Spencer Francey's Blog

Jumps and Dumps at Lake Louise.

2010-03-10T01:05:00Z

On March 6th, Lake Louise held a Slopestyle event in it's Terrain Park. The sun was shining and it was a perfect day for an event like this. Sun tans and huge airs in effect all day long. The course started at the top of the terrain park and cruised through the main section where competitors were hitting three main jumps and a couple rails.

A 4000$ purse was on the line and a good showing of riders were there from all over Alberta and BC.

A rider flies over Mt Temple in the Slopestyle event at Lake Louise, Alberta.

High above ..... the judges tower. Lake Louise ski area, Alberta

Adam Laurin.... MC for the event kept the crowd going and laughing....

Darcy Keller came up from Golden, BC for the event. Lake Louise ski area, AB

A nice bs720 by Darcy Keller from Golden, BC at the Lake Louise Slopestyle event.

Just hanging out.... Lake Louise ski area.

The event winded down and the results for MENS snowboard came out like this.

1: TK Nakamura

2: Brydon Hunt

3: Tane Knowles

THEN CAME THE DUMP......

No more then 48hrs after this sunny event wrapped up weather would take a drastic change in the Banff/Lake Louise area and some much needed snow has come to the surrounding mountains.

A nice storm started late Sunday and went well into Tuesday morning.

Clearing skies and clearing sidewalks... good morning Banff!!!

A different scene from the Slopestyle 2 days before.... the terrain park now has fresh landings.... 9:20am Lake Louise ski area, AB

Freshies on the backside of Lake Louise ski area, AB

Boomarang bowl... Backside Lake Louise ski area, AB

White peaks... and an always epic view. Lake Louise ski area, AB

Darcy Keller airs a hip in Crow Bowl... Lake Louise, AB

Closed for now. But when Elevator Shaft opens next, it should be awesome. Lake Louise ski area, AB

Tyler Lightfoot floats an air over some rocks on the frontside of Lake Louise, AB

Darcy Keller and Chirs Messervey spray some snow on each other, Lake Louise, AB

Hanging out in the sun before dropping into some late day powder... Lake Louise, AB

Ski resort : www.skilouise.com

Gloves and packs while riding this snow by DAKINE: www.dakine.com

Hey Hardingham... How was Japan?

2010-03-05T13:00:00Z

As you may remember... I spoke with Banff, Alberta Pro Snowboarder Andrew Hardingham upon his arrival in Japan... He just got home from the trip so I checked in with him about his experience riding in the land of the rising sun.

WELCOME BACK TO CANADA..... ARE YOU HYPED TO BE HOME?

I’m sad because I didn't gain 15 lbs like I wanted to. When I travel I always aim to gain weight. That means you ate the shit out of the place and probably got to experience a great deal of cool @%#! in the process. But I only gained 3 lbs because I was hiking so much.

TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT THE RIDING YOU DID IN JAPAN?

I got some of the best turns I’ve had in a few years. The snow is incredible, smoky and light in

Japan and it never stops falling.... ever. Also there are so many babes there too. They all wear skirts and high boots and I like that about them. It could be -30C and they would still look pretty. Good for them!

DID YOU SPEND MORE TIME AT RESORTS OR IN THE BACKCOUNTRY?

Only two days at the hill. Most of our time was shredding hard BC and road side. There are soooooo many good lines in Hokkaido. Killer scene too.

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP?

Tokyo.... That city is every other city on acid. I hit up a bunch of trippy cafe's like the vampire cafe and alice in wonderland cafe. A maid cafe where the girls are there to serve me and they bless all my food and drink with hearts they make with there hands. They play games with me and take photos with me and I feel like a star..... well a pervert star anyway.

ANYTHING FUNNY HAPPEN THAT YOU CAN SHARE PUBLICLY?

So many funny things you know. I’m adding this trip to my film "Thunder Mouth" and I shot 250 gigs of footage so it should answer your question soon.

DID YOU FIND ANYTHING NEW IN JAPAN THAT YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT?

I found a few cool Japanese celebrity memorabilia shops that had photos of thousands of famous Japanese that no one has ever heard of. this place was killer. this guy "Bunta" was our favorite (Rusty and I). We found some killer shots of him there. One was him getting ready to fight in sandals, a nice suit with a smoke in his mouth and a broken bottle in hit right hand. Killer shot!

HOW WAS DRIVING AROUND? WHO DID MOST OF THE DRIVING?

Wild! snowbanks that are well over the roof of the van. Right hand driving is always fun! Black diamond lodge hooked us up with a killer rental van. It was loaded to the tits and even had something called a "Joyful Talk" button. That enhanced everyones voice in the van. You could hear someone open a sandwich in the back seat if you were in the drivers seat. It was fun.

RUN INTO ANY PROBLEMS OVER THERE?

Not this time. We were good boys. Last time I was trying to ride a line at a nuclear power plant and the 50 came and shut us down. We had to go to the cop shop with our passports. It was mellow but you know, still a pain in the ass. This time we just rode road-side a bunch and kept it mellow

DID YOU END UP WATCHING ANY OLYMPIC COVERAGE OVER THERE?

