirely. There is a vitality to Vancouver and Whistler that simply can't be felt through a television screen. Every person, whether Canadian, American, Austrian, Chinese, or what have you, has embraced the Olympic community in a profoundly beautiful way. There is an ever-present sense of hope here.
Having never been to the West Coast before, I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of Vancouver. I've heard it said before that Vancouver is one of the world's undiscovered treasures. After flying in last night and spending a few hours travelling around the city, I wholeheartedly agree.
It's certainly the most beautiful city I've ever been to, and I've lived in nearly every region of this country.
Now that I'm in Whistler, where I'll spend the rest of my time at the Games, I can't wait to experience everything that my colleagues have annoyingly bragged about for the last week. If the next seven days are like the last eight hours, this is shaping up to be an experience of a lifetime.
I've realized that's what the Olympics are all about: creating memories that will last the rest of a lifetime, no matter if that person is an athlete or a spectator. These are moments that most of us will never forget.
The significance of each and every event is overwhelming, which is why I'm so amazed by the poise and willpower of these athletes amidst such tremendous pressure.
To paraphrase Melissa Hollingsworth, many of them have been thinking and training for 15 years (or more) for a single moment of greatness.
One shot. One opportunity. The remainder of their lives will be drastically effected by a single movement, one that leads to a monumental achievement or a tragic failure.
My chest tightens up just thinking about it. I can't even imagine what it feels like to actually do it, and succeed.
These are extraordinary human beings. I feel incredibly fortunate to be here and see it for myself. I only hope that through what you're seeing on television, and what you're reading from SnowSeekers, brings you closer to realizing it yourself.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL
When Melissa Hollingsworth went into turn six during her fourth and final run on Friday, she hoped it would catapult her into first place and a gold medal. But the smallest of small mistakes led to a rough exit, and eventually a fifth place finish.
What was supposed to be her crowning achievement became, in a hundredth of a second, the worst moment of her professional career. In one of the most heartbreaking moments in Canadian Olympic history, Hollingsworth claimed that she had "let the entire country down."
Thirty-six hours later, Hollingsworth met with the media to discuss her final race and demonstrated as much class, perseverance, and inspiration as any gold medal winner could have.
"After it happened it was hard to even get out of bed in the morning," Hollingsworth said. "But [my family and I] made the decision to go to the medal ceremony. I thought it would be part of the healing process."
After breaking into tears, Hollingsworth continued. "That was really difficult. But we definitely supported each other, and ... and shed our tears together. But then we got to watch Jonny jump on the podium like a passionate Canadian, and I wouldn't have missed that for the world."
"Jonny" would be Jon Montgomery, who won the gold in men's skeleton just hours after Hollingsworth's loss. Without a hint of jealousy, she relished in Montgomery's victory as much as she would have her own.
"We won the goal medal. Jonny did it. And I was the first one screaming when I saw his run. I was very proud of him."
After Hollingsworth's loss, the story of her Olympic journey immediately shifted to one of tragic failure, and wrongly so. What has been lost during these past 36 hours is the focus on the journey itself, what each and every one of these athletes goes through.
Hollingsworth is widely recognized as being the best female skeleton racer in the world, having won seven World Cup Medals in 8 races this season. She is a two-time World Cup champion ('05-'06, and '09-'10).
The fact that a fifth place finish has caused such emotional upheaval throughout the entire skeleton community demonstrates the prestigious position Hollingsworth is in.
When asked what she's learned from this experience, her response was instant. "I know that some athletes, if this happened to them in their home countries they'd be [criticized]. I haven't experienced that from anybody. The citizens, the media, everyone's been so supportive and I really, really appreciate that. The messages that I'm getting ... it just shows who we are and what we're capable of as Canadians.
"I'm really hoping that [my story] inspires the next generation of Canadians to dream bigger. It doesn't even have to be the Olympics, but just to be a better person and to believe in yourself and to believe in big dreams."
When asked what she'd like to say to Canadians all across the country, she said, "I want to tell the Canadians ... 'Thank you.' Thank you for your support, for your understanding, for your compassion. Thank you for dreaming your dreams, too."
A gold medal ambassador if there ever was one, Hollingsworth had one more thing to say. "When the race was over, 2014 flashed in my mind.
"I'll be back."
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
Made by skiers, for skiers, heidiskis were inspired by the longest days and most spectacular conditions. Today, at the Switzerland House in Whistler's Marketplace, Heidiski founder, Heidi Blum spoke of the company's goal to change the expectations for how skis should perform.
In what was my first visit to one of the many "Houses" scattered throughout Whistler Village, Switzerland brought the goods, literally. The light Swiss breakfast – an assortment of muffins, croissants, breads, and fruit – was the perfect pick-me-up after a tragically short sleep the night before (stay tuned for my story on Merlin's' "Silent Disco" night).
Swiss House is a classy joint, but even classier still was Blum's presentation on her beloved heidiskis. The 20 or so of us who attended the breakfast/presentation walked away thoroughly impressed.
Handmade in Switzerland, heidiskis are created tip-to-tail with 100% Swiss white ash for the perfect combination of longevity, strength, and flexibility. Most skis that "claim" to have wood from tip-to-tail actually use it in about 90-95% of the ski, with the tip being made of carbon fibre and plastic.
Meticulous personal attention has been paid to each and every ski; it takes one person two whole days to craft just one heidiski. For advanced to expert skiers, these skis allow for smooth, relaxed, high-performance skiing in all forms of terrain in every possible mountain condition.
Heidiskis include P-TEX 5000 bases for speed and durability, Rockwell 48HRC extra wide steel edges, beveled ABS sidewalls, and carbon reinforced mounts.
"For 2010, we've taken another step in the continuing heidiskis evolution." Heidiskis now integrate a titanale layer, which increases torsional resistance and maneuverability.
Originally from California, Blum moved to Montreux, Switzerland in 1989 to attend the prestigious Art Center College of Design in La Tour de Peliz. Living and studying in Switzerland, she found her perfect world: amazing skiing on her doorstep, creative projects on her desk.
"Heidiski was founded out of my love for skiing, adventure, the great outdoors, and a passion for design," Blum said.
The 2010 version of the heidiski features an amazing "wood dragon" graphic, inspired by Himalayan art. The graphic is meant to express the natural wood aspects of the skis, as well as the company's commitment to provide 10% of its profits to the American Himalayan Foundation.
"The team is proud to give back to the mountains that have inspired them."
Those interested should act fast. Heidiskis only produce about 500 pairs a year, ensuring that the company remains a passion product more-so than a money-making venture.
For more information on heidiskis, visit www.heidiskis.com/olympicnews
*Photos courtesy heidiskis
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
Let's make a few things abundantly clear: I don't like dance music, I don't like dancing, and I especially don't like it when dance music is combined with dancing.
I'm already plotting ways in which I can skip out on my own wedding reception. But at Merlin's' Silent Disco Night, something strange happened: I listened to dance music, I danced along to the dance music, and I enjoyed every single minute of it.
I'm as shocked as my future wife no doubt is. I usually avoid these evenings like the plague, but if I heard that Merlin's was putting on another Silent Disco Night –featuring the talents of DJs Mike the Alien, Jimi Ray, and Canosis/Metal – I'd be there before you could say, "Is that guy wearing a donkey mask?"
The theme of the Silent Disco is this: each person is given wireless headphones upon entrance and each set of headphones has three channels. Each channel is dedicated to one of the three DJs playing on the dance floor. Everyone can switch between channels at will, listening at the volume they desire, but the bar itself is SILENT (aside from the occasional "I love this song!" or "No! No way! This is our jaaaaam!").
I've had few moments in my life more hilarious than when I took off my headphones for the first time and heard the throngs of people singing like they thought no one was listening. But people were listening, and they were laughing.
Laughing with them, mind you. Ya, right.
Not to exclude the efforts of the other two DJs, but I'd be remiss if I didn't talk at length about Mat the Alien. Decked out in a full-on donkey mask (the point of which still escapes me), Mat rocked the crowd all night with the likes of Metallica (Enter Sandman), AC/DC (Thunderstruck), and Queen (Another One Bites the Dust), but mixed in with more typical club fare, such as MIA (Paper Planes) and Run DMC (Tricky).
His ability to not only combine these disparate genres – seamlessly – made for the sickest DJ performance I've ever heard. Absolutely incredible.
Merlin's is certainly worthy of its reputation as one of the best bars in Whistler. The three levels allow for plenty of dance space, while still leaving room for the resigned boyfriends to chill out minus all the random bumping and grinding. Merlin's strikes that perfect balance between bar and dance bar.
If you have one more night left in Whistler before you leave for the mundane existence that is life without the Olympics, you won't be disappointed if you spend it at Merlin's. And if you somehow, some way hear about a bar that's having a Silent Disco Night, do it.
Seriously, though. what is up with that donkey mask?!
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
Throughout the past 10 days, Whistler has showcased record-breaking performances from some of the most incredible athletes in the world. But it's also showcasing a record-breaker of a different kind: the world's largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses, the only byproduct of which is water.
The 20 emission-free buses make up over 60% of the Whistler bus system. The project will serve as the most northern example of the "hydrogen highway" initiative that's spreading through North America's west coast.
The Province of British Columbia's investment in the world's first hydrogen bus fleet and fueling stations is also underway in Victoria.
"The transit initiative in Whistler is a big step towards sustainability. These new buses allow for reliable, accessible service that reduces maintenance costs at the same time," said Joanna Morton, media relations spokesperson for B.C. Transit.
"The hydrogen buses are actually constructed of less moving parts than a regular bus, which leads to quicker, most cost-effective maintenance measures."
The new hydrogen fuel cell buses – each with 37 seats, a 60-person standing capacity, and a top speed of 90 km per hour – are approximately twice as efficient as internal combustion engines and emit no smog whatsoever.
The buses are also built with wider doors, extendible ramps, and hydraulics that allow the bus to be lowered nine inches, which means more accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers.
"This initiative isn't just about sustainability, it's about creating the most efficient buses possible. Accessibility is a large part of that."
Although the buses look almost identical to the rest of the Whistler fleet, they're very different. By combining hydrogen and oxygen (air), the fuel cell motor converts chemical energy directly into electricity to power the bus. The only byproducts of the reaction are heat and water.
The cell itself requires no recharging as long as hydrogen and oxygen are present. According to the BC Ministry of Transport, the buses will have a range of 310 miles, a top speed of 56 mph, and an estimated life of 20 years. They also make less noise than traditional buses.
The fleet was made possible by a $45 million grant from the B.C. government, with help from the Government of Canada. The buses were built by a consortium that includes Burnaby-based Ballard Power Systems, Winnipeg-based New Flyer Industries, California-based ISE Corp. and Calgary-based Dynateck.
"The plan is to have the buses remain in Whistler for the next five years, and then we'll make a decision on where to go from there. But when you can build cleaner and greener, there's no question that these buses are a glimpse into our transit future."
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
Kids, punctuality pays off. Forget all this "fashionably late" garbage; good things happen when you're on time. And if you're lucky – like I was today – you might experience something you might not have otherwise.
The plan was to hit up the Hey Rosetta! show at the Whistler Live! stage in the village this afternoon. They're an amazing Atlantic Canadian act, and I was in need of some serious east coast flavour.
Excited as I was, I headed over to the Village Square about 45 minutes early, because you never know when a band is going to invent the "reverse encore." A man-boy can dream.
When I got there, the place was already full to the brim. Knowing that there was no way that several hundred people would show up in hopes of a reverse encore, I figured that something was up. Lo and behold, Wassabi Collective was on stage playing to their latest crowd of converts.
Never before has a bongo solo caused me to have an emotional reaction. Never before have I screamed "Whaaaaat!" without first having misheard someone. This thing was sick.
Unable to contain my excitement any longer, I busted out into what must have looked like my impression of a wacky, waving, inflatable arm-flailing tube man. I call it dancing.
Wassabi Collective is a seven- or eight-piece band masquerading as a five-piece. Singer Melissa Meretsky sings, raps, and plays the aforementioned bongos. Fellow frontman Brent Hongisto sings, raps, and plays guitar.
The group is rounded out by Jimmy Lewis (vocals & drums), Rahj Levinson (keyboards), and Andrew McCormick (bass). Their genre-busting fusion of pop, rock, hip-hop, reggae, jazz and funk was the perfect expression of what the Olympics are all about.
"We take a lot of different elements that don't usually belong together, and we make it work," Meretsky said. "It's one of the themes of the Olympics, really."
Hailing from Nelson, British Colmbia, the group had an idea about what to expect from its Olympic experience, but "It's been so much more than what we thought it would be. The crowds have been amazing, and we've had just the best time. There's really nothing to compare it to, for us."
Best of all, the band actually handed out free copies of a limited edition CD during their performance. When I say handed out, I mean completely free.
Needless to say, I was on a high when Hey Rosetta! finally took the stage. As sad as this is to admit (I'm from the east coast), I've never seen them live. There's always a bit of uneasiness for me when I see a band live that I've listened to for years, but Tim Baker (vocals/piano/guitar) and the boys did not at all disappoint.
There's little I can say here without losing all sense of journalistic integrity. Originally, this piece proceeded for three paragraphs during which I made verbal love to the band. I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable, so I'll synthesize that same sentiment into something more digestible.
Hey Rosetta! are truly one of this country's unheralded treasures. They've won a host of national awards, and still, that's less than they deserve.
I only hope their presence at the Olympics presents them with the international acclaim they've earned.
Not bad for a bunch o' newfies.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
Whistler Village was ever-so-slightly brighter today, blissfully alive with dancing faeries and pretty pixies. Adorned in ruffling tutus, hats shaped like flowers, and flowers shaped like hats, the revelers displayed a sense of wild, unadulterated glee unlike anything I've seen.
Their goal has always been to make that glee tangible. Thus, Kelsey's Creations was born.
A Whistler original, Kelsey Faery has been crafting outrageous outfits for as long as she can remember. When she realized that the world just didn't have enough hot pink polka dots – especially hot pink polka dotted clothing – Kelsey set out to create a company dedicated to bringing "tangible glee" to the masses.
"It's all about expressing what's inside of you," said Matt Burt, a close friend of Kelsey's and one of her models for the day. "It's what a lot of people are feeling, but don't let out."
Kelsey, along with four other merrymakers, made Whistler Village their canvas. Dressed head to toe in Kelsey's own creations, they looked like a living, breathing extension of Alice's Wonderland.
Their "ruffled, sparkly confections of glee and mirth" spread through the crowd at Whistler Live!, brightening everyone's face. It's near impossible to feel apathetic in the face of such unrepentant gaiety.
"It's fun, dressing up and letting loose," Burt said.
"If more people were like Kelsey, this world would be a much happier place."
If only everyone was willing to open themselves up to such a zany, madcap world. I, for one, was envious of their bravado, their ability to ignore social norms and just ... be.
It was one of the strangest sights I've seen in a while, and certainly the strangest I've seen in Whistler, but there's a part of me that wishes I had what they had.
It was just another example in an already long list of culture clashes in Whistler Village. But, like the others, it's been embraced and celebrated wholeheartedly.
It's unfortunate that the sense of community created by the Olympics doesn't always exist out in the real world. It shows that such community is possible, though, if people would just shrug off their own prejudices and intolerance.
"You should try it out sometime," Burt said. "You'll be surprised at how free you feel."
