Well it hasn’t been the greatest winter with regards to the amount of snow we got. But skilled groomers and higher elevation meant we were lucky to enjoy the snow we got and have been skiing since December. While we got a later start compared to previous years, the coverage has been very good ever since late 2025.
The skate skiing has been enjoyable, even though many days have been unseasonably warm. Usually I hit the Nordic centre early (currently starting around 7am with daylight but also had many mornings when I started with headlamp) so that I can enjoy firm and freshly groomed trails. We also have a resident moose in the Nordic ski area, and one morning (in the dark) a fox crossed the trail in front of me, sat down and we chatted for a while.
Skate skiing needs firmly packed snow, and while classic skiing can be fine in the middle of a warm day, the skate platform gets soft quickly and makes the skiing difficult. Hence the early mornings (plus … the sunrises!).
With the lack of snowstorms came, at least in my perception, many sunny days with sparkling snow and great blue skies. We love our views of the Rockies, and letting the dogs run around in the open areas chasing sticks and snowballs.
My other major ski activity is uptracking/touring. Typically I start on the resort uptrack along Boundary run and veer into the bush about half way up the slope.
That gets me to Mussers Plateau, open views of the sunrise and surrounding mountains and solitude while enjoying a good skin track.
From the open areas (an old road) around Mussers, I turn up back towards the resort, enjoy a section of trail in the trees and arrive at Kootenay Haus at the top of Boundary run.
This season I have been too early each time to enjoy the inside of the lodge so my transitions have all been outside. Sometimes in snow and wind, sometimes in sunshine looking at the valley covered in fog. Sometimes my neighbour joins me. It always feels special to have those views so early in the morning.
I use pretty narrow skimo skis to reduce weight so the uphill can be fast while the downhill would definitely be better on wider, heavier skis. But it’s only one run so I don’t mind too much. Sadly this activity is not suitable for the dog but of course she gets to enjoy many other snow adventures.
Other activities have included a lot of snowshoe hikes, hikes with crampons, deep snow and icy paths. The company on those excursions is always great 😍
And then there are the annual, not-to-be-missed traditions, starting with the Solstice walk in December. We climb up Sunflower hill together, enjoy the views and longest night with lights and friends, and even get to hear some readings or poems.
And January 1, for many decades of my life now, features the obligatory Polar Bear swim! This year it reached a new level with a great group of people, bonfire, lots of food and plenty of fellow “swimmers” 👍🏻
As the trails are melting out, Ksanka and I are returning to trail running as well. For now I’m only doing shorter runs around the neighborhood but at the current temperatures the surface will be bare soon.
Who knows, maybe winter will come back and dump some more snow! We definitely didn’t have the extreme temperatures of previous winters (never below -17C while previously we had it down to -30C).
With spring will come a return to longer trail runs, hikes on bare trails and bike rides as soon as the rail trail is cleared. Training will begin for a triathlon relay in June and a big hike in August … stay tuned!
Incredible photos!
Thanks Mona!