Sunday, December 15, 2013

With winds ranging from 50-70 km per hour, we decided to ski Mt Norquay today. Just a hunch but thought that it might be more sheltered from the gales. We were right! Had a fabulous day, starting on the grippy groomers, then trying out first Ka-Poof, where we found really soft, tightly spaced bumps, and next the "Big Chair".

Lone Pine Run at Mt Norquay
The Lone Pine was surprisingly good for the time of year and we managed a couple of exhilarating, thigh-toning descents before retiring to the lovely lodge for lunch.

Louise Hudson in new Rossignol JCC Jacket 
 (left) with Ken Read (right)
That's where we bumped into Mt Norquay's part-owner, Ken Read who was there for a morning's ski while his younger son trained with the Banff Alpine Racers. Ken, one of the legendary Crazy Canucks, is a multiple gold medal winner in both Olympic and World downhill racing. His older son, Erik Read is the reigning Canadian slalom champion and a strong contender for the 2014 Sochi squad. "Norquay's the place to ski on Christmas Day and Boxing Day," said Ken, who had just got back from World Cup action at Beaver Creek, Colorado. "It's always fantastic skiing at Norquay and the busy season doesn't start until after that."Anyone who arrives dressed as Santa (or Mrs Claus) gets a free ticket on Dec 25. It makes for a jolly seasonal atmosphere on the hill and a great way to offset the turkey-toll over the holidays.

View of Mt Norquay's Tube Park from the Lone Pine run
For more Mt Norquay info please go to: http://www.onetwoski.blogspot.ca/2013_10_01_archive.html