Naturally Baldy - celebrating the outdoor environment since 1968

Ladies Dinner

2012-01-31T15:10:00.000-08:00

Chef Ryan will be preparing a special dinner for the Ladies on Sunday February 12th - the night before Ladies Day. Hmm Ryan's special meals two days in a row - sounds good. The tickets will go quickly for this dinner - sign up at the ticket office.

Ladies Day Monday February 6th is an opportunity for those who have extra accomodation and those who need it to get together.

BC Winter Games and Baldy Racers

2012-01-31T10:04:00.000-08:00

Baldy racers Nicholas and Nils recently qualified for the BC Winter Games, as well as Ben who has qualified as an alternate.

I had a little visit with some of the racers on Sunday. We talked about the late Ken Ozanne and his contribution to ski racing, and I showed them the memorial plaque on the tree near the start gate.

The racers were surprised to learn that Baldy had hosted the BC Winter Games - in 1985. The electronic timing that the racers were using up until last season, was one of the legacies to the ski club from those games.

With funds raised including those from last season's Spaghetti Dinner, the club now has a new timing system. The new one is wireless, and for training purposes, the racers can enter their code number at the top of the course, and check their own time at the bottom. Later, the coach can download the times from the day to have a look at the progress in numbers.

The Baldy Racers are a great bunch of kids, and their parents are involved with the program as well.
We can do our part to support the program by attending the fundraiser dinner on February 18th.

Cupcake Race

2012-01-31T09:49:00.000-08:00

For many years, the Baldy Racer parents have done a little extra when hosting other ski clubs. To make sure all the race bibs get turned in after the race, there is usually a Mom at the bottom collecting them, and handing out red licorice.

When it is time for the presentations, there are home baked cupcakes for all the racers. On Sunday February 5th, the local ski club is hosting a Nancy Greene Zone Race.

The other ski clubs refer to this event as the "Cupcake Race"

Of course there is more to it than cupcakes. Many parents help the coaches with course setting and preparations.

McKinney Road

2012-01-31T09:39:00.000-08:00

I made a quick trip to the valley after skiing yesterday. Argo night shift had a grader with scratcher blade winging back the snow banks. I thought there was a Mt. Baldy sign near the Shrike Hill turn off..........something blue and shiny in the freshly graded snow bank.

Catching Up

2012-01-30T23:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I let certain things pile up. Here is part of my to do list for this week.

Back Deck and Steps

Front Deck

The Barbeque

Sunshine and Blue Sky for Ladies Day

2012-01-30T10:36:00.001-08:00

Salad, Chicken Lasagne with Artichoke sauce, Cake and Ice Cream

Snow shoe Ladies pose at "Chix Dig It" Sign

Thanks to Hilary for the photos.

The Kids of Baldy

2012-01-29T15:40:00.000-08:00

Some of the Baldy kids at the end of a training day.

These characters will be among the table service staff at the Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser.

Sunday

2012-01-29T15:35:00.000-08:00

Not the best visibility up top today, but some great turns to be had.

Top of Sugarlump
Sheryl, Brad, Courtney and three of the grandchildren.
Missed you Morgan.

Ullr Naps

2012-01-28T23:53:00.000-08:00

Thanks Gary - a great video of having fun on the mountain while Ullr was napping at Christmas. Love the faces of the kids of Baldy.
If you were near Gary's go pro on the holidays, chances are you are in this video - Sheilagh, Vic, Dave, Dave, Ken, Jessica, Rob, Rich, ........

Have Fun Sayre

2012-01-28T23:16:00.000-08:00

Last day of work this season for instructor Sayre Potter. Off to France this week on a three month exchange. Have a great trip.

Pancake Breakfast

2012-01-28T23:14:00.000-08:00

Stop by the lodge at 8:15 in the morning to buy your breakfast ticket, and take advantage of the early loading of Eaglechair at 8:30. Breakfast served at the top of Eaglechair from 8:45 to 10:45.

So......................maybe just get that breakfast ticket, catch some turns in the fresh stuff, and stop for breakfast on the second run.....

Those who braved the weather had a great breakfast up top on Sunday

The lodge is rocking tonight with Long John Baldy - but all the people I saw were in dancing clothes - I guess they didn't know it was "Long Johns" night.

Just a hint - my first run will be Ponderosa.............and I want to try my new skis on groomers...............

Long Johns, Baldy

2012-01-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

Long John Baldy's second performance of the season is Saturday night, and the theme is...........Long Johns. If you think you are too tired to dance after a day of skiing, think again. MG, wife, mother, grandmother, skier, snow shoer, and dance teacher will be there to show you how it is done. M teaches dance in Australia, including belly dancing to help post op neurosurgery patients with their balance.

