I had been thinking about this trip for a few weeks. Combining a trip to 2 of the most extreme mountains in North America (Revelstoke - most vertical in NA and Kicking Horse). The snow forecast came up some with nice some red numbers so we got a few friends from the Blue Mountain Lodge and headed off before dawn on Saturday morning. First stop was Kicking Horse approx 150km from Banff. For stats on Kicking Horse see our blog from Dec 2010.
Driving into Golden the first view of Kicking Horse.
Beautiful blue bird day, you can see all the Kicking Horse runs on the front side of the mountian carved through the trees.
All smiles, after getting on the Gondola and 12cms of fresh champagne powder overnight. At Kicking Horse there were 8 of us (4 Aussies and 4 Danes). From the left Thomas, Anders, Anders X 2 and Tom.
The other side of the Gondola, Kate, Shannon, Sean and Martin (feeling slightly unwell).
When we arrived there was a cowboy western theme and were interested to find out there was competition called "Wrangle the Chute". The competition gave a really good atmosphere while waiting for the Stairway to Heaven lift, music pumping and skiers and boarders dropping down a crazy chute before hitting a giant kicker and landing in the presentation area.
A skier doing a front flip with a few twists for good measure. There were 3 parts to the competition - Aerial, Chute and Aerial and Mechanical Bull Riding.
Shannon, Thomas and Kate on "My Blue Heaven" run coming down from the Stairway to Heaven chair.
A skier looking over the edge on CPR Ridge before dropping in. We followed him in.
What The? We didn't stay here.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Revelstoke BC
Highest vertical drop in North America.
VERTICAL: 1,713 metres (5620 feet)
SKIABLE ACREAGE: 3031 acres of fall line skiing, high alpine bowls, 13 areas of gladed terrain and phenomenal groomed terrain
ELEVATION:
* Top - 2,225 metres (7,300 feet)
* Base - 512 metres (1,680 feet)
LONGEST RUN: The Last Spike 15.2 km (9.5 miles)
Kate, Shannon, Katie, Tom and Sean, very cold in the kitchen.
Kate and Leea carrying out final preparations for the soup.
Snake Bites, mmm.
Shannon, Sabine and Kate
By mid afternoon the Danes had woken up and joined us playing cards.
When we arrived there was a cowboy western theme and were interested to find out there was competition called "Wrangle the Chute". The competition gave a really good atmosphere while waiting for the Stairway to Heaven lift, music pumping and skiers and boarders dropping down a crazy chute before hitting a giant kicker and landing in the presentation area.
A skier doing a front flip with a few twists for good measure. There were 3 parts to the competition - Aerial, Chute and Aerial and Mechanical Bull Riding.
Shannon, Thomas and Kate on "My Blue Heaven" run coming down from the Stairway to Heaven chair.
A skier looking over the edge on CPR Ridge before dropping in. We followed him in.
What The? We didn't stay here.
Looking up at the top of the North American Chair. It has amazing views of Banff from the top and some super steep black diamonds. We have video from the top that we will add later.
Lake Minnewanka panorama
Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive panorama
I think this one ended up being the public choice winner. We were there on Saturday afternoon, with the competition concluding Sunday evening.
Who is watching from the clouds?!
How cute is this little guy? With his little socks and snowy mouth.
Ice Bar, anyone thirsty?
Nice fire to keep you warm while at the ice bar.
One of my faves.
