Coldsmoke

This weekend we made a quick escape to the Kootenay Coldsmoke Powderfest in Nelson, BC so Dave could participate in his first randonee race - the ROAM Randonee Rally.

Nelson. BC

Kootenay Lake

For those who are not familiar, randonee racing or ski mountaineering racing is a winter sport requiring skiers to complete a course incorporating several ascents and descents. The courses involve skate-skiing uphill, skinning uphill, walking uphill with skis on packs and, of course, skiing downhill.

The Coldsmoke course included three trips to the top of the Whitewater ski resort and back down again - for about 5000' of climbing over 8 km.

Race course - modified on race day due to avalanche danger 

At the starting line

Bagpipe start 

And their off!

The race was actually a qualifier for the Canadian Ski Mountaineering Team - the truly competitive racers managed to finish the circuit in about 2 hours! Unfortunately Dave missed the cut off time at the last check point by 9 minutes so he was disqualified.  He still had a fantastic ski and is eager to sign up for the next race.

Final skate-ski to the finish line

Happy to be finished

Win or loose - we got to enjoy a relaxing weekend exploring Nelson, soaking in the Ainsworth Hotsprings and best of all - three days away from the renovation!

Amy