MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Winter 2019

90 ML BLUE WINTER 2019 OLD-SCHOOL WILD SIDE The weather-chapped cowboy stands on frozen gravel, saddling up his planks in the base area and says with a rasp, “Howdy, first day crushing Castle?” Naturally his favourite trails would be gifts to us, stashes of fluffy dreams, with names like Desperado, Drifter, High Rustler and Lone Star, getting us giddy to go. “Classic” is an overused word, but mighty fitting for this backwater gem Castle Mountain Resort, tucked deep in the snow-laden Westcastle Valley. With an acreage of 3,592, two mountains, eight alpine bowls, 94-plus trails, seven lifts, two terrain parks, plus a cat skiing zone, there’s a lot to keep you busy here. With British Columbia just a short drive away, this is blower powder country, with massive moisture-laden cotton balls accumulating to the tune of 900cm per year. Like wild horses, snow stampedes against the big walls of the Rockies, and timing it right is the stuff that makes skiers’ dreams and tales for life. With crushing fall-line vertical next to larches dotting the alpine basin, drop into the High Rustler chute. Here, you’re a star rider in a snow rodeo—bucked relentlessly until the valley floor way, way down yonder. THE SNOW, THE TREES—THE LEGEND Next stop, Fernie Alpine Resort’s ridges, bowls, and legendary powder— be prepared for your goggles to barely peep through the clouds of freshly disturbed snow. But so much more is here, like big cedar forests at the bottom. Peel out before you go for another lap and stand in awe of this place. Here the trees are so tall they blend in with the snow- heavy clouds. New this season at Fernie, get some skin in the game with guided alpine touring clinics. Learn how with Fernie’s Winter Sports School, where a touring expert will lead you up and down a designated run (equipment provided) and hone your backcountry basics. The Lizard Range is a powerful, powder-filled place, one that requires extra time to experience. So pause, slow down and re-connect. Check out Polar Peak or maybe, if you’re feeling spirited, drop into Corner Pocket. Or try laying out big wide rippy turns on the massive apron of Lizard Bowl. But sometimes we need to downshift, feel the kiss of the snow and just hug that tree. The town of Fernie. COURTESY RESORTS OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES First freshies at Castle. ALAN HEIDEL/COURTESY CASTLE MOUNTAIN RESORT