Just the final hockey game. It was on at our hostel at 6 AM There was a giant Tsunami warning alert in the right hand side of the screen so you always missed plays. But it was good to see. They really like their speed skating over there. Kinda gay but what ever ticks your clock I guess.

WHERE WILL MOST OF THE FOOTAGE YOU SHOT END UP BEING VIEWED?

Sandbox will be a sweet section. They hit Japan up last year and one of the two riders blew his knee right away so it was a mellow trip. This year Brendan Keenan killed it as well as Rusty O-something. He was just plain shredding so it should be a cool part.

I’m also using all the @%$! around footage for my flick "Thunder Mouth". It will include some shredding too but my favorite stuff was the drinking, smoking, eating, reading @#&@ zines, and being an all around immature dick wad.

DID YOU END UP PURCHASING ANYTHING REALLY COOL???

Just some sexy little bondage figurines.

Most of my other purchases were culture and food. You can buy almost anything out of vending machines there. Used panties, hot food, bear, vodka, toys, real dolls, anything!!

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR LAST DAYS IN TOKYO?

I was all pumped to go to the Tokyo parasite museum to see the world longest tape worm but I missed it. I hit a few parties with tons of hot models, but they weren't as hot as super models so %#$@ em. I drank at a bunch at standing Saki bars. Saki by the glass is a great way to get F-ed up. I also tried to hit as many office business building as I could with Rusty. We were trying to find cool bars at the top to drink with a view. We found a few. Love that shit!

WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT JAPAN NOW THAT YOUR HOME?

There are so many hot woman and the snow is sooo incredible there!!! There is no better snow in the world that I have encountered yet. We hung with a killer crew there too. Clay at Black Diamond Lodge is a great guy to work with. I also miss the culture. Tons of obscure colorful marketing and its a country like no other. I miss you Japan

Check out Andrew Hardingham online HERE

Black Diamond Lodge click HERE

Keeping GOLD traditions.

2010-03-02T22:39:00Z

The last time Canada faced the USA for the GOLD at the Olympics was in 2002. I watched that game from inside the lodge at Mt Norquay ski area near Banff doing laps in the snowboard park in between periods. This time around I thought... well I should keep with a working tradition and do the same thing. I cruised up with plenty of time to get in a bunch of laps before the game started. The sun was shining and the excitement for the big game was in the air with everyone in the lift lines and on the chairs talking nothing but hockey.

A look at Banff Mt Norquays upper park area.....

They've added in a new beer keg feature which seems to be really popular...

Inside the DAY lodge at Banff Mt Norquay... not a seat to be had.... lots of screens to watch the GOLD medal hockey game.

Between the 2nd and 3rd period... not too many people riding the rail area of the snowboard park.... That lodge below though is rocking!!

Tourist visiting from Europe... Markus Rast was more interested in the snowboard park then the game. Banff Mt Norquay, Alberta

I went into town immediatly once the game went into overtime.... On my walk into the Banff downtown area... I met up with this proud Canadian first.

Non-stop noise in the downtown area of Banff... the streets were flooded with the spirit of Canadian hockey.

The Banff Ave was shut down to traffic... This wasn't planned... it just happened that way.

Proper celebration attire... downtown Banff, Alberta.... Gold Medal hockey party.

If you weren't in something red you were odd man out for sure.

Random street hockey game comes out of no where...Banff, Alberta

For some reason a lot of people wanted a photo with one of the many RCMP cars parked downtown.

This guy was really keen to get on camera....That guy in uniform was filming the party.

I called him over and obliged him with a photo.

This guy lead the crowd while singing "Oh Canada" Banff, Alberta

After about 2 hours... the crowds dispersed. The RCMP stayed and partied a little longer.... and I will say... handled the whole party quite well... Thank you!

On the way home I noticed this street hockey match going on.....Canadians of all ages celebrating the win at the 2010 games.

With the Olympics at their end now you can expect snowboard life to get back to normal here and around the town of Banff. Stay tuned for reports on snow, events and contests.

SKI resort: Banff Mount Norquay.

Hello... Japan???

2010-02-23T14:01:00Z

I recently touched base with Banff, Alberta, Canada's resident pro snowboarder and film-maker Andrew Hardingham upon his arrival in Japan. He's over there gathering footage-shooting photos with Jeff Patterson and crew of riders from BC. You might remember Andrew Hardingham's bad luck story in the news last spring when a fall left him physically what one could call.. "very busted up". Well he's back on his board and doing what he does best.... shredding mountains and getting up to his usual self promoted antics on and off the snow. Here's a conversation I had with him upon his arrival in the land of the dumping powder. Japan... (read below)

SO YOUR OFF TO JAPAN?? AND YOU HAD TO STOP IN VANCOUVER....HOW WAS THE AIRPORT?? MADNESS?? SECURITY OVERLOAD?

The dude that hit the wall on the luge just happened while I was waiting for my plane. That was interesting but all and all it was mellow at the airport. I was sitting in one of those shoe shine chairs getting my new cowboy boots shined up when a bunch of teams arrived. They all looked stupid in there matching outfits.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO HEAD TO JAPAN?

The poooo. They have more of it and its better quality. This place is absolutely incredible for terrain and you always get good snow.... it just never stops snowing in Hokkaido. So the decision was easy when Patterson asked me to come.

