Wednesday, January 31, 2024
FNRad Snowboard Podcast - Featuring Tyler Nichol
It is almost 2 hours long, but a very interesting talk with Tyler about his experiences building parks and passion for the sport. Andrew S, if you don't have time to watch it all, go to 1:48 for the compliment on the layout of the glades. The guy doing the interview uses a number of FBombs - and maybe another word or two that you don't want your kids to use.
The first couple of minutes are ads. I knew a fair bit about the 2010 Olympic snow challenges through Rod, or should I say, through his Mom. Tyler describes some amazing handwork to pull off the half pipe event. He's an interesting fellow, and we are fortunate to have him on the Baldy team.
Small World
Baldy Staff party, 1976.
JoAnne moved to Osoyoos from New Brunswick in 1970, went back for awhile, and returned in 1975. She taught skiing here, and along with MaryAnne Day, encouraged me to become an instructor. JoAnne and Cecil live in Smithers, and spend their summers in Newfoundland.
JoAnne has only been back to visit a few times in recent years, and we both have a habit of noticing people when we travel. She meets up with Baldy people in unusual places.
One time she was with friends in Banff and one of them needed medical attention. Of course the attending physician was Lance Shepherd, and she asked him if he was related to the Dr. Shepherd from Osoyoos.
On a cruise years ago, JoAnne spotted Dr. and Mrs Wally Laurie - they built the little log cabin on Whiskey Jack - sold to Kevin and Terry.
When Jo told me that she and Cecil were going to Mexico for a week, I asked what resort they were going to. We already have Baldy friends at that resort. She remembered Mike when I mentioned it, but wondered if she would recognize him.
Well, they met each other today. Sorry Mike - the reason she spotted you wasn't exactly because you haven't changed since the '70's, I sent her a recent photo.
Enjoy your time in the sun.
Traction
Safe Walking
Mark's in Oliver has a sale on ice cleats that ends today when they close at 5:00
Canadian Tire in Oliver shows some stock of one model of ice cleats.
I use Lee Valley Icers - they are more expensive, but when I chose them, Jane Bland had already had 8 years service from hers. I have had mine now for 8 years.
https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/home/clothing/footwear/accessories/40911-icers
If you weren't around in 2015, I slipped in my own driveway and fractured my humerus.
Sand
If you need a little sand today for your walkway or driveway, I have some "sandbox sand" I can share.
Last time I was at Canco north of Oliver, they had sand bags (regular grain) for sale.
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Slowly?
Watching forecast and weather station. Has dropped 1.1C in the last hour - forecast for continued cooling and snow tomorrow.
Time to touch up your skis?
Remember your season pass discounts. Waxing, Sharpening and Base repairs available in the rental shop.
10% off Pro Retail Shop
10% off Rentals and Repair
10% off snow school lessons
Monday, January 29, 2024
Warm walk on the trails today.......
Hello Baldy Babes,
The Spring like
conditions presented a warm day on the trails. Cheryl led us up to the Meadow
Trail with a stop at the Stripper Pole. The sun peaked out heading back on Dead
End and Meadow Trails. Conversations, jokes, laughter, the Baldy Babes ROCK!
The lunch today
started with a bowl of beef barley soup and the second course was a beautiful
Taco bowl. Dessert, wine, who can ask for more!?
Next week's
snowshoe we will be riding the Sugar Lump chairlift to give us quicker access
to Gruhl's Pool. We will be celebrating Marion Boyd's birthday.
Looking forward to
seeing your smiling faces next week.
Take Care, Marian
With parts on the way, Big White chairlift could reopen this week - Kelowna News
With parts on the way, Big White chairlift could reopen this week - Kelowna News: Good news for Big White skiers. The Black Forest high speed chairlift could be back up and running sooner than originally thought. The lift motor seized Saturday afternoon, forcing the evacuation of skiers and the lift to be shut down.
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Afternoon Spring Skiing in the Sun
I didn't hear what others did during the night - I doubled my roof insulation in 2009, and rarely hear anything unless it is really loud. There is evidence however that something other than snow fell last night.
Thankfully we have such a high base elevation, and once the cloud lifted, it was a great afternoon of spring skiing.
Here are a few of the 28 I took this afternoon.
Ski Patrol Hut
If you are ever feeling cold at the top of the Eagle, the patrol hut is a good place to warm up. There is usually a ski patrol member at the top, so that there is quick response time to any call outs. Today when the sun came out, there were a couple of patrol members at the top, and Xavier's creation was welcoming in the sunshine.
46 years ago Today
At the age of 21, I grabbed my stuff and moved up the street from the family cabin for the first night in my own cabin. The logs were green and frozen, so the fridge was putting things against the wall. Those were outhouse days, and I was trying to recreate the experience we had as kids, so the first year I did not have electricity. Coal oil lamps, and a Fisher Baby Bear stove in the basement to try and keep warm. Lots of good times, some not so good times, and some regrets.
