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1st Annual Columbia Valley

Winter Guide

Photo by Ryan Bavin (www.bavinphotography.ca)

2 ~ Columbia Valley Winter Guide • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Winter wonderland Snow-filled activities for everyone

New to the valley or just visiting? The Columbia Valley is brimming with winter recreation opportunities that are available to the whole family. For any of the activities listed below, take the time to understand the risks of each activity, and make sure you have the proper safety equipment and training before you go play. Here is but a selection of the endless snow-filled adventures the valley has to offer: CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING This popular pastime is a great way to see the fantastic Columbia Valley countryside under your own steam.

Up near Edgewater is the Baptiste Lake Trail System, offering 16 kilometres of trails in gently rolling terrain for a $4 daily fee. If you’re based in Radium, Radium Resort sets around three kilometres of classic ski tracks around the golf course, accessed via the parking lot adjacent to the main Resort Lodge. The Greywolf Nordic Centre at Panorama Mountain Village has more than 20 kilometres of trails, snowshoe and ski rentals and a waxing hut. There’s also a warming hut on the Delphine loop. If flat terrain is more your thing, then be sure to visit the Invermere Whiteway, a 15-kilometre groomed loop around Lake Windermere, with tracks for crosscountry, skate-skiing and ice skating.

DOWNHILL SKIING Turn to page 6 for an update on the valley’s fabulous downhill skiing facilities.

SNOWSHOEING Modern day snowshoeing is a popular part of winter exercise routines, often used by runners and hikers who want to stay active in the colder months and enjoy the fresh air and gorgeous mountain scenery. Ski resorts make good starting point for snowshoers with Panorama Mountain Village and Kicking Horse Mountain Village offering guided treks for all ability levels. The ski hill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is another good option.

The world really is your oyster once you strap a pair of snowshoes on. To find your feet, rent some snowshoes in

Invermere and try some of the paths around town. Other good trips are the Johnson Trails near Lake Lillian, and the Greenways Trail system at Dry Gulch.

SNOWMOBILING With its moderate to extreme mountain terrain, light dry snow and eye-popping scenery, the Columbia Valley is a mecca for snowmobilers at every level. First, drop by the nearest Visitor Centre for a map of the local trails, avalanche risk areas and off-limit zones.

Rocky Point Creek near Brisco is a steep and challenging six-kilometre trail that gains over 900 metres in elevation. Mid-valley, The Forster Creek route near Radium Hot Springs offers advanced-level riding through alpine meadows to the scenic Thunderwater and Whirlpool Lakes. Just south of Invermere, the Brewer Creek trail offers moderate alpine riding alongside the creek to open meadows and Mineral/Brewer Pass. Less explored but no less beautiful is the McDonald Creek route. Further south, near Canal Flats, the Doctor Creek route offers moderate to advanced riding along an abandoned mining road.

SKI TOURING The beautiful valley backcountry is awe-inspiring with its frosted peaks, deep powder snow and peaceful solitude. Knowledge is power when it comes to backcountry exploration and ski touring should not be attempted without first checking at the closest Visitor Centre for current snow conditions and avalanche warnings. Backcountry experience, or a knowledgeable guide, is essential and proper safety equipment including transceivers must always be carried. In the central Columbia Valley, backcountry lodges can be found to the east of Radium Hot Springs. Towards the valley’s southern end there are backcountry cabins less than an hour west of Canal Flats and a single hut to the northwest of Kimberley. Many backcountry lodges can only be accessed by helicopter and require pre-booking.

ICE FISHING One of the most popular winter activities on Lake Windermere and other fishing hot-spots, ice fishing is a great way to spend an afternoon. Each year, ice fishing enthusiasts set up their fishing shacks as soon as the

ice is thick enough. Each January, an ice fishing derby is held on Lake Windermere, when local fishermen compete for the biggest catch.

CURLING The Columbia Valley is brimming with curling enthusiasts. The Invermere Curling Club curls out of their Invermere rink (across from the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena), and has programs for both serious and beginner curlers, young and old. The curling club hosts one of the area’s most popular and lively winter events, the two-day Bonspiel on the Lake. The Bonspiel is an outdoor affair, where curlers compete on sheets of ice smoothed from Lake Windermere’s ice. This year’s event runs from January 20th-21st.

ICE SKATING The Columbia Valley boasts both indoor and outdoor skating. For the indoor crowd, there are pubic skating hours as well as specific programs at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena (see opposite page for details). Further south, Canal Flats also has an indoor arena.

For skating under the stars, there’s no better place than the Whiteway on Lake Windermere, where a plowed track for walking and skating runs alongside the groomed cross-country trail system. There are also a number of cleared outdoor rinks on Lake Windermere for playing shimmy or practising your triple-salchow.

The towns of Radium and Edgewater also have outdoor public rinks available for skating.

HELISKIING For those looking for the ultimate skiing experience, R.K. Heliskiing near Panorama Mountain Village, and Canadian Mountain Holidays both offer great helicopter skiing packages for either day or week-long trips. Be warned: once you have a taste of deep, heliaccessed powder, you’ll be snow spoiled for life!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Columbia Valley Winter Guide ~ 3

November 25, 2011

Arenas: Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena Invermere, 502 13th Street - 250-342-6712 Friday: Adult Public Skating (Ages 19 and up) 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Parents and Tots Skating (Preschool) 12 – 12:45 p.m.

