Everyone was up early. We were scheduled to meet our instructors, Dwight and Wendy, at 10am for our final lesson. None of us expected, or really wanted, a proper lesson with them, just a final chance to rip up the mountain with the people who, over the course of the 6 weeks, have become close friends. Before that though there was an hour of skiing to be had, and we were determined to make it count. As we were skiing, the silence was being punctured by the unmistakable sound of the patrol bombing both Lizard and Curry bowls. This is promising. We were all just praying that the sign lines would drop this morning. Our freeski was quickly over and we headed down to meet the instructors and Jenny who was ready with a camera for a final group photo.
One big happy Master The Mountain family!
Wendy, Ruben, Me and Leon
After a few runs Jenny was given the responsibility of taking us to a secret spot, which she excitedly did, exclaiming that she bets there's still first tracks in there. To her credit, she was right and as we dropped into the darkness of the trees, the whoops and hollers rang through the air and told the story of how much joy a little snow can truly bring.
Will jumped off the cat track into the deep pow at the bottom but paid the price when he had to swim out!
We lapped the T-Bar and headed up the Bear chair, at which point we heard that lower Lizard was open. We bolted over but in 5 minutes the whole place was trashed. I found a little bit to play in but we were too late for the good stuff. We met up at the Bear again and found Will had deserted the group in search of powder in Curry bowl. The rest of us followed suit and thanks to the lift priority for being in lesson, soon overtook him in the queue. Fortunately for him he is immune to public disgrace and quickly ducked the ropes and rejoined us at the front! We headed over to Cougar Glades and took it into Stag Leap, which was great fun. A bit choppy, but full of facials if you picked the right line. I think Leon had a sudden realisation that today was his last day (maybe) and smashed his line right down to the bottom at top speed!
We managed to get separated from James, Will and Ruben, who chose to try Easter bowl instead, and it definitely looks like they had the right idea.
Ruben in Easter. Not jealous at all!
We had our final Corner Pocket lunch and skied out the day in style, even managing to find a couple of runs we hadn't done before! I would never say 'I'm glad today is our last day' but it came as a big relief knowing that I didn't have to ski tomorrow, my legs were destroyed!
The MTM farewell party was held at the Old Nurses Home tonight, as a last chance to recount the amazing times we've had over the past 1 1/2 months with the amazing friends we've made. In true apres ski party fashion, Jenny brought some 80's ski wear over for us!
Matt, James and Will in 80's style
Fiona, Katie and Ness
That new Euro ski instructor gets all the girls!
Ruben and Mav Attwood - straight from the set of Aspen Extreme
Ness and Dave
Gav, Simon, Leon and Phil
James actually didn't dress up, these are his own clothes!
Katie. Pure filth!
My pants were TIGHT. Jean Claude Van Damme's got nothing on me!
Extreme measures for holding piggy Will back!
Will manned the barbeque and soon 20+ steaks had appeared on the table. The beers were distributed and we all settled down to watch some of the GoPro videos and photo slideshows that have been taken over our time here. Here are the ones I can get hold of:
Touring For Powder - Will
Ruben's first video
Ruben's second video
As the night passed we were presented with our Avalanche Safety Training level 1 certificates and our Nonstop hoodies, whilst we presented the instructors with their gratuities we had collected as a thank you. We took a final group photo and hugged goodbye to Wendy. I had a proud moment as she told me I was the most improved skier in the group!
Skiers
Snowboarders family portrait
As normally happens, people disband and the remaining group head to The Royal. Most people kept themselves topped up enough to stay suitably merry, but in his typical fashion, Leon kept knocking them back and was soon to be seen 'dancing' on the stage wearing Martins 80's jacket and shades! Honestly, we've come to expect nothing less. I can't forget James though, who was throwing the shapes like no other man can!
Leon. Nuff said.
The boys
And that was that. Fernie Master The Mountain 2012 was over. God i'm gonna miss this place.
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