Put on your best long johns, and your dancing shoes, and try to keep up with MG.

Nancy Greene Fundraiser

2012-01-26T13:33:00.000-08:00

3rd Annual
Spaghetti Dinner
& Silent Auction Fundraiser

Details:

Saturday

February 18, 2012

6:00 pm

Mt. Baldy Lodge & Bar

This fundraiser is to support the Nancy Greene and the Kinder Ski Programs at Mt. Baldy. Our program is comprised of 25 talented and keen skiers aged 5-13 from the surrounding communities of Midway, Rock Creek, Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton, Summerland, Kelowna and the Lower Mainland. Funds raised go to toward improving the program for all of our young skiers.

We hope we can count on your support either by attending the event, donating an item to the silent auction or considering a corporate sponsorship.

To donate or for more information please call Tracey:

250-498-2486 or 250-689-0142 Email: tracelm@telus.net

SUPPORT YOUR MT. BALDY RACERS!

Adults: $17.00 Adult meal includes one glass of red or white
Kids 15 & Under: $10.00

Tickets Available from:

 Any Racer

 Mt. Baldy - Ticket
Office

 At the Door

Nancy Greene Ski League

Driveway

2012-01-26T10:32:00.001-08:00

If you happen to see the guy on the left, please ask him to clear my driveway for Saturday afternoon return.

Baldy, The Dog

2012-01-26T10:13:00.000-08:00

In the early days of Baldy, the Fairweather family pet was a St. Bernard, named "Baldy". He would lay in the snow outside the rental shop (the building now in the trees by the magic carpet). He was a gentle pet - his only downsides being his drool on your head in the back seat of the Jeepster Commando, and his attempts to rescue us in the family swimming pool.

Paula, Baldy and I - sitting on the roof of the Forestry Look Out Cabin, top of Baldy, May 1972

Cousins Denise and Karen with Baldy, Dec 1970

Me, Willi Tenning, Baldy, and Paula - North Bowl, May 1972

Norma, Baldy, Denise, Karen and Paula, Jeepster, 1972

On the Deck at the lodge April 1972, Alfred Gruhl, Marj Compeau, Traude Aspe

The Baldy Tee

2012-01-25T21:48:00.000-08:00

Top of Baldy Tee with cousin Paula (Fairweather), 1973
My jacket is a "Nancy Greene" Down Jacket
Barrecrafter poles, rear entry boots, and Rossi Strato 102's

More from Monday

2012-01-25T09:39:00.000-08:00

Sweep Time - Sugarlump

Road Builder Ken

Eleanor's Shovel Work

Canada's Greatest Know-It-All

2012-01-25T09:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.discoverychannel.ca/Showpage.aspx?sid=37462

Monday January 30th , 7:00pm Discovery Channel, Canada's Greatest Know-it-All.

Wayne Skuhala, Baldy snow sports instructor is a contestant. We tried to get the scoop from him last week, but he can't tell us anything about the taping.

Ladies Day

2012-01-24T21:39:00.000-08:00

Ladies Lunch

Snow Shoe Angel

On the Trail

Photos courtesy of Hilary

Bobble-Head Video

2012-01-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

I still have a lot to learn with the GoPro - in part of this it looks like the camera is mounted on a bobble head. this video is long - 12 minutes. I took a run down Jolly Jack and one on Dividend with a friend yesterday. The plan was to make a video to show his family members who haven't been to Baldy.
Will have to try another one when I have learned more with the camera.

If you want to watch only part of it, from 1:30 to just after 2:00, you can see the amount of snow that filled in overnight Sunday on the Jolly Jack snow road - a huge amount that has already been added to the snow road with snow-blower and shovel.

Monday - The Photo Says it All

2012-01-23T22:51:00.000-08:00

Absolutely Gorgeous Day

Another Look at a Great Video from Last Season

2012-01-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

The best videos are with the kids of Baldy - thanks to Nils (yellow helmet) for producing this one.

Ladies Day

2012-01-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

Ladies heading out on snow shoes after their morning coffee, muffin, and stretching.

Beautiful Morning

That is more than one week snow on my deck - I`ve only been shovelling my measuring area.

Arrggghhhh.........

2012-01-22T23:35:00.000-08:00

I've been fighting with the video editor for too long tonight. A few double takes on Saturday when Ken skied down to the lodge with his snow blower . Once again Ken and Eleanor put in some long hours widening the snow road on Jolly Jack. Matt likes machines with tracks - just had to try it out and shower us at the end.

note: Ken and Eleanor had been working for several hours when this video was shot.

