ROAM Skimo - skins skins skins!

My second Coldsmoke Powderfest weekend! Tried out a clinic Friday. Expected at least as great as it was last year though had a guy that did not instruct, nor knew the ski hill. Took it as time to dial in the skis.

Cold at the start before the sun came out.
Marg on right with yellow backpack - photo Phil Best

Saturday, race day. 5250' elevation gain and 8.5 km, most of the course in the backcountry of the resort.

Right off the start weirdly enough the front end of my skin flew off! Maybe got flicked off with the stampede of racers off the start.

Ha, I am nowhere to be seen as I am back out of the pic!
 - photo Phil Best

Once I got my skin back on and sprinted off to pass the recreational skiers, I was able to catch back up close to Katarina and Michelle. Took extra energy though. It was interesting to see how the lead group slowed up so much after a quick start.

The route followed a groomed track for half of the first ascent. Once off track, the pitch was steep in fresh snow. Attempted a hard effort to transition.

Scraped my way down the sketched out powder run of Ymir Bowl, then made my way down Sluice Box. Next skin section was in the trees next to Motherlode run.

Bootpack 100m up White Lightning Chute- photo Phil Best

Following the pace of Gavin, he turned when I saw Katarina straight ahead. A couple other guys also had missed the turn and were now backtracking. I hollered at Katarina. I was then surprised to see Michelle who had also missed the turn.

As I headed up the bootpack, I caught a glance of the red & yellow of Michelle's awesome Canada skinsuit. I told her to let me know if she needed to pass.

The bits of fresh snow eventually created havoc for the skins adhering to the skis well as I skinned along the ridge.

Steep descent funneled into groomed run Morning Glory. It was super hard to follow the little red flags sparsely placed intermittently on the left. All of a sudden the flags were on the far right. A little confusing where to go down the mogully Copper Corner run back to the left.

Glad the marshalls waved me over as I was about to head lower. Began a really tough skinning section. After the short bootpack on-route, my skins were flailing.

One skin of my two sets was lost as I could not find it tucked under my jacket. I wondered if I dropped it. At this time I most needed it, I found it was buried under my undershirt layer! Nice and warm and ready to stick firmly onto the ski.

It was beautiful on the ridge, with blue skies, warm sun, no wind, and snow covered trees. Yet, I wanted to be done!

I hate using the phrase "death march" though the last skin section felt so. There were no racers in sight as I followed the yellow taping on the trees alone.

Finally, I reached the last transition. Just as I left Katarina showed up. I thought somehow she got ahead, and Kat thought I was behind her!

It was much more fun with company to descend as Kat roared by on the groomed run. It was dicey with resort skiers and snowboarders coming from all directions.

At the base, there was a last loop to skateski into the finish with a slight incline. Kat scrubbed speed around the corner. With speed, it helped me skateski by for 3rd. I'd consider that a tie finish!

Michelle finished a strong 2nd with her fair share of extra efforts in the race. Melanie Bernier was way out of league coming off a great World Cup series of races in Europe.

I questioned why I was so tired after this race. All the extra effort to jab the poles into the soft snow to stop from sliding back eventually took its toll. Definitely needed wall-to-wall skins with tails today! Good real backcountry kind of course!

Expo at Coldsmoke - photo Phil Best

Sunday, I ripped it up with the Keen Rippin' Chix clinic at the Coldsmoke Powderfest. Bonus was getting to demo the DPS Nina 99 skis (168cm). Had to rent downhill boots. I was a little skittish on the skis at first moving them like I would my 150cm AT skis. After a couple runs, I let them do their thing and it was like being on a huge DH bike! Total fun! The instructor from the KRC had us flying off jumps, and got us moving backwards. Total fun group of gals to ski with!

Lonely Herringbone Loppet

Similar temps and conditions to the last couple times I've done this event. A little sun, a little wind, -10C start temp. Despite the warm temp, I learned to wear mitts for this event and to dress warmer with the balaclava on.

Marg (in navy) and Joy (in red tiger suit) heading down to the riverside start - photo Vermilion paper

The course is mostly shaded and along the riverbank so stays cool. I could feel the windchill and was happy wearing the gear.