Baby steps, Matt. Baby steps. I am tempted to try out that hat, though.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
There are certain activities that, when doing them, one can't help but feel like a kid again: Go-Karting, watching Looney Tunes, pouring milk in a bowl before cereal ("it tastes better...").
After my afternoon excursion, I feel the need to add tubing to that list.
Tubing is something that has no business being as fun as it is. I've done it a few times now, and I still get permagrin each time down the hill. A grown man shouldn't be this delighted to spin down a hill in a tube. It makes me laugh so hard – every run – that it's downright embarrassing.
After two hours, the park operators were starting to give me strange looks.
"I'll never tire of seeing the stupid faces you make, though," hollered one.
"You look like you're being tickled," said another.
That was an acute observation, I thought. It's a very similar feeling. The uncontrollable, childish laughter is much the same in both cases.
Although, tubing has yet to make me wet my pants.
Tubing is truly an activity for the entire family. There are very few activities that both five- and thirty-five year-olds can enjoy together, to pretty much the same degree.
Professional wrestling is one, Duck Hunt is two, and tubing is three.
It's very cool to see people from every age group enjoy something together. There were five year olds, 10 year olds, 20 year olds, and 40 year olds all tubing together, all having a great time.
Activities like this can't be emphasized enough. As marketing gets more and more targeted in pretty much every activity these days (thanks for that, Internet), it's nice to be able to find some harmless family fun.
Or not even family ... seriously, go by yourself and you'll be too excited to miss them.
If your children are less than 10 years old, I beg you to take them tubing. I can guarantee that they've rarely felt so empowered in their entire lives. The independence of zooming down a hill – alone – while parents watch from the sidelines, is a difficult feeling for a kid to achieve in a safe environment.
Tubing is as safe as they come. Take advantage of it – especially if you are at the Olympics and the kids are starting to get antsy. What a great way to burn off some energy ... and get a tonne of smiles and laugher.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
It's a slippery slope that Team Canada was on. The loss to the Americans on Sunday was a shock to the system, for sure, despite the fact that the Canadians carried the play for the majority of the game, and were the victim of some shaky goaltending in their own end and some stellar goaltending in the other.
The Canadian men are the most stacked team in the entire tournament (sorry, Russia, but you have nothing on Canada, depth-wise), and were expected by many to roll into the gold medal game.
A narrow victory over the Swiss and a loss to Team U.S.A. has shaken the team's confidence. One might think that their anxiety would transfer over to their fan base, but based upon the reactions from the crowd at Whistler's Brew House, the Canadian fans are already looking forward to a Wednesday match-up against Russia in the quarterfinals.
"I'm expecting nothing less than a 6-2 victory," said Mike O'Donnell, a native of New Brunswick who's lived in Boston for the past 20 years, where he attended Northeastern University and played varsity hockey and baseball.
"There's not a single player on the German team that would make me think twice about a Canadian victory."
Most of the onlookers were seeing the game as a tune-up for Russia, their only worry being that Canada might not beat Germany by enough. That, and the performance of goaltender Roberto Luongo, who wouldl replace Martin Brodeur, who's uncharacteristically poor performance has effectively moved him to the bench for the remainder of the Games.
Bobby Lou, as the Vancouver fans lovingly refer to Luongo, will likely ride the Olympics out as Canada's starting goaltender, a position that many fans thought he deserved from the beginning.
"Brodeur was handed the starting job because of his reputation, not because of his talent," said Chris Munro, who, along with Dave Munro, comprise Spy vs. Spy. The band played to the Brew House crowd prior to the game.
"Luongo is the better goaltender, he's younger, and he's playing to his home crowd (Vancouver)," Munro continued. "Now that he's been handed the reins, so to speak, I feel much more confident."
Regardless of the goaltending situation, most fans were in agreement that what Canada needs more than anything is a good thrashing.
"What they really need is to go out there and hand the Germans an 8-0 loss, or something like that," O'Donnell said. "They need to get the offense going, get their confidence back, and feel like they have a goalie back there that'll stop pucks when they need him to."
Heading into a quarterfinal against the Russians, the Canadians would definitely need their edge back. It seems like they've lost that swagger, that belief that they're the best team on the planet.
They'll need that back if they hope to challenge the Russians in the potential game tomorrow.
"If the Crosby line gets going, we'll be all right," Munro said.
The question is: what if it doesn't?
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
It pretty much went according to plan. Team Canada walked over Germany 8-2 in its qualification game tonight, setting up a thrilling quarterfinal game against the highly powered Russians tomorrow.
Most comforting was the play of the line of Sydney Crosby, Jarome Iginla, and Eric Staal, who were united as a trio for the first time in the tournament. The trio combined for three goals, six points, and dominated the Germans on almost every shift.
Coach Mike Babcock had been playing Crosby alongside all-star winger Rick Nash for the previous three games, but the two were split up after combining for a minus-6 in their last game against the Americans.
Nash, paired with Anaheim Duck teammates Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, finally got on the score sheet as well, scoring the team's eighth goal with a blazing wrister from his off wing in the dying minutes of the third.
"6-2, 8-2, what's the difference?" said Mike O'Donnell, a passionate Canadian fan who predicted a 6-2 Canadian victory earlier in the day. "Under promise and over perform, am I right? It couldn't have gone much better."
Even the two German goals – which might have been cause for concern given that the Germans have far from a potent attack – couldn't be blamed on goaltender Roberto Luongo, who started in place of the struggling Martin Brodeur.
By all reports, he looked much sharper than Brodeur did against the Americans.
The question now becomes whether this game was a case of Canadian skill and talent, or a just "a win over Germany."
According to O'Donnell, the Canadians deserve all the credit for the victory.
"The important thing to focus on is the fact that they were better than the Germans in every facet of the game, and by a large margin.
"The Crosby line looked fantastic, all four lines scored at least a goal, and Luongo did what he had to do. With Luongo, he wasn't going to have the opportunity to come out and look incredible, because the Germans simply don't have the talent to match Canada."
O'Donnell, a former hockey player himself at Northeastern University in Boston, is a former New Brunswick native who's wife is American. They attended the Canada/U.S.A. game on Sunday in Vancouver, and the duo are eagerly looking forward to a rematch.
"The atmosphere for that game was absolutely incredible," said Jenn O'Donnell. "I was one of the only people in the entire crowd with an American jersey on, so naturally I was getting it from the crowd. It was all in fun, though. We were hugging after the game. It was great."
The Olympic Games are so very different than other international hockey tournaments like the World Championships or the World Juniors. In those tournaments, opposing nations are considered enemies. Fans hate them and revel in that hatred.
With the Olympics, though, it's interesting to see the sportsmanship amongst the fans. Everyone still wants to see their teams win, obviously, but they're just as happy to celebrate other's victories as well.
"It's like one big happy family here," Jenn said. "We fight, we compete, we cheer and boo, but at the end of the day, we're all playing for the same team."
Let's see how sportsmanlike the Canadian fans will be on Wednesday after the game against the Russians.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
For Patrick O'Meara of Connecticut, the Olympic Games have become a bi-annual event. After attending the Sydney Olympics in the summer of 2000, O'Meara has experienced every Olympics since, both winter and summer.
One might think that these vacations would start to become old hat after 10 years, but according to O'Meara, each one is as overwhelming as the last.
"I've now been to Sydney, Salt Lake, Athens, Turin, Beijing, and Vancouver," O'Meara said, "and each experience has been totally different to the ones previous.
"Each Games brings with it a different city, a different country – a different culture – so you're guaranteed a different feel each time. They've haven't gotten old yet."
O'Meara isn't even sure how the adventure started. He decided to take his vacation in Sydney some 10 years ago, to coincide with the Summer Games, and he had such a good time that he just felt no choice but to relive the experience every other year.
"It's hard not to get caught up in the excitement of the Games. I can't imagine someone getting to see the Olympics up close and personal and not wanting to feel that again. If you're not affected by the atmosphere then there's something wrong there."
Decked out in a Team Finland hockey jersey – at a Team Canada game, no less – O'Meara proudly displayed his favourite aspect of the Games: the camaraderie, the community, the sense of togetherness and support that the different countries participate in.
He acquired his Finland jersey four years ago in Turin, Italy, during a hockey game between Finland and his beloved Americans.
After sitting alongside a group of Fins and laughing and joking and getting to know one another, O'Meara traded away his Team U.S.A. jersey for a Team Finland one.
So much for trading pins.
"As much fun as the events are, the village experience, the different music and stuff that you can see, the real fun is between people. It's sitting down at a bar with complete strangers and leaving with what feels like new friends."
When asked how his Vancouver/Whistler experience stacks up with the five previous, O'Meara had difficulty answering.
"It's hard, you know, comparing each one. Like I said, they're all so unique that I can't really compare them in a quality sense. What I can tell you is that the Canadians have been great, and that this place is as beautiful as anywhere in the world. I couldn't be more impressed."
As much as the different cities contribute to the experience of the Olympic Games, O'Meara's experience has been forever changed with the introduction of his children into the proceedings.
Aged five and seven, his two kids are already on their third Olympic Games. On this day, though, they were nowhere to be found.
"My wife took the kids to see one of the art galleries in the village. Pottery, sculptures, that sort of thing." O'Meara, instead, headed to the Brew House for a little hockey. "'Pick me up when you're done,' I said."
Grasping his beer and lovingly patting his jersey, O'Meara and I raised a toast to the Games, to hockey, and to ... new friends.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
It's called the Norwegian Church Abroad (or Sjomannskirken), and it has served as the hub of Norwegian activity during the 2010 Games. Norwegians, and honoured guests, have been treated to waffles, coffee, Norwegian newspapers, and wonderful hospitality in what's become a home-away-from-home.
While Norway House (as it's referred to around the Village) has provided a quiet place for respectful reflection, the Norwegians organized an ecumenical service at the Whistler Public Library this afternoon. They were gracious enough to allow me to attend.
Knowing the service would be delivered in Norwegian, I wasn't sure how much of the service I would understand. I grew up in a very strong Catholic household, so I thought that, at the very least, I would recognize some similarities in the services and be able to participate without looking like, well, a Canadian among Norwegians.
By some stroke of luck I took a seat next to Torv and Valeri Hugdahl of North Vancouver. Torv was born in Norway and emigrated to Canada in 1956, where he met Valeri.
Through what some would call an act of God, but I was set up with a Norwegian-to-English translator for the whole service. Someone was looking out for me, it would seem.
Despite the much needed help I wasn't completely in the dark. Following along with the program, I recognized words like "Kristus" (Christ), "Pontius Pilatus" (Pontius Pilate), "Frans av Assisi" (Francis of Assisi), and obviously, "Amen" (Amen).
Bravo, I know. I was in desperate need of help, so I was extremely appreciative of the Hugdahls, my guardian angels for the hour.
In what was a nice touch, there were several moments during the service when a translator would provide some help for the Norwegian-challenged among us. The first reading was particularly poignant, given present circumstances.
James 1:12 - Blessed is the man who endures trials.
As we've seen on the face of many Olympic athletes this week, athletes like Joannie Rochette, Irene Wust and Petra Madjic, there's no victory more precious than one that could easily have been a personal defeat.
Much like these Olympic Games, today's service played tribute to perseverance, dedication, and a dogged pursuit of a goal.
Unfortunately for you all, there was a lockdown on photography during the service due to the attendance of the Norwegian Royal Family. They weren't the only celebrities on hand.
We were all treated to the vocal stylings of Christine Guldbrandsen, a pop star in her native Norway, who sang the hymns – absolutely beautifully – as well as an English rendition of You Raise Me Up (Josh Groban).
As a long-time parishioner, and an admirer of words, I couldn't help but recognize the cadences of the sermon, the ebb and flow of the scripture. In a strange way I could almost fill in the gaps for myself, even though I didn't have a clue as to what was being said.
It allowed me to connect the dots between our cultures, our languages and feel the peace that such services bring.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
With just one walk through Whistler Village, a person can marvel at and take photos of a dozen sculptures and statues.
There are the obvious favourites, like the massive Olympic rings just outside of Medals Plaza and the Inukshuk in the heart of the Village, but there are also ice sculptures, wood carvings, and granite statues to be found in nearly every nook and cranny.
In spite of this wealth of artistic creativity, one piece in particular has stood (its very muscular) head and shoulders above all others in terms of attention and significance: Slapshotolus, a sculpture by Edmonton artist Edmund Haakonson.
Located at the Pride House in the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre, the sculpture has garnered nearly universal acclaim for its unification of both life and sport, gay and straight, serious and humourous.
The piece shows how these disparate elements can all existent in not just a single work, but a single being, and typifies authentic human experience.
"Slapshotolus is a physical representation of the philosophical ideal of living one’s life with truth and honesty to one's self," Haakonson said.
"The sculpture is a visual symbol of living without armor, the idea that one who lives a noble life does not require more protection, does not need to seek cover because there is nothing to hide from or be ashamed of."
Works of art, be it paintings, sculptures, novels, etc., are often created with this same intention towards eloquence and expressiveness, but it takes rare talent – genius, really – to achieve the desired effect. With Slapshotolus, Haakonson has done that and then some.
The power, grace, courage, and purity of Olympic sport is on full display here. It's not just a stunning example of homosexual expression, it's more so an Olympic expression.
"The sculpture is classical Greek imagery with a modern makeover. The individualized body (as opposed to the stylized conventions of ancient Greek art) recognizes our culture's focus on individual achievement, whereas in the ancient world the emphasis was on the collective.
"I've kept the body nude to acknowledge that connection with ancient Greek art. The nude form symbolizes purity, innocence, and truth. I chose the hockey player because, well, it's Canada. Come on."
Haakonson has felt overwhelmed with the positive feedback he's received for his sculpture, which took roughly seven months and an estimated 500 man hours to create. Given the statue's possibly controversial ... bravado .... Haakonson could not be happier with its reception.
"There's something absurd about a hockey player wearing only skates, gloves, and a helmet. Even though ancient nude art makes sense to us, and playing hockey makes sense, the combination of the two is funny.
"But I've been so happy to see that people haven't fixated on that, that they are able to marry the serious and the humourous to appreciate the work as a whole."
Before arriving in Whistler, I imagined that my most profound and enduring memories would be much the same as everyone else's. Instead, it's been some of the more unusual, unexpected experiences that have come to define my time at the 2010 Winter Games.
Meeting Haakonson and receiving a personal viewing of Slapshotolus is another in a long line of unique snapshots that have formed into an amazing, life-changing collage. It's not a four-foot statue made of bronze, but it's just as beautiful.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
"Whistler's leaning more towards the British scene, I think. More and more of us are coming over. It's much more friendly here, I think, than in England. Just talking with other Brits on the chairlifts and stuff, there's definitely a new wave coming across the sea now. With any luck we'll outnumber the Aussies soon."
So says Kent native, Billy Clarke, an Englishman who now calls Whistler home. He's been here for three months, and if you can believe it, the Olympics were an afterthought for him.
"I was just coming for the snow, mate. The Olympics were a bonus, to be honest." After a laugh, he continued. "The hill is amazing, you know, and the fact that the Olympics are here is just awesome."
After chatting for a few minutes about some British beers, I couldn't take it any longer and decided to try some out for myself. And in Whistler, there's one place the Brits go: Elephant and Castle.
"We've been open for almost three months, and since then we've developed kind of a cult following with the Brits," said General Manager Mark Forest.
Over a pint of Fuller London Pride, Forest caught me up to speed on the disparities between Canadian beers, and those of our British forefathers.
