fortunately with snow in the forecast. As usual, it is winter and it will snow if one waits long enough. Unfortunately for those who do not live here, powder might not be your medium of the day or week. This dry spell has now been long and we are anxious for freshies. The forecast is for light flurries and when the Fernie factor is added we might be in for a major snow cycle. Keep your fingers crossed!

The other factor is that I am headed to Mexico for a surf holiday, another board addiction, and whenever I leave is snows lots. And I always have to hear about it on my return. Enjoy the cycle!

if you like skiing hard pack, and most people do. Miles and miles of perfectly groomed terrain is typical of most resorts and Fernie can offer the goods. Blair and his crew of groomers lay out perfect courderoy runs in all of the bowls and some of the ridges.

When I put my powder boards aside I usually go real skinny. Skate skis are my toys of choice on the groomed! Skate skiing and track set skiing is available both in town and at the resort. In town expect more gradual and forgiving terrain while at the resort expect a lung crushing work out. Below are Fernie Nordic Society members and new golf resort owners scouting new ski trails. For more info. visit www.fernienordic.com and www.fernie.com.

For all you powder hounds we’ll have to be patient for at least a week. Pray for snow!

As I write this another promising snow cycle is dumping here in Fernie!

Powder is the reason I moved to Fernie. Snow cycle after cycle of storms moving in over Washington State from the Pacific, leaving a beautiful blanket of snow in the Valley.

The risk of the cycle turning warm, ending in rain always exists–well it hasn’t rained since November. What a great year!

It’s not a given that I am off on Snake Ridge rippin’ knee deep every cycle. This past weekend my wife did the ripping and I was playing in the snow with my kids, Chloe and Nathan. Some things are better than powder.

The Mini Moose and Day Care at FAR is awesome. The admin does know how to keep the kids happy–ensuring the future of their business. All these dry snow cycles also keep us happy! Enjoy.

with another 10 today. Flurries were forecast however the Fernie factor engaged and delivered a very generous dump of snow. I anticipate a great day tomorrow with all terrain open. See you out there!

And -10c this afternoon is encouraging me that it might snow sometime soon and I’ll be motivated to go skiing again.

These cold periods are great for getting work done and hanging out in coffee shops. Fortunately there are more coffee shops in Fernie than work!

One of my favourite coffee shops and only seconds from my office is Mug Shots.
Owned and managed buy a local family they offer genuine hospitality and great breakfasts and lunches. I post a warning that their world famous pumpkin/ chocolate muffins are addictive and can create a serious craving. For you travelers the internet section offers lots of workstations.

Hoping to ski soon, pray for snow!

Kids are jumping from the roof-top!

The neighbourhood boys were having fun doing back flips off the railing when they upped the ante and went big from the upper roof. Their mothers have expressed concern regarding the apparent danger however all kids will partake in activities that can be hazardous. Say skiing for example. How many of you have traveled out-of-bounds for a few powder turns without backcountry equipment or training?

Each year the Canadian Avalanche Association holds Avalanche Awareness Days activities at Fernie Alpine Resort from January 12 – 14, 2007. The goal of the activities is to promote public awareness about the hazards of touring in the backcountry and how to stay safe.

The line up of activities and demonstrations for the weekend includes:

Friday, January 12th
Avalanche Awareness Days Kick Off Party – Park Place Pub and Grill (Portion of sales going towards the Canadian Avalanche Centre).

Saturday, January 13th
10:00am Transceiver Education and Demonstration – Base of Deer Chair. There will also be a Snow Profile Demonstration at the top of the Bear Chair throughout the morning.
1:00pm Kids’ Scavenger Hunt for Transceivers and Treats – Base of Deer Chair
2:00pm Avalanche Extravaganza Video and Presentation – Daylodge
3:30pm Live Auction Fundraiser for the Canadian Avalanche Association – Griz Bar

Sunday, January 14th
10:00am Avalanche Rescue Dog Demonstration - Base of Deer Chair
11:30am Transceiver Search Competition: Entry fee is a donation to the CAA, no lift ticket is required for this activity. Some transceivers will be on hand to borrow. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest time. – Base of Deer Chair
2:00pm Avalanche Extravaganza Video and Presentation – Daylodge

Today proved to be deeper than forecast–the true Fernie Factor provided us with 39cm overnight!

The lift-lines were full and most terrain was closed due to avalanche concern however it was a day not to be missed. The fresh was in my face every run and 40 cm’s of dry powder makes tracked terrain ski like untracked.

As I write the sound of the patrol bombing the closed bowls echo’s through the valley. Tomorrow will be another day not to be missed. See you out there

Some people ski every day. Yesterday I skied with French Michelle. He hasn’t missed a day at FAR in the past ten years and is on par for 11. When he’s not feeling well a couple of runs are adequate however on most days he skies all day. In my mind he is a true skier–excited about every run while dreaming about tomorrow! I only ski selective days–powder and in the spring, sunny corn days. Most years I ski about 50 days. This year I’ve already logged over 20 days and all have been powder days.

Tomorrow is forecasting another 20cm–see you out there!

And to those of you snow sliding in Fernie–enjoy the excellent conditions. A group of locals and friends closed 2006 with a day of powder at Fernie Wilderness Adventures. The excellent glade skiing produced big smiles and face shots on a picture perfect sunny day. FWA (423-6704) is open for day skiing now through the end of the season. To get away from the crowds and tracked powder be sure to call to book your own day in paradise.All the best in the New Year…20 cm’s is on the forecast!