Sunday: Family Public Skating 5:45 – 6:45 p.m.

Canal Flats Arena Canal Flats, 4925 Burns Avenue - 250-349-5617 • Skate sharpening available $3.00 for youth and $5.00 for adults • Please call before attending public skating or shinny Monday: Public Skating: 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.

Youth Shinny: 4:45 – 6 p.m.

Adult Shinny: 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Public Skating: 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.

Youth Shinny: 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: Public Skating: 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Sunday: Public Skating: 2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Youth Shinny: 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Adult Shinny: 4:45 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Invermere District Curling Club Located across from the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena - 250-342-3315

Bonspiels: Bonspiel on the Lake - January 20th, 21st and 22nd Ladies’ Bonspiel - February 3rd, 4th and 5th Men’s Bonspiel - February 17th, 18th and 19th

outdoor facilities: Radium Hot Springs’ outdoor skating rink: Open for public use once frozen.

Lake Windermere Whiteway: The Whiteway is a 15 kilometre groomed track that runs all the way around Lake Windermere, connecting the towns of Invermere and Windermere. There are tracks for classic cross-country skiers, a groomed skate skiing track, and a cleared ice-skating track.

The Whiteway has three official entry points onto the ice: Kinsmen beach in Invermere, the Invermere Bay Condos and Windermere Beach. Each entry point has a large timber frame sign providing user guidelines, maps, information about Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, and a donation box.

For more information visit www.tobycreeknordic.ca/ lake-windermere-whiteway.

resorts: Panorama Mountain Village www.panoramaresort.com - 250-342-6941 Skiing and Snowboarding: December 9th - April 15th 2012 Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

resorts: Radium Hot Springs Pools - 250-347-9485 For more information visit www.pc.gc.ca/voyagetravel/sources-springs/index/radium/radium.aspx October 11th – May 17th Sunday – Thursday: Noon – 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: Noon – 10 p.m.

Christmas hours: December 25th: Noon to 11 p.m.

December 26th - January 7th: daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

January 8th: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Cool Pool: October 11th - May 17th Friday: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 9 p.m.

December 25th: CLOSED December 26th - January 7th: Noon to 10 p.m.

January 8th: Noon to 9 p.m.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort:

www.fairmonthotsprings.com - 250-345-6000 Hot Springs Pool Information Until December 15th: Open daily 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Night Swim is from 7:30 – 9 p.m. during this time. $5.50 per person.

December 16th - January 1st, 2012: Open daily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Night Swim is from 9 p.m.

– 10 p.m. during this time. $5.50 per person.

Ice Rink Free public skating at the ice rink.

The rink has lights and is located in the tennis courts at the front of the Lodge.

Ski Area Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Area opens on December 16th.

• $5 drop-in or spare fees • $20 for all sessions of the Junior Program

RK Heliski: December 10th - late April 2012. Daily tours available.

Tuesday: Afternoon drop-in practice and Sturling (two person team game using sticks to shoot the rock): 2 – 4 p.m.

Snow Tubing: December 22nd - April 15th 2012 Open every day, 2 - 9 p.m.

Wednesday: Junior Curling (ages 9-13): 3:30 – 5 p.m. Instruction included.

Tobogganing: December 22nd - April 15th 2012 Open every day, 4:30 - 9 p.m.

Nipika is an eco resort in the Canadian Rockies beside Kootenay National Park, offering cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on groomed trails.

Thursday: Fun Mixed League. Starts at 7 p.m., second draw starts at 8:30 p.m.

Toby Creek Adventures Snowmobile Tours: December - April. Daily tours available.

54 kilometres of groomed ski trails are open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, from mid-December to mid-March.

Greywolf Nordic Centre: December 17th - late March 2012.

Cross-country ski and snowshoe equipment is available to rent at the resort.

Snowshoeing: December - April 2012.

sTrail use is $11.40 for adults and $5.60 for children under the age of 12.

Friday: High School Curling (ages 12-18): 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Evening drop-in – 7 – 9 p.m. Adults and children welcome.

Nipika Mountain Resort: www.nipika.com - 1-877-647-4525

4 ~ Columbia Valley Winter Guide • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Winter Historical Lens

2011/12 Ski Season Monita Gauvin, B.C. and Alberta Registered; and Lyn Birkett, Alberta Registered, at the Radium Resort, Radium, B.C. Phone: 250-347-9311 • 250-341-5668

W

e have changed our food offering this year and are providing a combination of Aprés ski, A La Carte and Fine Dining to all our guests. All the new menus can be found on our web site under Greys Restaurant. www.earlgreylodge.com

RISING SUN MASSAGE

The Aprés Ski menu is available from 4:00 pm before our set dining evenings on Monday (fondue), Friday and Saturday (fine dining).

The a la carte menu is available from 4:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday including children’s menu.

Monday Night 3 course fondue $55.00 adult $29.95 child.

Friday and Saturday 5 course fine dining $79.95

•New Year’s Eve • Evening Party 9:30 pm – 1:00 am • Dinner $99.00 per person + taxes 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm Hors d’oeuvres and midnight • Dinner and party $109.00 + taxes 6:00pm - 1:00 am toast $30.00, join us to • Arrival from 6:00pm, seating @ 6:30 pm celebrate the New Year

To buy tickets or make a reservation please contact us 250-341-3641 • info@earlgreylodge.com

250-341-3641 • www.earlgreylodge.com

A professional blend of techniques, this includes trigger points to clear your mind and body of built up tensions. We will send you away feeling Relaxed, Released and Rejuvenated.

