Ski-o-caching in Canada

Our visit to Whistler wouldn’t have been complete without some ski-o-caching!   Coming from England where the snow can be several feet deep on some of our highest mountains, making some caches difficult to find in winter, we didn’t expect to discover too many accessible caches on the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, where the snow can be meters deep.  But thanks to some local cachers, there were several that could be accessed on skis. As the snow base was quite low at the time of our visit, tree climbing in ski boots proved to be a novel experience but nonetheless rewarding!

Spring is on the way!!

February seems to have raced by. That we spent two weeks of it on the west coast of Canada has probably contributed but it’s astonishing just how quickly the time has flown. And despite not having had a harsh winter, in this part of the world at least, it is heart lifting to see the snowdrops and crocuses heralding a new season. Our daffodils still have a long way to go but the nights are drawing out and there is a warmth in the sun (when it shines) that wasn’t there just weeks ago. Spring is definitely round the corner!

Wowed in Whistler

Although it’s purpose built, Whistler is delightful, especially at night.  Traffic free, it’s full of interesting symbols and beautiful pieces of public art that celebrate the environment, its origins and recent history.   Totems celebrate the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations who traded in the valley.  Bears and fish that inhabit the forests and rivers have been carved of local wood  or modelled in metal and there are references to the hugely successful 2010 Winter Olympics throughout the town.  Lights threaded through the trees light up the plazas each night and an illuminated Inukshuk welcomes visitors to the town.  It’s lovely!

 

 

That's why chairs now have helmet hooks..............

When we started skiing many years ago, few recreational skiers wore a helmet.  They were just for racers; indeed we didn’t wear them ourselves.  And then we went to North America in 1997 where it was compulsory for children to be “lidded”. We suddenly saw the obvious sense in it and became “early adopters”. Fast forward to 2014 and we rarely saw anyone skiing or boarding without one.  As Mr B can still reach speeds of 50mph, it’s incredible that this simple safety measure took so long to become embeddded. That’s why chairs in the mountain huts have helmet hooks…………..

Please use the helmet hook under your chair ....

The early bird catches the bacon!

Needless to say, being British, we were early for the FreshTracks lift queue!  By half an hour!!  But it was worth it.  The breakfast buffet in the Roundhouse was big enough to satisfy even Alex’s monster appetite and there was something spiritual about seeing the sun rise over the mountains.

Once vast quantities of  bacon and maple syrup had been consumed, we blasted down the beautifully groomed  trails before heading across to Blackcomb in the Peak to Peak gondola for a stunning run down the Blackcomb Glacier.  Our early start was merely the beginning of another stunning,  unforgettable day.

Sandwiches give way to Sushi

Being in Whistler meant we could celebrate Nerea’s 20th birthday in style at a local sushi house.  Alex and Nerea had chosen the restaurant as it came well recommended and we all enjoy sushi. We weren’t disappointed. The selection of food was excellent and included both tuna and salmon, much to Alex’s delight as they rarely eat salmon because Nerea isn’t keen on it.  We also had hot sake, which was a first for Andy and me.  How times have changed since we had a birthday party tea with heart shaped ham sandwiches, homemade sausage rolls and decorated butterfly buns!

How did that happen?

Serre Chevalier 1986

When it all began

Watching our daughter ski down really challenging slopes in a stylish and highly proficient manner during our holiday in Whistler, left me breathless.  Just when did that little girl who used to snow plough between my legs in her sweet, one piece suits suddenly blossom into a qualified ski instructor?

I can intellectualise the reasons, not least because we spent a not inconsiderable sum on lessons when she was younger, but, as with so many outcomes of training and education, the impact is still impressive.  And I can feel happy that I made my own small contribution to her achievements!

Whistler 2014 - Happy 20th Birthday, Nerea

Blackcomb Glacier

Blackcomb Glacier is one of the most amazing trails I’ll ever have the fortune to ski. Just reaching the headwall of the glacier is a minor achievement needing a short “skis-off” hike up from the Glacier T-Bar before traversing below a yawning crevasse. The superb, 12k run begins in a huge, wide bowl tapering into a narrower fissure before cascading onto a wide, flat plateau.  At the edge of the snow-field, there was a poignant tribute to a friend. Skiing past, I couldn’t help but think they must have been well loved to be remembered in such a beautiful place

So take Blue Line then Zig-Zag and mind the moguls

Although the old order is definitely changing (as it does and should), I was still entertained when Nerea, needing to leave the ski slopes before her aged parents, felt it necessary to provide detailed instructions on how to find our way off the mountain. That we’ve been navigating our way round ski resorts since before she was born had clearly escaped her notice. It was a charming but salient reminder that our child is now an adult.  I’m just so proud that our beautiful daughter, despite leading her own life, cared enough to want to make sure we were OK

Blue Line

Wonderful Whistler

Despite hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler hasn’t changed since our last visit. It’s a delightful village, despite being purpose built and although lacking the alpine charm of some European ski resorts, is a wonderful place to ski. 

The courteous hospitality for which it’s also famous was first class with friendly guests and locals alike. There was no jostling at the lifts and the few queues were well mannered.  The ski trails were impeccably maintained and the Peak to Peak Gondola linking the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains was a brilliant addition to the extensive network of resort lifts and runs

It's like riding a bicycle.....

It was reassuring but still something of a surprise that seconds after strapping the planks onto my feet, I’d remembered how to ski.  I suppose it’s like riding a bicycle; you never forget! But, as it’s been five years since we were last on snow, I had some doubts.  I’ll never be an elegant or fast skier like Nerea, as I suspect one should learn as a child, as she did. I may have once blasted down those steep, snowy bowls but now I'm happy to merely watch others.  But, I still enjoy what I do and that’s what matters!