Mount Timothy Ski Resort not opening for ski, snowboarding season - Kamloops News
Mount Timothy Ski Resort not opening for ski, snowboarding season - Kamloops News: Mount Timothy Ski Resort near 100 Mile House says warm temperatures and a lack of snow mean it will be keeping its doors shut for the 2023-24 season.
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Big White's Black Forest chair lift motor seizes, skiers evacuated - Kelowna News
Big White's Black Forest chair lift motor seizes, skiers evacuated - Kelowna News: Skiers had to be evacuated off the Black Forest high speed chairlift Saturday afternoon.
Black Forest is a popular area of Big White. In case you are wondering, all chair lifts have a back up gas or diesel motor. I was on Eagle several years ago when there was a widespread power outage in the area, so the back up engine was used to carry us to the top. It runs slower than the electric motor, but it works.
Appreciate AIM - Wake up YRB
I don't go to town often, but went to Oliver this afternoon. The YRB section is one big rumble strip. As soon as you cross the line, the AIM section is graded and smooth.
YRB has plow trucks or contracted trucks removing snow from the road, surely they are aware of it's rumble condition.
By all means, let YRB know about your experience on McKinney Road today.
https://yrb.ca/report-a-problem/
YRB has had a grader out of service. Apparently it is now repaired, and is expected up this way early next week.
Friday, January 26, 2024
Oliver Osoyoos Search and Rescue, Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations Kyle Fossett on receiving the Rotary First Responders award.
South Okanagan General Hospital emergency department closing on Saturday due to limited staff - Oliver/Osoyoos News
South Okanagan General Hospital emergency department closing on Saturday due to limited staff - Oliver/Osoyoos News: Interior Heath is advising Oliver and area residents that the emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital will be closed throughout Saturday due to limited physician availability.
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Welcome Back Kendal
Safe arrival today - welcome back. There definitely has been a shortage of Aussie accents up here. May the jet lag be short, and the powder turns be soon.
Bluebird to Snowfall
Sunny first few runs, then it started to snow - sun trying to burn through again when we skied in for lunch.
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Thursday should be awesome
10:00pm update Wednesday night;
The base of my measuring spot was clear and damp yesterday morning.
It has stopped snowing - can see the moon.
There is enough snow on the village roads to make it interesting, so Eagle should be a big pow day.
Minus5C at 10:00pm
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Spuzzum First Nation unveils ambitious plans for all-season mountain resort near Coquihalla summit - BC News
Spuzzum First Nation unveils ambitious plans for all-season mountain resort near Coquihalla summit - BC News: A First Nation in the Fraser Canyon has ambitious plans for an all-season tourist destination near the Coquihalla summit — including a ski resort, golf and thousands of homes.
Monday, January 22, 2024
BB Snowshoe
Hello Baldy Babes,
Warmer
temperatures, fresh snow, foggy visibility for our second snowshoe
brought us into the trees. Hilary led us up Tree Trail through the old
growth with a stop at the Thank You Tree. We pressed warm hands against the
tree to leave behind. We shoed up Jaeger Meister to Meadow Trail and down
Cabin Road to the Lodge.
Butternut Squash
Ravioli in mushroom sauce with pecans & goat cheese with a Caesar salad or
Barley soup was beautifully served. Thomas, you get a Gold Star today. Chloe
& Calin take great care, we are all pampered.
Looking forward to
seeing your smiling faces next week.
Take Care, Marian
Heavy vehicle recovery team hauls propane truck out of ditch near Big White - Kelowna News
Heavy vehicle recovery team hauls propane truck out of ditch near Big White - Kelowna News: Big White Road is now closed to traffic in both directions as crews are currently in the process of hauling a large propane truck out of the ditch near Gem Lake.
BC Highway Patrol pulls over dozens of drivers with no insurance but plenty of excuses - BC News
BC Highway Patrol pulls over dozens of drivers with no insurance but plenty of excuses - BC News: An insurance blitz by the BC Highway Patrol in the Kootenays has turned up dozens of vehicles being driver around without insurance.
Pow Monday
For several days in a row, we have been getting 5cms or so every night. Last night - 8cms, and it is snowing!
Thanks to the volunteers who went out yesterday to break trail for todays BB snowshoe.
Saturday, January 20, 2024
South Okanagan General Hospital closing overnight due to short staff - Oliver/Osoyoos News
South Okanagan General Hospital closing overnight due to short staff - Oliver/Osoyoos News: The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital will be closed overnight on Saturday due to limited physician availability.
About those snow totals................
I got my cardio work out this afternoon, pulling the snow fencing up at the back of my property. There is well over 2 feet of new snow since I last lifted the fence in early January.
South Okanagan ski hills celebrate heavy snowfall allowing for all runs to open for the first time this season - Penticton News
South Okanagan ski hills celebrate heavy snowfall allowing for all runs to open for the first time this season - Penticton News: For the first time this season, the South Okanagan ski hills are able to open all their runs to the public, thanks to the heavy snowfall this past week.