"Well, for starters, British pints are imperial pints, so they're 20 ounces. We don't do pitchers of beer, but we do have the 20 ounce pints. We serve various styles of British beers, lagers and pilsners. We rotate our beers around, but we always make sure that we have the favourite British beers on tap.
"We have Boddingtons, Fuller's London Pride, Strongbow, and then we rotate around with some of the smaller brews. And of course the IPA, India Pale Ale."
The story of India Pale Ale is well known. When British soldiers were in India in the 1800s, they simply had to have their beer. But it was so hot during the summer season that the beer was going bad. So the soldiers added more hops, which acted as a preservative.
"Thus, you get a hoppier beer, India Pale Ale. It's become a British Staple. It's a lighter beer, but it's good."
There is such deep British heritage in Canada that, naturally, British pubs and beers still hold some influence. You'd be hard pressed to find a city in the whole country without at least one classy British establishment.
"It does surprise me that we're the only British-style pub in Whistler. There's a part of British culture, and there's a part of Canadian culture, and that's beer," said Forest.
Although he's a big proponent of the British varieties, Forest is also a fan the Western Canadian microbreweries.
"There's one in Victoria, B.C. called Phillips Brewery, and it's amazing. They won one gold and one silver award at the GABF, which is the Great American Beer Festival.
"You've got breweries from Halifax to B.C. to California, to Mississippi in this thing. There's 4,000 breweries that enter. For an up and coming brewery in British Columbia to take gold, that's amazing. We're talking a seven year old brewery."
In the words of Billy Clarke, speaking of Whistler, "It's awesome. Absolutely awesome."
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
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RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
As of this morning, there have been no reported deaths by way of "mitten mauling" in Whistler Village. From what I saw today while waiting to get into The Olympic Store, I suspect that those numbers have been smudged a little.
The mittens in question are, of course, the red Canada Olympic mittens that you can see on the hands on about 70% of the planet right now. I'm sure the only places that aren't crazy over these things are where mittens are an unnecessary nuisance (call centres, computer stores, anywhere pencils are being used) or where people don't even know mittens exist.
People are crazy for these things! I actually saw two grown women – one of whom I'm sure had grandchildren watching – have a tug-o'-war over a pair even though there were dozens of others sitting right next to them.
Flashes of Tickle-Me Elmo came to mind, and I was just waiting for a full on throw-down between two desperate dads determined to wipe their child's tears away with some mitts.
"This is the weirdest thing I've ever seen," said my fellow linemate, Tom McIntosh. "I've seen lineups before, but this is absolutely out-of-this-world crazy."
What he was referring to was the line of 50+ people waiting for the doors to open at 7:15 in the morning. The doors don't open until 9:00 and there are already dozens of people waiting!
I rode the shuttle with a couple a few days ago, who went to the Olympic Store at 8:15 a.m. and didn't get inside until almost 10 a.m.
In the words of my new good friend, Marge Thorgrimson, "They're just mittens, people!"
Thorgrimson (amazing name, by the way) is a native of Seattle, Washington who's as gung ho for the Games as the next person, but she, too, was overwhelmed with the lines and, especially, the intensity.
"It's all about the mittens for some of these people," she said through a laugh. "But they're a collector's item, probably the number one souvenir from the 2010 Games. So it makes some sense, I suppose."
We each looked up and down the lineup again, before turning back to one another. "Or maybe not," she said.
Sane or not, people are right to take home a pair before the Games conclude. They're certainly the hottest commodity when it comes to 2010 memorabilia. But people ... please ... settle down. You're all a bunch of raving loonies. But then again, given your Canadian heritage, that might actually be somewhat appropriate.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
I'm not what you'd call a paranormal fan. I don't buy into ghosts, or spirits, or the netherworld. I regard clairvoyants in much the same way I do Criss Angel or David Copperfield: they're charlatans who trick the willfully ignorant into handing over hard earned money.
Given this preface, I did something strange today. I went to a psychic.
Although I put absolutely no faith in their wisdom or mystic understanding, psychics have always intrigued me. Maybe I've watched too many episodes of Carnivale, or maybe I'm just desperate for some sign that there is something out there that's greater than my understanding. I don't know.
All I know is that I've always wanted to experience a reading personally, and in light of the potentially life-changing adventure I'm on right now in Whistler, I thought that there was no better time than the present.
And so, at The Oracle at Whistler, I met with Brett MacDonald, who'd I'd normally call a "self-proclaimed" medium, but considering the amount of diplomas hanging on his wall declaring his qualifications, apparently there's some kind of governing body that oversees this sort of thing.
I have my doubts that it's Hogwarts, but it appears that such places do exist.
Brett (first name only please) took me through your pretty standard tarot reading, where I first selected 10 cards from a stack of 78. After I chose my 10, Brett jumped right into things and hit me with a right hook to the jaw: "He is little known in his field."
Gee, thanks Brett. I'm not saying you're wrong, but you could have eased me into this thing.
I then discovered that my future will be defined by my past, that I will often look back with nostalgia on current events. I make my living through creativity, he said, and that at that very moment my mother was worried if I was doing okay.
Take my word for it, all three of those are true. Especially the last one, I'm sure.
I then asked Brett, specifically, how this whole Olympic experience will shape both me and my future. I chose 11 cards from the pack. After pulling out a card, Brett said, "They're not paying you enough."
Ahem ... are you reading this, Doc Pow, Barb? Brett says I'm awesome and you two should pay me more. Given that he's all in touch with higher powers and whatnot, I'd listen to him if I were you. You might wake up tomorrow as a turtle or ... a snowblader, rather than a snowboarded or a skier.
Hey, it wasn't me that said these things. It's the spirits, man. The spirits!
At this point I noticed something strange. In a 78-card deck (no two are identical), I managed to choose the same six or seven cards over again with only 10 chances to do so. Things were getting weird.
After reiterating my creativity and how my passions will shape my future, I was told that my strength is internal. Maybe Brett foresaw this, or maybe he just looked at my less-than-imposing physique, but regardless, apparently my strengths are character, courage, and conviction.
The reading ended with my "positive" card. I chose the Burden, which is an odd "positive" card to choose. This indicated overload, Brett said. The burden of success.
He says that my company is sometimes overwhelmed with responsibilities, but at the same time they show our worth, that we're proving something to people.
You still reading this, you two? Brett says we kick ass. And that you need to give me money.
At the end of the day, do I believe in psychics more than I did before? Not really. But if the experience taught me anything, it's that if there really are spirits out there, then they're on my side.
Maybe it's all thanks to Doc Pow's meditation, but it sounded like, for myself and SnowSeekers, the Olympics are only the beginning.
Now give me my money!
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
Try as it might, the pouring rain couldn't dampen spirits at the Whistler Sliding Centre today, nor could the bracing cold, or the agonizingly long lines that, I swear, must have stretched from Whistler all the way to Penticton.
All was forgiven and forgotten as the Men's 4-Man Bobsled competition got underway.
Much like yourself, I've seen bobsleds on television. I was aware that they approach 150 kilometres an hour. But to have actually been there within 10 feet as they whizzed by in a blur, ice and snow from the track literally hitting me in the face, was incredible.
These sleds take off faster than a Tiger Woods sex scandal.
"You can try these out all you want, but you're filling out your will first," said Claudia Henderson to her husband Todd, after the Russian-2 sled flipped over and skidded upside down across the finish line.
Todd had mentioned that the sliding centre will be opened to the public some time after the Games are over.
It was difficult not to side with Claudia on this one. There were probably a dozen crashes during the two-heat event. The fact that not a single rider was seriously hurt amazes me.
I'm not sure who manufactures the helmets, but these Games have certainly been a commercial for them.
If there's a silver lining to be found here, though, it's that a piece of the Russian-2 sled broke off and landed right at my feet. That, my friends, is called a souvenir.
The atmosphere was so much greater than I anticipated. I had assumed that bobsledding would attract a much more subdued crowd than the one I was a part of today. This place was raucous as raucous can be. There were dudes without shirts (for three hours) in the cold rain and snow. I'm sorry, but no amount of beer can compensate for that lack of body heat.
There were Brits and Aussies and Japanese and Dutch people all over the place, vehemently supporting their respective sledders. And right underneath the fans was slimy, filthy muck.
"With a little more rain we could have had a mud wrestling match!" said Anthony Charnley of Soutpark, England. He, along with a few friends, had brought along a marker and a board on which they would write whatever they had to say to the rest of the crowd.
"Curling was better" said one. They were obviously nonplussed about Great Britain's 21st place finish today.
This being my first Olympic event, my expectations were met and then some. The day was capped off with a marvelous run by Canada-1, led by pilot, Lyndon Rush. Honestly, could a sledder have a better name?
In the second-last run of the afternoon, Rush and company powered past the Germans to take sole position of first place, before the Americans came right behind and blew past Canada for first place.
It was an electric finish to what was an absolutely stellar day at the Sliding Centre.
"We went to see a hockey game a few days ago, and this was just as fun," Claudia said. "Hockey gets a lot of the attention here in Canada, but these other events are every bit as entertaining. Hockey players don't fly by you at 140 kilometres, I'll tell you that much!"
It was a unique experience, to be sure. Being that it's (probably) the only event that I'm going to witness here at the Games, it was an awesome one to see. I'll definitely be tuning in tomorrow to see how the event turns out.
And to Anthony: If curling was better than this, you were watching a different game than me.
Stay tuned towww.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
No disrespect to Doc Pow and the bountiful breakfasts that have been cooked up in the SnowSeekers RV all week, but today's pancake breakfast at Canada House was the best meal I've had before noon all Olympics long.
I stuffed myself on pancakes and sausage, and treated myself to my first juice box since I was probably 15. It was in keeping with the atmosphere, though, as dozens of kids were on hand to make crafts, listen to some tunes, play the Nintendo Wii, and get their pictures taken with Quatchi and Miga.
It was hilarious to see how the kids largely ignored the athletes, including Canadian Olympian, Jason Myslicki (nordic combined). They were way more interested in the mascots, mounties, and, predictably, the games.
Luckily for the Olympicans, there were a fair number of adults who wanted nothing more than to shake his hand and congratulate him on a job well done (myself included).
Kids are kids, though, and no amount of Olympic glory can trump Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games.
Mayor Ken Melamed was also on hand to say a heartfelt thanks to everyone who got involved with the Games, participated in their own way, and made these past two weeks something that Whistler can be proud of.
Given the considerable negativity in British Columbia in the months approaching the Olympics, I have to say that both Vancouver and Whistler have come through and then some.
"I haven't spoken to a single person that hasn't said that this has been the best time of their lives, here in Whistler," Melamed said to the gathered crowd at Canada House. "I'm getting a lot of request to do it every year. I'm not sure we can pull that off, but let's celebrate and enjoy this time together. Thank you, again, everyone in Whistler for being here and helping to welcome the world."
As I heard the mayor speak I suddenly realized that in about 30 hours this would all be over. This Olympic journey has been a long time coming for so many people (talk to Doc Pow and he'll regale you with a delightful tale of his 14 year wait), so it's kind of surreal to think that by tomorrow night we'll all be heading back to our regular lives.
While we're here, though, I can't think of anything better than to chow down on some syrup-drenched sausage. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to get back to my juice box, please.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
It's embarrassing, but today I finally got in a ski on Whistler Mountain. In my defense, the frickin' Olympics are kind of going on right now, so don't start building my cross or anything. Realistically, I can ski any time I want and I may never experience the Olympics first-hand ever again. Not much of a toss-up, in my opinion.
That's what I thought.
Oh my God! This place is incredible! I am such an idiot for waiting until the second to last day to hit the slopes here. On my second trip up the chair I literally sulked.
Like a child who's played with his own toys for a week before realizing his friend's toys kick so much more ass, I pouted my way down the mountain for the rest of the day. I hate to even think of what I must have looked like riding the chair lift.
"Dude, he is okay?"
"I think his girlfriend just broke up with him."
"Ahhh."
The original plan was to ride with Doc Pow and colleague, Brandon Boucheur for the afternoon, but on our first ride of the day – our first ride – I lost the boys amidst the fog of Whistler Bowl and that was that.
It kind of worked out, though, as it allowed me to explore a bit of this behemoth on my own.
It hit me at one point that, just six months ago, I was a little boy from Nova Scotia with next to no skiing experience. Now, I'm busting down Boomer Bowl on Whistler. I still shake my head at it.
I'm shaking it right now as I type this. It's straight-up stupid that I do this every day, that I get paid for this stuff.
What really surprised me about the hill was how empty it was. It's not that there aren't a lot of skiers and boarders out there, it's that the mountains are so HUGE, dude.
No matter where you go, it's almost like you've rented the hill for the day. It's incredible, considering that it was a Saturday afternoon during Whistler's busiest month ever.
Thankfully, we'll be hitting up first tracks tomorrow before heading to Merlin's for "the game." One afternoon wasn't nearly enough. Hell, a week isn't enough.
Something tells me I'll be back though.
And by "something," I mean Doc Pow.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
Without a doubt, one of the top three moments of my life.
I can't recall a time where I've felt such euphoria, such uninhibited joy. I hugged more strangers in the last hour than I have in my entire life. My hands are red from the high fives I've given. My throat is run raw from the screaming I've done.
GO CANADA GO!
I've never been so glad to be 25, else I would have taken a heart attack. Those first few moments of overtime were taxing, to say the least.
The entire SnowSeekers crew was holed up in Merlin's since 10 a.m. this morning. The doors didn't open 'til 11a.m. By the time we were allowed inside, the lineup was at least 200 strong (it stretched back to Monk's Grill).
Luckily, we had the foresight to get there early enough to reserve some prime real estate
"I'd hate to be one of the poor souls who thought they'd get in here at Noon," said Jon Vaughn of Margaree, Nova Scotia. " It's the men's hockey gold medal game, for Christ's sake. If you're not prepared to wait five hours to see this, then you don't deserve to."
For weeks, the pundits have said that if the men's hockey team didn't win gold, the Games would be a failure. As if that pressure wasn't enough, Canada went into their game against the United States one gold shy of the Olympic record for most gold medals in one Olympic Games.
In one fell swoop Team Canada satisfied the hopes and dreams of an entire nation, and set an Olympic record in the process.
I can't even imagine what it was like to be inside B.C. Place as the crowd of 18,000 strong belted out GO CANADA GO. When Cole Harbour's own Sidney Crosby scored the game winning goal, the crowd at Merlin's went off.
Cheers and chest-bumps went on for the next 10 minutes, all throughout the medal presentation ceremony.
It couldn't have been a more fitting end to an amazing Olympic Games. Canada's golden boy, Sidney Crosby scored to win it in overtime against the best goalie in the world – Ryan Miller.
It's hard to imagine that a little more than two weeks ago, the public was crying for the first gold medal on Canadian soil. Now, we've set the record for not only the most golds on home soil (eclipsing the U.S.A.'s record of 10), but we've set the record for most golds ever at the winter Olympic games (14).
Whistler, along with Vancouver, has played host to one of the greatest Games in Olympic history (winter or summer). Without a doubt, we've raised the bar for future Games.
Sochi's got some work to do.
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
Even though they were a few hours away from the Closing Ceremonies in Vancouver, the people of Whistler were as awash in the glow of victory as any of their provincial neighbours last night.
Every screen in the Village – both big and small – was tuned in to see Canada's best deliver a send-off to the world. Whistler's Village Square was jam packed with hundreds of excited onlookers as they watched the Closing Ceremonies on the big screen behind the Whistler Live! stage.