Only on Baldy.........

2012-01-22T23:22:00.000-08:00

Heavy Snow

2012-01-22T15:34:00.000-08:00

I didn't talk to the weather Guru this afternoon, but we are getting heavy snowfall this afternoon that was not in the forecast I was looking at.

Meeting of the Minds. This trio was discussing moving some boundary ropes out farther as there is now enough snow to widen some of the perimeter trails.

Pancake Breakfast

2012-01-22T15:28:00.001-08:00

Check out the www.skibaldy.com for details of the pancake breakfast next Sunday, January 29th at the top of the eaglechair. The chair will be loading early.

Spaghetti Fundraiser

2012-01-22T15:27:00.000-08:00

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser committee met today and things are well underway for the event February 18th. One change to the posters - the children's rate has been extended to include 15 and under.

This is a great event - the best part for me is table service by the young racers themselves.

Pow Saturday

2012-01-21T15:45:00.000-08:00

Compared to Friday - more powder, better visibility, more comfortable temperature and no wind. Great skiing and we didn't track it all up. Monday is Ladies Day - Saturday is a family day - Glad the D,S, and T families made it safely from the coast in the freezing rain and blizzard conditions.

It snowed all night, which makes it difficult to keep up with the grooming. The groomer made three passes down Ponderosa earlier in the evening, but it was hard to notice with the fresh on top.

The former Baldy employees enjoying the powder today wouldn't let me take their photo. When you work at a ski area, it is tough to get runs in.

My photos today are fathers and sons - sorry Lincoln - Dad says he doesn't bring you when there is more than 15cms new.

Christian and Dad Ron here from White Rock

Good Job Sam to get your Dad, Matt out of the office for a few runs.

Thank you Fortis

2012-01-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Fortis for restoring power to my section of the village during the night. I went out at 1:00am, drove around to determine the extent of the outage, came in and went on dial-up to get the phone number to call it in..............then remembered I had recycled my old style phone.

Went back to bed knowing the snow plow operator would wake to no power. It came back on after 3:00 am.

Grooming, Old Style

2012-01-20T21:41:00.001-08:00

Nodwell, pulling a culvert roller

Ethel is Here

2012-01-20T16:24:00.000-08:00

Ethel is here with family from Kaslo. Stop and say hi if you see her at the edge of the ski run.

L-R Shae, Gail, and Ethel Jones

Those Were The Days

2012-01-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

As a small child I learned to ski on the "bunny hill" on Hedlund's ranch near Bridesville. A small community ski area operated by Borderline Ski Club. Uncle Paul Fairweather (Fairweather on Sugarlump) took me up the rope tow between his legs.

I had more formal ski lessons with Alfred Gruhl ( Gruhl's Pool), and my school principal Bill MacLeod (MacLeod on Sugarlump).

When I graduated to the "big hill", I wasn't tall enough to reach the rope, so had to wait for one of the "big kids" (teens) to go in front of me and hold the rope down.

Eventually the rope on the big hill was replaced with what is now the dormant McKinney T.

Was good to see Rod arriving today - one of the "big kids" who helped me on the rope tow.

Also delighted to see Steve, who appears on the Smith Family home movies riding the T bar at Borderline.

To you, perhaps, an unfamiliar face on Big Pow day. To me, familiar faces from my early ski days.

Great memories.

Baldy Racers Fund Raiser

2012-01-20T12:54:00.000-08:00

February 18th is the 3rd Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for the Baldy Racers. Guaranteed to be fun, and the wait staff is delightful. Dinner and silent auction, and a lot of fun.

Saturday

February 18, 2012

6:00 pm

Mt. Baldy Lodge & Bar

This fundraiser is to support the Nancy Greene and the KinderSki Programs at Mt. Baldy. Our program is comprised of 25 talented and keenskiers aged 5-13 from the surrounding communities of Midway, Rock Creek,Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton, Summerland, Kelowna and the Lower Mainland. Fundsraised go to toward improving the program for all of our young skiers.

We hope we can count on your support either by attending theevent, donating an item to the silent auction or considering a corporatesponsorship.

SUPPORTYOUR MT. BALDY RACERS!

Adults: $17.00

Kids 15 &Under: $10.00

TicketsAvailable from:

 Any Racer

 Mt. Baldy - Ticket Office

 At the Door

Nancy GreeneSki League

The sauce is under control - last year's event.