Friday, January 19, 2024
Two out-of-bounds rescues in one night at Cypress - BC News
Two out-of-bounds rescues in one night at Cypress - BC News: North Shore Rescue is issuing a warning about ducking the rope at the local ski resorts after two people in one night had to be helped out of precarious deep snow outside the Cypress Mountain resort boundaries.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Argo reminds drivers to never pass snow plows on the right after Coquihalla crash - Kamloops News
Argo reminds drivers to never pass snow plows on the right after Coquihalla crash - Kamloops News: A B.C. road maintenance contractor is reminding drivers they should never pass snow plows on the right after a truck collided with a plow Tuesday on the Coquihalla Highway.
Sessions - Osoyoos
https://www.sessionsoutdoorsports.ca/about
Sessions has a social media campaign going to raise awareness - they are not just a bike shop. They have some ski packages on now, and one of their employees is an experienced ski tuner. It has been a long time since Osoyoos had a ski shop - check them out - they may have something that could save you a trip to Kelowna.
Monday, January 15, 2024
Price of Gas Today
Costco 139.9
Kelowna 145.9
Canco north of Oliver 148.9
Petro Can, bottom of McKinney 153.9
Heavy snow forecast across Southern Interior as Arctic front and Pacific system collide - BC News
Heavy snow forecast across Southern Interior as Arctic front and Pacific system collide - BC News: A special weather statement is calling for potentially heavy snow across much of the Southern Interior.
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Help the Cash Flow - Karaoke Tonight - Cafeteria Today
The lodge is open today - bundle up and go for lunch - Karaoke tonight. Don't let anyone walk home alone tonight.
South Okanagan ski hills staying closed Saturday due to frigid temperatures - Penticton News
South Okanagan ski hills staying closed Saturday due to frigid temperatures - Penticton News: UPDATE: 9:35 a.m. Baldy Mountain ski resort announced on Saturday morning that despite their best efforts to warm the chairlift engine carriages, they are stuck on operational standby.
Friday, January 12, 2024
Apex Mountain Resort staying closed Saturday due to frigid temperatures - Penticton News
Apex Mountain Resort staying closed Saturday due to frigid temperatures - Penticton News: With temperatures on Friday night sitting around below minus 30 C at Apex Mountain Resort and no reprieve forecasted for Saturday, the team has announced their plan to remain closed.
Ongoing short staffing issues close South Okanagan General Hospital ER overnight - Oliver/Osoyoos News
Ongoing short staffing issues close South Okanagan General Hospital ER overnight - Oliver/Osoyoos News: The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital will be closing overnight Friday to Saturday morning, due to limited physician availability.
Friday Activity
Totally understandable that the ski area is closed. First time ever I recall putting on a neck tube and toque to step outside the basement door to bring in more firewood.
Two joggers just went past the Pink Palace..............
Thank-you Rob, from "That Pink Palace"
There is a new webcam on the sidebar, courtesy of Rob from That Pink Palace. The plan is to stream that camera during the day time. You can click on the icon for a larger view.
Baldy Mountain follows Apex in ceasing operations Friday due to extreme cold - Penticton News
Baldy Mountain follows Apex in ceasing operations Friday due to extreme cold - Penticton News: Baldy Mountain ski resort near Oliver has ceased operations Friday, due to freezing weather.
Mother Nature Rules - Try Again Tomorrow
She finally gives us a bunch of snow, then puts us in a deep freeze...........
Big White chairlifts closed due to frigid temperatures Friday - Kelowna News
Big White chairlifts closed due to frigid temperatures Friday - Kelowna News: Skiers and boarders won't be able to hit the slopes at Big White today, as temperatures sit at -30 C.
Two skiers with frozen feet and hypothermia rescued near Whistler overnight - BC News
Two skiers with frozen feet and hypothermia rescued near Whistler overnight - BC News: Search-and-rescue teams with helicopter support rescued two lost skiers from Fitzsimmons Creek near Whistler Thursday night, as temperatures plummeted. The pair were reportedly ski-touring, but came down too far and got stuck in the creek gully.
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Thompson-Okanagan ski hills closing lifts due to extreme cold - Penticton News
Thompson-Okanagan ski hills closing lifts due to extreme cold - Penticton News: While the first few weeks of the ski season were delayed due to lack of snow, the bitter cold temperatures leading into this weekend now have Thompson-Okanagan ski hills closing lifts — or closing entirely.
Wind gusts blow waves over Kelowna's William R. Bennett Bridge - Kelowna News
Wind gusts blow waves over Kelowna's William R. Bennett Bridge - Kelowna News: Driving conditions on Kelowna's William R. Bennett Bridge are being impacted by the high winds, making for slippery conditions and impacting visibility.
Season Pass Perks
Bundle up. If you need more merino, layers, face coverings etc, your seasons pass gets you 10% off in the retail, BMR office trailer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)