Snowboarding
The 2008-2009 Season: May She Rest In Peace
I hope referring to the season as “she” does not offend anyone. I write this post with a rather heavy heart, but it seems that only a miracle will allow me to snowboard here in Ontario again this season. I headed out to Blue Mountain last week (solo again). and by the end of the day, I knew the end was nigh.
The weather was warm and beautiful but conditions were pretty terrible. I didn’t mind the corn snow at all, in fact I found it fast and forgiving. But there were massive moguls and bumps all over the place, thus making it impossible to gain any speed. The lift areas also looked like kiddie pools, which really didn’t help. After only two hours, I called it quits and headed back to Toronto.
Perhaps I can still drive to Mount Tremblant; I haven’t checked conditions there. There is also the possibility of boarding this summer. I can’t see South America happening given the financials, but I might look into working at a summer snowboarding camp.
I do wish I could have logged more days, that’s for certain. We’ll call that THE BAD.
However, I made a lot of progess in terms of my skills and abilities. I also found a kick ass board. We can call that THE GOOD.
Conditions on my last day out at Blue Mountain: THE UGLY.
I do realize that GOOD and BAD are out of order, but I am committed to this post now.
I hope you can still get out there somehow. If you do, let us know what you find.
Cheers.
Discussion
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It’s always so bittersweet… once you know that the season’s winding down, you’re on what could very well be your last trip of the season, and by the end of the day when you’re on your last run, you think about all the trails and terrain and wonder if it could’ve been any better.
One last run, to rule them all..
Every year on that ‘last run,’ I get a sort of pang in my stomach, hoping to find one last powder stash or kicker to sum up the season. For better or worse, it’s always anti-climactic, and it’s not until maybe a couple of weeks later that it all settles in – another season has passed.
I’m fairly determined to get out to S.America this August/September. Last year, I half-heartedly tried to whip up a trip to Chile, but it just didn’t work out. This year, out of sentiment for two of my better seasons in a row, I’d like to make the wait a mere five months instead of nine. But as always, time will tell. To quote a snowboard movie, “It’s Always Snowing Somewhere.”
With that, here’s to the next storm to chase..
Sorry to hear about your bad & ugly times at Blue, Josh. I went up to Blue for my last runs of the season early last Friday (Mar. 27). Conditions were BEEYOUTIFUL! Parked at the top of the hill and got out on the corduroy before the lifts started (at 8:30 am). Blue sky, temps a few degrees below freezing – the hill was immaculately groomed. Those first tracks on my last day were among the best runs of the season. I stayed ’til noon and conditions got better as temps climbed above zero with lots of sunshine. The corn snow was deep and fast. I could only stay until noon, but was thankful to have finished off the season on a high note. Most frustrating part is that I’ve advanced quite a bit during my last few outings, so it’s hard to stop now.
…Here’s to next season!
Still going pretty strong out west. See treepilot.ca for 100 cm plus in Waterton Park. In Calgary, we were green by this time last year, but I still have 60 cm of snow in my yard. COP is closing anyway; too bad. As per usual Nakiska benefits from the spring dumps whereas Sunshine and Louise do not. Still, 7 weeks more of spring riding in the mountains.
You need to move.
So I guess from here on it turns to cycling?
Nooooooooooooooooooo…..
Tom B., I am working on moving out west in the next few years.
Allie, I am as bummed as you are. I mean, cycling?! Adam in spandex?! Scary.