Waxing was easy. The tracks were a little abrasive though snowy not icy. I had on a super thin klister base binder covered with many layers of VR45 to VR55. Anything works here as it is mostly double pole or HERRINGBONE - lots of it!


Joy Mekechuk, Wieske Eikelenboom, Marg

This year, the hillclimb was included at the finish of each 10 km loop. The trail at the top then reconnected to the course with a nice descending merge. After the first loop,  the skiers I was with peeled off at the finish line as they were only racing 1 loop 10 km.

Loop 2 was super lonely with me wondering where everyone was.

Loop 3, I started passing slower skiers. With 2 km to go to the finish, a young guy from the Vikings came roaring by with a strong double pole.

fun photo with Miles sneaking in

After I finished the last climb, Wietske and Joy came in soon after. I could not even tell anyone was behind me. Time 1:58:41 a smidgeon quicker than last year, though 6 min off the Helge/Jeff year!

Fun trails and moments of tucking and enjoying. Only two scary step turn corners. The herringbone climbs got tougher each loop!

Fernie Spring Water

The directions for Fernie Spring on FindaSpring.com were a little sketchy.


Found this image on the 'net for Fernie Spring Water
and knew I wanted to find the location!

On my drive from Elko, BC towards Fernie, I kept my eyes peeled on the left hand side of the road. Just after the short tunnel through the mountain, there it was at the Rest Stop with a Parks-type animal-proof trash bin.

Love the similarities between the two photos almost 6 years later

Water is outstanding, crisp and cold! 

My guestimate the location was at least 10 km past Elko, for sure past the tunnel through the mountain.

I clocked the mileage towards the Fernie Ski Resort turnoff, it was 11.8 km. A sign to look for travelling from Fernie would be for "Trit Trot Farms" or Morrissey Road. The spring and Rest Stop is about 3 km after on the right hand side of the road (west).

Best water EVER!!

Whitefish Whiteout Bootpack Special

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Castle Mountain Skimo - 2nd view

Visited Edmonton friends Dave & Deb Whitten who now live in Crowsnest Pass. Spent Thursday at Castle Mountain Resort following Dave's tracks. Back in 2000, Dave and I were on a 4-person adventure race team at the Full Moon in June in Nordegg.

I was thrilled that double-black diamond Lone Star was ski-able and not the scary-fest I had one year ago. Winds were high at the top. Dave & I checked out the rocky bootpack North ridge from last year and noted it was wind-blown and had no snowpack on it.

Note the predicted 90 kph winds for Sat morning!

Pre-race night, it was convenient to stay at the hostel on the hill with only 50m to walk to the start. Race day morning, the winds were already strong at the base with fresh wet snow falling. Temp was warm at -2C.

After a couple race course revisions already removing the upper bootpack section, then switching to the black diamond run North Bowl as the Chutes were not open... the ski hill safety had the race start one hour later with allowing a loop course on the upper cat track.

Two loops - total 5450' elevation gain, 12.5 km

Did not sound like a terribly exciting course... though with all the snow and strong winds, the racers were happy to get a course to race on and it was sufficient for the conditions at the time.

30 racers off the start - photo Castle Mtn Resort

After the first groomer climb to the top of the Huckleberry chair, Rec racers went down Sidewinder to the start for a 2nd loop, Open racers continued up the cat track then similar descent to a 2nd loop.

The conditions were now harsh with being pelted with snow at 90 kph. I could barely look forward to see the green flags and at one time was at a standstill. Very reminiscent of last weeks race! Despite the warm temps, the windchill was cooling. I had laden my nose with Vaseline as it was susceptible to frostbite from last weekends race. I tucked behind my balaclava and kept my head to the side at times.

Finally reaching the top, there was little shelter from the wind for transition to descent. I took my goggles out of my pack and could still barely see through the blowing snow.

Skiing back down the cat track, it was scary to maneuver around racers ascending. I finally got into a downhill groove once clear of the ascending skiers. Out of the blasting winds, all was soon forgotten as it was much calmer below. The snow on Sidewinder was a little challenging in its deep sogginess.

Damp gloves from the first ascent were cooled on the descent. I thought I could get away with them warming up on the next climb.

