Whistler 2008 - Week 4.

Week 4 began with snow and high winds. So a blizzard. We seek safety amongst the trees where the powder was fresh and visibility was better. We were often the only people there, making our very own fresh tracks - avoiding hazards such as tree wells and creeks made it all the more exciting.
The highlight of this week was definitely entering Ruby Bowl via Spanky's Ladder on the Blackcomb Glacier. Access involved a 5 minute traverse, a 10 min hike up to the ridge and another 15 minute hike along a ridge whilst clutching onto our snowboards in one hand and the rope in the other trying not to look down to cliffs that were greeting us either side. The high winds definitely tested our backbone - this was definitely not one for those with a fear of heights! Anyway, the entrance to Ruby Bowl was via a very icy and rocky chute which was negotiated on our backsides. But finally, there is was, a field of steep and deep untouched powder - worth it! The cat track from the glacier was particularly fast that day so this again was another test! I think all of us who took part passed!
But enough of the fun - more training for the CASI 1 in the form of drills and practice teaching kept us busy for the remainder of the week,

Nina

Sabrina & Nina - Off Spanky's Ladder and in the bar