I have no idea how many times I have done the inaugural “Wrangle the Chute” event now, but I can tell you I look forward to it every year because it is an exemplary event. This year at Wrangle there was an Athlete shred day. We all got together and shredded as one big crew the day before the event and whether you were a seasoned athlete, or a entering you first event you got the impression that this group of athletes is a family and we support each other. I get asked a lot why I continue to compete into my 30s, I could say what I always say which is “winners never quit”, but a more genuine reason for my drive to stay competitive is that it keeps me connected, with the industry, with athletic standards and with my freeride family.

 

To all the young shredders out there wondering if he competition life is for them, hear me when I say… This is a family that subscribes to your channel and will continue to support you no matter the outcome. But don’t take my word for it, you’ll have to come check it out yourself. See you next year!

 

Here are some photos from the weekend;

Photo Cred: Leah Mulholland

The fam jam, love my gurls!

On the road again, ready for the next adventure

The McBride Traverse is another Coastal classic I ticked off my list this season. It begins by taking the lifts up Blackcomb Mountain up East Col and half way around the famous Spearhead Traverse. Once you reach Naden Glacier you descend to the head of Cheakamus Creek, the Mcbride Glacier looks less than intimidating and you climb for what seems like forever unless a random snowstorm comes in and renders you helpless underneath tarp from a couple hours.

Sir Richard top the Mcbride Glacier like a cherry sitting on top of a sundae. Then its all steep exposed glaciers and traversing till you reach the coveted camp spots, Drop Pass and Grey Pass. Honestly it was cruxy but navigable and really highlighted my spring.

Check out the pics below;

Revelstoke 3*

To start the competition season off myself and Amanda Romanchuk headed towards the interior to check out the first Canadian FWQ qualifier event of the season.

On our way there we had a bit of bad luck come our way and ended up showing up at the event with no skis to ride. Lucky for me an old friend of mine run Skookum Ski and Cycle Revelstoke and he hooked me up with a brand new pair of Savory 7’s to get me back in the game. Thanks Mike!

We shredded when Day 2 of the event got cancelled;

 

 

Wrangle the Chute FWQ 4 *

Next up on the Canadian Event roster was the inarguable Wrangle the Chute Event at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Wrangle has quickly becomes my favorite event of the season every year.

Here’s some photos from this year;

Camilla Laughlin get a hometown high five from team mate Jacob Boyd

An injured Dylan Siggers and Forecast Ski’s Travis Persaud getting the shot

Rad run Connor MacDonald!

 

The Currie to Wedge Traverse is a classic coastal 1-3 Day traverse that separates Pemberton and Whistler. There are two possible starts. A new hiking trail was put in up the south side of Mt Currie or you can pay Blackcomb Aviation for a drop on Hibachi Ridge.

Our trip was completed in 3 days based our keen interest in whiteout navigation on day 1 and the importance of scoping new lines for a return trip.

For more information on the route check out the “Exploring the Coast Mountain on Skis” book.

Here is some photos for you to drool over;

Christine, Conor, and Skylar making peace with the Weart Glacier on a cool afternoon

Mt Moe at sunset

Approaching the Weart Glacier form the East side of Mt Moe

Afternoon Line choice on Wedge

Walking out the last couple Km’s on the summer trail back to the cars

Check out the first webisode of my new project “The Mountain Guides Apprentice”. Its a series of webisodes on what its like to move through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides Program.

 

Thank you Christine Feleki, Jameson Florence and Shawn Campbell for all your help.

Stay tuned for the next webisode coming soon…

The king of the Joffre Group Mt Matier is located just off the Duffy lake rd on HWY 99 north of Pemberton British Columbia. It’s been on my list since I attempted to summit and ski mount Joffre in 2011. As I climbed higher and higher up the Aussie Couloir I turned to look finally at the view as we approached the summit ridge. It’s approach seemed easy and accessible and I had no idea the sheer size of the mountain from across the Matier Glacier. At a towering 2783m its got a sort of accessible appeal, which is why the North West face is such a surprising descent. 45-50 degrees and rather intimidating upon approach, the NW face is a classic coastal descent.

 

Stay tuned for more classic descents this spring, but for now “The mountains are calling and I must go” – John Muir