½ Hour .................................................... $45.00 ¾ Hour ..................................................... $60.00 1 Hour...................................................... $75.00 1 ½ Hours ............................................. $105.00 Come 30 minutes early and enjoy the new facilities including a new hot tub.

RADIANT HOT STONE MASSAGE

Thermal transfer of heat into meridians from ancient geological stones combined with fine oils and a soothing massage.

One Hour .................................................. $85.00

SUN SHOWER & RAINDROPS

Delicate aromatherapy oil assimilation treatment and gentle massage - Beneficial to all physiologies.

One Hour .................................................. $85.00 ANCIENT ART OF REFLEXOLOGY

Ancient modus of stimulating nerves and circulation AND opening meridians of anatomical function and health.

One Hour .................................................. $60.00 WAKING SUN FACIALS

Renewal – A warm steam with a facial massage, cleanse exfoliation, natural mask, toner and hydrating cream.

Facial ........................................................ $85.00 ESSENTIAL SUN PEDICURE

Pedicures are the essential foundation of good health. Includes paraffin wax and your own mini bottle of OPI polish.

Pedicure ................................................... $70.00

Call the Resort to book directly • Open 7 days a week 9am until 7pm www.radiumresort.com • email risingsunbc@telus.net

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Columbia Valley Winter Guide ~ 5

November 25, 2011

Premium Childcare Outdoors 250-341-8070 info@skinanny.ca www.skinanny.ca

Warm your walls with art this winter.

On Display at the Best Western Invermere Inn.

Stop by the Invermere Inn for some Hot chocolate.

Quality Canvas Art for Sale

Winter through the ages

We are a local business!

Many years before the Whiteway was drawing people onto Lake Windermere for winter recreation, those living in the valley have been enjoying the ice fishing, skating and sledding opportunities in their back yard. Pictured, left to right from opposite page: a mixed hockey group gets their skate on near Windermere in 1911; Bev Harris teaches ice fishing skills to a youngster on Lake Windermere; two members of the Pitt family ride by sleigh across the frozen waters in 1935.

Photos (A596, A957 and A1075) courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Follow us on…

Rentals

Hockey and women’s skates Hockey sticks & helmets Snowshoes and poles Cross-country skis

We also sell Cross-country Ski and Snowshoe Packages at great prices.

Main Street, Invermere

250-342-0402

@PioneerNewsTip

Smoking Water Coffee Company is under new ownership and looking forward to bringing you the following events:

DECEMBER 8TH: Fairmont Evening Shopping from 4 to 8 p.m.

Tired after shopping? Come on in for wine and appetizers or one of our warm specialty coffees.

DECEMBER 11TH: 4th annual Santa in Fairmont from 12 - 3.

Kids get to visit with Santa and have pictures taken for $10.

Musicians, Christmas carol sing along, wagon rides, cookie decorating, and more.

JANUARY 22ND: Annual Fire/Ice Celebration Pancake Breakfast.

JANUARY – APRIL: One Sunday afternoon per month from 3-6 apres ski. In-house artists showing their beautiful work.

Myth: One big ad will make a big impression.

Reality: The same money invested in a regular series of small ads will yield bigger results. Call Kathy at 250-341-6299 to find out more.

SMOKING WATER COFFEE COMPANY

Pioneer Newspaper

MARCH: Celtic band from Nova Scotia.

JANUARY – APRIL: Once a month on Saturday evenings we will have theme dinners. Call for more info!

N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • Email: info@cv-pioneer.com

We are also offering in-house and off-site catering services. Fully licensed and ready to serve you. Please call or stop by with any inquiries on our upcoming events and offerings.

4895 Hot Springs Road • 250-345-4008

6 ~ Columbia Valley Winter Guide • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Panorama Mountain Village Panorama Mountain Village has undergone a string of upgrades for the 2011/12 winter season including a brand new snow tube park and four themed festivals between January and April.

Opening December 22nd, Panorama’s snow tube park will have three lanes for sliding enthusiasts to blast down on air-filled rubber tubes. The lanes range from mild to wild and are located steps from slopeside accommodation, with easy access via the Red Carpet conveyor lift.

“The snow tube park adds to our ever expanding set attractions available for families,” said Jamie Hurschler, Marketing Coordinator for Panorama. “All the new features are really going to make the experience at Panorama special. Not only do we have world class skiing and a fantastic village, but we also have an exciting array of activities to keep families entertained while off the slopes.”

After tripling the size of their night skiing area last winter and increasing the number of gladed tree runs, this year the resort was looking to extend the range of activities and evening events on offer.

The first new festival, the Mountain Snowflake Festival, will take place from January 21st-22nd, followed by the Mountain Mardi Gras, from February 25th-26th. The Western-themed Mountain Stampede

will run from March 17th-18th and to wrap up the season, Panorama’s Mountain Spring Carnival will run from April 7th to 8th.

Themed dining, family activities and nightlife will be on offer at each of the festivals.

“We are really excited about the four festivals and the variety of activities for different age groups,” Mr. Hurschler explained. “Younger guests can take part in carnival style games throughout the day, while teens will love the evening rail jam, and parents can take in live music as they enjoy a themed culinary menu.”

