Sun Peaks #1 Tour Report (Jan 6–11)
It was an incredible way to start the New Year as 57 enthusiastic skiers converged upon the Cahilty Lodge to challenge the powder at Sun Peaks.  The tour began in Edmonton as 52 members of the group boarded our coach for an 8:00am departure with stops at Edson, Valemount and Little Fort.  Five other members of the group traveled independently and met us on site.  All arrived in time for a welcoming party with food, fun and a taste of wine and as in previous trips we were delighted to be personally greeted by Al Raine and Nancy Greene.
Monday morning greeted us with sunshine and groomed runs as many of the group enjoyed their first runs of the season with Nancy or Al.  We were all excited to awaken Tuesday to find lots of fresh snow on the mountain and more falling.  For the real powder hounds this was a dream come true, for others of us it was an exhilarating challenge.  The excitement continued for the next two days as similar conditions continued through Thursday.
When our energy ebbed many could be found at the top of the Sunburst Chair enjoying a sticky bun and hot chocolate and some respite for the tired legs.  On Wednesday evening all gathered for a buffet dinner at Masa’s Restaurant where a visit by Nancy Greene added to the good food and fellowship.  Thursday brought another outstanding day of powder skiing that was enjoyed by all (well almost all).  Our final evening at Cahilty concluded with an enjoyable sing song led by Bruce Walker on his guitar.  Bruce was assisted on a spirited rendition of My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean by Brian Colgan as the evening wound down.
The trip was a success because, as is normal, all present contributed when needed.  Special thanks to the load/unload crew and the wine and cheese volunteers.  It was a great way for most of us to commence an exciting season of skiing.
Joan and Bill Webber

Sun Peaks #2 Tour Report (Jan 13–17)
54 members from the Northern Branch participated in the Club’s second trip to Sun Peaks. The bus met us at the Millwoods Golf Course parking lot a half hour late as the driver had a flat tire. There were 50 eager participants (two last minute medical cancellations) on the bus and four self drivers. Eight members on this trip were fist timers and you could sense their excitement and anticipation. They introduced themselves via the bus microphone and gave a short summary why they had joined the club. The roads were clear and we enjoyed a pleasant trouble free ride to Sun Peaks. The prearranged lunch stop at the Great Escape Restaurant in Valemount was a hit.
We arrived at the Cahilty Lodge shortly before 6 pm. The check in was smooth and quick. The Wine and Cheese Reception got under way at 6:45 pm in the Sunburst Room. Everyone enjoyed the wine, cheese, buns & meat and other assorted goodies and especially the camaraderie. However the highlight of the reception was Nancy Greene’s and Al Raine’s presence and their welcome address.
The skiing on Monday was super. Soft snow and lots of it, combined with mild temperatures, made for an excellent day of skiing. Over half of the skiers participated in the mountain orientation tour conducted by Nancy, Al, and their staff.
That evening a wicked storm struck the resort, ripping branches from trees, knocking over many trees, dumping several inches of wind driven hard packed snow and dropping the temperature to – 18 C. The next morning the sun came out but it remained cold (-18 C) and windy. Despite the cold, the skiing was still great especially on the groomed runs.
We had another Wine and Cheese party that afternoon at 5 pm. to finish off the left over wine and goodies from Sunday and to review the next evenings club supper and check out procedures.
The temperatures warmed up a bit for Wednesday; however some parts of the mountain experienced ice fog that played havoc with the ski goggles. I was told by some of the locals that this is the first time that they had ever experienced ice fog at Sun Peaks.
Despite Mother Nature’s best efforts to dampen our spirits, the snow and the skiing were first class and enjoyed by all. That evening we enjoyed an excellent club dinner at Masa’s - A fitting end to three great days of skiing and socializing. As an added bonus…..no injuries.
The next morning we departed at 7:45 am. The roads were snow covered and slippery for most of the trip but our driver Kong did a great job getting us back home by 7:00 pm.
I would like to thank my wife Gail (co-host) and all of those club members that so willingly helped with the loading and unloading and organizing the wine and cheese parties.
Klaus Kyritz

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Marmot Ski Improvement Week Report (Jan 20–24)
Romantic candle light dinner for 92
A most befitting end to an exciting week of skiing was presented to us by the staff of Jasper Inn on Wednesday evening – albeit – somewhat unplanned but not totally unexpected. We heard about a gas line rupture that had happened just east of the Jasper Park gates, in the late afternoon, when the lifts were shut down because of the impending power outage. The town of Jasper already was partially blacked out. As far as I know we all made it off the lifts before they stalled for the day.
Upon return to the hotel I called the kitchen immediately to see how much the gas line rupture affected their operation. The manager’s cool response “Not a problem – We just learned to cook without gas.”  In fact our steaks were already in the process of being prepared on various barbeques, one of them brought in hastily by the chef himself. They invited us to come to the dining room pdq, which we did. No sooner had we inhaled the first glass of wine and delighted in our soups or salads, when the lights were dimmed to the point where only the small candles on the tables provided a most romantic and delightful atmosphere. We were taken by surprise, but there was laughter and applause. The staff remained totally unruffled and served the meals in a most efficient manner. Then I saw the computer screen, which had been lit to this point, go black as well. That meant they could not print out our bills; the manager reassured me on that account: “The drinks are on the house (to this point) and you can settle your account tomorrow morning, when the power, we hope, will be back up.”
Our applause and gratitude to the Jasper Inn staff for making a difficult situation pleasant for all of us.
NB – The skiing was great (isn’t it always). There were a couple of not too serious injuries, which seem to be healing. We wish the injured speedy recovery and hope to see them on one of our next trips. Ski Heil!
Inge Hess, Norma Kabaroff, Eva Grattan, Archie Childs – Tour hosts.

Silver Star Tour Report (Feb 3-8)
There was no idle chit chat in the parking lot prior to loading. Bus loading was at 6:30 am and it was very cold. However we were off by 7:00 am. The first comfort/coffee stop was at Cochrane followed by stops at Revelstoke and Vernon where the temperature had moderated significantly.  Thank Heavens!
The welcoming party with wine and hors d’oeuvre was held at the Den. The Den provided ample supply off wine and a variety of snack items. 
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday provided the group a couple of fairly cold days with temperatures ranging from -18 ºC in the morning to -8 ºC by afternoon. In addition, a variety of skiing challenges was presented to the group to battle heavy fog, light snow and flat light that gave everyone a chance to work on their quick reaction skiing skills in order to miss obstacles and keep track of their skiing partners. This was part of our plan. 
The group dinner was held at the Den as well. From the feedback everyone was very pleased with their dinner selection although the service was quite slow as the Den was very busy with other customers. 
On Wednesday evening the Weatherman brought us a good dump of snow for a great day of powder skiing for Thursday. Also part of the plan!! 
Friday loading, for the return home, was at 6:30 am, and in keeping with tradition, everyone was loaded by 6:40 am so we got off to an early start only to be turned back at Revelstoke because of avalanche dangers. We were told that the tentative reopening of the highway was scheduled for about 4:00 pm. Sooo…, we decided to return via Salmon Arm, Kamloops and Jasper which extended our travel time to 15 hours—a long day for us arriving Edmonton at 11:30 pm. We returned to a very cold night and two vehicles would not start. Rides were provided for by club members.        
It was a very memorable trip. Two members suffered injuries so hopefully their recovery is swift. Thanks to the many helpers in loading and offloading of the bus at both ends of the trip. 
Arnie & Gladys Wilson