Pow

2012-01-20T12:48:00.000-08:00

Lots of people out there today - looks like the next storm is on it's way - the wind is blowing up top, and the visibility has been reduced up there. The Web Cam image at the bottom of the page has been out of focus since Monday afternoon. I'm guessing that when the last patroller out shut the door, the camera may have been jarred.

We are doing our best, but we won't be able to track it all up today - and if the forecast is correct, our tracks should be nicely filled in for tomorrow.

Hmmm, 644

2012-01-20T10:02:00.000-08:00

A total of 644 site visits in the last three days. Maybe 100 of you checking back 6 or more times?
When there is snow in the valley and at the coast, the site visits go up, but usually not quite this much.
You keep reading, I'll keep posting.

Safe Travels

2012-01-19T19:18:00.000-08:00

Friends came back to the mountain today from the coast. The drive not as bad as reported last night.
Windy, compact snow, and lack of sand on the Hope-Princeton.

Hoping our lower mainland powder lovers can get on the road before the freezing rain starts there tomorrow - then maybe we can help you get snowed in so you can stay until Tuesday.

Looks like the tracks will be filled in each night.

Big Pow Friday

2012-01-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

Looks like the temp will be closer to minus8C or so on Friday. There will be some awesome turns out there. Remember that our snowpack to date is much less than last year, and this dump could just cover some of the hazards that were out there last weekend.

I'll be sticking to Ponderosa, Maverick, and the sides of some other runs. The trees are still a little "iffy" for me.

The groomers will be awesome with the new stuff on top of what was already good on Monday.

Squeaky Snow

2012-01-18T22:56:00.000-08:00

Still dropping, minus18C now. Looking forward to the forecast warming for Friday. (minus10 is warm)
Sneeze dogs (Shih Tzu) didn't know what to do in the cold - they love the snow but tried not to have all their paws touching the snow when they went outside. No interest in playing outside tonight - just a quick trip out when they needed to.

Really squeaky under foot walking home.

Some day I'll set up a proper measuring spot out back. So far today 5cms settled new on the front deck, but there is more than that on the driveway since I cleared the driveway this morning.

I'll keep measuring in the same spot this week. I would rather under report than take the heat for over reporting. I think the Ski Corp updates are coming from my measurements mid week - Friday morning there will be an update to match the alpine weather station.

Earthquake

2012-01-18T13:17:00.000-08:00

A few moments of awakening - a sensation of the cabin shaking, and a thought that it was some kind of heavy equipment going by - then back to sleep.

Turns out it was an earthquake centered about 15km north east of Oliver - magnitude 2.7

http://seismescanada.rncan.gc.ca/recent_eq/2012/20120118.0709/location-eng.php

Visit Spike

2012-01-17T21:36:00.000-08:00

Snow in the valley and lower mainland - reason for highest site visits in 30 days?
209 hits Tuesday.

Forecast Update

2012-01-17T21:10:00.001-08:00

Forecast now showing significant for Friday and Saturday nights - so those of you who can only come weekends should get your freshies too.

Global BC

2012-01-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

Interesting story on Global BC tonight on head injury stats, and benefits of wearing helmets.

http://www.globalnews.ca/canada/health/5600plus+canadians+seriously+hurt+in+snow+sports+skiing+and+snowboarding+top+list/6442561071/story.html

Highest incidents of injuries in males, age 10 to 19.

A little Sun

2012-01-17T14:59:00.000-08:00

Videos

2012-01-17T14:46:00.000-08:00

Lots of helmet cams on the hill this year. Do you have a video to share? E-mail me the link to your You Tube account.

Do you have the new Go Pro Hero 2? There have been some bugs found in the "firmware", and there is a download available to fix it. I've got mine upgraded and will start using it again.

Road Trip

2012-01-17T14:44:00.000-08:00

Happy with my studded Trailcutters. Easy drive to town in the winter wonderland, and my Tacoma easily pulled a full size Ford out of ditch. I didn't try to pull the loaded logging truck.

How many guys and pieces of equipment does it take to get a stuck logging truck moving? A lot more than the number of patrollers you can sandwich in to the top lift station with Mike................

Sorry, you had to be there.

What we've been waiting for..........

2012-01-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

Can't really see the airborn flakes, but there are a lot of them.

It's coming down big time. Big dry fluffy flakes, and lots of them. With the temp at minus12C this morning, it is very light, with lots of air as it lands. My settled measurement on the deck this morning is only 10cms, but I'm sure if I had cleared the measuring area more than once, the total would be more. It is coming down much heavier than it was last night. I will update again this evening.

More Ladies Day

2012-01-16T15:54:00.000-08:00

Ladies Day isn't my thing - I usually ski with the husbands. I do love the food, and seeing old friends. Many of the ladies participating are not regular weekend visitors to the mountain.