Freestyle riders are also well served for the winter months with the Rockstar Terrain Park’s permanent skier and boarder cross track. Newly-extended for 2011/12 the banked track runs from the top of the park and leads skiers and snowboarders to the medium and large features in the lower half.

Other enhancements to the mountain include trail widening on Stumbock’s, a step fall line run, plus added glading and pruning in Taynton Bowl. The Pine Inn has also been redecorated and refurbished with new carpets, beds and updated bathrooms.

Panorama Mountain Village opens on December 9th. For more information about the resort, or to buy season passes, visit www.panoramaresort.com, or call 250-342-6941 or 1-800-663-2929 (toll-free).

Photo by Panorama Mountain Village

Fairmont Resort Ski Hill

Photo by Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

If you’re looking for a mellow place to practise your turns without breaking the bank, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Hill has some new offerings for adults and kids alike for the upcoming snow season.

One of the resort’s brand-new additions is a border and skier cross track, suitable for beginners and up to practise their turns, along with new snowmaking guns and additional fun features for kids in the magic carpetaccessed beginner area.

“To go along with our beginner-novice freestyle park we have installed a new boarder and skier cross on the Easyrider run,” said Marion Garden, Fairmont Resort’s Marketing Manager. “Excavating work was done on the green slope building a permanent boarder/skier cross track for the up-and-comers to get their start on.”

The terrain park, which was widened last season to double its original width, has a selection of rails and jumps suitable for all ability levels, from terrain park aficionados to freestyle novices.

As a lower altitude hill, snowmaking is an important consideration for Fairmont, and the resort has been working for the last three years to enable them to offer the highest quality of snow to guests.

Six new snowmaking guns and a new wireless control system at the ski hill mean two to three times more

snow can be produced per gun this winter than in previous years, while using half the energy.

“Aquafina has come through for us again continuing to sponsor our SnowPlanet learning centre,” Ms. Garden added. “Building on the magic carpet lift investment of two years ago, we introduced our child-friendly, interplanetary alien-themed SnowPlanet area last season. This was hugely successful in encouraging young children to get out on the slopes and have fun learning new skills.

“More characters and fun features like tunnels and arches have been added to the SnowPlanet, along with some earth work and shaping of the kid’s area over the summer.”

In addition to the range of new on-mountain features, the popular Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks will make a return on December 24th.

Ticket prices have been held over from last season, reflecting the ongoing effects of the recession, with free, same-day access to the resort’s mineral hot pools included in the cost. The resort also has a special H2O Snow Card on offer until December 24th. For $89 for adults, $69 for youth or seniors or $49 for children, you can have three days of skiing, plus free hot springs entry.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Hill opens on December 16th. For more information about the resort, or to buy ski hill passes, visit www.fairmonthotsprings.com, or call 250-345-6000 or 1-800-663-4979 (toll-free).

November 25, 2011

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Columbia Valley Winter Guide ~ 7

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Skiers and snowboarders from novice to expert will find themselves well-catered to at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort this winter, with a brand-new learning centre for novices, increased access to the Feuz Bowl ski area, and additional grooming for those who love to cruise the corduroy.

A new 500-metre traverse trail has been constructed on Redemption Ridge providing a groomed entrance to the spectacular scenery and advanced terrain of the powder-filled Feuz Bowl. From this traverse trail, the groomers at Kicking Horse will be exploring additional grooming options on the south facing Crystal Bowl side of Redemption Ridge. This new project will help provide fresh grooming options from the top of the Stairway to Heaven Chair into two alpine bowls, great news for those who enjoy the cruisers.

“The Redemption Ridge access trail includes new groomed access to terrain perfect for intermediate skiers,” said Steve Paccagnan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

“The improvements for winter 2011/12 continue to demonstrate our commitment to improving the overall mountain accessibility for all ability levels of skiers and riders.”

The biggest change for the upcoming season is the new learning centre near the base of the mountain, a

dedicated beginner and novice area.

The magic carpet lift has been relocated and extensive slope work undertaken near the resort plaza, providing the smooth, gentle terrain needed when getting to grips with skis or a board.

The location, close to the ski school meeting place and rental shop, should also help to speed up the process of getting geared up and onto the slopes.

“Our new learning area in the plaza will provide a comfortable slope for first timers, in a centralized location, close to all the plaza services,” Mr. Paccagnan added.

In addition to the on-snow upgrades, Kicking Horse also has a choice of activities for those who want to do more than just hit the slopes, with snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, telemark and cross-country skiing available at the resort.

Christmas and New Year’s will be celebrated in style with Ski with Santa taking place on December 17th and 18th and Christmas at Kicking Horse from the 24th to the 27th. Ski and snowboard demos, ski mountaineering races, freeride contests, and more are on offer throughout the winter.

Kicking Horse Resort opens on December 16th.

For more information about the resort, or to buy season passes, visit www.kickinghorseresort.com, or call 1-866-754-5425.

Photo by Andrew Mirabito

Local business provides childcare on skis

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff If you’re stuck for what to do with the little ones this winter while you hit the slopes, a unique local business could give you a helping hand. Ski Nanny, the brainchild of former ski instructor Susi Rieger, offers a gentle introduction to a range of snow sports for children aged two and up. Through guided play, Susi provides a safe, encouraging environment to help kids get to grips with skis, snowshoes or skates, while having plenty of fun along the way.