"We're not there (Vancouver), but we are at the same time," said Mark Roberts of Oshawa, Ontario. "With the crowd here, the big screen, it's almost better in some ways because you get the feeling of the crowd, but the intimacy of watching the performers on this massive screen. It's quite the party."
A party is the best I could describe it.
Along with the crowd standing in Village Square, every patio around was armed to the teeth with revelers. The Amersterdam, Citta's, and La Bocca all provided a great place to catch the action while enjoying some dinner and drinks.
There was a considerable amount of nostalgia on display last night. People were already looking back on the Games as if they happened two years ago, and a couple of hours.
"It was an amazing, amazing experience," said Patrice Henry of Gatineua, Quebec. "My life is now divided into two parts, before and after the 2010 Olympics. I'm not sure if I'll ever see anything like this for the rest of my life."
And while most were already longing to have the last two weeks back, there were some who were only looking toward the future. Slava Mischenko of Kiev, Ukraine, decked out in a 2014 Sochi jacket, has already started counting down the days until the next Winter Olympics.
"I'm not from Sochi, but I'm excited for them," Mischenko said. "I can't wait to be there in 2014 when Russia does what Canada did in these games."
After stopping to ponder for a few seconds, he continued. "Well, maybe not exactly what Canada did, but hopefully close. Fourteen medals is a lot!"
The crowd was full of Canadians from coast to coast, along with visitors from dozens of countries around the world.
For two weeks we laughed together and cheered together, sang and even cried together. For two weeks this was Whistler, one big happy international family.
Driving away from Whistler this morning, we were all sad to see it go. But, when you think about it, 2014's only four years away.
Think Sochi!
Stay tuned to www.snowseekers.ca/olympicnews for daily blogs, videos and more throughout the Olympics.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
This Olympic journey has been three weeks in the making for the SnowSeekers crew, but in a sense it's also been six months (since the season started), 2.5 years (since the company started), and a decade and a half (since the bids for Vancouver began).
For some, these past few weeks have been the culmination of five year's work, others, their entire lives. But when that calendar page flipped over to March 1, the journey was all over.
This morning came with a weird mixture of accomplishment and melancholy.
On the one hand, we did it. We came into Whistler as the little company that could, and stood shoulder to shoulder with the big boys.
The content that's been produced in the last three weeks has made us all proud. It's validated all the work we've done and showed us where we're capable of going.
On the other hand, we did it, and now it's over. This entire season has been one big prelude to the Games, and now that they're over, that build-up is gone.
It's time to find a new goal, whatever that might be.
Sochi, 2014?
Who knows. Four years is still a ways away, and there's no telling where SnowSeekers Inc. will be then. All I know is that this Olympic experience will only serve as a launching pad to bigger and better things for all of us.
A psychic even told me so.
I've seen some amazing things in my time in Whistler. Unlikely triumphs, tragic defeats, career-defining performances, and life-changing events. But I've also experienced kinship with complete strangers, people who literally live continents away and can barely speak my language.
It's taught me a lot about compassion and community, how similar we all are when borders aren't involved.
But I've also seen human faeries frolicking through the Village and killer rock shows almost every day. A giant sasquatch punched my friend in the face. Needless to say, I've laughed a lot since I've been in Whistler.
As Whistler's psychic told me just a few days ago, my future will be defined by my present. My experience at the Olympic Games will affect me in ways that I can't even imagine.
All that I can do is wait for it to happen, and blog about it along the way.
How would you like to be at one of the hottest spring parties in Western Canada? The TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival is a kick-ass event running Apr. 16 to 25, and it has it all: big air events with competitors from around the world, A-list entertainment that covers all music genres, parties that go all night and a large cultural side that includes competitions between some of the best photographers and filmmakers around, plus much more.
You could win a 5-day trip for 2 to the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler, British Columbia by going to www.snowseekers.ca/wssfcontest and entering today. Tell your friends.
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DAN MOORE, SnowSeekers Inc.
Recently, I updated our snow conditions pageto include not just links to the snow conditions pages of the various resorts around Alberta and BC, but also to include graphs of the snowfall this season. Hopefully this will give our users an easier time deciding where to spend their weekend with less page navigation.
For now the aesthetics of the graphs are pretty basic, and we will probably look to improve them long term, so be sure to check back.
Yesterday I also updated most of our SnowSeekers go-guides (iPhone apps) to include past snowfall information. So, when available, our apps will now also provide users with snowfall in the past 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days, as well as snowfall to date and base packed snow on the mountain. This has been one of most requested features for our apps so I was very glad to finally drop it in. Go-guides that have this functionality currently include all apps except for Comox - Mount Washington, and the Vancouver mountains (Cypress, Grouse, and Seymour).
In the future I am also looking to add additional stats to our apps and snow conditions page including lifts in operation and open runs. So if you love getting information on the conditions at your preferred hill and getting updates to your favorite apps, keep checking back!
Subscribe to www.snowseekers.ca e-newsletter and be automatically entered for a chance to WIN a 5-day trip to the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler, British Columbia. Make sure to share with friends.
RICK MACDONNELL, Snowseekers Inc.
A little more than a week ago, the SnowSeekers "road dogs" were in Fairmont, British Columbia, where we visited the Fairmont Hot Springs, as well as the Family Ski Hill that's just minutes from the resort. You can read all about the trip here.
As you more than likely know, for every destination we visit, we profile not just the on-hill and off-hill activities, but resort destinations and dining opportunities. On this particular trip we were fortunate enough to be taken care of by Rusty Cox, the Farimont's Chef de Cuisine. We soon found out that in addition to being an incredibly cool guy and an absolutely dynamite chef, he is also a world-renowned ice sculptor.
Rusty sent me this photos a few days ago, and I just couldn't keep them to myself. They absolutely blew me away. There's a reason why he travels the world doing this stuff.
Enjoy.
Probably my favourite. Amazing stuff.
I should email this one to Peter Jackson.
Yes, the entire bar (and the walls surrounding it) is ice.
Subscribe to www.snowseekers.ca e-newsletter and be automatically entered for a chance to WIN a 5-day trip to the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler, British Columbia. Make sure to share with friends.
DOC POW, SnowSeekers Inc.
You'll note a blog below by Dan, our digital guru here at SnowSeekers, announcing our new snow reports on SnowSeekers.ca.
He came to me the other day to tell me that he wasn't sure that he could trust what was coming out of Mount Washington's website, reporting of a 600 cm base - almost twice that of Whistler Blackcomb's. "They must be inflating that number, I can't trust it," he said. Well the numbers don't lie; they are true. Mount Washington, just outside of Comox, BC, is experiencing one of their snowiest seasons in history – actually their second on record – only next to the infamous season of 1998-99.
"We’re extending the season by two weekends after April 11th and we’re delivering an extensive and entertaining event calendar to everybody next month,” explains Don Sharpe, Director of Business Operations.
One of the really interesting things about Mount Washington, next to these epic conditions, is its location: an island. Vancouver Island, to be precise. So, in April you can head out for an adventure like few people on the planet can ever get in on. A surf and snow safari, get in a few days on the skis or snowboard and then head off to Ucluelet for some surfing (between the two is only a two and a half hour wicked drive).
Enter into to win our trip for two to Whistler and you may just have the best April ever.....
Subscribe to the snowseekers.ca e-newsletter and be automatically entered for a chance to WIN a 5-day trip to the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler, British Columbia. Make sure to share with friends.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
SnowSeekers visited Banff's famed Johnston Canyon two weeks ago , and the had the pleasure of being guided through the Canyon by Anick Cadieux, a guide with Discover Banff Tours. If you plan on taking a trip to Johnston Canyon in the future, I'd suggest you book a guide. This was my second visit to the Canyon--my first with a guide--and my experience was markedly better with Anick by my side.
There's a remarkable amount of history surrounding the Canyon, and during the three-hour trek we learned a lot of it. One remark, in particular, caught my ear.
In 1927, the log teahouse at the base of the Canyon was purchased by Walter and Marguerite Camp. This began a rich history of Rocky Mountain lodging in Banff. Since then, Johnston Canyon has become one of the top hikes in Canada (literally, at 4710 feet above sea level).
Walter Camp is something of a legend in Banff, a town treasure and a man who treasured his town. Before he passed away, he asked that his ashes be spread on top of Pilot Mountain--the one mountain that can be seen from both Banff and Lake Louise. Even after his death Walter wanted to watch over his beloved town, which he did. Marguerite had his ashes placed on the mountain via helicopter. And when Marguerite passed on, her ashes were laid there as well.
This was just one of a dozen or more anecdotes. I had expected to be impressed by the beauty of the Canyon, but I had no idea its history was so rich and interesting. Do yourself a favour and take a tour. You'll learn a little something, and come away with one hell of a photo album.
Subscribe to the snowseekers.ca e-newsletter and be automatically entered for a chance to WIN a 5-day trip to the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler, British Columbia. Make sure to share with friends.
BRANDON BOUCHER, SnowSeekers Inc.
So today in the SnowSeekers office we had a discussion about the photos appearing on our website. We found that there were SO many great photos that we had taken, that never see the light of day! So not only are we soon going to be proud owners of a brand new photo gallery on the website, but I am going to dedicate a blog every week for my "photo of the day" but I guess it would be called "photo of the week." Regardless, today, it begins!
I stumbled across a LOT of good photos today.
These "photos of the day" are only based on my personal thoughts toward the photos, keeping composition, lighting etc in mind.
I hope you like it!
Photo taken by : Doc Pow
Subscribe to the snowseekers.ca e-newsletter and be automatically entered for a chance to WIN a 5-day trip to the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler, British Columbia. Make sure to share with friends.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
Sadly, I was only able to attend a single Olympic event during my nine days in Whistler. Fortunately, though, that event was the 4-man Bobsled. These things are fast on TV, but they'rereally fast when they're ten feet from your face. Faster than a Tiger Woods sex scandal. So fast that it is nearly impossible to get a good photo.
Sorry, let me rephrase that. They're so fast that it is nearly impossible to get a good photo when you're using something that has the shutterspeed of a box camera. I half expect my camera to let out a huge puff of smoke every time I take a shot.
Needless to say, my photographs left a little to be desired. The following is a montage of how my afternoon went.
"How hard could it be?" I thought. They're not moving that fast.
I was sure that I had the dexterity and peripheral vision to
capture a vehicle moving at 140 kilometres per hour.
I still don't know if I took the photo too early or too late.
I swear that this is a different photo. My problem was clearly
that I was trying to get in too tight on the track. But I wanted
that money shot.
Wanting to at least capture something in a photo, I
stood behind some people. Unfortunately, those people
became the entire focus after yet another miss.
When in doubt, shoot the Olympic Rings.
I'd like to tell you that this was meant to be just another
shot of the Rings, but a bobsled is just off camera. I think.
Things were getting quite ridiculous at this point. I feel
the need to point out to you that there's about a 3-4 minute
wait time between bobsleds. So I would wait 4 minutes
every time just to get a shot of some dude in a tuque.
This is as dynamic as it was going to get for me on this day.
A shot of a guy filling in divots with snow. Wow.
It was at this point that I started to worry that I wouldn't
be bringing any decent photos back for my piece. Hence,
the Canada hat. People eat this stuff up. Theoretically.
Realizing that my tight shots weren't cutting it, I moved
back. To similar results.
*Sigh*
A couple of Brits who found a silver lining to Great
Britain's disappointing Olympics. The sign reads
"CURLING WAS BETTER".
This was my breaking point. I had been standing in freezing
rain for nearly two hours trying to get anything that could be
used. After this shot, I got fed up. "Screw it!" I said. "I'm going
back to the rails, and I'm not coming out until I get my shot."
Persistence, as they say, pays off.
Almost there ...
ALMOST THERE ...
SUCCESS!
SnowSeekers is pleased to invite you to the release of its documentary, "Sunny on the Slopes."
Earlier this winter, SnowSeekers – in partnership with NAIT's Digital Media Design program and its students – filmed 10-year-old Sunny Gantumur as she took to the slopes for the first time. The film, produced for the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance, will be seen around the country to encourage people of all ages to get outside and enjoy the snow through skiing.
The documentary chronicles Sunny's trials and tribulations in learning how to tackle the snow, lead by her Snow Valley instructor, Christina Schmidtke, and follows them from day one right through 'til when Sunny was ready to take on the Canadian Rockies at Castle Mountain Resort.
No one involved could have imagined what happened over the course of Sunny's adventure.
Join us Thursday, April 8th, at 7 p.m. in the multi-million dollar NEXEN Theatre at NAIT to find out how it unfolded. The NEXEN is located on the second floor of the Spartan Centre for instrumentation Technology in Room Y240, located on 117 Ave & 102 St., east of the NAIT HP Centre.
Seating is limited. Showing is from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
If you plan to attend, please contact jim@snowseekers.ca and he can set you up with a parking pass for the night.
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RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
Things are about to get radical at Sun Peaks Resort this Saturday, April 10th. Dust off your neon clothing and too-big-for-your-face shades, because the 80s are back and they don't want to see any of your two-piece snow suits or fashionably modest colors.
All staff and guests are encouraged to deck themselves out in their most bodacious outfits before they hit the slopes for some double-daffies and back-scratchers.
For any of you who may not remember the 80s (for reasons illicit or otherwise...), I thought I'd offer you a few helpful tips to get you started. When dressing for the 80s, it's important to keep three things in mind:
1. Headband – always, always, always wear a headband. Under your helmet, over your helmet, it doesn't matter. Headbands are like legwarmers, but for your face. In other words, a must-have. No self-respecting Duran Duran fan would be caught dead without one.
2. Shades – the larger the better, and you damn well better make sure that people can see through them. If people aren't able to see your eyes, they're clearly too reflective. In fact, your shades should almost be completely useless.
3. The Neon Onesie – Pastels were sooooooo early 80s. By the time the 80s got into gear, neon was all the rage. Those arrogant early 90s try their best to claim neon, but the 80s hair-bands had a firm grip on the scene way before the Fresh Prince came along. And don't let me see you in a two-piece snow suit! Have some respect for yourself, for god's sake.
Stick to these three rules, and you should be well on your way to looking as ridiculous as you possibly can this Saturday, or, as 80s as you possibly can.
If any of you guys take some stellar Polaroids this weekend, send them to rick@snowseekers.ca and I'll put 'em in a blog next week.
The entire SnowSeekers crew would like to congratulate Pamela Basaraba, of Edmonton, AB, for winning our World Ski and Snowboard Festival contest for March. Along with a friend, Pamela will be spending five days skiing/riding at Whistler/Blackcomb while staying at the Delta Whistler Village Suites. She's also received tickets to a number of specialty events, including the Chairlift Revue and The End, an all-hours afterburner party.
Congrats again, Pamela. You're going to have a blast!
SnowSeekers thanks The Delta Whistler Village Suites,WhistlerBlackcomb and The Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival for their support of this contest.
RICK MACDONNELL, SnowSeekers Inc.
Last night was an important milestone for not only Brandon Boucher, our director of photography, but our entire company as a whole, in that we premiered our first ever documentary, Sunny on the Slopes. The film was shown at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), in its beautiful, new NEXEN Theatre to a capacity crowd. There wasn't a seat to be had, which was a rewarding sight for everyone involved on the project.
