A Perfect Winter's Day

SteveR

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Sep 22, 2016
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After what looked like a promising start to the Alberta ski season in late October, summer tried to re-assert itself and for the last month, adventures in the foothills have looked mostly like this:
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Along the divide further west, a slow accumulation of snow made for a perfect day of early season skiing last week, to the Kananaskis Fire Lookout, a perennial favorite.
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A winter wonderland with 10 cm of fresh fluff overnight.
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Most of our route followed xc ski trails, some of which had seen a bit of snowmobile packing to build a base for future grooming.
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Up, up and more up on the long climb to the lookout.
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A gust of wind filled the air with crystals!
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At the top, looking south to Elk Pass and the Elk Range in BC.
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Great weather for an extended picnic, with only a light breeze and a temperature of just below zero. The picnic table reveals the snowpack depth, which is only about 60% of what would be the norm right now.
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The amazing panorama looking west to the still unfrozen Kananaskis Lakes.
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After a descent that was a bit challenging on the skinny skis, easy cruising to finish off a perfect day of November skiing.
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We've been out in the same general area a couple of times since, enjoying some OK early season skiing, but have been repeating the mantra of skiers everywhere: bring on the snow!
 
So jealous, the Kentucky winter just showed up but nothing fun like you have, just cold and grey :)
 
Good to see you're out on the xc skis!

El Niño has got us in the crosshairs here in Montana. Weakest start to winter that I've seen here so far. So desperate that I'm looking forward to our slight chance of a little snow this weekend.
 
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