“Most important is to create a good time,” Susi said.

“People can book me for an hour or two to ski with their three or four year old, or a group can book me for a week so that all their kids can ski together and have fun, even though they may not ski to the same level.”

Working anywhere in the Columbia Valley or further afield, Susi will meet with clients at their preferred location and provide childcare services for the day, or as long as required.

Those wanting their children to ski can send them out solo or in groups with Susi, who will explore the mountain with them, playing skill-building games along the way.

But non-skiers are not left out, Susi will plan a funfilled day of gondola rides, snow angels, snowball fights and warming hot chocolate breaks.

“I aways loved to ski and started skiing myself before the age of three,” Susi explained. “It was the greatest gift my parents gave me … I get a lot of joy out of being a part of that experience for kids and seeing the smiles on their faces.”

Susi began teaching skiing back home in Austria, before spending several winter seasons instructing skiing and running a kids and teens camp in the United States.

She first came to the Columbia Valley in 2008 to work for the ski school at Panorama Mountain Village.

After several friends suggested that she turn her enjoyment of winter sports and working with children into a business, Susi created Ski Nanny last winter.

“It is better for parents as well as for kids,” she said. “Doing things right from the start is always the best way and I can SKI NANNY — Local ski enthusiast Susi Rieger is offering a full range of tell parents how their kids are skiing, which winter childcare services with her Ski Nanny business. Pictured, left to right: runs we went down, if there’s anything to Bennett, Susi, Helen (crouching) and Shelby.

Photo submitted work on ... These are not ski lessons, but ski hills. “Anything outdoors” is her remit, including ice there is an educational element. They are learning about safety, to look up the hill before starting, how to skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, nature walks and more. To learn more about Ski Nanny visit www. ride a lift, etc. All of this helps build their confidence.”

But Susi’s educational adventures are not limited to skinanny.ca, or call 250-341-8070.

8 ~ Columbia Valley Winter Guide • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Baby, it’s cold outside Photo tips for winter weather

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff The arrival of winter flurries can cause some photographers to shelve their cameras in wait of bright spring colours and warmer weather. Deep-freeze conditions outdoors can certainly prove challenging for photography, but they should serve as a source for creative inspiration, not a cause for sending your camera into hibernation.

For those who can cope with cooler temperatures, the perfect storm of winter weather conditions can result in stunning images: slanted morning sunlight makes perfect backlighting for delicate flakes clinging to tree branches, steam rising from open water creates ethereal photo effects, and windswept snow scenes captured at the right moment look otherworldly.

Here are a few tips to think about before you wade through snowdrifts with your camera, so you can capture the most impressive frosty photos feasible.

Wrap your gear in warm woolies Think of your camera and its batteries and flash as you would your fingers and toes. Just like your extremities, camera parts and batteries slow down and become less effective in cold temperatures. Combat this by keeping your gear cozy before you shoot. It’s a good idea to keep a spare battery stored in a pocket close to your body so you can swap it with a sluggish, cold battery if need be. Also consider carrying your camera inside your jacket while you wait for the perfect light, pulling it out only when you need to shoot. In extra-cold temperatures, pack along portable hand-warmers that can alternate spreading some warm lovin’ to both your fingers and camera parts — both need to be working properly for the perfect shot.

Avoid a “whoops!” moment Attach a trail of fluorescent flagging tape to tiny pieces of equipment to prevent a string of expletives from escaping your mouth as you watch your memory card of award-winning images drop into an abyss of snow. Store any bits and pieces you might pull out of your camera bag in a highly-visible way, just in case your cold fingers fail you: lens filters and caps, memory card cases, battery packs, and your tripod head.

Black-and-white might be right What winter sometimes lacks in lush colour, it makes up for in great shadows and light patterns, which are ideal for black-and-white photography. If you’re not getting the colour photos you’re looking for, switch your brain over to thinking in grayscale. Pay special attention to contrasts in light; silhouettes (of which there are many in winter, when most trees and plants shed their leaves); how the wind sculpts snow into tantalizing curves; and

SNOW OCEAN — Winter images, like this stunner from Invermere photographer Ryan Bavin, are in reach of anyone willing to put up with more challenging photography conditions.

Photo by Ryan Bavin (www.bavinphotography.ca) dark objects, like a stand of trees, positioned against snowy light backgrounds. Thinking outside of the realm of colour can help you become a better photographer with a more well-rounded understanding of exposure and light.

Use lazy hours to your advantage Those who have a hard time crawling out of bed early enough to catch summer sunrises have no excuse in the winter. The sun rises an average of three hours later during winter months, and sets at least three hours sooner, meaning the most beautiful lighting moments of the day are available to even the most sluggish sleeper. The low angle of early morning and evening light produces soft, even lighting and long, languid shadows, which make for warm, full-bodied photographs. The clear skies that bring crisp winter temperatures can also create perfect alpenglow — a blue, purple, red, or orange-tinted sky — that no photographer should miss.

Keep your camera dry If it’s really snowing, you want to make sure no moisture reaches the most precious parts of your camera.

Your camera is basically a durable computer; it can only take so much before its electronic parts fizzle.

Protect your camera from the snow by investing in a clear plastic camera rain cover, which usually has drawstrings or elastic at all the right parts for a snug fit. Or, make Red Green proud and build your own with plastic bags and strips of duct tape.