Chef Ryan plating - piping mashed potatoes.

The ladies have weekly door prizes, and there are "Baldy Babe" bandanas presented each week. I learned today that there is a fine for not wearing your bandana every week. This week Marian, former tail guide and now leader of the Snowshoe, had a change of bandana. Her "snail" bandana was replaced with a "Captain" one.

I was delighted to see Rose today - we go back along way - Rose and husband Dave were patrollers at Baldy. After a career with the Royal Bank, Rose was presented with a bandana in TD colours.

Ladies Lunch

2012-01-16T15:42:00.000-08:00

I missed the salad photo - they were already consumed when I arrived. I had some leftover meat and potatoes, delicious.

Maddison stretches out after two days of snowshoeing.

Maddison

Monday

2012-01-16T15:30:00.000-08:00

Cold, but good skiing today. We had a couple of visitors from California - they were on a road trip of points north to ski, as their home area is without snow. Sounds like they had a good day.

Some Crystal Mountain management and staff here today too.

Ladies Day was well attended, and another awesome meal - thanks Ryan for the leftovers - delicious.
More on Ladies Day in another post.

Nice to end my day on a Dividend run home, with the snow clouds moving in.

Yahoo - Thank-You Groomer John!

2012-01-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

We have our Dividend and Powderkeg Back!! We've had a good start to the season considering the amount of snow we've had to date. John and Will have done their best with the cats - both operating them, and fixing them. The conditions were right last night, and John tackled Dividend and Powerkeg with much better results than anticipated. There was enough snow to build the Powderkeg crossover, and both runs were great skiing today. The Dividend looked to be at least 5 passes wide.

Add some new snow this week, and we'll be having some long awaited turns on corduroy on the Keg and Divy next weekend.

I know there are many of you who will be as pleased as I am with this news. I won't push my luck yet and mention Ponderosa to management and staff, but if they read it here, they won't forget about it.

Baldy Racers We Are Proud of You

2012-01-16T10:55:00.000-08:00

Baldy's Nancy Greene Racing Program is about fun, friends, ski improvement and ski racing. The younger racers were on the hill with Coaches Gary and Yanni-Lou on Sunday.

As the racers get older, the time committment and travel increase. Our K racers skied very well at Sun Peaks this weekend, including two 10 year olds who have just moved up to K level racing. A great effort and strong results for our K1's with Coach Warren.

Our K2 racer, Ella is training with the Apex team this winter. She also had a strong weekend at Sun Peaks. I am happy for Ella to have the opportunity to do something she enjoys, but I miss her smiling face next door every weekend.

Silken, on the BC Provincial Women's Team, also did well at Nakiska this weekend.

For Coach Warren's recap and photos, check out the Baldy Racers Blog - link on the sidebar.

Pic of the Day

2012-01-16T10:38:00.001-08:00

The Ski Corp has someone out and about with a camera, and there have been a number of cool "Pics of the Day " this week. Check it out.

Liking the Forecast

2012-01-15T20:55:00.000-08:00

I like it when the forecast updates increase the amount of snow expected.

Sunday

2012-01-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

It was chilly, but a good day of skiing. It was a meet the neighbours day in the lodge.....those of us who usually ski home at lunch and the end of the day were going in to the lodge for extra warm up time.

It was also Baldy Babies day on the mountain. Maddison went snow shoeing with Mom and Dad, Cienna hung out in the snow sports center with Dad so Mom could finally put on her board for some runs.

Morgan's grandparents were skiing yesterday, so I'm guessing they told Morgan to stay home today and keep warm.

I can just picture Lincoln skiing with the girls in a few more years. Beware Rick, Kyle and Tony.

Cienna on the work bench for lunch.

Baldy Racers

2012-01-14T15:52:00.000-08:00

Our Baldy K racers are competing at Sun Peaks this weekend. I just checked some preliminary results on the BC Alpine Website - looks like our racers skied well. You can check the Baldy Racers blog ( link on the side bar) for updates from Coach Warren.

Enjoy yourselves racers, but come home soon, it is a little boring around here without you for entertainment.

Oops, visit 40,000 was me.....

2012-01-14T15:46:00.000-08:00

Doing some computer work this week and I guess I deleted the "cookie" that tells site meter not to track my visits to the blog. So, as luck would have it, I was visitor 40,000.

The Bench

2012-01-14T15:16:00.000-08:00

The bench at the top of Sugarlump went for a little slide this afternoon. They didn't tell me how it got down the slope, but apparently it is a lot more work getting it back up the hill.