The film was inspired by the need to encourage all ethnicities to get out and experience the snow, and as was the case with Sunny on the Slopes, skiing. The documentary profiles a young Mongolian girl, named Sunny, on her journey through the Canadian Ski Instructors' Alliance (CSIA) Skier Progression Program. Her adventure began at Edmonton's Snow Valley and ended with her skiing in the Canadian Rockies at Castle Mountain.
The film was produced in conjunction with the CSIA, and will be used as a learning tool in 200 ski schools across the country. It will also be broadcasted nationally in the fall, so stay tuned to the blog, as well as www.snowseekers.ca, for further details.
SnowSeekers would like to thank NAIT for their support, especially NAIT's Digital Media students, many of whom worked on the project. We'd also like to thank the CSIA for their involvement and unwavering enthusiasm throughout the entire process. And finally, the biggest thanks of all goes to Sunny and her family, who inspired us all, and whose passion and excitement rubbed off on everyone. We couldn't have done this without you.
DOC POW, SnowSeekers Inc.
Marmot Basin, a ski resort found minutes from Jasper Alberta, has had one of its top season's in many many years. There were a ton of times where a good friend of mine, Megan Gibson, a Jasper local, called and said "it doesn't get any better then this, another 20cms last night- and a full bowl of pow was waiting for this morning's breakfast!"
It's a classic destination that if you haven't had the chance to visit yet you need to....
For the full report visit our Marmot page. You'll find some stories here from last weekend's visit.
You could still squeeze them in over the next 10 days, they are wide open through April 25th.
Here is a shot taken on April 12 of what it looks like.....
If you are a family - perfect, Marmot's got the terrain. If you are an intermediate group of friends, perfect cause Marmot's got the terrain. If you are a couple of cats looking to get in some outstanding hikes into some steeps and deeps you'll find this here too. Just don't forget to take the camera- Marmot, in the heart of the Rockies, never disappoints when it comes to the views.
StanceFind™ has been endorsed by BASI and installed by TSA, Europe's largest independent snowboard retailer, in its stores across the UK. More recently, StanceFind™ has been adopted by two resorts a little closer to home: Big White Ski Resort in British Columbia, and Marmot Basinin Alberta.
If you'd like to find out more about the StanceFind™, as well as cre8iv-uk, the team responsible for it, headover to www.cre8iv-uk.com
Until then, though, check out these demo videos to get a better idea of what StanceFind™ is all about.
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DOC POW, SnowSeekers Inc.
It doesn't happen very often but sometimes, just sometimes, even the best of 'em get caught with their pants down.
You'll find her ripping up the slopes of Marmot Basin in Jasper Alberta- deep in the Canadian Rockies. It was last Saturday when the girl, only known as mountain megs, earned herself a new nickname.
This is the photo blog on just how she was crowned '90 Degrees"...can you unlock the mystery of how?
Just getting off the chairlift she is looking confused....
really confused...
hey did someone say oi?
the aerodynamics with those reno'ed poles was brilliant
she is just showing off the science before she shreds some gnar
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Welcome to the new home of the official SnowSeekers blog. From within the SnowSeekers site we'll be able to provide a better blog to our followers. Be sure to watch for exciting new features including a teaser for the most recent blog on the homepage.
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Whitewater Ski Resort is stepping its game up – big time – by bringing some of their ski and snowboard terrain on the backside in-bounds. This will boost the area's vertical drop from 1,309 to 2,042 feet: a terrain increase of 64%.
Located near the B.C. interior town of Nelson, Whitewater is all set to capitalize on the influx of visitors generated by the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver/Whistler.
The clearing of the backside will be spread over the next two years, and once completed, the new Glory Ridge Chairlift will service a total of 749 acres (303 hectares). This will consist of 18 gladed, treed, and groomed runs of primarily intermediate and advanced/expert terrain.
“The mountain crew, in cooperation with mother nature, hope to have the lift ready to load as conditions permit this coming season” says Whitewater General Manager Brian Cusack.
What will be the Glory Ridge Chairlift has actually been known under another name for several years now. Originally the Dopplemayr Triple Chair, the lift will come all the way from Vail Mountain Resort in Colorado. It's currently en route to Nelson, where it will be recommissioned as Whitewater's third chairlift.
The lift will service the primarily west-facing backside area. This was previously out of bounds territory could only be accessed from the Summit Lift with tracks leading back to the ski area's access road. Whitewater's goal for the summer is to have a good amount of skiable terrain in this backside area developed so that they can create eight selectively logged and gladed runs, which will offer fall line skiing.
“This summer we will focus mechanical harvesting on the area to the skier's left of the chair with further gladed advanced/expert tree skiing developed to the skier’s right of the lift line. We plan to start on the lift line first to allow the lift installation crew access, and then proceed with the remainder over the summer.”
Read MoreIn the past, skiers and boarders have had concerns about the ambiguity of the avalanche danger scale for Canada and the United States. Hopefully those concerns will be put to rest this coming season, as backcountry avalanche centers across North America will be using a new scale for 2010/11. The new scale provides more definitive travel advice for backcountry enthusiasts, incorporates risk by referring to typical avalanche sizes expected, and uses icons that have recently been adapted by European countries.
“It was especially encouraging to work closely with our Canadian colleagues to come up with a unified scale," said Grant Statham, project leader and Avalanche Risk Specialist for Parks Canada. "This will only help in our efforts to promote avalanche forecasting consistency and to improve safety for the many people who recreate in the backcountry in both countries.”
This danger scale is the first time that the two countries have used the same scale, and is the result of a multi-year effort by the Canadian Avalanche Centre, Parks Canada, the USDA Forest Service, and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
Click on the image below to view a larger version.
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Two weeks ago, Seekers Media did its first ever summer shoot: a series of online commercials for Decor Hotels. Wanting to go all out, Brandon, our director of photography, added a crane to his repertoire and, man, did he enjoy it. So much so that we now have a monster on our hands. The next shoot where we can't logistically use a crane, it won't be me who tells him. I like my life.
The shoot itself involved Doc Pow stepping into a bear costume during 30+ degree heat for three days straight. If you ever need a good weight loss program, try this one. We were lucky that there was anything left of him by week's end. Luckily, the Doc's a long-time proponent of Bikram yoga AND he's been a mascot more times than a normal adult should be. Needless to say, he was more prepared than most would have been.
Meaning, he survived.
Below is some behind-the-scenes shots from a shoot at the beautiful Maligne Lake, just outside of Jasper, Alberta. Trust me, if you're ever planning a trip to Jasper in the spring/summer, do yourself a favour and visit this place. It's incredible.
And if you're up for a truly unique adventure, do some research into Maligne Lake's Hall of the Gods. It'll blow your mind.
Click on an image to see a larger version.
 Brandon and Doc Pow take it all in. Not one of us had visited Maligne Lake before, so we were all pretty blown away at the scenery. |
 This is Brandon trying to look "professional" in front of a group of on-lookers. Seriously, I've never seen him do this in the entire time I've known him. Ever since, he's been saying "envisioning" like it's going out of style. |
 His camera's a little bigger than mine. I said his CAMERA. |
 Our first crane shoot and we're basically shooting with this thing right out of the water. The cost of doin' business, my friends. Sidenote: check out Doc Pow with his collar popped. Pfft! |
 There was some serious kayaking going on. By serious, I mean "a lot of", and not "intense" or "solemn". |
 Doc Pow's looking like he really needed the weight loss I spoke of earlier, eh? The man's gotta get back on his board. Winter can't come soon enough for Doc Pow's gut |
 Timber! |
 Brandon. Doin' his thang. |
 Contrary to popular belief, that's a bear suit, and not a beaver. I repeat, not a beaver. Notice Doc Pow's bare feet. On a day like this one, any respite from the sun, no matter how small, is a welcome one. |
 The money shot. |
Keep checking back here for news on the Decor commercials. Whenever they go live online, you'll hear it here first.
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5050 Granville St.
Granville House B & B is a recently-built Tudor revival home located in central Vancouver. This bed and breakfast features guest rooms with king-sized beds, secure key-less entry, mini fridges, in-floor heating, spa robes, private baths and high-speed Internet access. Guests are also offered off-street parking, a continental breakfast and flexible check-in hours. Granville House B & B is conveniently located near trendy restaurants and shops.
604 307 2300
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3483 Kingsway
Located in the Ramada Hotel Suites Metrotown Vancouver, the Jaguar Pub & Steakhouse is open for lunch and dinner daily. The sports bar show live televised sporting events on its many televisions. During the summer, outdoor patio seating is available.
604 434-5240
1601 Bayshore Dr.
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1 604 988-8888
604 731-1111
1 604 255-5111
1 604 681-1111
1 604 731-9211
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond
Read More One of Bruno Engler's most famous photos: Rudi Gertsch jumping off the teahouse at Mt. Norquay, AB, 1967 Photo courtesy of Bruno Engler Archives |
For most, skiing and Western Canada go hand-in-hand. It's difficult to imagine the powder-filled gems of Whistler and Lake Louise without thousands of ski and board tracks cut into them. These mountains were meant to be used for skiing, hiking, and climbing. But most don't know about the origins of these activities and how they became so ingrained in Western Canadian culture.
Mountain culture in this country is certainly the result of diverse influences, but for the most part, skiing, climbing, and hiking in Western Canada can be attributed to a few brave Swiss mountain guides out of the Alps.
By the end of the 19th century, Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) responded to a growing international interest in mountaineering by encouraging tourism in British Columbia's Selkirk and Rocky Mountains. CPR had seen how popular mountaineering had become in Europe since the 1860s, but by the 1880s, the Swiss Alps and Mont Blanc had been conquered. Austrian and Swiss mountain guides needed a new Matterhorn, a new challenge. For them, Western Canada was the next frontier.
Canada's federal government, anticipating the new wave of mountaineers, created Canada's first ever national park in Banff in 1885. One year later, Yoho National Park was created along B.C.'s Continental Divide.
As William Van Horne, a famous CPR executive, said it, "Since we can't export the scenery, we shall import the tourists."
In 1896, Peter Sarbach, the first Swiss mountain guide in Canada, was hired by the American Appalachian Mountain Club in response to a deadly climbing accident that occurred in the Rockies in 1896. Clearly, there were mountain safety standards that weren't being met. Professionals needed to be brought in if mountaineering was going to survive (and thrive) in Canada. Sarbach successfully led a party to the summit of Alberta's Mount Lefroy in 1897, and only two days later, he ascended Mount Victoria.
The CPR took note. Realizing the value of professional Swiss guides, they hired Christian Haesler Sr. and Eduard Feuz Sr. in 1899. Together, the duo successfully guided dozens of British and American groups on first ascents, and the project was such a success that in 1901, a second generation of guides followed (quite literally).
"Feuz's brothers, Ernst and Walter, came over with Haesler's son, Christian Haesler Jr.," said Ilona Spaar, project manager and curator of the Swiss Guides Exhibition that is currently making its way through Western Canada (info on this below). "Eduard Feuz's son, Eduard Feuz Jr., also came over, albeit much later. Feuz Jr. went on to become one of Canada's most famous mountain guides. Over the course of the next 50 years, some 35 Swiss guides, and their families, were employed by CPR."
 Edelweiss Village sign with chalets in the background, in Golden, B.C. Photo courtesy of White Museum of the Canadian Rockies |
Fields, B.C. became the first home away from home for most of these guides. Due to Fields' close proximity to the Illecillewaet Glacier, and the fact that the railway passed through, a great amount of mountaineering went on there. Mount Stephen House (in Fields) soon became a popular "alpine" resort.
But the guides eventually became restless. Illecillewaet wasn't challenging enough for them, so they spread out to Golden, B.C. and Lake Louise, Alberta. In Golden, a veritable Swiss guide village was formed – Swiss Edelweiss Village – where the guides and their families lived.
"At this point, the guides were only employed during the summer months, so they would have to move back to Switzerland during the winter. As a result of their dissatisfaction with the arrangement, they built the Edelweiss Village so they could remain in Canada year round. This meant their families could move here and stay, also. Today, the Edelweiss Village remains as a museum, and Jean Vaughan, a descendant of Walter Feuz, acts as its curator."
The period between 1899 and 1954 is known in Canada as the Golden Age of Swiss Guides. Canada's entire mountaineering culture grew out of this period. Of the 56 first ascents of mountains greater than 3,000 metres, as much as 50 of these were performed under the guidance of Swiss mountaineers.
The guides famously conquered Mount Assiniboine (3,618m), and dubbed it "The Canadian Matterhorn". They ascended Mount Bryce (3507m) early on in 1902, and managed to summit Mount Alberta (3619m) in 1925. This climb is so difficult that it wasn't repeated again for another 23 years.
"What's astounding about this time is that the guides accomplished all this with little more than a hemp rope and some hiking boots. Even more astounding is that in the more than 50 years of Swiss mountain guiding (thousands of climbs), there was not a single fatality."
An impressive undertaking occurred in 1927, when guide Hans Fuhrer led a 63-day trek through the Columbia and Clemenceau Icefields, during which time his group ascended 36 major peaks; 27 of these were first ascents.
 Bruno Engler in Lake Louise, AB, in 1975. Photo courtesy of Bruno Engler Archives |
Mountaineering played a major role in establishing ski culture in Western Canada. Haesler, Feuz and company laid the base for Canadian mountaineering, and out of this activity came skiing. Ski culture in this country can truly be attributed to the Austrians and Scandanavians, however, the Swiss guides played a major role in promoting skiing as a sport, especially in the 1950s after the war.
In the 1920s and '30s, the majority of Canadians thought skiing to be an act of lunacy. But word soon spread of the incredible things happening out of Revelstoke and Banff. Ski jumpers were setting world records, and these areas were starting to garner international acclaim. Even with the modest fanfare, ski culture was still in its infancy in Canada. It was due to the hard work of two notable Swiss pioneers that Canada's famous ski destinations have become what they are today.
Zug, Switzerland's Joe Weiss saw nearly endless potential in Western Canada after he immigrated here in 1921. He discovered (and named) Marmot Basin, and for many years was an advocate of ski area development in the Marmot Basin area. Throughout the early 1930s, he also pioneered ski mountaineering at Snow Dome, Resplendent, and Mount Columbia. Along with being a mountaineer and a skier, Weiss was also a photographer, and fell in love with Canada's winter landscapes.
Bruno Engler, who trained the Canadian army in survival and mountain warfare until 1946, was also a filmmaker and photographer. His films did a great deal to promote skiing throughout Alberta and British Columbia, and he directly inspired many of the investors who went on to establish Sunshine Village in Banff, AB. Along with personally helping to design ski areas in Blairmore, AB, and in the Crowsnest Pass, Engler was directly responsible for kick-starting ski racing in this country. Sunshine Village's annual Veterans race (which Engler helped create), is now known as the "Bruno Engler Memorial Ski Race."
 Ernst Feuz and Georgia Engelhard on Mt. Victoria, Banff National Park, 1931. Photo courtesy of the Glenbow Archives |
To honour and celebrate these remarkable men and women, a touring exhibition is currently making its way through Alberta.
Swiss Guides: Shaping Mountain Culture in Western Canada illustrates the remarkable history of Swiss mountain guides and Swiss skiers in the Canadian Rockies, as well as the Columbia and Coastal Mountains. It documents the pioneering methods the Swiss, well, pioneered, in terms of mountain guiding, mountain safety, skiing, and heli-skiing.