Most importantly, when you’re finished shooting and head back indoors, let your camera warm up as slowly as possible to avoid condensation buildup. Wrap it in a sealed plastic bag before you go inside, and leave it to warm up in a place that isn’t next to a heater, like a cool windowsill. This will protect both your lens and inner camera parts from moisture, so you can continue to shoot amazing photos all winter long.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Columbia Valley Winter Guide ~ 9

November 25, 2011

Kitching keeps the Whiteway clear

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff He may not have the jacket Homer Simpson wore on the famous “Mr. Plow” episode, but Windermere resident Brad Kitching has been keeping the Lake Windermere Whiteway clear for skaters and cross country skiers since it began.

Heading into his third winter, Mr. Kitching is not only excited to get back on his plow, but he is also looking forward to working with the Invermere Business Committee as they move forward with expansion plans for the popular Lake Windermere trail system.

Mr. Kitching moved to the valley 15 years ago, after working as the Sports Director for Chateau Lake Louise for eight years. When he’s not out on Lake Windermere, he washes windows, manages Indian Beach Estates and makes stunning art pieces through his business, Twisted Metal.

Before the Whiteway was established, he used to plow areas of the lake for the exclusive use of his Indian Beach Estate clients, but when he was approached by the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club to expand his plowing efforts to the 15-plus kilometre Whiteway, he agreed.

It takes Mr. Kitching about nine hours to completely clear the Whiteway and set fresh cross-country ski tracks after a snowfall. He uses an older model Toyota truck with a blade on the front to move the snow, and a snowmobile with a towbehind track setter for the cross-country portion of the trail.

At the beginning of the season, he spends three full days checking the ice in a number of spots to confirm that he has at least a foot of good ice before he brings his truck out on it.

“I don’t want to be that idiot who falls through. I start doing the testing around mid December, but this year it might happen earlier. I’m already skating on the lake at my place and with the cold weather we’ve been having the ice thickens about an inch a day,” said Mr. Kitching.

Spending his post-snowfall days on the Whiteway is a great way to make a living, he said. He burns through audio books like hot cakes, and gets to be the first one out on the lake making tracks.

“I generally start at the crack of ten. I like to lay the cross-country track down in the late afternoon so it sets up overnight and the next day it’s great,” he said. “As a rule of thumb the cross-country skiing is better the next day after a snowfall.”

The users of the Whiteway are generally very welcoming when they see Mr. Kitching’s truck zipping across the ice.

The public is pretty good at policing the trail as well, he said, as motorized vehicles that go on the trail not only damage the skating surface but obliterate the crosscountry ski tracks as well.

So if you see Mr. Kitching’s red Toyota plowing it’s way around the lake, give him a wave. And in the words of Homer Simpson, “Call Mr. Plow, that’s my name!

That name again is Mr. Plow!”

KEEPING IT CLEAN — Brad Kitching, along with his trusty Toyota, has been working hard the last couple of years maintaining the Lake Windermere Whiteway.

Quality antique furniture and collectibles from Canada, Europe and Asia.

Architectural items for home and garden.

STOREWIDE SALE ON NOW!

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 11 am – 4 pm

Ph: (250) 342-0707

klein@nucleus.com • www.tepapanui.com Invermere Industrial Park (just off the road to Panorama)

Canadian Rockies Sources thermales des Hot Springs Rocheuses canadiennes parkscanada.gc.ca parcscanada.gc.ca

Escape the chill Échappez au froid Annual pass sale Save even more for spontaneous escapes to Radium, Miette or Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Offre de laissezpasser annuel Faites une escapade spontanée aux sources thermales Radium, Miette et Upper Hot Springs de Banff et économisez encore plus.

Adults $140 $ 110 Seniors/Children $105 $ 85 Families $385 $ 310

Adultes 140 $ 110 $ Aînés et enfants 105 $ 85 $ Familles 385 $ 310 $

Price includes taxes.

Les taxes sont comprises.

Sale ends January 1, 2012.

L’offre prend fin le 1er janvier 2012.

Call 250-347-9485 or visit the hot springs to purchase your passes.

Composez le 250-347-9485 ou rendez-vous aux sources thermales pour acheter votre laissez-passer.

Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to upioneer@telus.net

10 ~ Columbia Valley Winter Guide • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Wintry treats to tempt your

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff There’s no better cure for the winter blues than some warming recipes that leave your whole house smelling delicious.

With a little confectioner’s sugar and some creativity, it’s simple to create some festive treats that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds.

From warming Gluhwein to festive cookies, The Pioneer has got you covered.

taste buds

Melted snowman cookies This simple sugar cookie recipe produces light, buttery tidbits that can be cut to any desired shape with cookie cutters or shaped by hand. Christmas trees, stars or good old fashioned round cookies can be spruced up with the help of some coloured frosting and cake decorations. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts or cherries to the cookie dough for an even tastier treat.

Makes 30 cookies

Cookie Ingredients: • ¾ cup butter, softened • 1 cup white sugar • 2 eggs • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 2 ½ cups all purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking powder • ¼ teaspoon salt

Decorating ingredients: • 15 large marshmallows • 1 tube chocolate decorating icing •4 3 tubes coloured decorating icing (orange + black/brown + two additional colours) or red, yellow and blue food colouring if you want to make your own • ½ cup butter, softened • ½ cup shortening • 4 cups icing sugar • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 2 tablespoons milk or cream

Method:

- Beat butter, sugar and vanilla together until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).

