Tuesday was not looking too promising for fresh turns at Fernie so we decided to head to Kimberley to … rent skis?!?!?!
Yes, we decided that as long as we were not going to have fresh snow to snowboard we might as well mix it up. It has been about 23 years since I alpine skied and probably 6 since I tele skied, but 36 years of muscle memory is an amazing thing. Sara only alpine skied a few times in her life as she was a telemark skier from the start, but her last time on skis was only two seasons ago. She even still owns skis. We had a lot of fun on modern gear, even if it was just the cheap stuff from the rental shop. Skiing definitely uses some different muscles than snowboarding so we got a good workout. With the short carving skis from the rental shop we just cruised the groomers. I was probably carving on these skis in the first hour better than I ever carved on alpine skis or on my more recent tele skis. It was a cold and blustery day, but all said it was a great day to get out and try something new.
We left Kimberley looking for a place to relax so we headed to Lussier Hot Springs. Lussier Hot Springs is a natural springs in Whiteswan Provincial Park along the Lussier River. Presumably the province maintains the trail down to the springs, which was an easy walk, and the pools. There are a few pools of different temperatures built up out of rocks next to the river to control the mix of hot water and cold river water. The access is along a decent forest service road about 18km into the mountains. As it approaches the springs the road clings to a hill with a substantial drop into the river canyon. Fortunately the road is well maintained and it was not icy while we were there. By a crazy coincidence we met a nice family from New Hampshire and chatted them up about quite a few connections we had in common.
After a nice soak we decided to head deeper into the mountains to see what there was to see. The road is heavily used by logging trucks so it is well maintained and plowed for many kilometers back into the mountains. We found a small road that was plowed just far enough to pull off the main road for the night.
Wednesday we decided would be a dedicated doggy day so we went for a snowshoe along the unplowed forest service road. Just down from the van there was a ton of fresh moose sign, but apparently our chatting and the two dogs bouncing around was enough to scare off the local moose.
We hiked a few miles up the road until we got to an area that had been clear cut so we had a nice view of the surrounding mountains.
Our plan that afternoon was to drive back to Fernie, but when we got back to cell service we found that the snow storm promised for Thursday night was both less snow than hoped and probably coming a day later. We ultimately decided to head up to Golden to ride at Kicking Horse for a couple days and chase the snowstorm up here.
Last night we stayed in the Kicking Horse parking lot because, like Fernie, Kicking Horse is awesome and lets you just stay for free in the parking lot. All they ask is that you check in with guest services so that ski patrol doesn’t see the vehicle and think someone is out lost on the mountain.
Today we got reacquainted with the mountain. We came out here last year and it immediately became my favorite resort in North America. There was some fresh snow blowing around today and, although it was foggy at the top making it difficult to see the terrain, nothing changed my opinion about the mountain. It is just an awesome mountain with crazy chutes and bowls every which way. There is not much they don’t let you access if you are skilled and/or dumb enough to ride it. As at Fernie they had too much warm weather in the past couple weeks so the south facing slopes are pretty hard underneath, but the north facing slopes where the snow has blown in were quite fun.
When we got to town last night we saw a flyer for an avalanche class this weekend through the Kicking Horse Ski Patrol. We have been wanting to brush up on our skills – neither of us has had an avy class in 25 years or so – and there was space available so we are now here through at least this weekend.
I noted that your caption with Tanzi stated, “on my snow shoes.” Excellent, subtle, intended or not, job of establishing adverse possession for them. I did look up the elements of adverse possession to bring them fresh to our minds. Here they are–
“”Though state statues differ, they all require the same basic elements of adverse possession. The law states that the possession of the property must be (1) actual, (2) open and notorious, (3) exclusive, (4) hostile, (5) under cover of claim or right, (6) and continuous and uninterrupted for the statutory time period.”
You certainly have met the first five elements. I would propose the statutory time period is one ski season, so you may or may not meet that one. Depends on whether Oregon or British Columbia law applies.
They say Valentine and you bought new ones. That’s enough for me!
I keep looking for the “like” button. You photos a great, I’m enjoying traveling along.~. Catching up on past blogs with coffee ☕️