YOU'VE BEEN THERE BEFORE RIGHT??? HOW LONG SINCE THE LAST TRIP???

I was here 4 years ago. The Italy Olympics were on then. I was in the same place as I am now. Black diamond lodge in Niseko. Its the best base you can have here. The guy who owns it (Clay) has everything I could ever need. We hit up everything.... but i like to be where the action is in the evenings.

WHAT IS YOUR GO TO THING IN JAPAN??? THE MINUTE YOUR OFF THE PLANE WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU WANT TO DO??

Smoke and drink saki minus the smoking. I also want to buy face masks and wear them because it's normal here. Where else can you do that and not get looked at like a Michael Jackson freak show.

WHAT PART OF JAPAN WILL YOU BE HANGING OUT IN??

Hokkaido. The north island. Its the best

WHAT'S THE BEST AND WORST THINGS ABOUT SNOWBOARDING IN JAPAN?

BEST: poooooo poo, smoky powder and always falling. Worst: There are a lot of rules at the resorts. I always respect the people here too, so it's hard to disobey them,but sometimes you have to say f*&^ it and just giver. Just don't let them catch you poaching. Out of site, out of mind mentality seems to kick in.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU DIDN'T GET TO DO LAST TIME YOU WERE THERE THAT YOU'LL BE DOING THIS TIME AROUND?

I always check out Tokyo for a few days because its insane but you can never see it all so im going to go check out the maid cafe's. Japan-animation enthusiasts dressed like french maids bringing you coffee. killer!

WHAT ABOUT PURCHASES.... ANYTHING YOU'VE GOT YOUR MIND SET ON BUYING WHILE THERE?

A heated toilet seat perhaps?? Maybe a new robot or 2

OK... I'LL TALK TO YOU IN ABOUT 10 DAYS TO CATCH UP ON THE TRIP AND THE RIDING....

LINKS of INTEREST

Sandbox Films BLOG

Andrew Hardinghams YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Before the...Mens Halfpipe FINAL... Word on the street, BANFF, Alberta.

2010-02-17T07:10:00Z

Tonight the Olympics will have one of the most impressive shows during the entire games. The Mens Halfpipe Final will get underway on CYPRESS Mountain,FEB 17th at 7:15pm. It's first time they've held the Halfpipe finals at night during snowboarding's short history at the Olympic Games. Here's the outlook and feeling people were having on the streets of Banff, Alberta Canada before qualifications started early this afternoon. No matter who makes it and whether you agree or not with snowboarding being at the Olympics,one thing is certain....

Some next level snowboarding is about to go down. Get yourself to a bar, pub, couch, computer or the biggest flat screen TV you can find. This is going to be awesome... GO CANADA!!!

BRAD MARTIN, JEFF BATCHELOR and JUSTIN LAMOUREUX.... Banff and Canada is watching!!

WORD ON THE STREET, BANFF, ALBERTA. People make their picks for the GOLD in Mens and Womans Halfpipe. (none of these questions were loaded.... this is what people know about snowboarding...take note!!!)

Shaun Geelan, Australia

MEN: Shaun White

WOMANS: Gretchen Bleiler

Shane Mooney (co-owner of RUDE BOYS snowboard shop, Banff)

MENS: I hope Shaun White falls.... and I'm hoping to see Justin Lamoureux, Rude Boys shop rider on the podium!!

WOMANS: Kelly Clark

Justin Becker, Canada

MENS: Louie Vito

WOMANS: Kelly Clark

Nolan Adams, Canada

MENS: Shaun White

WOMANS: Gretchen Bleiler

Luke Watts, Canada

MENS: Kazu Kokubo

WOMANS: Torah Bright

Landon Reading, Canada

MENS: Louie Vito

WOMANS: Torah Bright

Dave Carlson, Canada. Owner of Unlimited Snowboards shop in Banff, Alberta

MENS: Shaun White

WOMANS: Kelly Clark

Will Jackson, South Australia

MENS: Shaun White

WOMANS: Torah Bright

Scott McElhone, Canada

MENS: Shaun White

WOMANS: Gretchen Bleiler

Paula Byrne, Ireland

MENS: Shaun White

WOMANS: Gretchen Bleiler

Thomas Baldwin, Australia

MENS: Jeff Batchelor

WOMANS: Torah Bright

Noa Furfaro, Field, BC

MENS: Shaun White

WOMANS: Kelly Clark

Zephyr F, I don't know..... Canada????

Dave Barton, Banff-Lake Louise Tourism- REAL BANFF

MENS: Justin Lamoureux

WOMANS: Mercedes Nicol

That's how it all panned out in these peoples minds.... Qualifications are underway. We'll see who's dropping in tonight at 7:15pm for the final... The Womans event will take place on the 18th... Tune in and check it out!!!

Lake Louise backcountry. Getting it while the sun shines.

2010-02-12T14:20:00Z

We've had a bit of a dry spell here lately as far as snow goes. The good thing though is that skies have been classic Alberta blue. Temperatures stayed steady and cold. The snowpack in the surrounding Lake Louise backcountry tightened up enough for many locals to head out to ride lines that aren't usually ridden this time of year.