"The exhibitions have been going great," said curator Ilona Spaar. "We had a huge reception at the Chateau Lake Louise last week. So many guides lived there and worked there, so it's really great to be able to connect with some of the places these guides called home."
As to what people can expect: "Visitors will learn about the foundation of skiing, guiding, and heli skiing. Essentially, the roots of Western Canada. We have so many beautiful photos and panels, and two special showcases that will educate people on both original and current climbing equipment.
"We also have two beautiful black and white movies from the 1920s, courtesy of the CPR archive, one of which features the climbing of Mount Assiniboine."
The exhibition will be going strong through 2011, but its success has people chattering about a possible permanent exhibit somewhere, some day.
"We would like to thank all the descendants of the guides, who played a huge role in acquiring the information for this exhibit. A lot of the materials came from private photo albums and records. We're all eternally grateful for their generosity."
The exhibition will be touring in the following areas:
• Lake Louise, AB – The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, September 4 – September 26, 2010
• Banff, AB – The Banff Centre, Banff Mountain Film Festival, November 2010
• Jasper, AB – Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives, March 2011
• Prince George, BC – University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), April 2011
• Smithers, BC – Bulkley Valley Museum, Smithers Culture Crawl, May-October 2011
• Calgary, AB – November 2011
• Toronto, ON – December 2011
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The Sun Peaks Village is covered in white this morning with the first snowfall of the season at the resort.
Sun Peaks’ locals are buzzing with excitement after 12 centimetres of fresh snow fell at mid-mountain over the last 12 hours. With cooler temperatures in the forecast, mountain operations crews hope to begin making snow over the next couple of days in preparation for the arrival of the Austrian Women’s Ski Team in mid-November.
Opening day for the public at Sun Peaks Resort is scheduled for Saturday, November 20.
Read MoreOne of Canada's easiest ways to get kids healthy and active this winter is now available. The Canadian Ski Council's SnowPass is available online. It's an unbeatable offer: free skiing and snowboarding for Canadian kids in Grade 4 and Grade 5.
 Photo courtesy of Canadian Ski Council |
SnowPass Advantage: "Introducing children to skiing and snowboarding at an early age gives them lifetime access to these healthy winter sports," says Colin Chedore, President of the Canadian Ski Council. "It keeps them fit, less prone to obesity, and outside and active during the winter months. Better yet, skiing and snowboarding are sports kids can do with the whole family for a lifetime."
How It Works: The Canadian Ski Council's SnowPass gives kids in grades 4 and 5 (born in 2000 or 2001) up to three free lift ticket coupons at each participating ski area for the entire winter; providing them with an opportunity to ski or snowboard hundreds of times over the winter season.
Applying is Easy: To sign up, visit www.snowpass.ca, and you have a choice of either uploading your child's picture, enter your payment and their proof of age, or our printed option that allows you to fill out the information, print the application to mail in to the Canadian Ski Council with a photo, proof of age and payment ... all for a one-time administration fee of $20 plus taxes. Signing up online is the quickest and easiest way to apply for your child's Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass card. SnowPass cards will be sent straight to you beginning mid November before the December 1st SnowPass season start date! SnowPass applications are also available through elementary schools, and inside Sport Chek, Sport Mart, Sports Experts and Intersport stores across Canada.
 Photo courtesy of Canadian Ski Council |
Where it Works: Depending on where you live in Canada, each applicant will receive either an Eastern or Western SnowPass card. The Western SnowPass card is valid for children residing in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and at 58 ski areas. The Eastern SnowPass card is valid for Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada at 92 ski areas. With ski areas participating across Canada, families will not have to travel far to put this SnowPass to use. Kids can easily track how many lift passes they have left by visiting www.snowpass.ca.
Grade 4 and 5 SnowPass information and applications are available online at www.snowpass.ca or www.passeportdesneiges.ca.
The Canadian Ski Council is a national, not-for-profit ski and snowboard organization whose mandate is to increase participation in recreational skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing in Canada. The Canadian Ski Council was founded in 1977.
For more information on the Grade 4 and 5 SnowPass program, contact the Canadian Ski Council, tel: 705-445-9140, e-mail: info@skicanada.org, web: www.skicanada.org
Read Moreroles))) || (in_array('Editor', array_values($user->roles))) || (in_array('Calendar Editor', array_values($user->roles)))) { $userid = $user->uid; $event_name = $_REQUEST["event_name"]; $event_location = $_REQUEST["event_location"]; $event_address = $_REQUEST["event_address"]; $organizer_name = $_REQUEST["organizer_name"]; $organizer_email = $_REQUEST["organizer_email"]; $date_year = $_REQUEST["date_year"]; $date_month = $_REQUEST["date_month"]; $date_day = $_REQUEST["date_day"]; $event_time_hour = $_REQUEST["event_time_hour"]; $event_time_minute = $_REQUEST["event_time_minute"]; $event_ticket_details = $_REQUEST["event_ticket_details"]; $event_details = $_REQUEST["event_details"]; $picture_name = $_FILES["picture"]["name"]; if ($_REQUEST["event_name"]) { // Create a meeting id. $event_id = 10000000; $id_exists = TRUE; while ($id_exists) { $id_exists = FALSE; if ($handle = opendir('sites/snowseekers.ca/files/events/xml-bin')) { while (false !== ($file = readdir($handle))) { if (strstr($file,"event" . $event_id . ".xml")) { $id_exists = TRUE; } } closedir($handle); if ($id_exists) { $event_id++; } } } // Store meeting information on the server. $fileName = "sites/snowseekers.ca/files/events/xml-bin/event" . $event_id . ".xml"; $file=fopen($fileName,"w"); fwrite($file, ''); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, ''); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_id . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $userid . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_name . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_location . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, "
" . $event_address . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " "); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $organizer_name . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $organizer_email . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " "); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " "); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $date_year . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $date_month . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $date_day . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " "); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_time_hour . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_time_minute . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_ticket_details . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_details . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $picture_name . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, ""); fclose($file); // Save the images into the directory $target_path = "sites/snowseekers.ca/files/events/images/"; $target_path = $target_path . basename( $_FILES['picture']['name']); if(move_uploaded_file($_FILES['picture']['tmp_name'], $target_path)) { //echo "The file ". basename( $_FILES['picture']['name']) . " has been uploaded"; } else { //echo "There was an error uploading the file, please try again!"; } // Send an email to the organizer. $URL1 = "http://www.snowseekers.ca/events/view-events"; $URL2 = "http://consort.cs.ualberta.ca:17163/CMPUT410Ass5/entryForm.php?meeting_id=" . $event_id; $to = $organizer_email; $subject1 = $event_title . " summary"; $subject2 = $event_title . " invitation"; $body1 = "Congratulations. You have created the event " . $event_title . ". View it here: " . $URL1; $body2 = "Your presence is requested at the following meeting organized by $organizer_name. \n " . $event_title . "\n\n" . $URL2 . "\n\n" . $event_description; if (mail($to, $subject1, $body1)) { } else { // echo("
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"); } */ } echo '
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You do not have permission to create events.
Login to an account with permission to create events.
"; } ?>
Read Moreroles))) || (in_array('Editor', array_values($user->roles))) || (in_array('Calendar Editor', array_values($user->roles)))) { if (($_REQUEST["id"]) && ($_REQUEST["event_name"])) { echo "EDITING EVENT"; // Recreate the event XML $event_id = $_REQUEST["id"]; $event_userid = $_REQUEST["userid"]; $event_name = $_REQUEST["event_name"]; $event_location = $_REQUEST["event_location"]; $event_address = $_REQUEST["event_address"]; $organizer_name = $_REQUEST["organizer_name"]; $organizer_email = $_REQUEST["organizer_email"]; $date_year = $_REQUEST["date_year"]; $date_month = $_REQUEST["date_month"]; $date_day = $_REQUEST["date_day"]; $event_time_hour = $_REQUEST["event_time_hour"]; $event_time_minute = $_REQUEST["event_time_minute"]; $event_ticket_details = $_REQUEST["event_ticket_details"]; $event_details = $_REQUEST["event_details"]; $picture_name = $_FILES["picture"]["name"]; $old_picture_name = $_REQUEST["old_picture_name"]; if ($picture_name == "") $picture_name = $old_picture_name; $fileName = "sites/snowseekers.ca/files/events/xml-bin/event" . $_REQUEST["id"] . ".xml"; $file=fopen($fileName,"w"); fwrite($file, ''); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, ''); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_id . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_userid . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_name . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_location . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, "
" . $event_address . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " "); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $organizer_name . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $organizer_email . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " "); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " "); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $date_year . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $date_month . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $date_day . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " "); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_time_hour . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_time_minute . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_ticket_details . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $event_details . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, " " . $picture_name . ""); fwrite($file, "\n"); fwrite($file, ""); fclose($file); // Save the images into the directory $target_path = "sites/snowseekers.ca/files/events/images/"; $target_path = $target_path . basename( $_FILES['picture']['name']); if(move_uploaded_file($_FILES['picture']['tmp_name'], $target_path)) { //echo "The file ". basename( $_FILES['picture']['name']) . " has been uploaded"; } else { //echo "There was an error uploading the file, please try again!"; } echo "
Event updated.
"; } else if ($_REQUEST["id"]) { echo "EDITING EVENT: " . $_REQUEST["id"] . "
"; $GLOBALS["events"] = array(); if ($handle = opendir('sites/snowseekers.ca/files/events/xml-bin')) { while (false !== ($file = readdir($handle))) { if ((strstr($file,"event")) && (!strstr($file,"participant"))) { $GLOBALS["event_id"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_userid"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_name"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_location"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_address"] = ""; $GLOBALS["organizer_name"] = ""; $GLOBALS["organizer_email"] = ""; $GLOBALS["date_year"] = ""; $GLOBALS["date_month"] = ""; $GLOBALS["date_day"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_time_hour"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_time_minute"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_ticket_details"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_details"] = ""; $GLOBALS["picture_name"] = ""; $xml_parser= xml_parser_create(); xml_set_element_handler($xml_parser, "EventStartElement", "EventEndElement"); xml_set_character_data_handler($xml_parser, "EventCharacterData"); if (!($fp= fopen("sites/snowseekers.ca/files/events/xml-bin/" . $file, "r"))) { die("couldnot open XML input");} while ($data = fread($fp, 4096)) { if (!xml_parse($xml_parser, $data, feof($fp))) { echo $data; echo "
"; die(sprintf("XMLerror: %s at line %d", xml_error_string(xml_get_error_code($xml_parser)), xml_get_current_line_number($xml_parser))); } } fclose($fp); xml_parser_free($xml_parser); $event = array("id"=>$GLOBALS["event_id"],"userid"=>$GLOBALS["event_userid"],"title"=>$GLOBALS["event_name"],"location"=>$GLOBALS["event_location"],"address"=>$GLOBALS["event_address"],"name"=>$GLOBALS["organizer_name"], "email"=>$GLOBALS["organizer_email"], "year"=>$GLOBALS["date_year"], "month"=>$GLOBALS["date_month"], "day"=>$GLOBALS["date_day"], "event_time_hour"=>$GLOBALS["event_time_hour"], "event_time_minute"=>$GLOBALS["event_time_minute"], "event_details"=>$GLOBALS["event_details"], "event_ticket_details"=>$GLOBALS["event_ticket_details"], "picture_name"=>$GLOBALS["picture_name"]); array_push($GLOBALS["events"],$event); } } closedir($handle); } for ($i = 0; $i < count($GLOBALS["events"]); $i++){ if ($_REQUEST["id"] == $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["id"]) { $GLOBALS["event_id"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["id"]; $GLOBALS["event_userid"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["userid"]; $GLOBALS["event_name"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["title"]; $GLOBALS["event_location"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["location"]; $GLOBALS["event_address"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["address"]; $GLOBALS["organizer_name"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["name"]; $GLOBALS["organizer_email"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["email"]; $GLOBALS["date_year"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["year"]; $GLOBALS["date_month"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["month"]; $GLOBALS["date_day"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["day"]; $GLOBALS["event_time_hour"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["event_time_hour"]; $GLOBALS["event_time_minute"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["event_time_minute"]; $GLOBALS["event_ticket_details"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["event_ticket_details"]; $GLOBALS["event_details"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["event_details"]; $GLOBALS["picture_name"] = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["picture_name"]; } } echo '
'; } else { echo "Sort by:
"; $GLOBALS["event_id"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_userid"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_name"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_location"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_address"] = ""; $GLOBALS["organizer_name"] = ""; $GLOBALS["organizer_email"] = ""; $GLOBALS["date_year"] = ""; $GLOBALS["date_month"] = ""; $GLOBALS["date_day"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_time_hour"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_time_minute"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_ticket_details"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_details"] = ""; $GLOBALS["picture_name"] = ""; $GLOBALS["vartoset"] = ""; $GLOBALS["parsingDate"] = "F"; $GLOBALS["events"] = array(); if ($handle = opendir('sites/snowseekers.ca/files/events/xml-bin')) { while (false !== ($file = readdir($handle))) { if ((strstr($file,"event")) && (!strstr($file,"participant"))) { $GLOBALS["event_id"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_userid"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_name"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_location"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_address"] = ""; $GLOBALS["organizer_name"] = ""; $GLOBALS["organizer_email"] = ""; $GLOBALS["date_year"] = ""; $GLOBALS["date_month"] = ""; $GLOBALS["date_day"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_time_hour"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_time_minute"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_ticket_details"] = ""; $GLOBALS["event_details"] = ""; $GLOBALS["picture_name"] = ""; $xml_parser= xml_parser_create(); xml_set_element_handler($xml_parser, "EventStartElement", "EventEndElement"); xml_set_character_data_handler($xml_parser, "EventCharacterData"); if (!($fp= fopen("sites/snowseekers.ca/files/events/xml-bin/" . $file, "r"))) { die("couldnot open XML input");} while ($data = fread($fp, 4096)) { if (!xml_parse($xml_parser, $data, feof($fp))) { echo $data; echo "
"; die(sprintf("XMLerror: %s at line %d", xml_error_string(xml_get_error_code($xml_parser)), xml_get_current_line_number($xml_parser))); } } fclose($fp); xml_parser_free($xml_parser); $event = array("id"=>$GLOBALS["event_id"],"userid"=>$GLOBALS["event_userid"],"title"=>$GLOBALS["event_name"],"location"=>$GLOBALS["event_location"],"address"=>$GLOBALS["event_address"],"name"=>$GLOBALS["organizer_name"], "email"=>$GLOBALS["organizer_email"], "year"=>$GLOBALS["date_year"], "month"=>$GLOBALS["date_month"], "day"=>$GLOBALS["date_day"], "event_time_hour"=>$GLOBALS["event_time_hour"], "event_time_minute"=>$GLOBALS["event_time_minute"], "event_details"=>$GLOBALS["event_details"], "event_ticket_details"=>$GLOBALS["event_ticket_details"], "picture_name"=>$GLOBALS["picture_name"]); array_push($GLOBALS["events"],$event); } } closedir($handle); sort_events(); print_events(); } } } else { echo "
You do not have permission to create events.
Login to an account with permission to edit events.
