New Years - Ski bum style

After a very snowy December, the last few weeks have been contrastingly dry. This has meant that the sun has come out a lot and the tourists are happy, but not a lot of riding being done. With a large number of people being sick as well, I have been called into work quite regularly and am doing around 6 days a week. This will go well towards funding a planned trip (more on that shortly), but my legs are starting to get a bit sore from a lot of standing and not much movement!

On the 30th I decided to have a break day, and joined Chris in his Ford F150 for a trip down to Squamish during the day. I was really glad just to have a day with no cares on timing, and enjoy the views on the drive out. It certainly made me realise that while we are not in the 'Alps' we are certainly in the mountains!

Only 300m above sea level

New Years eve itself was certainly eventful! As it was a busy morning on the mountain with not a lot of fresh snow, I decided to spend the morning practising my back-country beacon search techniques. Whistler Blackcomb has an early dedicated to this where they bury practise boxes with active beacon's in them. I was happy to find that I hadn't gotten rusty, but as always I learnt a few more things.

From the top of Glacier Chair

As it was Chris' birthday, we had a casual day ripping some groomers and then deferred to Crystal Lodge for a drink. This is certainly one of the most picturesque places on Blackcomb mountain.

Enjoying a birthday drink

Unfortunately I got called in to work for the afternoon. They were that desperate for the assistance that I came directly off the mountain and worked in my ski gear. For 4 hours I was in my ski boots dealing with customers, bending down to fit boots, and trying to walk. It was only the next day that someone pointed out that I could have just put on a pair of snowboard boots!

Not wanting to waste time, once I left work I headed straight to Merlin's where I had left Chris earlier in the day. The next 5 hours were spent happily talking, drinking and celebrating each New Years day as it came in around the world. The major talking point seemed to be around me being the only one in the bar still in ski gear, but as I had work the next day I decided to head to the fireworks at midnight in the village, and then quickly home to bed.

New Year's Day at Whistler Blackcomb

The Holiday Inn looking good in the sun

Unfortunately there's not much more to report. It looks like we are going to finally get some fresh snow over the next few days. Unfortunately I don't have much time off at all.. but things will look better in a week or two no doubt. Until then I will keep my creative cooking alive, trying to keep a bit of kiwi eating in Canada!

Bacon & Egg Pie