Lake Louise has some really amazing backcountry that can be accessed right from the ski resorts boundaries. One should note firstly though. DO NOT HEAD OUT INTO THESE AREAS WITHOUT THE FOLLOWING ITEMS. Avalanche beacon, shovel, probe and knowledge to use the gear as well as knowledge of terrain and snowpack.

Looks awesome just beyond the rope... Make sure you, and who your with know where your going and getting into. Lake Louise, AB

Into the white... Julian Labonte starts the day off with a fresh bowl in the Lake Louise backcountry.

Shane Mooney follows with some early morning toe-side spray. Lake Louise, Alberta

Far from the resort and into the backcountry. Lake Louise, Alberta.

Switching up snowboards for snowshoes and split-boards. Getting ready to climb our objective of the day. Lake Louise, Alberta

Gaining altitude....and getting a different view of the surrounding backcountry. Lake Louise, Alberta

Backcountry poles, backpack, shovel, probe, avalanche beacon, food, water, first aid kit and knowledge of the snow.... just a short list of things you need to get to a place like this one. Lake Louise, Alberta.

Base jumping???

Final approach...

Don't forget the sun tan lotion and a sweet pair of shades. Lake Louise, Alberta.

The payoff.... a long ride down in untracked snow. Julian Labonte, Lake Louise, AB.

Laps are done.... thumbs up from Shane Mooney. Lake Louise, Alberta

Hiking back to the parking lot....

Get in the car... it's time for Apres.....

Hiking in the backcountry should be taken seriously and planned out well. For more information about hiking in your area in Canada or in the Lake Louise area. Go to....www.avalanche.ca and check your local region. A report is posted in the Lake Louise day lodge in 3 different locations. You can also visit the Snow Safety building if you have further questions regarding the local area. Remember to ride safe and obey closures in-bounds as well.

APRES Backcountry in Banff..... The local spot.

The MAGPIE AND STUMP. Located on Caribou Street, Banff, Alberta.

The best place in Banff to drink jars of beer,tequila, margaritas and the bars specialty the "Bulldog". A different touch to the bar is that it's Banff's only peanut bar where you can eat all the peanuts you want.. and just throw them on the floor. You'll find this place filled with local riders every night of the week and a bar staff that is on the mountain ripping all season.

INFO.

LAKE LOUISE SKI AREA. www.skilouise.com

Dakine backcountry packs and gear: www.dakine.com

Getting tuned up in Banff, Alberta

2010-02-04T05:23:00Z

Keeping your board fast and sharp= more fun!

Snowboards aren't bullet-proof and nor are they invincible. They take a beating like any other piece of sports equipment... and maybe take the worst beatings of all. Snowboards are designed to fly down mountains/hills and carve snow. They have edges and bases made of plastic/p-tex. No matter how good you are or how long you've been snowboarding, something is going to come between you and your board one day. It might seem horrible at the time. It's usually a rock, lots of rail sliding or just dropping it in the parking lot off the roof rack. Your board may slow down one day as well... and not be as fast. Don't worry though!!! This is where going for a "TUNE" comes into play.

The Tune Shop in Banff, Alberta Canada has been fixing these problems for the last ten years. Helping snowboarders with slow boards, burred and even blown edges get back out onto the mountain to shred it up on boards like they were right out of the Snowboard shop and most times..... even better.

An over look of the shop floor....

Hot wax will make your board go fast...

Hand tuned and textured bases will give you the speed you need to rule the mountain.

Don't be afraid of the sparks.... sparks kill burrs... which are imperfections on your edges.

Yes.. it does work.... one loonie in the slot.

Base grind on one side and edge sharpen on the other. Wintersteiger machines used in-house exclusively.

Co-owner Dave Sand. "You did what to your board??? ok... bring it in.. I'll fix it!"

Banana, Mango, Traction Monster, Joytool.... stick... etc.. they have seen them all and can fix them.

Hot wax and buff... Banff Tune Shop style.

If you find yourself in the Banff area Snowboarding and are riding a little slow or maybe found a rock on the mountain check these guys out. They have over night service to most hotels. Owners Dave Sand and Jeff Kostiuk are in the shop nightly taking care of business.

Hotel pick ups nightly at

Banff Springs-Ski and Mountain Sports

Inns of Banff Snow Shop

Ultimate Ski and Ride (Banff Ave)

Banff TUNE SHOP: thetuneshop@telus.net

Keep it Clean and fast!!!

Banff Mount Norquay...friday night lights

2010-01-28T23:11:00Z

Banff's local ski resort Mt Norquay has a rail jam session lined up for Friday nights during the 2010 winter season. It's called the BACKYARD RAIL JAM. Tons of prizes and and a really cheap entry fee and lift ticket.... 10$! I cruised up on Friday Jan 22nd to see what was happening...

Event organizer Monica talks to riders before the session gets going.

Waiting to drop in on the boxes and rails.

Some smooth riders showed up for the jam.

The events sound system...all terrain tunes!

The Karma box.... The parks rails and boxes were spray painted by local tattoo artist Don Peterson.

The night time is the right time. Banff Mount Norquay.

No shortage of steez up there Friday night.

View of the terrain that is lit up by lights every Friday at Banff Mount Norquay.

Event poster... click HERE for more details.

Check it out... These events should get more popular as the season continues.

