Put on some layers, grab your grippers and hit the snow
It’s never too soon to start on the most important new year’s resolution of all: go play outside.
The Sheriff put that into instant action on the new year’s long weekend, hiking the Apex Trail in Knox Mountain Park with Constant Companion Carmen on New Year’s Eve, and snowshoeing with friends in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park on Monday (when it seemed like everyone was enjoying the long weekend).
The Apex Trail, which starts uphill just inside the park’s now-closed main gate, was hardpacked snow and slippery in places, but we were prepared with the cheap studded snow/ice grippers from Princess Auto. Not everyone was that prepared, and we watched as they slipped while trying to maintain upward momentum. It would have been even worse for them descending.
At the first lookout, we were joined by kayaking buddies Bill and Diane, and we hiked to the Apex Lookout while catching up on each other’s outdoor activities.
Lost Lake Trail (from the Stewart Road East Trailhead in Myra-Bellevue) was also hardpacked snow so we really didn’t need snowshoes — but it was good practice using them. Until a stud broke and the Sheriff’s right snowshoe started going down the trail sideways. A short piece of thick string would have solved the problem in the short term, but he eventually just took his snowshoes off and walked out in his winter boots. Myra-Bellevue was also busy.
As for last weekend’s frigid temperatures, you have to dress for it — lots of layers, which can be removed if you overheat. Hand warmers in mitts, ThermaCell heated insoles in boots (remote controlled if you remembered to turn them on) and hot chocolate for a break are the result of previous chilly outings.
*** In outdoor news, “recent cold weather brought with it sunshine, blue skies and clear air that makes the views even more spectacular,” said Gerry Furseth at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre in the North Okanagan.
“Grip waxing for classic skiing is usually easy at Sovereign Lake and becomes even easier at –10C or colder, with almost any hard wax providing solid grip and decent glide.”
The snowshoeing season got off to a slow start with open swamps and creeks from an unusually warm November blocking many of the trails, he added. However, after continued cold weather in December, snowshoe trails are now in great condition. The trek to the Black Prince Cabin for a break beside the fire is a coldweather favourite.
“If you are looking for incentive to start the new year with some outdoor exercise, Sovereign is hosting a pancake breakfast on Jan. 15. Funds raised go to help local ski racer (and National Junior Ski Team member) Hannah Mehain travel to the world junior championships. If the idea of yummy calories with a view makes you feel guilty, a ski or a snowshoe either before or after will resolve that.”
*** In the South Okanagan, Mt. Baldy recently organized two noteworthy events.
Never Ever Days on Friday was for those who have never skied or snowboarded. A $25 package provided rental equipment, lift ticket, beginner lesson and a lift ticket discount for the next visit. Hope it’s repeated
Baldy will mark World Snow Day on Jan. 15 with free lessons 9-10 a.m., fun races, a lodge party, snowshoeing and an information session on how weather patterns, our environment and behaviours impact snow in our backyard. Sign up at snowschool@skibaldy.com, and learn more about this annual international event that encourages kids to head outside and celebrate everything snow at skibaldy.com/world-snow-day2017.
*** Still in the South Okanagan, Nickel Plate Ski Club hosted the Holiday Hoppet 10K race on Dec 31.
“It was a competitive field with some of the top skiers in Western Canada and strong performances from Nickel Plate skiers, including the junior race team,” said manager Murray Farbridge.
Results are posted on the race page of the club’s website: nickelplatenordic.org.
Nickel Plate junior racers have a strong team that will be competing this weekend in Salmon Arm at the B.C. Cup and at the B.C. Championships in Kamloops in February led by Fred Albrechtsen, Sol Jaques and Matthew Broder, he said.
Today is Demo Day when you can try the latest ski equipment from Fresh Air Experience, Salomon and Madshus from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. A Moonlight Potluck with music will be held on Jan. 14, an evening of skiing under the full moon, food (bring a dish) and music by Teresa Boyer.
*** A reminder that the Friends of the South Slopes Society will hold its AGM at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan in Mission Creek Regional Park in Kelowna. A social with refreshments starts at 7 p.m. with guest speaker rock climber Jackson Westcott then talking about his climb in the Cirque of the Unclimbables in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
FOSS has come a long way since its April 15, 1998, AGM when it developed into a trail advocacy group, says outgoing secretary Penny Gubbels. “While looking back on the last 19 years, I compiled a few statistics from the files. All records are from 1998 to 2016 unless otherwise indicated.”
— Donations and grants received: $328,708.
— Value of in-kind contributions: $200,320.
— Volunteer hours: 14,107 (20042015).
J.P. Squire, aka the Ski Sheriff, is an Okanagan Sunday reporter and an avid outdoors enthusiast. Contact him at jp.squire@telus.net.