"; } function EventStartElement($parser, $name, $attrs){ $GLOBALS["vartoset"] = $name; if ($name == "DATE") {$GLOBALS["parsingDate"] = "T";} } function EventEndElement($parser, $name){ if ($name == "DATE") {$GLOBALS["parsingDate"] = "F";} } function EventCharacterData($parser, $data) { $vartoset = $GLOBALS["vartoset"]; if ($vartoset == "ID") {$GLOBALS["event_id"] .= $data;} if ($vartoset == "USERID") {$GLOBALS["event_userid"] .= $data;} if ($vartoset == "TITLE") {$GLOBALS["event_name"] .= $data;} if ($vartoset == "LOCATION") {$GLOBALS["event_location"] .= $data;} if ($vartoset == "ADDRESS") {$GLOBALS["event_address"] .= $data;} if ($vartoset == "NAME") {$GLOBALS["organizer_name"] .= $data;} if ($vartoset == "EMAIL") {$GLOBALS["organizer_email"] .= $data;} if (($vartoset == "YEAR") && ($GLOBALS["parsingDate"] == "T")) {$GLOBALS["date_year"] .= $data;} if (($vartoset == "MONTH") && ($GLOBALS["parsingDate"] == "T")) {$GLOBALS["date_month"] .= $data;} if (($vartoset == "DAY") && ($GLOBALS["parsingDate"] == "T")) {$GLOBALS["date_day"] .= $data;} if ($vartoset == "HOUR") {$GLOBALS["event_time_hour"] .= $data;} if ($vartoset == "MINUTE") {$GLOBALS["event_time_minute"] .= $data;} if ($vartoset == "TICKETDETAILS") {$GLOBALS["event_ticket_details"] .= $data;} if ($vartoset == "EVENTDETAILS") {$GLOBALS["event_details"] .= $data;} if ($vartoset == "PICTURE") {$GLOBALS["picture_name"] .= $data;} $GLOBALS["event_id"] = trim($GLOBALS["event_id"]); $GLOBALS["event_userid"] = trim($GLOBALS["event_userid"]); $GLOBALS["event_name"] = trim($GLOBALS["event_name"]); $GLOBALS["event_location"] = trim($GLOBALS["event_location"]); $GLOBALS["event_address"] = trim($GLOBALS["event_address"]); $GLOBALS["organizer_name"] = trim($GLOBALS["organizer_name"]); $GLOBALS["organizer_email"] = trim($GLOBALS["organizer_email"]); $GLOBALS["date_year"] = trim($GLOBALS["date_year"]); $GLOBALS["date_month"] = trim($GLOBALS["date_month"]); $GLOBALS["date_day"] = trim($GLOBALS["date_day"]); $GLOBALS["event_time_hour"] = trim($GLOBALS["event_time_hour"]); $GLOBALS["event_time_minute"] = trim($GLOBALS["event_time_minute"]); $GLOBALS["event_ticket_details"] = trim($GLOBALS["event_ticket_details"]); $GLOBALS["event_details"] = trim($GLOBALS["event_details"]); $GLOBALS["picture_name"] = trim($GLOBALS["picture_name"]); } function print_events(){ global $user; echo "
| Event Date(s) | Event | Event Details | Ticket Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date: " . $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["month"] . "/" . $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["day"] . "/" . $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["year"] . " Time: " . $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["event_time_hour"] . ":" . $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["event_time_minute"] . " | ![](/sites/snowseekers.ca/files/events/images/" . $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["picture_name"] . ") | " . $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["title"] . "" . $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["location"] . " " . $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["address"] . " | " . $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["event_details"] . " | " . $GLOBALS["events"][$i]["event_ticket_details"] . " |
"; } function sort_events(){ $sortby = $_REQUEST["sortby"]; if ($sortby == "event_name") sortByEventName(); else if ($sortby == "location") sortByLocation(); else if ($sortby == "date") sortByDate(); else sortByDate(); } function sortByEventName(){ // A simple insertion sort. for ($i=1; $i < count($GLOBALS["events"]); $i++){ $placeholder = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]; $j = $i; while (($j >= 0 ) && (strcasecmp($GLOBALS["events"][$j-1]["title"],$placeholder["title"]) > 0)){ $GLOBALS["events"][$j] = $GLOBALS["events"][$j-1]; $j--; } $GLOBALS["events"][$j] = $placeholder; } } function sortByLocation(){ // A simple insertion sort. for ($i=1; $i < count($GLOBALS["events"]); $i++){ $placeholder = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]; $j = $i; while (($j >= 0 ) && (strcasecmp($GLOBALS["events"][$j-1]["location"],$placeholder["location"]) > 0)){ $GLOBALS["events"][$j] = $GLOBALS["events"][$j-1]; $j--; } $GLOBALS["events"][$j] = $placeholder; } } function sortByDate() { // Sorting first on days, then on months, then on years will produce a correct list // Sort by days. for ($i=1; $i < count($GLOBALS["events"]); $i++){ $placeholder = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]; $j = $i; while (($j >= 0 ) && (intval($GLOBALS["events"][$j-1]["day"]) > intval($placeholder["day"]))){ $GLOBALS["events"][$j] = $GLOBALS["events"][$j-1]; $j--; } $GLOBALS["events"][$j] = $placeholder; } // Sort by months. for ($i=1; $i < count($GLOBALS["events"]); $i++){ $placeholder = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]; $j = $i; while (($j >= 0 ) && (intval($GLOBALS["events"][$j-1]["month"]) > intval($placeholder["month"]))){ $GLOBALS["events"][$j] = $GLOBALS["events"][$j-1]; $j--; } $GLOBALS["events"][$j] = $placeholder; } // Sort by years. for ($i=1; $i < count($GLOBALS["events"]); $i++){ $placeholder = $GLOBALS["events"][$i]; $j = $i; while (($j >= 0 ) && (intval($GLOBALS["events"][$j-1]["year"]) > intval($placeholder["year"]))){ $GLOBALS["events"][$j] = $GLOBALS["events"][$j-1]; $j--; } $GLOBALS["events"][$j] = $placeholder; } } ?>
Read More |
Christmas is just around the corner and soon everyone will be scrambling to pick up the perfect gifts for their kids. This year, why not give your 4th or 5th grader the opportunity to learn a new and exciting winter sport?
For the past fourteen years the Canadian Ski Council (CSC), in partnership with Forzani has given nearly half a million children an easy and affordable way to learn skiing and snowboarding, The CSC's Grade 4 and 5 SnowPass program allows kids (or those born in 2000 or 2001) all across Canada the opportunity to give winter sports a chance with up to three free ski passes for each and every participating ski area in the province and region where they live, providing them with an opportunity to ski or snowboard hundreds of times over the winter season. And this year with the introduction of the new affinity card, the SnowPass just got better.
"Skiing and snowboarding are an excellent way to keep our kids happy, healthy and active through the long winter months," says Colin Chedore, President of the CSC. "An average child can burn up to 600 calories an hour, not to mention the sheer joy and exhilaration they'll feel picking up a new sport."
So how do you get your child a SnowPass? It's easy! Visit us online at www.snowpass.ca where you have two different choices for enrollment. You can upload your child's picture, enter your payment and their proof of age, or our printed option that allows you to fill out the information, print the application to mail in to the Canadian Ski Council with a photo, proof of age and payment ... all for a one-time administration fee of $20 plus taxes.
Signing up online is the quickest and easiest way to apply for your child's Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass card. SnowPass cards will be mailed straight to you just days after your application has been processed! SnowPass applications are also available through elementary schools and inside Sport Chek, Sport Mart, Sports Experts and Intersport stores across Canada.
Depending on where you live in Canada, each applicant will receive either an Eastern or Western SnowPass card. The Western SnowPass card is valid at 59 ski areas and is for children residing in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Yukon Territories. The Eastern SnowPass card is valid for Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada at 93 ski areas. With ski areas participating across Canada, families will not have to travel far to put this SnowPass to use.
Grade 4 and 5 SnowPass information and applications are available online at www.snowpass.ca or www.passeportdesneiges.ca.
For more information on the Grade 4 and 5 SnowPass program, contact the Canadian Ski Council, tel: 705-445-9140, e-mail: info@skicanada.org, web: www.snowpass.ca.
Read More
Throughout Totem's history its staff has sought to provide a level of customer service that sets the store apart from Jasper's other terrific establishments. Above all, the goal of Totem Ski Shop is to make your time in the mountains memorable for life.
Read More
Are you planning a trip to an amazing BC destination this season? Which snow-bound town is your favourite? What resort do you think is the most underrated? What's the best place to shred, sled, or snowshoe? Tell us about it in the comments box below.
Read More
Lake Louise Ski Area — Saturday, November 5
Mount Norquay — Cascade quad and one trail on Saturday, November 5th for weekends until Friday, December 2nd when the hill opens with full services
Marmot Basin — Friday, November 11
Read MoreHappy new year, snow seekers!
And with a new year comes a new Lift Ticket Tuesday contest! And to kick things off this year, we thought we'd start you off with a bit of a tough one (we think).
The contest this week is this: the screenshot below occurs somewhere in a SnowSeekers video. The first person to name the video and write down the proper time wins a pair of lift tickets to a Ski Big 3 resort – Lake Louise, Norquay, or Sunshine.
Write down your answer in the comment box below. Your comment won't show up immediately, so don't panic if you don't see it right away. Once our moderators approve your comment, it will show up. Make sure to include your name in your comment, so we know how to find you.
Happy hunting!
NOTE: You can find our videos on our SnowSeekers TV page, as well as our YouTube account.
 Do you recognize this location? Tell us the SnowSeekers video it appears in to win a pair of lift tickets! |
SNOW UPDATE
Over 12ft of snowfall since the season start, close to 10cm in the past 48hrs , and a heavy system promising to hang around all week and dump fresh powder on the 5 bowls at Fernie Alpine Resort! Warmer temps right now and great snow conditions with a 100% of ski runs open (113 runs).
New kids’ fun ski features in the Minute Maid Wilderness Adventure Centre debuted over the holidays and has significantly enhanced the animation of the entire area featuring cut out trees, CPR tunnel, and a Teck Coal Miner tires for kids to ski around.
Check Fernie's current snow conditions on our snow conditions page.
 Photo courtesy of Resort of the Canadian Rockies |
Saturday, January 08, 2011: Kinky Rail Jam
Skiers and snowboarders will slide in style at Fernie Alpine Resort's Kinky Rail Jam. Open to both skiers and snowboarders, the annual rail competition will be set in a jam format so that each rider has a number of feature options. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in each category. Overall talent and skill will help the judges choose their champions. The entry fee is $25 + HST and online registration is now OPEN! Online registration is available at www.skircr.com/compete.
Burton Snowboard Demo
Come check out the latest and greatest in Burton snowboard gear. Camber vs Rocker? Flying V and Frostbite Edge technology? The Burton Demo Team will be on-site from 9am-4pm to explain all the tech and let you try it out! Please note that the demo is FREE but a credit card is required to test out equipment.
January 15- 16: Avalanche Awareness Days
January 22: Raging Elk Cardboard Derby
January 29: Kokanee Snow Dreams – 7th Annual
February 4-6: Rossignol Junior Freeski Comp presented by FRESH
3cm of snow overnight and lots of snow in the forecast for the duration of the week with good skiing temperatures at Kimberley Alpine Resort. 68 runs open and all lifts operating (total: 5)
Night skiing is on at Kimberley Alpine Resort featuring Canada’s longest lit ski run! New this year, children 12 and under ski at night for FREE! Night ski operations run every Thursday through to Saturday (inclusive) from 5:30-8:30pm until March 12, 2011, with a bonus Sunday night on February 20th in spirit of Family Day weekend.
Check Fernie's current snow conditions on our snow conditions page.
 Photo courtesy of Resort of the Canadian Rockies |
Saturday
3:00pm – Après Ski and Live Music in the Stemwinder Bar & Grill
5:00pm - 8:00pm - Skating (weather permitting)
(skate rentals available at rental shop, open until 8:30 during night skiing)
6:00pm - 8:00pm - Kids Rule Games Night for kids 4-12
(register at guest services) cost is $5.00 per child
for an extra $10 per child a kids meal from Kelsey’s can be included
5:00pm – 8:30pm - Night Skiing
6:30pm - 8:30pm - Kootenay Fondue Snowshoe Tour (register at ski school)
4:00pm - 6:00pm - Snowshoe mountain descent (register at ski school)
Sunday
3:00pm - Après Ski and Live Music in the Stemwinder Bar & Grill
5:00pm - 8:00pm -Skating (weather permitting)
(skate rentals available at rental shop, open only until 5pm)
4:00pm - 6:00pm - Snowshoe mountain descent (register at ski school)
January 29-30: SHREDFEST - Rossignol Junior Freeski Comp
February 12: Slopes For Hope Challenge – NEW Canadian Cancer Society Fundraiser!
Great skiing temperatures with a predicted big snow storm to hit for the duration of the week. Fantastic grooming and 55 ski runs open featuring the NEW NaJIBska rail park fully open with all features accessible on Elbow.
NaJIBska Rail Park is now open with a large variety of brand new features ready for jibbing and located on Elbow (accessed from the Silver Chair Express)
Check Fernie's current snow conditions on our snow conditions page.
 Photo courtesy of Resort of the Canadian Rockies |
NEW Snack Shack at the base of the Minute Maid Learning Centre opened over the holidays. Serving hot drinks and handy snacks, ideal for families using these facilities and parents watching their young ones learn the sport!
IMAGE
January 15: Avalanche Awareness Day
January 20: Ladies' Day Ski Trip - lift pass, lunch, guest speaker, and 1.5 hours of group instruction tailored to women. Skiers and Snowboarders welcome - $119 + GST
January 21-23: K1 Super Combi Camp Hosted by Alberta Alpine
January 26-28: Junior Speed Camp Hosted by Alberta Alpine
Read More"Like" SnowSeekers on Facebook to win the ultimate winter getaway in the Canadian Rockies
January marks SnowSeekers' second birthday and we want to celebrate by offering you a powder-filled weekend in Banff & Jasper. All you need to do to win this prize package – worth around $2,000 – is "Like" us on Facebook.
Read MoreContest Rules
ALL FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
Read More |
SnowSeekers would like to offer our congrats to our buddy Blake Jorgenson, who was named 'King of Storms' at the Deep Winter Photo Challenge this week (Robin O’Neill took 2nd, Andrew Strain 3rd, and Ilja Herb won Best in Show).
The six photographers involved in the competition had three days to shoot in-bounds at Whistler Blackcomb with their athlete teams.
Blake took home the $3,000 grand prize and will have his name added to the King of Storms trophy. All previous Deep Winter winners will be added to the trophy to commemorate their achievements.
Nice work, Blake!
And while we're on the topic of Whistler, I thought I'd pass on a pretty great deal that Whistler/Blackcomb has going right now. Head to www.whistlerblackcomb.com/escape to check out the offer for a 3 night/2 day trip (including lift tickets) to Whistler for only $126 per night.
Edmonton and Calgary are offering airfare deals to Whistler right now for only $109 + taxes.
Cash in now while you can.
Read More Photo courtesy of Whistler/Blackcomb |
The TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival, April 15-24 2011, is the last stop on the Association of Freeskiing Professional World Tour. The WSI is one of only two world-wide events, out of 21 that host the AFP, to offer all three components of the AFP’s mission “to improve and progress competitive slopestyle, halfpipe and big air skiing.” The revival of the Big Air competition, along with the Slopestyle being integrated back into the WSI line-up, has meant that the WSI is now at the forefront of the commitment to support and evolve the aforementioned three major elements of freestyle skiing.