Dakine gloves keeping me warm at night

Olympic Flame visits Banff, Alberta.

2010-01-26T01:40:00Z

The show before the show......

The Olympic flame on its cross country journey stopped in Banff, Alberta recently and it was a ocean of red and white in the downtown area. Thousands of people crowded the streets to watch as the Olympic flame was run into Banff being passed from runner to runner on it's way to what will surely be the most watch snowboard event of 2010.

A huge stage was set up in Central Park.

Cowboy hat, Canada hoodie and red mittens... this MC means business!!!

The beverage branding was quite heavy.... complete with hula hoops....

Some serious Cirque stunts were going down before the olympic torch arrived.

The flame is passed to the last runner on its way to the stage in downtown Banff. People are going nuts!!!

Double Gold medalist from the 1998 Calgary Olympic Games... Karen Pearcy runs it to the stage.

The most people I've ever seen in Central Park, Banff, Alberta

The Mayor, some Mounties... let's get this done!

The most expensive BBQ ever held in Banff, Canada's Central Park.

All jokes aside.... GOOD LUCK to CANADA'S OLYMPIANS... this is going to be awesome to watch!!

Craig Kelly 1966-2003

2010-01-21T00:33:00Z

It was the early nineties and I was living in the Lake Louise village of Alberta, Canada. I was posted up at the usual spot, Charlie 2's playing pool with some friends. A new loonie is placed on the pool table for the next game to be played. I immediately recognized the familar face. I leaned over to my friend and told him. "Holy #$%^! That's Craig Kelly!!" My friend brushed it off with "No way... why would he ever come here?" I ended up playing pool with him and as it turned out I was right. Craig Kelly was visiting Lake Louise for his very first time. I quickly added in that I was going riding the following day and that he could join me for a day on the mountain. It was snowing hard that night and the next would be deep for sure. I left the bar and was stoked to have met him. "I'll be there for first chair." I had told him and I walked home in the falling snow.

The following day I sat thinking how cool it would be to see him there for first chair and to ride with him. I remember drooling over his first Burton Pro Model in the snowboard shop when I started snowboarding. The chairs started turning and the day was about to begin. I thought to myself... Maybe I'll see him riding out there. That would be cool. Just then he slid up beside me and was keen to get after some snow and see the resort. I can remember thinking. "This is going to be awwwesome!!"

I was dumbfounded and wondered why not that many people recognized him.... that was until we got off one lift and he was swarmed by about 20 Japanese tourists. He posed for photos, talked about Japan and even signed some jackets and boards. We set off into the area called Ptarmigan Chutes which in those years at Lake Louise didn't see as much traffic. Snow was deep and I got a little ahead of myself and before I knew it I was pinballing down the pillows in full yard sale mode. As I collected myself and goggles I looked up to see that classic CK style riding down the chutes and pillows. A line he had never even been on before but made it look like it was his own backyard.

Craig Kelly, Monashee's Canada. Photo: Dan Hudson

At the end of the day he thanked me for the day and left town. I had no photos of the day and wasn't really into the autograph thing. Email? I didn't have an email address then so I couldn't exchange that with him, neither did I have a cell phone. All I had was a story to tell people about the day I rode Lake Louise with Craig Kelly.

A few years would pass and I started to travel to South America to ride, come every summer in Canada. A small town in Southern Chile would be my home for one full season and I based myself out of a rickety hostel. It was late in the season and the place was a empty. Just the owner of the hostel and I sitting by the fire. The front door would swing open and in walks Craig with a bottle of wine in tow. Again would I be the only one in the place to recognize who this person was. We chatted briefly about the area and had a laugh about the chance meeting on the other side of the world.

Craig would later return to this small village in Chile again to snowboard for an entire season and even start a family. I kept in touch with him and would see him again in Banff and South America.

Today I'm remembering all these moments as well as an inspiration to snowboarding and mountain adventure.

CRAIG KELLY 1966-2003, photo:Dan Hudson

FILM about his life and career. www.letitridethemovie.com

Lake Louise lately....

2010-01-18T19:34:00Z

The past week out here in Alberta, Canada has been nothing short of amazing. Tons of new snow and followed by some classic Alberta blue skies to round out the past weekend perfectly. Lake Louise ski area which is situated 56km from the town of Banff was the place to be last week. Here's some photos of what it all looked like.

Early morning at the mountain... snowing and not too many people. Perfect!

Pit stop at TEMPLE lodge on the backside of the mountain. Crowds are mellow here.

Rode all day Friday in the falling snow.... coming back at the end of the day via the powder filled snowboard park to the base.

Good Morning Banff... and a nice view from town of Cascade Mountain.

You don't need wheels to even get to Lake Louise from Banff... Shuttles and buses leave from all the major hotels and downtown area. Jump in and catch a nap on the way to the mountain.

Next day was a different scene... Hello Sun!

Freshly groomed snowboard park. Just finished by Jeff Patterson. Lake Louise ski area.

Coming down from TOP OF THE WORLD chair at Lake Louise ski area.

Mid-day hike to check out the snow on the backside... Lake Louise ski area.

Found some!! Rider: Till

Looking back at the Whitehorn 2 chutes... these things are the business...

North Cornice. Lots of magazine photos and even some covers have been shot in this zone.

