Ski Season is here!

Beadraich - As Woodsy mentioned yesterday, we enjoyed first tracks at Osler Bluff Ski Club yesterday thanks to some friends who signed us in. It was AWESOME! Yesterday's definition of a lift lineup was when two groups of skiers would arrive at the chair at the same time.

With -15 plus windchill, yesterday was the perfect chance to see how my new Icebreaker base layer would perform. And perform it did. I was warm all day except for some exposed skin between my goggles and beard.

The skiing? Woodsy was her usual metronome self with smooth rythmic turns, even as she was adjusting as her feet and new boots were introduced for the first time. (Carrie was right, by the end of the day her feet were getting happier and the boots were feeling better) Now, for me, I felt like a duck out of water, but after a few runs and a few pointers, I was doing better. Carrie will say it's entirely in the great Preseason tuneup from Kenmark that allowed me to even stay on my feet ;o). My legs, can't say the same this morning as they are not happy with me. Hot Tub at the gym, here I come.

A week from today we'll be in Quebec, skiing some new terrain and enjoying a little break from it all. Expect some posts, and even some photos if Woodsy will approve them.

Inside 2 Months

Beadraich - Yesterday marked the 2 month mark until the start of the Vancouver Olympics. It seems like almost 2 years ago that this began for Woodsy and I. If you have read this blog from the beginning you most likely understand the patience we have had in getting this far, and it's starting to sink in that it's slowly becoming a reality. With the excitement comes some learning and more research. Now really, Woodsy is the researcher, as she already has a list of places to go for dinner, things to do, and places to see when we are out there. Me, I'm lazy with stuff like that, so I called Visa Concierge and they sent me a list of dining suggestions and things to do on our off days.

Now, I'm starting to learn some interesting things about Whistler, BC. It was planned from the very beginning to be a host city for the Olympics. This planning started back in the 1960's.

Thanks to those of you who sent me some stocking stuffer ideas for Woodsy, and of course Carrie at Kenmark Snow Sports as I'm starting to think she is helping Woodsy and I with a few stocking stuffers, and keeping us straight would be a tough job.

59 Days till we fly out, and truly begin our Olympic Experience.

Snow, Snow, Stocking Stuffers and More Snow

Beadraich - With 3 days of snow under our belt, and a planned weekend in Collingwood for next weekend, I was delighted to hear the news that Blue Mountain was opening this coming weekend. With our skis still at Kenmark Snow Sports getting their preseason tuneup, and the first family Christmas function on Sunday, I'm not going to be skiing this weekend.

Speaking of Christmas, Woodsy and I have decided that with the upcoming trip to Saint Sauveur for the Holidays, and then of course the Olympics, we will forego the usual Christmas gifts and just do stockings. So... if anyone has an interesting ideas for Woodsy's stocking, feel free to leave a comment.

Now.. for more snow..... I'm off to get a hair cut, and if all goes well, take my first snow picture of the year... probably to be posted here later.... Cheers.

The hill will soon be alive with the sound of shoosh, shoosh, shoosh, shoosh!

Beadraich - Our skis are now at Kenmark Snow Sports for their pre-season tuneups. This annual ritual means that there is some white stuff about to fall from the sky and turn our favourite hills into a winter wonderland of morning corduroy and afternoon moguls. Some other sure signs that ski season is imminent are that Glen Eden was blowing snow this weekend, and I've received 5 weather updates from the Weather Network to warn of possible snow squalls in Collingwood this afternoon.

I've just checked the Blue Mountain conditions and they are making snow on two runs. Not exactly my favourite runs, but they are runs, and if all goes well, they will be able to open in a week. Woodsy and I are planning on spending the next two weekends in Collingwood should there be snow, and we can work to once again get comfortable on skis and work out the kinks of the summer.

With snow conditions soon to improve, Christmas almost upon us, and less that 70 days until we depart, it's hard not to get to excited.

Update on Boot Shopping

Woodsy - Kenmark Ski Sports...Carrie and Chris are awesome!! Nordica Olympia SM8 boots are my new babies. They are so comfortable. I found out that my 8 year old ski boots are probably too big, hence the reason why my feet get cold. We also bought 2 duffel/ski equipment bags. If we pack properly we should be able to get all our ski gear, boots, and casual clothes into one bag. (I know my Mom won't believe that!) After deciding on new boots I thought I should probably look at new skiis too. I am a loyal Head ski fan so I am going to demo a Head pair and a Volkl pair once there is enough snow. They also carry Icebreaker long underwear. I have only read great reviews about their lineup. It is pricey stuff but I am hoping to get some for Christmas. I also looked at a hat, a couple of jackets, a pair of mitts...the list goes on.
Let it snow, let it snow!

Preparations.... ok.. it's a fancy word for shopping!

Beadraich - Today, Woodsy and I are going ski boot shopping. We are off to Kenmark Ski Sports in Richmond Hill to see my friend Carrie and her husband about boot fitting, and maybe (most likely) boot heaters.

So... do I need stuff for Whistler? Yep. I need some mid/heavy weight baselayers, and a backpack camera bag with laptop sleeve. Sounds easy enough to find, but it hasn't been so easy. I've looked at all kinds of them and they always seem so impractical for what I want. So, Burton makes one, that is designed for all of the above, and snow sports, but I can't find any interior pictures or reviews of it to know if it will hold my gear.

Here's looking forward to a fun day in a ski store.