Well Apex was fun, but I haven’t been to Nelson in a couple of years. For those of you who don’t know yet, staying away from the Kootenays is a stupid thing to do. I was originally going to go skiing with an old buddy who has been working as a ski guide up there, but he got injured in an avalanche the week previously so he couldn’t go. Luckily I could hook up with some other guys so I spent my time with Joe on the sofa drinking way too much beer.

Here’s the view from the lodge of Ymir Peak. I had the pleasure of skiing most of the lines off of the peak a few years ago. Our destination for this day was the bowl over the ridge to the North (left), also known as 5 Mile Basin.

We started early to get above the ski area before the lifts opened. Here is Mark Holt from local shop The Sacred Ride and Skinny Seniuk of NRG Enterprises.

Of course, the first run was deeper and better, so as usual I didn’t get any shots. Too busy skiing it, eh? It was a 1200′ run through nice open trees and knee deep fluff at minus 15 C. Maybe a little colder at the bottom.

For the second run we went a little higher to the summitt of White Queen (Elev. 7100′). Here’s Judd showing how to hold the tele’s tight.

…and Skinny with his postcard face on.

…and Holt throwing out a wave….

It was a short day, as Mark and Skinny had to go to work. I went for a walk down by the lake and found these eagles enjoying the day.

Next up, the nightlife. Stay tuned……