Looking towards Whitehorn 1.... Lake Louise's gem run.

Ripping Whitehorn 1.... the base graphic says it all. Lake Louise ski area. Rider: Till

First time at Lake Louise??? Just find one of these guys in yellow... they are human trail maps.

Coming down the hourglass at Lake Louise ski area. Rider: Till

End of the day run.... Summit to base... still finding fresh. Lake Louise ski area. Rider: Till

A quick hit in the park on the way down. Lake Louise ski area. Rider: Till

Some cool new features in the Snowboard park, Lake Louise ski area.

A nice little weekend at the Lake......

APRES, BANFF... Where to grub after riding???

The Eddie Burger Bar is a new Burger/bar that has some amazing food and a great atmosphere. A great place to head to after a day of riding in the Banff area.

Located at the Caribou and Banff Ave intersection. (right beside SUBWAY)

Hockey, shred flicks, beer, food... good times and an all local staff that I'm sure were riding today as well.

The Eddie Burger Bar.... famous for burgers.... but also the TRASH CAN... just ask for one... When in Banff right??!

LAKE LOUISE ski area: www.skilouise.com

Eddie Burger Bar: www.eddieburgerbar.ca

DAKINE: The gear you need to shred the Rockies.

Stayed tuned for more news from the Alberta/BC interior right here at this blog...

Halloween at Norquay ski resort.

2009-11-03T00:18:00Z

Banff's Norquay ski resort opened for riding on Halloween. This makes it the first resort to open in the Bow Valley. It has been snowing on and off in the Banff area with the higher peaks looking whiter by the day. The resort managed to make enough snow to cover a nice strip on the lower part of the mountain. Locals swarmed the area to ride before heading down to Banff for what some people call... "The best place to be for Halloween in Canada"

Jack-o-shred

White strip...

Halloween half run...

Good turn out for the one run....

They even had a couple rails set up.

Norquay is open on weekends until the grand opening on December 4th, 2009. For more info about the resort click here NORQUAY

The beach to Banff...Chasing Winter

2009-10-29T01:16:00Z

I've been looking all over my cabana for hours trying to scramble pack everything back into the boardbag before my bus departure. It's always the same feeling every year in South America. It's doesn't matter how homesick I get for Canada. The last week in South America will always have me thinking about extending my ticket and staying longer.

I had a bus to catch though and I was sticking to my plan. It's time to go to the coast for some surfing. Every season I wrap up my South American snowboard adventures with at least a solid week or more on the coast. Spending my days surfing and hanging with good friends from Chile. My only problem is getting to the coast on time without any major delays. My timing couldn't be more horrible. I was getting on a bus during the biggest Chilean holiday period of the year. One last empanada with the MI LODGE crew and I was bus bound and in motion for the ocean.

So.... One comfy bus ride for about 3 hours... then I asked to be dropped off on the highway... only to walk to the next bus station that would take me west. Once arriving at the station I could see that it would be a miracle if I made it to the coast. People were fighting over limited space on the buses. I managed to some how get onto the last bus to the coast. I paid full price to stand like this for three and a half hours... Those stories you hear about South American buses do have some truth to them.

The big blue....Chilean coastline and some cool Pelicans. CHILE, South America.

From the "one street" mountain town to the "one street" beach town, CHILE, South America

Fishing boats. If you catch these guys when they come in you can buy fish right out of the boat. CHILE, South America.

Merluza and Papa Fritas... Seafood is amazing in Chile, South America.

Dusk on the beach. VW van and a mini ramp. The girls on rollerskates rolled out of the frame before I could take a picture. CHILE, South America.

Beach taxi, CHILE, South America

Holidays in Chile mean lots of Asado's (BBQ). That meat counter will be empty in no time...below it are bags of carbon (coal) CHILE, South America

How can you be serious and sit around one of these? I can picture people chugging straight out of them like an acceptable public beer bong. This is a definite "grab and go" item if your having one of "THOSE" nights out.

People in Chile over the Indepence day holidays are draining these bottles of PISCO dry. My local friends make 6 drinks from one bottle..... maybe 7 if there's a girl at the table. CHILE, SOUTH AMERICA

The Pisco takes its first victim early in the night. CHILE, South America.

The Independence day festivities bring out a few people to party on the beach.

My local amigo Nico Andrews shakes off the Pisco on this wave. CHILE, South America

Last week it was White room... now it's Green.....and Nico Andrews is in it. CHILE, South America

Long lefts in CHILE. Nico Andrews slashes the lip. CHILE, South America

Beach life... CHILE, South America

Walking back to the cabana after the session. CHILE, South America

Glad I wasn't here in May 2002.. that's a puzzle, with really small pieces. CHILE, South America

One last haul into the city enroute to the airport... It's time to go home. Santiago, CHILE, South America

Best airport bar name ever... Santiago, CHILE, South America

Back in Canada....Jumping from season to season... leaves are changing colour and the snow line is creeping downward. Banff, AB, CANADA

Looking up at Norquay ski area. They will be open for Halloween this year. Costume shredding! Banff, AB, CANADA

Looking west of Banff. Out there lies many resorts,powder turns, airs and good times. Lake Louise is set to open November 6th, 2009.

