Winter Sports — cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Last week we went cross-country skiing at Callaghan Valley and the next weekend we went snowshoeing. Yuki had suggested nordic skiing a while back and there happened to be a groupon for half-off so we jumped at the chance.
The Callaghan Valley is a pretty awesome place. It was the location of the nordic events for the winter olympics so there’s quite a lot of terrain to ski on and the Olympic rings are still there. In the beginning we happened to take a wrong turn and ended up on a blue run that went on quite a loop. Half a chocolate bar for energy later and we reached a lookout and then had lunch in the lodge.
We were pretty tired after a few hours of skiing but I insisted that we go out for another hour. We went to the green zone that we had originally been aiming for that is quite easy. There’s some nice gentle loops and it is beside the biathlon so we got to see some kids racing.
This weekend we went out snowshoeing near Whistler. I was intending on hiking up to the Cheakamus River suspension bridge, having visited it several years ago with Mom, but we got off to a rather turned-around start. Parking just off the highway, we followed a paved bike path and came upon a steep road leading up into the trees. I realized we were off course, but the footprints in the snow were inviting so we started hiking up.
The weather was marvellous and the snow covered trees impressive. A number of people had been along this path before us so it was well compacted and we didn’t need snowshoes. I decided to use them anyways. The road climbed the valley side up to a reservoir and from that we followed signs for a Highline trail. Shortly afterwards we began crossing creeks and there were no more footprints.
Yuki slipped a boot into one of the creeks and with a wet foot she soldiered on. It was really nice to be making our own trail and we eventually came to a marsh, which covered in snow looked awesome.
Yuki made it about halfway without snowshoes tramping through the snow until we came across a small lake blocking our path. To get around this obstacle we went cross country underneath the cliff and through the forrest, crossing another stream to get back on track.
Near the lake we fell into a bunch of holes. Yuki fell into two waist deep holes and I had to dig her out of one.
After some 4+ km of hiking we hit a stupid viewpoint that had no view because the trees were in the way and then descended into the valley to get to the suspension bridge. If we had followed the river trail to the bridge, it would only have taken 1–1.5hrs instead of the 3 we took. It would have been boring compact snow where we probably wouldn’t have needed snowshoes. In fact, after a snack break at the bridge we started our return and soon found that it was easier to walk without snowshoes on because the trail was so well travelled. We’re really glad that we found an un travelled path and had the world to ourselves. This was true snowshoeing where snowshoes were actually needed. It was freedom and a great workout.
The trail in the woods was less interesting than the service road so we took the open road back. Along the way we passed a couple heading up on snowmobiles and that look like it would be really fun. I hope one day we can try that out.
The awesome weekend ended with donairs in Norther Vancouver and then we went to see the new Star Wars movie. It was awesome in every way possible and I was so relieved that Yuki liked it :)
Lastly, as a side note, I’m on the Heron Hall blog! http://www.heronhall.com/?p=3207. Check it out!