- Add eggs, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition.

- Add flour, salt and baking powder and mix until just combined.

- Cover with saran wrap and allow dough to rest in the fridge for at least an hour.

- Heat oven to 350°F/175°C. - Roll dough to desired thickness and cut out cookie shapes with cutter, or take chunks of dough, roll into balls and flatten onto a greased baking sheet.

- Cook for 8-12 minutes until pale golden and leave to cool.

Method:

- Cut marshmallows in half using scissors or a sharp knife.

- In a large bowl combine butter, shortening and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

- Beat in icing sugar, one cup at a time, adding milk or cream if the mixture is too thick.

- Spread frosting over your cookies.

- Add one marshmallow piece towards the edge of each cookie.

- Use chocolate decorating icing to draw eyes and a mouth on your marshmallow halves and orange icing for the carrot nose (I mixed red and yellow food colouring and used it to paint on my carrot noses instead).

- Divide your remaining frosting in two and dye half pink and half blue, or grab your tubes of decorating icing.

- Using a piping bag with a small nozzle, draw little scarves in blue/ pink icing around your all of your marshmallow halves.

- Pipe the corresponding coloured icing to draw buttons down the front of each snowman.

- Use chocolate decorating icing to draw stick arms.

Photos by Kate Irwin

12 ~ Columbia Valley Winter Guide • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Smoking Water’s Amaretto mochaccino This divinely decadent warming winter drink comes courtesy of Smoking Water Coffee Company in Fairmont Hot Springs. The perfect cure for the winter chill, the drink has a delicious lingering almond flavour with just the right touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

The staff at Smoking Water Coffee Company celebrate their new liquor licence with a delicious Amaretto mochaccino. Pictured, left to right: David, Selena, Shannon, Karen, owner, Cindy and Megan.

Photo by Kate Irwin

This homemade take on the beloved Hostess treat will have you wondering why you ever went with the sickly shop bought version. For a cream filled treat, use a piping bag to pipe a squirt of frosting into the centre of each cupcake.

Makes 16 cupcakes

- Heat oven to 350°F/175°C. Ingredients: - Line a 16 slot muffin tin with paper cup• ½ cup butter cake cases.

• ½ cup white sugar - Beat butter, sugar and vanilla together • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).

• 2 large eggs - Add eggs, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating • 1 cup all purpose flour well after each addition.

• 1 teaspoon baking powder - Add flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking • ¼ teaspoon salt powder and mix until just combined.

• 2 heaped tablespoons cocoa powder - Fill each muffin cup two-thirds full and bake for 15-20 minutes, until a toothcooking time has elapsed, otherwise pick inserted into a cupcake comes out cupcakes will fall flat in the centre. clean. It is important not to open the Cool on wire racks. oven door until at least two-thirds of the

Decorate:

- Pour shredded coconut onto a small Decorating ingredients: plate and set aside.

• 1 bag finely shredded coconut - Place sugar, egg whites, corn syrup, wa• 2 cups extra fine white sugar ter, vanilla and cream of tartar in the top • 3 egg whites of a double boiler, or in a clean glass bowl • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup over (but not touching) a couple of inch• 3 tablespoons cold water es of water simmering in a saucepan.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Stir thoroughly until sugar has totally • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar dissolved and mixture is quite hot to the touch.

- Using a handheld mixer, whisk for sevthe tops with meringue frosting. en minutes or until mixture forms stiff

Dip frosted cupcakes into coconut to peaks when beaters are raised. create a powdery snowball effect.

- Take your cooled cupcakes and slather

Method:

- Pour the chocolate syrup and steamed milk into a 12 ounce (340 ml) cappuccino mug or tempered glass mug, and froth the mixture. If you prefer, you can use a frothing jug, then pour into a mug once the frothing is completed - Slowly add the espresso and almond syrup or amaretto to the frothed chocolate milk.

- Top with a dollop of whipped cream.

- Drizzle with chocolate syrup.

Snowball Cupcakes

Method:

• 1-2 ounces/30–60 ml chocolate syrup • 4-5 ounces/113–145 ml steamed milk • 2 ounces/60 ml hot, fresh espresso or strong coffee • ½ -1 ounce/15–30 ml almond flavored syrup or Amaretto Liqueur • Whipped cream, for garnish • Chocolate syrup, for garnish

Greys Restaurant’s Gluhwein This warming, spiced treat comes from the team at Greys Restaurant at Panorama Mountain Village. Based on a traditional German recipe, this tasty, hot mulled wine can be served with a fresh slice of lemon or orange, plus fresh cinnamon.

Method:

- Place apple juice in a large pan and place over a medium heat.

- Add cinnamon, honey and spices.

- While honey is dissolving cut the orange into quarters, then cut them in half so you have eight pieces. Push two of the cloves into the skin of each piece and add to the pan.

- Add the bottle of wine.

- Increase the temperature until bubbles start to rise to the surface of the liquid and then remove from the heat.

- As soon as it is cool enough to taste, test the gluhwein for sweetness. If it is not sweet enough add sugar to taste and stir to dissolve.

- Let the pan stand for an hour or longer to allow the flavours to develop.