Once into the next climb, I stopped to grab some food... then took the time to change my gloves as I would rather be comfortable.

Used the same skins though could have switched as they iced up a little.


Women stuck close together -
Carla McKirdy, Katarina Kuba, Kylee Ohler, Marg Fedyna
 - photo Donna Murray-Clark

Fun to duke it out with young racer Carl Kohnstamm! And cool to see so many new faces trying out their first skimo event.

Thanks to organizers Brent Harris and Dave Dornian for perseverance in keeping this event going.

 



On my way home, night time venture for spring water near Longview

 

Post x-c ski from Pocaterra on Sunday for Di's birthday





Skimo in Jackson Hole WY - Epic!

Ventured to the 3-stage 2 day Wyoming Rando Round Up skimo race based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with Canadian skimo buddies Michelle Katchur Roberts and Steve Sellers. The stage race format was intriguing!

We made the long drive down arriving 8 pm on Thursday Jan 2. Roads were smooth sailing, though I was disappointed Customs took my organic Mandarin oranges away!

Main square in Jackson Hole has one of these arches in each corner. The arch is made of elk antlers from the National Elk Refuge; Snow King hill in background

Stayed at Couchsurfer Kristie's right in town. Super convenient and nice to be in a family home environment. There was an awesome green juice place blocks away.

Stage 1 - Sat Jan 4 - Grand Targhee Ski Mountaineering Classic - Elevation Warm-Up!
On-route, we passed the turnoff to Targhee from the small tourist town Driggs. Race start was delayed 1/2 hour for avalanche control, and started at 9:30 a.m. Temp was reasonable at -7C.

Exciting to be amongst a crowd of racers all decked out in racing gear. Still a relatively small field but fast crowd. Starting pace was a sprint.

At this base elevation of 7400', I started gradually to let my 2200' elevation lungs acclimatize. Once the climbing got crazy steep, I eased into a good pace. A few of the lead guys began switching-back though most of us could grip the steep skin track.

3 ascents, 1 bootpack, 3 descents

First transition went smoothly. My first descent of the season went ok considering I was in the mix of a bunch of women. Next ascent gentler, then a gnarly descent which was not so steep with lumpy snow. Lizzie from Bozeman cheered as she gracefully zoomed by.

3rd ascent was ok until half way up where the headwinds were strong. The climb took forever. At the top, the snow was sparse for the descent, then went through the coolest narrow rocky chute. The rest was a fast easy groomed run. Since the flags were spaced far apart, I shunned my speed until I realized I was already at the finish.

Longer race than expected for the 1st of 3 stages, 2 1/2 hours with 5500' elevation gain... much a fitness race.

Ran straight inside to warm up. After awards, we got back to town by 2 pm-ish leaving minimal time to dry gear and get ready for the evening race at 5 pm.


Stage 2 - Sat Jan 4 - Snow King Sprint Race - Gong Show!
Fortunately, it was a 5 min drive to the hill from our accom.

site of the Sprint Race

We parked right at the base. A few racers were checking out the 3-Loop Course with a skin direct up 400' elevation, a short bootpack of carrying the skis, with descent through slalom gates.


Start went fast with a mass of racers. With no desire to sprint, I hung back. I figure I was the racer living at the lowest elevation.

Racers with mandatory headlamps on

The start was chaotic with bumper to bumper skiers. The bootpack section bottle-necked. Race finally spread out on the first descent.

chaos!

Lead guys stormed past me as I was into my 2nd climb. All my transitions were a gong show with some technical aspect forgotten as the timing was so quick. All in all, the event was super fun! Only 1/2 hour effort and another 1200' elevation gain.


Stage 3 - Sunday Jan 5 - Jackson Hole Randonee Rallee - EPIC!

I was surprised to have a good night sleep following 6700' of racing and sleeping so high. Making our way to Jackson Hole Resort that morning was eye-widening to see the massive ski hill. It is understandable why it is one of the top ski resorts... so many epic steep descents of chutes and couloirs.

