Ah, the cycles of Winter including the infamous inversion (clear above with nice temperatures, cloud below and cold) make Winter enjoyable.  Mountain weather is less than perfect unless its snowing.  The inversion is liked by photographers and those in the alpine enjoying the light. This fun seeker is judging his para-glider flying potential.

The skiing in Fernie is the best its been this season for a few reasons.  The most prevalent fact being that this seasons snowpack now matches last seasons, and last year was awesome.

View this seasons blue line on the graph and how it has now climbed to meet last seasons green line.

Snow is key however so is terrain and the patrol at FAR are beginning to open the steeps. This weeks forecast of moderate temperatures and clears skies should facilitate the opening of the resorts better terrain that has been closed for over two weeks.

The third element is that the urbanites have returned to work and the slopes are empty. Get out now and enjoy the season!

The avalanche danger in the Fernie region is perhaps the most dangerous in years.   It is a season to listen carefully to the Canadian Avalanche Association and have a realistic definition of what “backountry experience” means.  Here is the latest CAA report:

The Canadian Avalanche Association has issued a Special Avalanche Warning  for large portions of BC and part of SW Alberta including this forecast region.  Travel Advice –  Poor, Not Recommended

Guidance for amateur recreation: Avalanches are occurring frequently.  Inappropriate conditions for backcountry travel without extensive avalanche training and experience.

If you travel in the backcountry be really, really careful. The Avalanche Activity and Snowpack sections of this forecast paint the picture. The Weather section suggests why avalanche danger will increase: snow hates rapid loading by a bunch of new wind driven snow. It also hates rapid loading by riders - skiing, boarding, & sledding can easily stress this snowpack beyond its strength. Rider triggered avalanches remain probable, if not likely. Don’t be tricked by the Considerable danger rating, even if there aren’t natural avalanches you don’t want to mess with this snowpack. Think of it like a minefield - there are lots of trigger points (landmines), they’re sensitive (easy to detonate), and avalanches can be big (large bombs). If you choose to ride in the backcountry, please stick to low angle slopes well away from avalanche terrain.

How much experience do the kids in the following picture have?  Unfortunately they have similar training as some who travel in the backcountry and call themselves experienced.  Lets be safe out there!