We’ve been in B.C. for only four days now and we’ve already enjoyed enough amazing snowboarding to give us all perma-grins! Our first two days were at Big White – a resort that Kari and I had been to about 20 years ago when it was much less developed. Big White is a family resort with lots of tubing, ice climbing, ice skating and fun runs on the mountain. We came for the ‘Champaign Powder’ – which is the name given to the dry and light powder snow which is plentiful here. Most people we talked to said that it’s been a lower than average snowfall so far this season, but to keep things in perspective – they’re talking about 30+ cm dumps of snow as the norm. Back in Halifax we’re usually get giddy with a forecast of anything more than 5 cm. Both days we were there Big White received 5 cm of fresh snow in the morning before the lifts opened – so we had incredible conditions by our East Coast standards. By the second day we had seemed to find our groove and work out all the little kinks that go along with snowboarding as a family – like gear adjustments, clothing malfunctions, cold feet, crampy feet, goggle fog, GoPro no-go, back brace protests and treat requests. It’s sometimes a struggle to keep everyone in sync but it’s sure worth it to all ride together and experience these amazing mountains. As the saying goes – “The family that rides together, stays together.’
On new years day we left Kelowna and drove to Silverstar Mountain near Vernon. Originally we didn’t have Silverstar on our itinerary, but Costco had a great lift pass coupon – so we decided to give it a try since it’s on the way to Revelstoke – where we’re heading for the weekend. Our day at Silverstar was just incredible – a fantastic way to start the new year. The conditions were perfect with no wind, sun and -3 degrees temp – but it was the views which really made it special. Silverstar is usually clear and sunny above the fog layer that hovers in the valleys and offers up to amazing vistas of the Rockies. Probably the most beautiful place we’ve ever been snowboarding. Kai and Vea had a great time in the ‘Rockstar’ terrain park also. They’ve both gained their confidence back on the jumps and features now too.
Today we’re taking a day off from snowboarding to recharge some soar and tired bodies. There’s a storm system approaching today that forecasts heavy snow for the Revelstoke region – likely 20-30 cm! So we’re going to get on the road before the conditions become dangerous. The highway between here and Revelstoke often closes down during heavy snowfalls, and although we have a 4WD rental it doesn’t have snow tires – so we need to play it safe.
Our plan is to ride Revelstoke on Friday and Saturday. With this new dumping of snow, we might just see our ‘Champaign Powder’ dreams come true tomorrow.
We’ve started a snowboarding photo album which we’ll update as the month progresses.
Cool start to a cool year… Looking forward to many more posts!! Xo
hey Vea its Brad looks like your having fun. Where you headed next?
email me please when you get the chance!!
Hi Brad i am having a lot of fun and we are heading to Vancouver next then Costa Rica.
-Vea
Happy Trails, Norrie, Kari, Kai and Vea! Thanks for such a pleasant, crisp looking blog. It will be a joy to follow. Give the welcoming bears in Revelstoke a hug for us. Xxx Heather, Eric and Dee
What an adventure! The photos in the snowboarding album are so lovely.
Great pictures. We have quite a lot of snow here too. Yesterday was as much like White Juan as we’ve seen in eight years.
Shopudio
Sounds great guys (blog looks great Norrie- some great shots too). Sounds like all systems are go- have a blast. Happy New Year! Enjoy the powder.
– Paul, Michele, Taylor, Zach & Luke
We look forward to following your adventure and the inspiration it brings.
Amazing!! I LOVED looking at the pictures and reading about your travels to date. You all look so happy… I can’t wait to see/read more!! Safe travels all 🙂
Hi Vanessa! Great to hear from you! Say hi to the HCU soccer gang from us!!!
Hey guy hope your all having fun. Kai I was talking to Bailey about your guys blog and he told me to tell u have fun and we will miss.
Hey Justin, how is school? have you been playing lots of hockey?
I heard the weather is not very nice in halifax.
Hi Kai it’s callum and I didn’t know you were so good at snowboarding 🙂 I’m looking forward to following your trip!
Hey Callum, how is the team doing?
Im looking forward to be chatting with you!!
Hi Kai it’s callum and I didn’t know you were so good at snowboarding 🙂 I’m looking forward to following your trip!
Have a safe trip!!
Amazing – I will love following your blog. Hugs to all. Sheila
Thanks for the blog, look forward to following you on your adventure. A great start in 2014.
Unbelievable shots of the light in the trees. WOW! I might not snowboard, but I love the Rockies. Enjoy! Can’t wait for your next blog! xoxox
PS: We got 30 cms here on Friday!
Hi Marcia! Rockies in the summertime right!! I guess we will be beaching soon!!!
thanks for the wonderful link to your amazing adventures!!! have a great family year-long trip and i look forward to seeing more photos & blogs!
you’ve certainly started 2014 off on an exciting path ….
Happy new year Kari, Norrie, Kai and Vea, Super pictures, we miss you guys, travel safe and keep in touch, looking forward to following the adventure!
Amazing shots guys, so beautiful !!!! What a start to 2014 . Happy Adventures , look forward to all the updates 🙂 Take care
Hey KaI, it’s Chewy and I just wanted to tell you that me and my mom are going boarding but were probably not as good as you. Me and my mom are following your blog and I think you are really lucky.
Can’t wait to see more cool pictures!
Hey Chewy great to hear that you are going snowboarding, maybe we can go together when I get back!!
How is the team doing?
That’s more white stuff than we have seen in a long long time!!! Beautiful pictures…nice to see Bob, Ramona and Josh too!! Glad you enjoyed the Stoke!! Miss you XOXO
Hi Beth! Nice to see Revelstoke again. Had many laughs about the last time! I can’t imagine warm weather right now but looking forward to seeing you guys very soon!