Fast start - photo Jeffrey Kaphan Photography

Start was early at 8 a.m. Racers shot off fast as I trotted off back of the Open field and in front of the Rec field. Once the climbs rose steeply on the groomers, I started to make ground. Mid-way was a few km of cross-country ski flats before heading into a climb of steep snowy terrain. It was a long ways up.

Made it through the first descent. Snow stuck to my gloves which were sweaty from the first climb. I thought my effort on the 2nd climb would warm up my cooling gloves.

The 2nd descent was amazing Tower 3 Chute - steep, snowy and fun! At the next transition, there were 6 women and 1 guy. Awesome to have so many women around!

I started the 3rd ascent with cold finger tips... the thought of a possible DNF due to cold fingers crossed my mind.

On a gentler slope, I shuffled along and attempted to warm my fingers under my armpits. I finally conceded to stop to put on my spare gloves.

My goal in this stage race was to get through each event comfortably and finish. Time was not a factor. It was all in training and at an elevation I was not prepared for.

I decided to overwork the saying... if your fingers are cold, put on a jacket. At the base of the 1st bootpack section, I dug into my pack and put on my windbreaker jacket, an extra toque over the balaclava I was already wearing, and even put my overmitt shells over my gloves. This was my emergency backup for fingers! Tossed the already heated small handwarmers into each glove as well.

Bootpack was straight-forward and 3rd short descent, though after that it was not clear when to put skins back on. Ahead, I saw what looked like skate-ski tracks so I did the same up the more than gentle rise. Finally, realized skins were to be on again.

Barely moving into the wind with head down - photo Mark Gocke

The wind was blustery and it was really difficult to put the skins on while hoping my poles would not blow away. While I was skinning next to another guy, we were both lifted off in the wind - super scary! Most of the time, I had to put my head to the side to shelter from the pelting snow.

Super excited to make it to the base of the 2nd bootpack section. A few hearty women volunteers made sure I was warm before heading on. The scenery was epic though the weather conditions were harsh.

super steep! - photo Mark Gocke

I went as fast as I could up the barely visible kicked in toe steps in the almost vertical climb. Fortunately, the wind was blowing me into the mountain as it was scary to maintain a steady effort up. The bootpack took awhile. Closer to the top, a rope with knots was visible though I felt more stable with my kicked-in toe steps.

The actual ladder climb was a haven as it gave a rigid secure support to hug. Made it to the top to full on wind. I was told I had a little white frostbite showing on my nose. Since I had my balaclava on, I just pulled it up and wished to continue on as next was a descent.

Shortly into the 4th descent, the wind was lessened. Made my way down following another woman racer. It was a long descent from top to bottom (guess close to 4000'!). The last section was horrid through cut alder and sparse choppy snow conditions.

The 5th and last ascent was sheltered from the wind and at a warm temperature. It was challenging with energy depletion as well as the steep pitch and loose snow. I finally started cutting my own skin track at a lessor angle.

One last sketchy descent starting with a bony mogully section with exposed rock, then finally an easy groomer to the end. Took awhile to debrief after this one!

Another 8200' elevation gain to total 15,000' for the weekend!

Most everyone had their own venture with the cold with 75% of the racers having frostbite. At the top, the temp was -8F with a 40mph wind. Hard to not get frostbite with blowing snow and sweaty faces!

Sad to see Michelle head off to first aid at the finish. Her fingers got cold to the point of not feeling them, hence continuing on. They were a tad blue at the end. She was as eager as everyone else to finish this event.

I've had my fair share of the mind persevering over the body in past events and coming out with the prize of a chronic injury. This one from 24 Hour Worlds Solo mtnbike is memorable...

All in all, the event was EPIC and I would gladly come back!





Roaming AB & BC - xc & AT & DH

Shaganappi Trails - Calgary

View of Calgary skyline from Shaganappi Trails - photo Linda Green

Beautiful cold night ski on rarely groomed classic tracks at Shaganappi Golf course on Thursday night. Most fun area was golf greens #10-12.

Next morning, I was off for an AT adventure with skimo buddy Michelle Katchur Roberts at Norquay. A treat to follow the lead of a confident skier!

Norquay Mtn - Banff, AB

After a steep skin up the lumpy powder on the south slopes, I followed Michelle down an un-groomed black diamond run - fun!

