snow

Winter in BC 2015/16 - Mt Seymour by Jenn Chan

The sun was shining as we wound our way up the Seymour Mountain Parkway. The snow seemed to double with each switchback up the mountainside and my excitement grew in turn. 

On the way up to Mt Seymour

On the way up to Mt Seymour

Lots of snow

Lots of snow

Sunset at Mt Seymour

Sunset at Mt Seymour

I pulled up to children laughing and a bustle of activity; a small swarm of pre-teens swirled by nipping at the heels of their ski instructor and a group of seniors cheerfully chatting and tucking their skis away into their station wagon after an early day on the mountain.

Beautiful Blue Bird day

Beautiful Blue Bird day

Heading up the Chairlift

Heading up the Chairlift

Sunset on Mt Seymour

Sunset on Mt Seymour

Skiers heading down a run

Skiers heading down a run

Sunset on the Chairlift
Beautiful views of Northshore Mountains

Beautiful views of Northshore Mountains

Boarders heading up the chairlift

Boarders heading up the chairlift

Mount Seymour Sunset
Sunset on Mt Seymour
Mount Seymour
A boarder enjoying the view before heading down

A boarder enjoying the view before heading down

Riding high above the city

Riding high above the city

 

 

Even after the sun went down the enthusiasm amongst the Seymour faithful did not die down noticeably.  To say Seymour is family friendly would be an understatement!  There was ample terrain for the novice through expert riders and enough surprises to make the day fun for the Olympian or armchair quarterback.

Nighttime on Mount Seymour
Nighttime on Mount Seymour

 

Thank you for having us up Mount Seymour! Happy Family Day weekend everyone! 

photos: Jenn Chan Photography
words: Scott Allan


WINTER IN BC 2015/16 - WHISTLER by Jenn Chan

Happy Pride Weekend up at Whistler!  My weekend was filled with fun, adventure, and relaxation - sounds pretty perfect to me! 

Whistler was named the best ski resort on Earth by Ultratravel for 2015 - 2016; Earth. The 30 year old bible of snow sports, Ski Magazine, named it best in North America and it takes all of 10 minutes to see why! With over 110 different runs you would have to go once a day, every day, forever, to learn them all by name. Even the charming Australian Lifties will scratch their head if you ask by name, "what does it look like?" they'll reply. The terrain is so diverse, the snow, especially in the alpine areas, so fluffy and inviting and the energy of the mountain so uplifting you will wish they stayed open past 3 PM so you could soak it in a all day and night. 

Whistler Village

Whistler Village

Blackcomb Mountain

Blackcomb Mountain

Fitzsimmons Chairlift

Fitzsimmons Chairlift

Looking down from the Chairlift towards Whistler Village

Looking down from the Chairlift towards Whistler Village

Lots of Skiers & Snowboarders came out for some fun on the mountains!

Chairlift Lineup at Whistler
Roundhouse Lodge & Peak2Peak at the top of Whistler Mountain

Roundhouse Lodge & Peak2Peak at the top of Whistler Mountain

Statue
Getting ready to hop down the Mountain

Getting ready to hop down the Mountain

 

The Peak 2 Peak is a 4.4 KM long Gondola that connects Whistler & Blackcomb mountain.  It's the longest and highest lift in the world with breathtaking views.  The Peak 2 Peak Gondola isn't only built for the skiers & snowboarders, but also for sightseers in the winter and summer. There is 1 cabin every 49 seconds, and takes about 11 minutes to travel from one mountain to the other.

Peak 2 Peak Station

Peak 2 Peak Station

Gondola through the fog & snow

Gondola through the fog & snow

Snowing heavily on the Peak 2 Peak ride through the valley

Snowing heavily on the Peak 2 Peak ride through the valley

Rendezvous Lodge at the top of Blackcomb Mountain proudly adorning a Pride flag

Rendezvous Lodge at the top of Blackcomb Mountain proudly adorning a Pride flag

White-out at Blackcomb Mountain

White-out at Blackcomb Mountain

A snack hut brings many Whiskey Jacks close, hoping to dive in for a snack.

Whiskey Jack 

Whiskey Jack 

Whiskey Jack Bird Feeding

 

When night falls, the vibe of the village changes, and transforms into a vibrant town filled with party-goers. 

Speaking of night... Even before the accolades for terrain and ski conditions were raining, sorry snowing, down on Whistler it was ranked, and high, in nearly every ski and snowboard publication on Earth for après ski activities. As soon as the sun goes down the music goes up and the sleepy town filled with charming shops gets a little bit Vegas - In a good way! Free community events, this past weekend Whistler's Gay Pride festivities, light up the public squares, bars and pubs glow with light and the action is taken indoors (when it's not also on many pubs' massive, heated, snow-licked patios).

Overlooking the hot tubs & pool at Cascade Lodge, looking towards the Village.  The little light spots at the top of the photo are Mountain Groomers heading up and down the runs.

Overlooking the hot tubs & pool at Cascade Lodge, looking towards the Village.  The little light spots at the top of the photo are Mountain Groomers heading up and down the runs.

Christmas lights are up in Whistler - creating a fewtiv

Christmas lights are up in Whistler - creating a fewtiv

After a night of partying, there's no better way to recuperate than to go up to the famous Scandinave Spa for a day of relaxing in their baths & massages.

Welcome to the Scandinave Spa

Welcome to the Scandinave Spa

Tranquil trail leading to the Scandinave Spa

Tranquil trail leading to the Scandinave Spa

Blending in with Nature

Blending in with Nature

Thanks for having us, Whistler! It was fun to play outside for the weekend for a mini-getaway! Happy Golden Anniversary, Whistler - Here's to another 50 years!

 

words: Scott Allan
photos: Jenn Chan Photography