Oh, and did I mention? It’s the GRAND OPENING OF THE NEW REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT!

Sorry, didn’t mean to yeall. I got excited. Wouldn’t you if you showed up at 7 am to THIS?

I was there for two days and hardly took any pics. We were too busy skiing to have time to take the camera out. All I got were some lame shots of the (yawn) opening ceremonies.

Some seriously dull speeches there. They had a captive audience, so I guess showmanship wasn’t really high on the agenda. And I quote “In 1891, the banks of the region…….,” at which point I promptly tuned out. Check out the 2000 ‘Stoked skiers rapt with attention…

After a while, they finally got down to business.

I hooked up with a solid crew that incluced the NRG boys, John from Oso Negro, and couple of bros (Matty Shred and another guy whose name I immediatley forgot) that were supposed to be working putting the final touches on the maps around the resort. They did manage to find time around 11:30 for a quick nut tightening.

This hill is going to be a force in the skiing universe. As you can see from the images, it was storming heavily on the opener. Even though the locals were shredding hard during the week leading up to the opening day, there was 30 – 50 cm of freshies everywhere on the hill, even directly under the chair. With 2000 people there, I expected more of a lineup on the quad, but several thigh buring runs later I was completely spent. I went too hard out of the gate for sure, but 20 000′ by lunch is still pretty solid. I guess when the lift system puts you up almost 5000′ in 12 minutes pacing becomes more important.

I ended up staying an extra night in town. It was all Dave’s fault for putting that drink in my hand. Whatareyagonnadoeh?

With some more sensible pacing, we hit the hill for 32000′ on Sunday, and it wa a repeat of the previous. Thigh deep in the trees, knee deep under the lift. I spent the day charging with the NRG boys again, and their pal Peter who produces one fine magazine of mountain culture out of the Kootenays.

Here’s a couple of lame shots of Jorge…

..and Skinny on our favourite run that we were referring to as “The Funnel”.

You can bet that I’ll be back here soon.