View of Banff townsite from the top of our skin up

Made my way to Golden in the afternoon with only a 1/2 hour road block stop due to an accident in Rogers Pass. Pretty sketchy drive to Revie at night with difficulty seeing through dirty headlights. Stopped many times to clean them.

MacPherson Nordic Trails - Revelstoke, BC

Groomed trails I unfortunately did not get to see this trip - photo MacPherson website

Short visit in Revie with an x-c ski at MacPherson trails on ungroomed trails as the machines had problems in the wet conditions. Warm conditions difficult even for the Zero skis which I borrowed from Janet. Snow would stick to the grip zone. Ended up slogging thru deep snow with skate skis.

Drive towards Rossland was awesome after catching the Nakusp ferry towards New Denver. Beautiful scenery, not a soul on the roads. 

Paulson Nordic Trails - Castlegar, BC

Looked just like this… - photo Castlegarnordic.ca

Squeaked 30 km out of all the blue trails!

Best groomed classic skiing at the Paulson Nordic trails near Castlegar. Mostly easy-going terrain with many fun single track trails. Good grip with soft waxes VR65 and VR70! The dotted black trails are ungroomed and look to be the most fun and challenging.

Next stop… Kamren and Karina Farr's home in Rossland. They just arrived 1 day prior, the movers were to arrive days later!

Red Mountain - Rossland, BC

Skied with Karina above the Sea of Clouds at Red Mountain

Met up with Coldsmoke Powderfest organizer Karen Reader for ultra amazing tips on downhill skiing. Hopefully, I'll retain some of these!

Enjoyed Red Mtn even though the snow was still filling in. 
Look forward to coming back!

Blackjack Nordic Trails - Rossland, BC

Black trails - best! Blue - ok

Checked out the Blackjack Nordic trails with their groomers constantly buffing the trails. Definitely a nice place for Kamren & Karina to have in their back yard.

An enjoyable drive on the Crowsnest Highway 3 West through Manning Park. So glad I arrived to Vancouver Thursday evening. The radio kept announcing they were prepared with 26 snowplows to clear the roads which was funny for me to hear about this typically super rainy & green winter city.

Jacquie's kids, Dominic and Etienne making a wicked snowman

The first snow I've experienced IN Vancouver. Messy, wet and happy to let the car sit for a few days.

Skating - Robson Square, Vancouver, BC

Skating with Jacquie in Robson Square

Our gang on skates at Robson Square

After driving the Coquihalla packed with holiday travellers without winter tires and semi-trailers declining to put chains on until they were stalled in the middle of the highway… I pulled to the side of the road, ate Jacquie's yummy leftovers from her Christmas party, read, and kept warm in my sleeping bag. A couple hours later, the carnage diminished and I made my way.

By the time I was driving over the Connector highway from Merritt to the Okanagan, it was clear my car was the only one with winter tires as I passed by a few overly slow moving vehicles and more semis stuck in the middle of the highway. The horizontal snowfall was mesmerizing so I followed the red taillights of a truck. Reaching the summit, the snow subsided for the descent and I was finally solo on the snowy roads.


Crystal Mountain - Westbank, BC

Foggy day on the bunny slopes where the
black diamond runs were negligible

Telemark Nordic - Westbank, BC

Crystal Rim Trail, one of my favourite ski trails… lots of climbing
fast, flowy descent with vicious speed on the skinny skis!

4th Annual MitoCanada ski for me

Lured Jeff Krar to join me to ski the two outer loops at Telemark twice for 60 km total… Fern Creek - Crystal Rim, and Telemark- Panorama. Snow gods threw fresh falling snow at us right at the start making for slow sluggish conditions in the mild temperature.

Jeff set a fast race-like pace for our first loop plowing thru fresh snow… 2:30 hr, 30 km, 2750' elevation gain. Switching skis after loop 1, Jeff switched to skate skis as I kept to the classic slogging.

The 2nd loop was way tougher with close to no glide at all, and the odd unassuming ski sticking to the snow while in motion. Jeff did extra mileage to join me at my slogging pace. It was nice to be complete! 2nd loop was 2:50 hr. The extra 20 min felt like forever!!