Saturday Skiing

2012-01-14T15:09:00.000-08:00

It wasn't great weather wise today, but I skied 3 1/2 hours without a break. I really did. Part of that was not wanting to go up the Eagle to go home for lunch, and part of that was skiing with different people who went in at different times. It also means that the new ski boots are warm.

More Saturday

2012-01-14T09:59:00.001-08:00

Cloudy this morning, and the webcams at the top aren't very enticing, but check out the stunning photo on "Pic of the Day" on www.skibaldy.com.

4:00 update - of course the visibility improves at 4:00pm

Instructor and Discovery Channel Contestant

2012-01-13T22:00:00.000-08:00

http://oliverdailynews.com/know-it-all-in-oliver/#comments

Check out the link above to Oliver Daily News.Baldy Ski School Instructor Wayne Skuhala is one of only two contestants from BC in the Discovery Channel's new feature - Know It All.

Saturday the 14th

2012-01-13T21:09:00.001-08:00

Saturday is the day the sun should start to disappear, and the blog will roll over to 40,000 hits.

More on Ladies Day

2012-01-11T13:09:00.000-08:00

I had an enthusiastic report from one of the Ladies today. Another feature is the door prize. The Corbetts have supplied an Aloette gift bag for the weekly door prizes, and there are a limited number of Margaret Giltraps's quilted items to be drawn for as well. About 40 women yesterday. Nine of them new, the rest regulars happy to be back.

Ladies Day is every Monday - starts with coffee and fresh baked goods, the ski lesson or snowshoe trek, followed by the lunch, beverage and dessert.

Ladies Day

2012-01-10T21:34:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Ryan, it sounds like you passed the test with the Ladies on Monday. Lots of compliments. Looks like a good time was had by all. Thanks to Andi Zack for the photos. Andi is living in Nashville, writing and performing, and has recently started producing music videos. I saw one that was filmed entirely on her DSLR.

It was another Baldy reunion thing - Andi came from Nashville to Oliver to visit family, and to Baldy to visit with a high school friend now living in Australia.

Ladies Day - It's all about the food.

Tuesday Morning

2012-01-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

Sun coming in the front window - dark clouds showing out the side window. Sorry I didn't clear my measuring area yesterday - but I'm guessing a couple of cms during the night. Will check later with the official stick in Weather Guru's driveway. Minus 10C this morning. Some gusty winds in the village.
Looks like the site visits will click over 40,000 in the next day or so.

What a Beautiful Day

2012-01-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

Sunshine, best corduroy of the year so far, and I skied the morning with a family led by a cheerful 5 year old wanting to get the most out of her last day skiing before going home to Australia. Claire is not pleased with how often I pull out the camera, so I'll have to get her permission to post a photo from this morning.

We are above the clouds, conditions are good - school kids, ladies day skiing and snowshoeing - the youngest in the Ladies Day group was less than a year old in a back pack, and a seeing eye dog brought up the rear making sure everyone got in on time for lunch.

Waiting to hear the reports on Chef Ryan's challenge.

Sunday Afternoon

2012-01-08T16:38:00.000-08:00

Baldy is the Place to be Today

2012-01-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

It must be kids day or something - there are little people every where. And I mean younger and smaller than the gang of Baldy Racers training today.

Lots of silky stuff out there in the trees not enough powder hounds to track it all up today - saving some for Kyle. Lots of fun on the soft corduroy too.

The sun has gone now, but the visibility is fine, and I'm going back out for some more.

Adding Up

2012-01-07T19:53:00.001-08:00

More than 6cms settled so far, and still coming down.

Baldy Racers

2012-01-07T16:05:00.000-08:00

Baldy racers are competing at Sun Peaks next weekend. Pictured below are some of the racers and parents with Coach Yanni-Lou. Coach Warren was at the bottom of the course.

It's Snowing

2012-01-07T16:01:00.000-08:00

It started snowing late this morning, and we have already exceeded the 2cm forecast. The fresh stuff on the top made for a great afternoon, following the Canucks win over Boston. You could have done both - watch the end of the game in the lodge, and ski the afternoon.

It is coming down heavily now - we'll see how long it lasts, but looks like another great day coming up tomorrow. minus7C at 4:00pm.

Jolly Jack Volunteers

2012-01-06T17:41:00.000-08:00

Thank-you Ken and Eleanor for your time this week shovelling the start of the snow road across the Jolly Jack Traverse. Ken says they modified their approach this year and accomplished in 20 man hours what took 40 last year. They have an innovative plan to widen the road as we get more snow.

