Feb. 01, 2012 - Issue #850: Godot
Fall Lines
FALL LINES: Amazing Snow, Lots of Events
Jasper in January may be over, but incredible snow conditions at all the resorts should keep you primed for more winter fun. Recently, the weather has turned significantly milder, but at the higher elevations in the mountains, Mother Nature has provided daily snowfalls that continue to build amazing snow packs throughout the region. Most slopes have bases ranging from 1.5 – 2.5 metres, with heavenly groomed corduroy, powder or chopped fluffy powder as the day goes on.
Highlights at this time of year include blazing through the trees off Marmot Basin's Paradise Chair, pounding the bumps on Old Ptarmigan at Lake Louise, glade skiing off Goat’s Eye at Sunshine Village, testing your stamina on Schober’s Dream at Panorama, cruising the edges of Drifter at Castle Mountain and daring to go higher off the new Polar Peak at Fernie. Whatever your ski slope desire, this is definitely a great time of the year to head out, especially after such a sluggish start to the season. With the holidays far behind, overcrowding is not a worry this time of year and temperatures are almost nearing the balminess of spring skiing.
Pick an event, any event
Want more than just great skiing and boarding? If you are looking for an activity to attend in the mountains, your timing is perfect. At this time of the year, the resorts are offering a smorgasbord of events for enthusiasts to partake in or view. This Saturday, February 4, Sunshine Village is hosting the Dave Irwin Brain Injury Dash for Cash dual slalom. Teams of four can enter and race for amazing prizes, while raising funds for the foundation created by Canadian downhill legend Dave Irwin—who suffered a horrific fall on the slopes in 2001.
On the same weekend, Castle Mountain is hosting the Alberta Freestyle Ski Championships, along with a Mardi Gras-themed dress up day. Visitors are encouraged to wear their snazziest outfits on the Saturday while cheering on the province's best freestyle skiers and boarders.
The fun and games continue on February 11 at Fernie Alpine Resort where, for the third year running, the Helly Hansen Big Mountain Battle will be contested. Touted as the ultimate scavenger hunt, the event will test your physical limits both on and off your skis. Competitors are challenged to scour the resort from top to bottom in search of hidden clues and checkpoints.
That same day, female riders can dazzle the crowds with their park skills as Lake Louise plays host to a ladies' Billabong Flaunt It Slopestyle & Rail Jam. The all-day snowboarding event encourages ladies to ride the features, piling up the points for a cumulative total. Prizes for best trick and most style on the rails and in the park will be awarded. For details on all events, check the resort websites.
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