Slopestyle and Big Air are both invitational events, with Superpipe lending its qualities to open entry. The invited athletes will be announced as the AFP World Tour progresses, and the rankings are released. Chief Marketing Officer for the AFP, Chris Jerard emphasizes that “the WSI at Whistler really is the culmination of the entire season for these athletes. We’re very excited about it all coming down to ground zero at Whistler and we couldn’t imagine a more appropriate place to be crowning the World Champion in all three disciplines. The WSI this year really is an incredibly motivating and important final stop on the AFP World Tour.”
This move towards quality events and progressing with the sport, and the times, has flowed over into other aspects of the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival. The most highly anticipated new event for 2011’s Festival is the incredible amalgamation of some of TWSSF’s most popular elements, skiing, snowboarding and filmmaking.
With the 72 hr Filmmaker Showdown now dominating in the entertainment world, there was a niche in the Festival that had arisen. Those action sports filmmakers, hardcore skiers and boarders who want to tell their story. Enter, Intersection. Teams are required to have a filmer, a skier and a snowboarder, and are given 7 days to produce a 5-7 minute short. Challenges include; an obligatory 30 seconds of Whistler Blackcomb in-bound footage, 30 seconds in the terrain park, the film must be shot within 100km of Whistler, the entirety of the film must be shot within that 7 day period, and 75% of the film must be on snow footage.
Judged for the ‘action-sports’ component, along with filming techniques and further criteria, Intersection lends itself to established filmmaking companies, and to dedicated action sports industry professionals. Entrants are by invitation only, of which expressions of interest are being accepted currently. The top contenders will all receive a $1000 entry prize, and the Grand Prize Winner, earning the Best in Show title, will walk away with the biggest cheque TWSSF has given out, a generous and highly-motivating $15,000. Visit www.wssf.com for more details.
The TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival is produced by Watermark Communications, a Whistler‐based event production & communications company, and presented in partnership with Tourism Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb. Having grown over 16 years into the largest annual winter sports and music festival in North America, the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival is a 10 day and night showcase of the best of snowsports, music, arts and mountain life.
Featuring major professional ski and snowboarding competitions, the largest free outdoor concert series in Canada, cultural events that match up art‐lovers and the art‐makers, career‐making fashion, photography and film showcases, the best spring snow conditions in the world, and burn‐the candle nightlife, the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival is the poster child for the ultimate ski and snowboard festival experience. In blazing the way for the youth of tomorrow, the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival lives up to its promise: ‘Party in April. Sleep in May.’
Read MoreWin a 5 day ski/snowboard trip to Red Mountain and Whitewater
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**Prizes must be accepted as awarded. Must be 19 years of age to enter. Arrangements for prize picked up/mail out MUST be made within 10 days. By entering this contest, you acknowledge that you may receive from time to time, by e-mail, information about the respective sponsors listed on this page. You may unsubscribe at any time upon receiving an e-newsletter.
Read MoreIn January, SnowSeekers hired a fresh new face to help us out with filming on tour. Zac Peetsma, just two years removed from high school, has quickly blended in with the crew and shown skills well beyond his years. Throughout the season Zac will be making a series of on-the-road vlogs that will hopefully give you guys a taste of what it's like to tour with SnowSeekers.
For now, here's an intro to Zac and what his first month with SnowSeekers has been like. Stay tuned to the Blog throughout the season for more snow-filled hijinks, courtesy of our Baby-Faced Assassin.
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It was exactly one year ago today that Sid the Kid scored what would become one of the biggest goals in Canadian hockey history. SnowSeekers was in Whistler for the glorious moment, and managed to capture it on camera. Take a look at the reactions from the Canadian faithful at Merlins.
What was your favourite moment from last year's Olympics? Where were you when "The Goal" was scored?
Read MoreGOLDEN, BC – Despite the somewhat haunting and foreboding nature of the scene I feel a certain connection, a special sense of belonging to this most unlikely of places. In this place of avalanches and hidden crevasses and inclement weather, I feel a sense of belonging. I feel a sacred connectedness.
Read MoreThe combination of all the different elements of the course, from theoretical class components and practical field experience, to presentations by local tourism operators, has given me a lot of insight into an industry I previously knew little about. I now see the outdoor tourism industry with more clarity and where I would like to see myself within it.
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Something we try to do at least once a week at Castle Mountain Resort is take some of our demos out and test them. This week we took out 3 carving “all mountain” skis. Cole took the Rossignol Avengers, Curt took the Volkl Grizzly, and I took out the K2 AMP Aftershock (right, below). We each rode our selected skis for a run or two before we switched up and tried new ones.
Rossignol Avenger: 182, 128-82-112, 17.8m
Volkl Grizzly: 177, 131-89-114, 18.7m
K2 Aftershock: 174, 130-86-114, 17m
 The skis in question, from left to right: Rossignol Avenger, K2 Afterchock, Volkl Grizzly. Photo courtesy of TeamAlpenland.com |
1st: Rossi Avenger
2nd: Volkl Grizzly
3rd: K2 AMP Aftershock
The Grizzly beats out the Aftershock, just barely, because the Aftershock has early rise in the tips, which cause them to be a little bit chattery at higher speeds. The Avengers were the clear winner. A very nice, smooth transition in and out of turns and a serious need for speed.
1st: K2 AMP Aftershock
2nd: Volkl Grizzly
3rd: Rossi Avenger
The Aftershock edges out the Grizzly because of that same early rise in the tips. The Avengers took a lot more work to make their way down the hill. The Grizzly and the Aftershock handled the deep stuff with no trouble at all.
1st: K2 AMP Aftershock
2nd: Volkl Grizzly
3rd: Rossi Avenger
One thing that needs to be right off the top is that none of us are any good at skiing bumps….at all. It was one of the saddest displays of mogul skiing ever. That being said, the Aftershocks seemed to be able to pivot much easier than the other two skis. The Grizzlys just powered their way though. On the other hand, The Avengers fought the whole way down (again, most likely due to the fact that I can’t ski bumps).
1st: Volkl Grizzly
2nd: Rossi Avenger
3rd: K2 AMP Aftershock
The Grizzly won this round with ease, feeling right at home on a few small jumps and drops. When flying off rollers with speed the Avengers felt smooth from take off to landing. Not to take away from the Aftershocks, which stuck a really nice drop off a set of cliffs, courtesy of Curt.
So at the end of the day here’s how it all breaks down.
Curt: "If I was a betting man, and the bet was that I had to choose one of these three skis to race from the top of the mountain with unequivocal style, the last person down having to leave the hill FOREVER, I would choose the K2 Aftershock. Its versatility affords the user the ability to combine smooth carves, powerful crud trenches, and the sweetest of airs. My winner."
Colin: "The Avengers were an amazing carving ski, the Grizzlys were incredible at handling anything the mountain could put in front of them, but the K2 Aftershocks took the top spot. The skis went from turn to turn with little to no effort, all the while maintaining control. The early rise made for way more fun in deeper snow and the skis look really great."
Cole: "My review, after just a few runs on these skis, is all about comparisons. The Volkl Grizzlies in ‘Power Mode’ made for nice wide carving on the groomers, snappy tighter turns in lightly tracked powder and felt good in the air. I would compare them to a Subaru WRX – great maneuverability and handling on all terrain. The K2 Aftershocks, while also decent on the groomers, were less fun to lay into than the Rossis but also much more forgiving. My comparison for these guys is to a Honda Civic – good all-around skis, but not necessarily prominent in any one area. The Rossi Avengers are FAST. As soon as you get on these skis, you’ll notice they don’t like to turn until you get up to speed. However, when you do, they edge hard and you can lay them down every turn. The Avengers get compared to a Formula 1 car – fast, quick turns, but not really any good for anything else."
Read More
Summiting Banff’s Mount Rundle
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Avoiding and surviving avalanches 101
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VIDEO: Sunshine Village on the SnowSeekers Snow Show
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Castle Mountain cross-country guide
Read More
Heli-tour, an eye-opening experience
Cat skiing in Alberta: only at Castle Mountain
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Whitecourt, Alberta
Fernie, British Columbia
Read More
Big White Ski Resort, British Columbia
Discovering Big White's gentle side
It’s all about horsepower at Big White
Fernie, British Columbia
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In early March, Travel Alberta brought more than 20 residents of Los Angeles to the Rocky Mountains for some shredding like they've never experienced before. Some were experienced skiers and riders, others had never been on snow in their entire lives.
Over 7 days the Stoked For Snow crew visited four of Alberta's best resorts — Marmot Basin, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mount Norquay — and SnowSeekers was there to document the whole ride.
Read MoreOur friends at Mt. Washington Alpine Resort received a whopping 175 cm in just a five-day span. Click here to read all about it.
Read More2012 Spring Events
Inspired by record-setting snowfall, the first annual Marmot Madness spring celebration launches this April with special events, crazy deals and more great spring skiing. The madness officially began March 30th, when Marmot Basin smashed its previous annual snowfall record with a new total of 575 cm – and counting – and carries on through the month of April until closing day on May 6:
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Stay tuned to the SnowSeekers website for many more exciting contest opportunities throughout the winter.
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Enter below to win:
Read MoreContest Rules
ALL FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
Read MoreContest Rules
ALL FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
Read Morelink_path}'")); $nid = explode('/', $this_link->link_path); $teaser = db_result(db_query("SELECT teaser FROM {node_revisions} WHERE nid='{$nid['1']}' AND vid=(SELECT vid FROM {node} WHERE nid='{$nid['1']}')")); print "
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Read MoreCOMOX-COURTENAY, BC — Mount Washington Alpine Resort has a vibe all its own. There is only one place in Canada if not the world, where, with the right binoculars, you could do some whale watching while hanging on the snowboard or the sticks.....
Read MoreGOLDEN, BC — In addition to a ski hill bursting at the seams with adventure, anyone visiting Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, will find a wealth of off slope activities to enjoy.
Read More- Feb. 26/10 "Whistler's leaning more towards the British scene, I think. More and more of us are coming over. It's much more friendly here, I think, than in England. Just talking with other Brits on the chairlifts and stuff, there's definitely a new wave coming across the sea now. With any luck we'll outnumber the Aussies soon."
WHISTLER, BC — With endless amounts of epic skiable terrain, a flurry of options in top-notch nightly entertainment, fantastic shopping, and tons of hiking and biking options. Whistler – Canada's premier mountain village and the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics – has a problem: where to head next?!
Read MoreWHISTLER, BC – Today's Whistler, BC ski tour included some of the best runs I’ve ever, or possibly will ever, have: Whistler Bowl and the Peak Chair.
Read MoreREVELSTOKE, BC — Revelstoke Mountain Resort has quickly established itself as one of the premiere adventure-seeker ski hills in Western Canada. With its massive vertical drop (5,620 ft – the highest in North America), stellar backcountry, and amazing terrain, Revelstoke becomes an instant favourite with every powderhound that spends time here.
Read MoreWHISTLER, BC – From now on, my life as a rider will forever be divided into two categories: before and after Whistler, British Columbia. There’s a reason Whistler is consistently ranked amongst North America’s best ski destinations, and it begins in the village.
Read MoreWhen Charlie Locke, the owner of the famed Lake Louise Ski Area resort first took to its slopes back in 1954, I doubt he had any intentions of not only buying it, but also continuing to put it on the world stage.
Read MoreREVELSTOKE, BC — I have been to many mountains, from Fernie to Jackson Hole to Alta, and Revelstoke Mountain Resort just blew me away.
Read MorePOWDER KING, BC — It was only after I returned to Powder King after being away for several years that I realized how spoiled I really was growing up and learning how to ski and snowboard there.
Read MoreTERRACE, BC – The Wrigley’s Doublemint Gum folks had it right: double your pleasure, double your fun. Terrace, British Columbia’s Northern Escape Heli-Skiing (NEH) has taken this motto to heart. Rather than just running a heli-ski operation, NEH has doubled our pleasure by offering cat skiing adventures as well.
Read MoreMake sure to watch the SnowSeekers video at the bottom of this story to see for yourself why the ski experience at Lake Louise is unlike any you will find in the North American ski industry.
Read MoreCASTLE MOUNTAIN, AB — The opening weekend at Castle Mountain in Southern Alberta was an eye-opening experience in many ways – my first real snowboard lesson in powder and my introduction to one of Alberta's unknown resort gems.
Read MoreWHISTLER, BC – Since I’ve been riding a lot of Whistler lately, I decided to check out the other half of Canada's crown jewel, Blackcomb. I’m not going to say I’ve been missing out, I just wish I could be in two places at once.
Read MoreContinually ranked at the top of the charts as one of the most spacious ski resorts, Lake Louise Ski Area can take a week to tackle.
Read MoreREVELSTOKE, BC — Any area called the Snorkel Glades has got to be good. Found within Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s impressive tenure, this place offers up some stellar opportunities to get into the pow.
Read MoreTERRACE, BC — Shames, located just outside of Terrace, British Columbia, is the type of place where you can easily get in powder tracks with little to no effort, because they are everywhere.
Read MoreSUN PEAKS, BC — There won’t be any speeding tickets handed out as 40 of the fastest skiers on the planet reach speeds in excess of 175 km/h at the 2011 Subaru Velocity Challenge. North America’s only speed skiing event will rocket ahead Mar. 3-6 at Sun Peaks Resort.
Read MoreWHISTLER, BC – Because Whistler Blackcomb is so massive and has so many places to ride, I’ve decided to hit a new section every day and tell the tale of my experiences.
Read MoreWHISTLER, BC – The afterglow of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games has settled, and skiers and riders looking to experience their own glory in the 2010/11 winter season should do so while staying slopeside at one of Lodging Ovations' resort hotels in Whistler Creekside.
Read MoreLake Louise Village has accommodations and amenities for all kinds of travellers, whether one wishes to stay at the decadent Chateau Lake Louise or the more affordable Lake Louise Inn or taste the best pizza in the area at the Timberwolf Lodge.
Read MoreGOLDEN, BC — If you’re looking to tweak a backcountry adventure this year, a day of helicopter-assisted ski touring adds a whole new dimension to enjoying winter, especially when combined with the magic of flight.
Read MoreREVELSTOKE, BC — You know the tune, by the Steve Miller Band and if you want to live the dream, jump in the car right now and head to Revelstoke for some serious skiing and riding – and living.
Read MoreFERNIE, BC — Fernie is consistently ranked in the top 10 of various ski magazines for the quality and quantity of its powder, but I don’t need a magazine to tell me that.
Read MoreTERRACE, BC – In Terrace, British Columbia, being a pioneer isn’t just something special, it’s the norm.
Read MoreSILVER STAR, BC — Silver Star Resort, just outside of Vernon, British Columbia, has integration down to a science. There’s not many snow destinations around where both nordic and alpine fans can enjoy some incredible runs and still be able to have lunch together at the top of the mountain.
Read MoreCANMORE, AB — Anytime you can add a helicopter tour to the bill, it sets a whole new benchmark for a holiday, even better if that chopper is going to provide a bird’s eye view to one of the world’s most impressive mountain ranges.
Read MoreGRANDE PRAIRIE, AB — The Arctic Winter Games is a biennial international sport and cultural event where young athletes and performers from circumpolar regions gather to participate in a variety of sports and showcase their talents.
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Planning to head to Jasper or Banff? Check out our Trip Planner service - featuring a collection of businesses we recommend for your next visit. Read more
Check out our weekly gear review, showcasing some of the coolest gear and gadgets for the winter adventurer. Read more
Not sure what resort to visit next? Our Resort Recommender will tell you where to go, based on what you want. Check it out
