Pictures, pictures and pictures!

[DevinBartley]

Not really telemark skiing but I had my first day today of nordic skiing for the season in Canmore, AB. Tried out my new Rossignol BC 80s and Alpina Wyoming boots. It was my first time skiing on fish scales or on a nordic ski with a metal edge. I have to say I am happy so far and looking forward to getting these out off trail. It was raining all day so it was quite slushy!

[Woodserson]

Wow! Is that manmade snow that they plowed into position or scraped up snow from a light snowfall? I am imagining the first... Thank you for sharing this is exciting. Do you guys need American immigrants to do dirty low paying jobs in exchange for October skiing?

[jyw5]

early season... got hammered with snow this month. slabs of wind/suncrust already forming. HP, AK.

[bauerb]

that looks like the sort of Nordic center prep they have in places like Norway for the world cup skiers to get the earliest start possible.

[DevinBartley]

Wow! Is that manmade snow that they plowed into position or scraped up snow from a light snowfall? I am imagining the first... Thank you for sharing this is exciting. Do you guys need American immigrants to do dirty low paying jobs in exchange for October skiing?

It is actually what they call "snow farming". They make a giant pile of snow over the winter with snow guns. Then in the spring they cover the pile with a thick layer of sawdust and store it over the summer, then in mid October it is spread with dump trucks and excavators to make a 5km loop. It is called "Frozen Thunder" and it is used by many pro ski teams for early season training.

And yes, actually we do need people to come work at the downhill ski areas, hotels, restaurants, construction industry, etc. I beleive it is a simular situation in many places at least in the Western US as well right now with the labour shortage. Its not hard to get a job that will help you do a temporary visa - though I think it is easier to get a temporary visa if you come from a common wealth country, I dont know all the details, but many people come from all over the world to work here seasonally. Cost of housing is high here but many jobs also include staff housing in dorm style residences. If you are serious about it you should be able to make it happen.

[Montana St Alum]

Not really telemark skiing but I had my first day today of nordic skiing for the season in Canmore, AB. Tried out my new Rossignol BC 80s and Alpina Wyoming boots. It was my first time skiing on fish scales or on a nordic ski with a metal edge. I have to say I am happy so far and looking forward to getting these out off trail. It was raining all day so it was quite slushy!
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That IS cool. I know ranchers in Montana would pile up snow (many years ago!) and cover the piles with straw to have ice available over the summer. A concept put to good use today.

[Montana St Alum]

Last of summer mountain biking season - in Moab Utah.
Got back yesterday. I'm looking forward to the snow, but I'll miss the cold beer after a desert ride (till next summer):

Follow the blue lines, but not over a cliff....follow that blue arrow pointing to the left!

[jyw5]

Asnes Skog 185cm, NNNBC, Alfa Quest Core boots, 50mm Contour race skinsm

took the line down from the saddle (pictured right of the highest point)... about 1200ft vertical from the saddle to the lake.

Kept the skins on up and down. Managed to connect about 4 good turns. had to kick turn down otherwise.

Microdot to Gold Cord Lake; Hatcher Pass, AK

The Skog is surprisingly very capable. A shorter length like 170cm would have been alot better. I think maybe the new Line Sverdrup, 170cm would be perfect.

[UtahBrian]

I've seen the first telemarker of the season. Not me; I ride alpine gear at resorts and the natural snow isn't good enough yet for backcountry telemark on my nordic gear.

But some who are more skilled than I am take their tele gear to the artificial snow at the chairlifts.

Here's his technique up close, skirting the ribbon of death.

[Krummholz]

Deadhorse trail, Fraser,Co