Tales from the Hinterlands, 2020-2021

[Sick Bird Rider]

Well, I don't have to tell you that it has been a weird year. The Hinterlands have not been exempt from the ravages of COVID and we are now under a province-wide lockdown until late January. Not that it seems to matter to some people but that is another story.

The good news is that we finally have some snow, and locals are starting to earn some turns. And right now, that is the only option, since the Ontario lockdown includes the shutting down of ski resorts. The other news is that a few of us have gotten organized and formed an association to promote backcountry skiing and trail development, check us out at WWHSTA. If you have some spare cash, we welcome members from anywhere!

I haven't been skiing yet but Telemark Dave has been shredding up his local golf course and just yesterday, our friend Jeff The Man earned few turns with his long-haired son Alistair and their snow dog Parka. Alistair made a video about the day and I thought that it would be a fitting start to what promises to be a very different ski season.

If you are new here, I'll explain more about the Hinterlands a little later.

 

[Telemark Dave]

Well it’s about time you got your shit together SBR! Yup, I’ve been on skis since December 2nd.. I think today (New Years Day) is the 20th session on skis for me, it’s been an awesome start to the season. Scored freshies at Limberlost yesterday, earning turns is always a great way to spend New Year’s Eve day.

 

[Sick Bird Rider]

I skied today! Pics at 11.

 

[Sick Bird Rider]

The chair and the fact that it was New Year's Day suggested that it is a good day to go for a ski in the back 50.

And why not show some Charger Love on New Year's Day? Conditions were ideal for rockered, wide, fishscaled skishoes.

The was a bit crusty so trail-breaking was not easy. Many stops for branch-whacking were required. but I finally made it to Secret Hill. Telemark Dave and I have been working at this little glade run for over 10 years and it has turned out quite nicely. The socially distanced trees looked inviting but I skied down cautiously.

The turns were not pretty but I give day one on skis a big thumbs up. Let's be careful out there this winter but don't stop getting out and about.

 

[raisingarizona]

Sweet!

Do most folks round there use skins? That would be a lot of transitions for a full day, you guys must be pretty darn smooth with them.

 

[Brownski]

I need to move

 

[Sick Bird Rider]

Sweet!

Do most folks round there use skins? That would be a lot of transitions for a full day, you guys must be pretty darn smooth with them.

Yes, the more serious turn-earners are skinning and we do get snappy at transitions. TD and I both have the fishscaled Voile Charger BC, which probably reduces the need for skins by 50%.

 

[Telemark Dave]

Best day, ever of 2021 at Nickle Peak. Given the extremely warm temperatures so far this season, it was an not unexpected surprise to find a 2’ base with 6” of somewhat fresh and very dry pow on top. I met a few new faces, and reacquainted with some old ones. FKNA.

 

[Sick Bird Rider]

Excellent. Looks like a fine day.

 

[Telemark Dave]

Finally.. some snow. Not much but it was cold and dry.. I think it’s been two weeks since I’ve skied any fresh in the woods.. (I have been, however, pounding out the k’s on the track set XC trails. It’s all skiing..)
Anyways, I did a quickie session on our local golf course.. there’s one tee that’s about 90ft above the fairway. Game on.