As usual it was a total adventure in South America and I'm glad to be back in Canada anticipating another winter season. Here's a small recap on the season and some links to help you out if you decide the hit up SOUTH AMERICA for some riding next summer.

FLIGHTS: LAN Airlines: www.lan.com

Resorts: Nevados de Chillan, Portillo, Valle Nevado, El Colorado and El Arpa Cat skiing.

Info/Questions: www.chasingwintermedia.com

Do yourself a favour and get a board bag with wheels. It makes life on the road that much easier. www.dakine.com

Craters and Cat's

2009-10-09T16:11:00Z

Freshly fallen snow had settled on the mountains or in this case Volcano craters and a good portion of the resort tracked was out. It was time to branch out from the resort and into the backcountry. These next few days would consist of, Cat skiing to the crater above the resort, Hiking to the crater with some friends and then checking out the surrounding backcountry valleys nearby. Wrapping up my time on the snow would be a snowmobile recon mission to a zone far from the resort to look at some new lines that I've only seen from a distance. This all intertwined with nightly missions to town to hang out at the Snowpub and even a visit to the local disco. I was getting sentimental about leaving so I treated the final 4 nights like they were all my last night of the season in Las Trancas... It's just that kind of place.

Snowboarding in South America still has alot of stereotypes, like the ones snowboarders went through in the 90's in North America. This is a good example... Snowboarders can't ride T-bars..but in reality we can... without any problems.. Dude!!.. just let go, your making us all look bad!! Nevados de Chillan,Chile, South America.

Proper T-bar riding near the top of the resort. Check out the snowpack!! Late in the season and plenty of snow. Nevados de Chillan, CHILE

Leaving the resort and looking back at an ocean of windlips,hips and cornices. This place was made for snowboarding. Nevados de Chillan, Chile

Looking deep into the next valley. The spanish word for FRESH is "Fresco". Chilean backcountry.

Awesome views from the top of the valley.

Maylis from MI LODGE... kicking up some late season powder in the backcountry near Nevados de Chillan resort. Chile, South America.

Seriously. How good does this look!? Which way do I go... Too many choices of "AWESOME". Chilean backcountry. South America.

All the way to the valley floor. Maylis from MI LODGE points it for the bottom. Chilean backcountry, South America

Bertrand from MI LODGE knows this place well... Airtime action near the bottom of the run. Chilean backcountry, South America

After riding I took a hike in the surrounding local forest... an really amazing place. There is talk of this all being developed into condos and high rise buildings. A real shame. I hope the locals voices are heard on this issue. No one that lives in this valley wants this place spoiled. The real issue is that this place attracts tourists because of the natural landscape and of course all the snow. High rise condos would be a quick way to ruin all this fast. Las Trancas, Chile, South America.

Completely untouched. Unspoiled and filled with wildlife.

The centre piece of Las Trancas, Chile. An amazing waterfall that you can see from the towns main road. Chile, South America.

Back at the MI LODGE... Bertrand mixes up some Pisco Sours for Apres time. The Pisco is Chile's national drink and is in a league of its own for potency. CAREFUL is the word.

Pisco Sours lead to the Snowpub and also lead to dancing on tables. Las Trancas, Chile.

Alejandro Gattica. The un-offcial mayor of Las Trancas. I can't say anything but amazing things about this guy. He's the god father of the town and has been here since I first stepped in the SnowPub more then 12 years ago. He's been greeting gringo shredders here forever. Las Trancas, Chile, South America.

Waiting for a ride up to the resort. The tree above me was filled with these really cool parakeet type birds that are common here. They make a ton of noise too! Las Trancas, Chile

Si.. this is definitely South America. Chilean Green Parrots and Summer Powder.

Loading up the CAT for a ride to the crater, Nevados de Chillan, Chile, South America

These ladies from Brazil were in the CAT next to me. Another thing that makes Chilean CAT skiing different is that these ladies were only coming up for the ride in the CAT. I was relieved because they looked pretty fierce and probably would have shown me up on the ride down. Nevados de Chillan, Chile

Once reaching the crater you can look out towards Argentina. This crater is called the Nuevo Crater. There are three main craters with more then 13 smaller craters that pepper the surrounding area. All semi-dormant. Nevados de Chillan, Chile, South America.

The local guide from the resort points out some really cool reference points you can see from the summit of the volcano. Nevados de Chillan, Chile, South America.

Lead guide for the resort Nico pours out some Pisco for everyone to enjoy before riding down the volcano.... just a litttttle! Nevados de Chillan, Chile, South America

Chilean pro Sebastian Camus(left), amigo and a snowboard flexy doll moved into my cabana in Las Trancas for a couple days. The Chilean independence day is coming up and these guys are in town for shredding and the party. Las Trancas, Chile, South America

Chilean politics are deep. The country is still very divided in what it thinks about past leaders and dictators. It was really a hush-hush matter to talk about in the past. This guy walked into the Pub with this shirt on. I was immediately blown away at his stance on the issue. If I wore this shirt I could most likely expect to get my &^% kicked. If your interested... search the words on his shirt.

We ended up in the disco that night... These discos don't get going till about 1am or later. Dear Reggaetone, I will not miss you at all when I leave Chile.