They found layers that show the pattern of our early snowfall this year. At the bottom, where we had 3 feet of light stuff during very cold temperatures, there is now a baseless layer of "sugar". Next up is a thick more solid layer from the nine inches of wet slop we got next. The newer snow is soft on top.

This explains how we can stay on top and enjoy the ungroomed, and why the cats sink in some areas.

Looking forward to the next snowfall. Skiing was great off piste today.

The start of the Jolly Jack Snow road on the traverse.

Thank-you Eleanor and Ken

Thursday Night

2012-01-05T20:13:00.000-08:00

More lights in the village tonight, a few snowflakes in the air, and the sound of a grooming machine outside.

In the cabin behind me are a group of students on a French class outing. Would love to be a fly on the wall as they prepared dinner, settled in and go snowshoeing tomorrow, all without speaking English.

Jolly Jack

2012-01-05T20:06:00.000-08:00

Two volunteers have been working on the Jolly Jack traverse this week - with shovels. This section of the run needs a fair bit of snow on it before a snowcat can build a road across. Many thanks for your hard work - I'll be up there in the morning with the camera and have a look.

Ladies Day

2012-01-02T22:02:00.000-08:00

The very popular Ladies Day Monday starts next week - January 9th. The pressure is on for Chef Ryan.
Chef Andrew set the bar pretty high on the ladies day food last year - Ryan was warned when he was hired that his biggest challenge will be Ladies Day.

Osoyoos Ladies - yes Margaret is back from Australia.

Have you noticed??

2012-01-02T21:57:00.000-08:00

Patrol had some sign issues after the wind the other night. Have you noticed the change of names??
Burn Baby Burn has the Chix Dig It sign, and the Chix Dig It sign is on Burn Baby Burn.

South Ridge sign survived being run over by the cat.

I've offered my metal detector to help find the "Rockstar" sign next weekend.

Holiday Wind-up

2012-01-02T21:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks Swan - can always count on you for a smile.

Hey Mom - I think Mike is getting tired of me taking photos of him.

Adam's first day on Eaglechair

Adam - ""Halloween Trees"

Oh no! Not that camera again.

Got Me

2012-01-01T14:57:00.000-08:00

I prefer to stay behind the lens, but Matt and Kevin "helped" me pose for the camera yesterday.

New Year

2011-12-31T23:27:00.000-08:00

Well, so much for the New Year's photos - the memory card was still plugged in to my laptop from this afternoon. A little chilly for the outdoor stuff - sledding, bonfire, torch light parade and fireworks.
I've been here a long time, and this was the best torch light parade and fireworks that I can recall.

Great kids party and activities, and a good crowd dancing to Long John Baldy.

Happy Birthday and Happy New Year

2011-12-31T18:35:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to the brother who is Baldy's real New Year's baby, Ken H. Happy New Year to Everyone.

Great Day

2011-12-31T16:33:00.000-08:00

Today was what Baldy is all about - families. Kids everywhere. I lost count of the young ones on the magic carpet - the conveyor was almost full, and there was a steady stream of little pizza turns coming down the hill. And of course the cheering section of Moms, Dads, and grandparents by the bench at the bottom.

The snow we got almost 48 hours ago has helped tremdously - Sugarlump is great, and some good skiing off the Eagle. The Eagle is a bit of a challenge yet for the groomers - the early snow we had this year fell when it was very cold, and the consistency was like sugar. As the operators attempt to increase the groomed areas, there are still soft spots that don't support the weight of the cat.

Lots of excitement for the Kids New Year's party starting at 5:30 tonight, and the Adult party and dancing to Long John Baldy at 9:00pm.

Afternoon Ski Class at top of Magic Carpet - including my cousin's grandson Ben, and my friend Sam

Beautiful Day Out There for New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T11:44:00.000-08:00

A little cooler at minus8C, sun, blue sky, some clouds. My current favourite weather site suggests that there should be a few flakes falling as we ring in the New Year.

I'm still having some issues with the data entry on the ski corp's site - the 23cms we both reported on Friday has mysteriously changed.

New Year's Eve

2011-12-30T16:34:00.000-08:00

It all happens tomorrow. Kids New Years, Torchlight Parade, Dancing to the one and only "Long John Baldy" at 9:00. Info on all the activities on the Ski Corp website www.skibaldy.com .
Get your tickets at the lodge office, and make sure you have a place to stay on the mountain.

Powder in the forecast for New Years Day.

Some Friday Shots

2011-12-30T14:38:00.000-08:00

Only one member of this family group lives in Canada. The others visiting from Australia.

This afternoon on South Ridge Trail.

