Here we go!

Today is the day. I've been waiting for this moment for almost a year now, and finally as i sit in traffic trying to get onto the M1 to London Heathrow, everything is real. I'm about to embark upon a 6 week off piste ski course in Fernie Alpine Resort, in an attempt to be able to ski the backcountry with the steeze that i can only currently dream about.

Once in the air the flight became a blur of slightly above average films, on board meals/snacks, declaration forms and plently of drinks. After numerous questions about why on earth we're coming to Canada to go skiing for 6 weeks, the holiday can finally begin. Or so i thought... As everyone's bags came piling out of the conveyor, 10 minutes later, i was the only one left still gazing hopefully at the chute. Panic set in, but alas, just as i was about to give up hope, out it popped, riding solo. After collecting my skis, we headed out to the arrivals lounge where we were greeted by 'Nonstop Emily', one of the Banff hosts, who was there to tell us some good news and some bad news.

Bad news first: We can't get to Fernie tonight. What?!?! Apparently Crowsnest Pass was closed due to visibility and snow issues. Our hearts sank, until she explained the reason why. Which brings me to the good news. In 24hrs Fernie Alpine Resort had recieved over 75cms of lovely fresh snow, with no sign of letting up... wow. The thought of all the first tracks waiting for us brought the excitement back and made us even mode desperate to get onto the hill.

Dinner was catered for by Earls across the street from our motel, which would have been a simple task, had the temperature outside not been -30 degrees C!!! I have never experienced such an extreme cold before, and even with thermals, ski jackets, hat and gloves i still felt incredibly underdressed! Midnight hour and time for some long awaited shut eye, praying for some good news in the morning...