It's Happening - Early Season Snowfall

As I sit at my desk and listen to M83, daydreaming of my career as a professional snowboarder, akin to those seen in The Art of Flight, the office around me buzzes.

I work for a ski company in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and we just had our first snowfall of the 2012/13 ski season.

Releasing the small child in everyone in the office, including the Directors, we each ‘casually’ walk over to the window, when all we want to do is run and press our noses against the glass, to catch a glimpse of the snow falling around our mountains, on our streets and (via webcam) on our ski hills.

Excited cries burst around the office as the snowfall starts, as colleagues spot fleeting flakes of snow as they dance their way from the sky to the streets. The exclamations become less as the snow becomes more, and the cries turn into an awed yet energised silence as we think forward to all that that season brings.

Heavy snowfalls, clean skis and waxed snowboards. Smooth groomers, deep powder, fresh lines and first tracks. Hot coffees, early mornings, blue bird skies and warm cider. Snow-capped mountains, sun drenched skiing, adrenaline rushes, ski tumbles and snowboard faceplants. Friends, family, slopes and smooth riding all overlooking outstanding mountain vistas.

We’ve been waiting for this day since May.

I sit. I wait. The snow begins to fall. I’m excited and anxious at what experience this ski season brings. Either way, I’m swinging my snowboard-booted-feet as I write.

For now,
Jones x

One Small Step For Man - What's Stopping You From Making Your Leap?

I'm half and half. No, not like the milk and nor my gender identity. I’m talking about my nationality. I am half British, half Canadian and so proud of it (well recently).

I wasn't always as proud as I am today about coming from a nation famous for sitting on the fence, with an affinity for maple syrup and Mounty’s. It's mostly because I endured a good eight years of torment about my cross-breed accent during my school years. In fairness my accent was, and still is, an eclectic mixture of Yorkshire lass, the Queens Speech and a twang of Albertan loveliness. After being born in Canada and emigrating to England at 6 years old, as a friend once said, I don’t associate myself with any particular country and apparently neither does my accent.

Yes, I am a lady, a lass, and a hometown gal who isn’t quite sure which country to call home.

So when my job in England ended two years ago and I found myself out of work (thank you economic climate), I decided it would be the ideal time to return to my country of birth that I have so many fond memories of.


Welcome to the Canadian Rockies



Let me paint you an idyllic picture of a small town nestled in the Canadian Rockies, where you can walk from one side to the other in 10 minutes, where locals of 30 years happily rub shoulders with tourists from Japan, and where iconic peaks loom over you in every direction. A place where you share the sidewalk with deer and the ski-slope with some of the friendliest people in North America.

This was a town I promised myself I would spend at least 6 months. It was my first solo journey, into the unknown, with no job lined up and nothing but an overstuffed 23lb backpack and my passport in my nervous hands. I was Alberta bound!

 

Two years later….

....after two of the best summers of my life, winters spent snowboarding through the Canadian Rockies and making friends who have become my family, I now call this place home.

Opening my mind, my soul and my boundaries has led me to the most life changing experience I could have ever imagined. Actually no, that is a lie; I could never imagine my life and my travels could have even been this soul defining.

I found myself in friends, lost myself on hikes, had my heart broken, fell in love with this country and met countless other backpackers, travellers and locals. I’ve opened my mind and broadened my horizons. I’ve taught myself to rely only on myself and learnt how to trust in others and that how some people, above all, have an inherently good soul.

One small step for man…one giant leap for you

 

Leaving your job, your friends, your family and your life is no easy decision. There are many reasons (excuses) to talk yourself out of stepping out of your comfort zone that you’ve spent so long living in. But there are more reasons that outweigh your worries to book that ticket, make those travel plans and get on that plane to a foreign land where nobody will know your name, unless you pick up that beer and go over and talk to them.

For all that I come across as bubbly and personable (and in the words of my Dad, able to talk the hind legs off a donkey) it’s actually all an effort. I’m introverted, private and shy with the ridiculous ability to believe I will be rejected from a group or a person if I try for conversation. I’ve written some posts with tips like how to start a conversation with complete stranger as well as tips on how to make that leap to and new country.


So what's holding you back from taking that small step, your giant leap, into the unknown?

- Do you have any travel plans?
- What are your biggest fears about travelling or living in a new country?
- Do you have any questions you need answering?

Send me an e-mail or leave a comment below if you have a burning question, a constant worry or story about making your leap that you’d like to share. I reply to everyone :)

I cannot implore you more to make that leap.
It will be the biggest, scariest and greatest one you have ever made.

Love always,
Jones x

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

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