Today we planned on doing some recon sledding/hiking to check out some new lines near MI LODGE, Las Trancas, Chile, South America

We sledded as far as we could and then started to hike. This refugio seems to need a little work.

Snowshoed the whole afternoon.... Got a really cool view of the glacier on the Nevado Volcano. Las Trancas, Chile, South America.

That afternoon we checked out the new zipline/canopy adventure park in Las Trancas. It's called ECOPARQUE.

Packed up my bags the following morning... A condor flew in close and did a couple loops before soaring off. They rarely come down low so yes... I know it's far away. Huge birds and really cool to watch. Las Trancas, Chile, South America.

This is it! I've packed up the board bag and am hitting the road. It's been a blast down here this season and I've had the usual South American quirks, adventures and wild times. I'm headed to the beach to hang out for the Chilean Independence Day festivities. I need a little sunshine and waves this summer. I'll touch base from the beach. Stay posted.

Resort info: www.nevadosdechillan.com

Flights to Chile: www.lan.com

Lodging in this area: www.misnowchile.com

Rolling my bags around South America with ease. www.dakine.com

Questions?: www.chasingwintermedia.com

Will it rain or dump?? Where should I go next?

2009-10-02T08:00:00Z

The capitol Santiago is a very interesting and exciting place to visit in short periods of time. I needed to get back to the snow and mountains. The only problem was that everyone in my contact circle of snow loving friends had all the same thing to say... RAIN! and bad weather was the word from everyone.. north to south, CHILE to ARGENTINA. This was not good news. I had been stuck on the snow report sites for days watching the weather patterns change from good, bad to worse. It didn't matter though. I knew it was still too early in the season for spring to fully take hold and I was sure that it would snap back into winter soon. The big question though was which place would I have the best chance of scoring good snow and which place would keep me the most sane while maybe having to wait out a good 4 to 5 days of bad weather... I bought the first ticket I could get to Chillan and headed south. Las Trancas here I come.

I rolled my bags into the Bus Terminal downtown right away. It was too late to take the train so the bus it was. If your going to roll on the bus, Chile has a great bus system. Affordable and really comfortable if you get the semi or full cama buses. This means that the seats are spacious and recline into beds for the long travel. Sometimes if your lucky you'll get a movie. Note to future bus riders... always roll with headphones.

Arrived in town to some bad weather.... it would be lodge life at MI LODGE for the next while... Raining pretty hard right now.

Ping Pong...When it's bad weather this game can become the centre of one's universe. MI LODGE, CHILE

MI LODGE is set up for bad weather...It has the area's only indoor skate ramp... This one can chalk up as "Random pro skier sighting" Candide Thovex showed up one night really late to stay at the lodge. Turns out he can shred the skate. MI LODGE, CHILE

The ramp got used pretty heavily during the bad weather... This is Simon Favier. He was a pro snowboarder in France before making to switch to filming. He's filming the new ski movie for Candide Thovex. It's called Candide Kamera. I saw some of the footage and it looks pretty awesome.. MI LODGE, CHILE

Clearing up finally... now it's time to go up to the mountain and see what came down... snow... rain... or???

Get used to this view if you don't have a truck/car in this area. Hitchhiking is really common from Las Trancas up to the resort. Snow line is looking pretty low still. Termas de Chillan (Nevados de Chillan resort) CHILE

A full reset on the volcano... A good choice to come back here. The craters above are approx 3200 metres so elevation is a key factor to why this place gets consistent snow fall. Nevados de Chillan resort, CHILE

The Chilean flag looks like the one from Texas... or vice versa.. depends who you ask. Nevados de Chillan, CHILE

You could call this two things... Spring powder in Chile... or Riding awesome snow in September for us North Americans. Termas de Chillan aka Nevados de Chillan, CHILE

That big snow lip below is just asking for another slash on it. Nevados de Chillan, CHILE

Plenty of off-piste (out of bounds) snow to be ridden at this area. There is no patrol in these areas though and riding out of bounds with out the proper knowledge and backcountry gear (beacon, probe, shovel, partners,brain) is not advised. Termas de Chillan aka Nevados de Chillan resort, CHILE

People had been waiting for the bad weather to clear for almost five days. Needless to say.... the place was full tilt powder madness. Nevados de Chillan, CHILE

End of the day and there is still plenty of fresh all over the place. Nevados de Chillan, CHILE

Chile has some really diverse wildlife. This is a Carpintero Negro (woodpecker). Termas de Chillan, CHILE

The view from my deck at MI LODGE.... pretty sweet terrain, really close by. Nevados de Chillan, CHILE

Well I guess I made the right choice and the mountains are filled with snow again. The forecast looks like a mix of sun and clouds for the next few days. I'm going to take advantage of this since my season is winding down here in South America. Cat skiing, hiking the volcano craters and surrounding valleys as well as a little recon mission to a nearby area with the snowmobile. This is the plan at least. Stay tuned....

INFO

Flights to CHILE: Lan Airlines. www.lan.com

Resort: Nevados de Chillan, www.nevadosdechillan.com

Lodging near the resort: MI LODGE, www.misnowchile.com

Backcountry gear for riding terrain like this: DAKINE, www.dakine.com

Questions??? www.chasingwintermedia.com