Embrace the Detours

"Embrace the detours."

K-Country - Canada

2012

Living, Working and Playing in Banff National Park (Or any other Canadian mountain town)

I recently created a meme on 'Living in Banff'. These 6 pictures were compiled to create a hilarious and accurate depiction of life in this beautiful mountain town.

Even though there is a lot of ass in the pictures, there is also a lot of truth and deeper insight in what to expect when preparing to embark on a ski season or sunny summer living in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Picture 1. What My Parents Think I Do

This caption insinuates that this is something backpackers only tell their parents they are doing to make them look cultured. But exploring the park is something many travellers to Banff revel in. The scenery here is so unreal that Banff National Park is a UNESCO World heritage site. To put this into perspective, other UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the world include:

- The Taj Mahal
- The Serengeti
- The Great Barrier Reef.

That's right, living in Banff is the equivalent to living in the Taj Mahal (with the hoards of tourists included). We are downright privileged to live in such a beautiful place that it would be rude not to get out and see it.


Picture 2. What My Friends Think I Do

While you do see your fair share of crotch on the ski hill (most recently too), naked skiing is NOT recommended. Not only will you scare those Tiger Tots on the hill but nobody wants ice burn on their bum.

Banff is blessed with some of the finest champagne powder skiing in North America and whether you're a seasoned pro or a faceplanting genius, such as myself, you can 'hang out with your wang out' during those famous Canadian winters. (Figuratively speaking).






Picture 3. What Other Travellers Think I Do
When you told your friends you were considering living in Canada for a few months, did they ask if you were going to live in an igloo? Maybe your friends are more worldly then mine, but there is definitely an attitude the Canada is a cold country. It might be something to do with the 8 month long winters, -45 degree temperatures and polar bears, but it also boasts long summer months of swimming in the lake, canoeing on the river and hiking up the mountains that you'll be calling for a blizzard by August (and you'll probably get one).


Picture 4. What Locals Think I Do
Okay, lets be honest. I love Sunday Funday. Partying late into the night with people from all over the world, at 4,000ft. elevation; not only is Banff a beautiful place, but its got one heck of a party scene to go with it.

However, we're all capable of being upstanding members of society while enjoying a good knees-up on a Sunday Funday. Locals put up with the continual revolving door of backpackers coming, going and tearing up the town. Be respectful to those who call this beautiful town their full-time home. Clean up after your BBQ's, keep the noise down and for God's sake, don't feed the wildlife.


Picture 5. What I Think I Do

Wait. I'm NOT a Mountie??











Picture 6. What I Actually Do

Party with my shirt off halfway up a mountain? Occasionally, yes. But I chose this photo because it signifies everything Banff is capable of. Friends, fun and Alberta's famous blue skies.

Experience all this and so much more while surrounded by the most beautiful mountain vistas in the world, in an time you will look back at as 'the best years of your life'.



I'll be writing a follow-up post on more practical matters when preparing to live, work and play in Banff National Park.

Until then,
Jones x

Living in Banff

So today I made a meme on what to expect when coming to live in Banff, Canada.
All this and SO MUCH MORE.

Jones x

Slush Cup - The End of Season Ski Party @ Sunshine Village



Photo courtesy of Sunshine Village

Over 34ft of snow
200 days of riding

And one Slush Cup I won’t forget
Thank you Sunshine Village for another amazing season!

Yes, that IS the Messiah, Jesus H. Christ, attempting to reach Slush Cup glory.
He's trying new marketing method's to reach the masses.

And no, he couldn't walk on water.

Slush Cuppers hurtled down a 60ft slope before launching themselves off a ramp, to effortlessly skim across the ice pond to the other side. Easy!

65 Slush Cuppers braved the braying crowd in an attempt to attain the coveted Slush Cup!
Few made it, most failed, and lots of beer was drunk.

An amazing end of season ski party to see off the 2011/12 season in style.

After seeing men in manikins, the ultimate Canadian Tuxedo and more crotch on the ski hill than I care to think about, I can honestly say Slush Cup is a right of passage for any Banff backpacker.

For now,
Jones

The end of season ski party to end all ski parties!

Certain events signify the end of the winter season in the Rockies. Bike trails open up, BBQ’s are fired up and everyone comes out of hiding after months of minus 30 degrees.

But there is one big, badass and downright bodacious Banff tradition that signifies the close of 7 months of epic pow….

The closing parties to end all closing parties…

The infamous Sunshine Village Slush Cup!

Let me paint you a picture. A bikini clad Aussie strapped into his snowboard, atop a 40ft. ski hill with a 20ft pond of ice water below. A bad combination? We think not!

See video for a fine example!

This Monday May 21st will see brave Slush Cup skiers and boarders face one objective - to speed down the ski hill, skim across the icy water and victoriously reach the other side of the pond….without falling in. Easy!

However, few manage to earn the glorious title and bragging rights of reaching the other side and most dent their pride in front of a few thousand larey boarders and skiers there to cheer/jeer them on!

Slush Cuppers are judged on distance, air, costumes and most importantly, calibre of their belly flop.

Coupled with live music from BC/DC and copious amounts of sophisticated vodka beverages (and by that I mean Palm Bay’s out of a can), there are no prizes for guessing where you will find me this Victoria Day long weekend.

Party on Wayne.

For now,

Jones x