- Warm gently before serving and add brandy. Spoon into heatproof glasses, leaving the oranges and cinnamon behind.

Ingredients: • 1 bottle of red wine (inexpensive, full-bodied and fruity) • 2 cinnamon sticks, broken into 1-2 inch pieces • 16 whole cloves • 1 orange • 2 tablespoon runny honey • 1 heaped teaspoon mixed ground Christmas cake spices or equivalent amount of any of ground allspice, nutmeg and coriander • 1 litre apple juice or water • 6 oz cheap brandy

November 25, 2011

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Columbia Valley Winter Guide ~ 13

Whiteway visionaries consult with ‘Mr. Canal’

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff As the Invermere Business Committee continues to develop the Whiteway and work towards dethroning Ottawa’s famous Rideau Canal for the title of world’s longest skating rink, who better to have on board than the man who used to oversee the historic landmark for 17 years, a man known throughout Ottawa as “Mr. Canal?”

Stephen Estabrooks, an Ottawa resident and frequent visitor to British Columbia, probably knows more about outdoor ice making and management of major tourist attractions than most, having worked his career among the ranks of the National Capital Commission in Ottawa, the crown corporation that administers the federally owned lands in Canada’s National Capital Region. ENJOYING A SKATE — Stephen Estabrooks, also known as “Mr. Canal” and his wife, Jayne Estabrooks enjoy a skate on During his almost two-decade tenure overseeing the Ottawa’s Rideau Canal.

Photo submitted canal, Mr. Estabrooks has worked with Hollywood movie producers looking to shoot the Batmobile speeding down 70s, and said there was a noticeable increase in the years work a nine-to-five schedule. the ice surface, and companies who develop ABS braking that immediately followed the status being achieved.

“There were stretches during the winter where my systems for planes.

“The city of Ottawa benefited greatly as the tourism kids called me uncle and my dog bit me and my wife He has also been asked to offer advice to engineering potential of the canal was realized. It increased tourism changed the locks on the door,” he said with a laugh. “It’s conventions in New York, government officials in Lab- numbers significantly in the winter months and was an a lot of long hours and you have to have the flexibility to rador City and St. John’s Newfoundland, representatives economic boom during a traditionally low tourism time. get out there depending on what the weather is doing at from Holland and an entrepreneur from Winnipeg, all of People were coming just to skate on the world’s longest any given moment.” whom were interested in developing a similar landmark as skating rink and to take part in Winterlude,” he said.

When asked if he thinks Invermere has a chance in the famous Rideau Canal.

Looking at the climate of the Columbia Valley, Mr. beating the record, Mr. Estabrooks said he does, if all Invermere Business Committee Chair, Justin At- Estabrooks said that the weather is more favourable than the right factors fall into place and the right people are terbury, said that he has been fortunate to be able to Ottawa in terms of ice making conditions. He also feels involved. draw on Mr. Estabrooks’ expertise, as it has saved a lot that the establishing of the Whiteway as the world’s lon“The sky is the limit as far as planning events around of initial mistakes that would only have been found out gest skating rink would truly compliment and enhance the Whiteway. There’s nothing a whole family can do through trial and error, a process Mr. Estabrooks knows the winter tourism potential of the area. that is as economical or enjoyable as skating. Skiing can all to well.

It isn’t all blue skies and smooth skating however; cost a fortune but you just can’t beat skating. Even if “Steve has helped a lot with some of the trials and as he also said it takes a lot of hard, thankless work, and there is competition between Invermere and Ottawa, if errors that he has learned on the Rideau Canal,” Mr. a dedicated group of people with a solid vision to make it’s healthy competition everyone is going to win.”

Atterbury said. “He’s already been through a lot of the something like the Rideau Canal happen.

When asked if he feels Ottawa will be upset he is challenges we are going to face and has a lot of unique “It’s not just a matter of clearing the snow and let- helping another community try to outdo one of its most solutions that would have taken us a while to figure out. ting the ice form. You need to have everyone working famous landmarks, he said it could go either way.

We will have our own set of problems and challenges but with the same goal in mind and you really have to have “I don’t know what the reaction will be once word he has helped us eliminate a lot of things we may have capable people involved. You can’t have people with con- gets out. It could be from one extreme to another. It done without knowing.” flicting priorities, they all have to be on the same page,” could be a fun competition, and the real winner regardMr. Estabrooks, now retired, recalls the impact es- he said. less of who has the title is the public getting out and tablishing the Rideau Canal as the world’s longest skatYou also have to be ready to roll with what Mother getting some exercise and enjoying the winter activities ing rink had on Ottawa’s struggling winter tourism in the Nature throws at you, he said, as the weather doesn’t Canada is so famous for.”

The 1st Annual Pioneer Christmas Toy Drive Help spread cheer and fill the Angel Tree this holiday season by donating to The Pioneer’s toy drive!

Consider donating your gently used toys. The toys will be sold for $1 or a donation of your choice at a toy sale on Saturday, December 10th. All proceeds will be used to purchase gifts for the local Angel Tree.

Please donate your gently used toys. Drop-off at the Columbia Valley Pioneer office December 5-9th.

Huge toy sale on Saturday December 10th. All toys will be sold for $1.00 or whatever donation you would like to make.

Drop off your toys from Dec. 5th-9th, and attend the sale on Dec. 10th at the Columbia Valley Pioneer office (#8, 1008-8th Ave., Invermere).