Spring has Sprung at Sunshine Village

Lookout Mountain and Goat's Eye in the background

Spring has finally arrived in the Rocky Mountains. We have had the chance to get out a few times in the last couple of weeks to enjoy the great conditions.

Just this past week we spent Mother's Day on the hill. We had an amazing blue bird sky, temperatures around 0^oC, snow that softened up as the day went on, but never became slushy.

Skiing the Dive

We're very lucky to ski at a hill that runs such a long season. While there are a number of great hills in the area near us, we call Sunshine Village Ski Resort home. This is a hill that offers wonderfully variable terrain for all ability levels. Sunshine offers a kiddy zone with a magic carpet for the little ones just starting out. There is also a day care for the little ones not yet on skis. Sunshine offers an entire chair (Strawberry chair) that services a great grouping of green runs – perfect for the beginner of any age. All other chairs offer a range of terrain, from green runs to blacks and double blacks. I have skied here with friends that stick to greens, while we head off for some tree runs and then meet at the chair no problem. It's really easy to accommodate all ability levels within a group and ensures that everyone is having fun.

Sunshine also has a number of distinct regions with in the hill. There's the main are, where the lodge, hotel and other building are, but there is also Goat's Eye. This area has great terrain, including the South Chutes, which are a super fun double black are to play in. A little open bowl and little tree skiing. Amazingly fun area! Beyond this they have two controlled areas that can only be accessed if you have PEEPs, shovels and probes. These are Delirium Dive and WildWest. I've not had the chance to ski WildWest, but I can tell you that the Dive is beyond fun. There are a few drop in points, all giving you access to superb skiing. Wide open bowls the whole way. There is a risk of avalanche, but they to control for it, unfortunately not like they can within the resort proper. So only enter with the required gear and if you know how to use it.

Chris and I in the Dive a few years ago

Outside of skiing they have a wonderful hotel. We stayed there for our wedding – yes, we got married at Sunshine. Words can express what a fantastic job they did with our wedding. They were very accommodating and went out of their way to ensure that we had a marvellous day. Chris even skied the day of the wedding. And we both hit first chair the next day. The hotel has undergone some renovations in recent years and is super nice. Prices often include lift pass as well and there are great mid-week deal to be found. A great place for a little get away.

There is not much to do up there during the evening, but they do have amazing food, a bar and a breath taking hot tub available. So if you desire world class skiing and quiet evenings, you will love the vibe at Sunshine.

All in all, we are super happy to have this as our home hill and never get tired of the terrain that it offers up. Check it out if you ever get the chance, you wont be sorry.  

Hello my dear friend... Spring!

I can’t get enough of the bright orb in the sky. Yep, the sun is shining and the temperatures are climbing – finally. And with that comes a time of year that skiers love and hate – Spring Skiing. With the change in temperatures, snow changes as well. This means you need to make a few changes to your ski routine and style.

A first to making spring skiing successful is taking care of your skin. Remember that the sun is more intense with each day. Add altitude and reflection off the snow and you have a recipe for nasty sunburns. It's time for sunblock. Lather up your face before you start the day and be spared the teasing around the water cooler tomorrow.

Another consideration is the reflection and what it can do to your eyes. Be sure to wear a goggle that has the proper tint or a pair of sunglasses. Anyone who's had snow blindness can tell you it's not fun – trust me.

Now that you've cared for you body a bit, take the time to care for your skis. Get a proper tune-up to account for the needed sharp edges on your skis and the altered snow conditions. The changing snow means that you might need to change up the wax as well. Talk to you local shop to find out what they are advising.

And now hit the snow... But not too early. With the sun warming the snow during the day and then temperatures dropping over night, spring snow can get quite hard. So you want the sun to be out for a bit to start softening the snow before you head out. This is not really a time of the year to make the first chair. Give the day a chance to get started.

At the other end of this, skiing hard late into the day is not where it's at either. With the sun warming the snow during the day the snow changes consistency and can get very soft, even soupy at times. It's spring time, time to relax, enjoy the sun and not push the extremes at either end of the day.

A good rule of thumb to go by is to follow the sun. If you ski the areas where the sun is shining then they are the softer areas. Areas where the sun has not hit or has hit and moved on from tend to be harder and potentially icy. So gauge the runs you are looking at and plan your day and ski style accordingly.

A few tips for when you are heading down the run. Let your skis run a bit. Really working the edges is only going to tire you in this heavier, spring snow. But if you've timed the day well and the snow has started to soften the skis will grip the snow well and you will carve some of the best turns of the year.

Also try to pick a line that hits some new snow that has not been skied. At least work at avoiding the larger piles of snow. These can really bounce you around or pull a ski in a direction you were not expecting. The smaller piles will be easy to slice through, but avoid the larger ones. Heavy spring snow can quickly toss surprises your way, so be aware and keep your eyes downhill for the next obstacle.

Now get out there and have some spring time fun!