With Maya, Caragh and Jessica tracking up Burn Baby Burn

Observations

2011-12-30T11:35:00.001-08:00

This week's spam attempts on the blog are from Bolivia and Turkey.

The photo at the top of the blog was taken Dec,28th a year ago. Need a little more snow to catch up to last year.

Pow Friday

2011-12-30T10:45:00.000-08:00

At last a decent overnight snowfall. The Ski Corp has posted 23cms - pretty close to the measurement on my deck. The sun is shining, the photo ops are plentiful, and of course I picked the wrong day to sleep in.

There is lots of good skiing out there. Sugarlump is great. I will continue to be cautious on the Eaglechair. It looks great, but there are still some hidden hazards under the fluffy stuff.

I wear a helmet, or "Brain Bucket". I wish more people used helmets.There is affordable protection available. I grew up in the hand knit toque era, and the cars didn't have seat belts when I was little either. That doesn't stop me from using a helmet.

OMW's Knee

2011-12-29T16:06:00.000-08:00

OMW did a number on her knee today - not the one with the brace, the other one. If you are out for a walk, stop by the cabin and say hi.

Skiing the Eagle

2011-12-29T15:09:00.000-08:00

Nice to have the Eaglechair turning today. Limited grooming, and caution is advised. Clouded over now at 3:00pm, and snow in the forecast for tonight.

Snowing

2011-12-28T20:59:00.001-08:00

Eaglechair opens tomorrow, and it is snowing again tonight.
minus1C

More from Today

2011-12-28T18:05:00.000-08:00

Jack

So Jimmy - the long flight from Ontario, or the busy times with the cousins wearing you out?

Young Racers

2011-12-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

Silken, member of the BC Alpine Ski Team took some time today to coach Agatka, Ben and Nils of the Baldy racers.

As the Eagle Turns

2011-12-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

The plan is to have Eaglechair turning at 9:30 am tomorrow. I went up with the patrol today and will have photos to post later. I assume that not all of the terrain will be open the first day.

Last night's snow with today's mild temperatures helped.

Expecting more snow as the week progresses.

Looking Good

2011-12-28T10:11:00.000-08:00

I like it when I wake up to snow unloading from the roof. The ski corp is reporting 10cms new. That is fairly accurate for a settled amount of new this morning. I recorded more as it was falling last night.

It is a little milder today, and the sun is shining. So...........great skiing for Sugarlump, and real visibility up top for management and staff to assess the situation up top. I see snow cat tracks heading up this morning.

Will keep you posted, but in the meantime, enjoy a great day on Sugarlump.

Fresh Stuff for the Morning

2011-12-27T22:27:00.001-08:00

Happy to see the snow fall tonight. Welcome home to Baldy - Samantha, Chris and family. I hope you can keep up to Claire tomorrow.

Start Saving Now Tony

2011-12-27T16:24:00.000-08:00

Claire loves skiing. Start saving now Tony, Claire won't let you wait another 10 years before you come back to Baldy again.

Snowing!!! At Last!!!

2011-12-26T13:01:00.001-08:00

I didn't like the sunrise this morning, but at last it is snowing! Come on up for the afternoon.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T21:39:00.000-08:00

A fun Christmas Eve Day - didn't get a lot of runs in - lots of visiting - next generation skiers - it is like a family reunion. Lunch with Lincoln.

Yes Morgan, the lady with the camera again - I've known your Mom since she was five.

Hey Ryan - I've known your Dad since he was 14. I'm glad your family came back to Baldy for Christmas. A long trip from Moss Vale.

Ditto Brendan about your Dad - Glad you came to Pippi's cabin for Christmas.

How's this for a cool sled - I'm going to Frisbee Golf with my Mom.

Mom - why does that lady always take so many pictures of me.

Santa with Nicole

Cool Dad - I'd like a sled like this.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

No sunrise this morning - looks like Santa is setting up to deliver the white stuff. As I type, it has just started to snow. temp minus4C

Breakfast with Santa this morning 8:30-10:30, and ride the Sugarlump with Santa 11:00 to Noon.

Have a Merry Christmas.

Breakfast and Riding with Santa

2011-12-23T17:23:00.000-08:00

Be sure to stop by the lodge in the morning to see the big guy in red - tell him all you want for Christmas is more snow!!

After breakfast, Santa should be out on the slopes for awhile.

Be good, and ask for snow!!

Blog Hits

2011-12-22T22:49:00.001-08:00

Still getting lots of blog hits from Australia. If you listen closely, many of our regular followers from down under are at Baldy for the holidays. Welcome home.