Watersprite Lake Area
DecEMBER 10, 2017

Went for a day mission to scope out the Watersprite zone during the field day of a Trip Planning Like a Pro course. A few key notes. The winter approach is referred to as the old trail I believe, and requires a HIGH CLEARANCE vehicle to get to due to cross ditches. We parked at 850m at the road end. It is then about 5.5km on logging roads to the basin below the hut (can be sledded). Once there, lots of terrain, although not many high danger ski options. We had low danger and could ski directly off the summit of Gibson Peak, the highest in the drainage above the hut. Nice 300-400m vertical shady runs, and some steep trees and pillows on the exit. 

Sea to sky country
decEMBER 2017

Having skied the majority of my time the last 12 years in the interior of BC, despite actually 'living' in Squamish, I always love when good conditions coincide with my time at home.

My free time in the off season certainly lets me take advantage of this. And the last week has been no exception. Staring at maps, photos and teaching a navigation course focused in this zone, plus the appeal of spending 5 minutes in a car each day I go skiing has me hooked on the Sky Pilot area. 

An average 2m base at 1500m. Settled, dry snow in the shade, sun crusts on solar aspects. Minimal size 1-2's from Sunday Night. No real instabilities other than surface sluffing in the STEEPS, and of course solar activity. Thanks to Doglotion.com and Andrew Councell for a few extra shots. I'll let the photos do the talking. Arron and Nick were kick ass partners as well. Some of the run names are just made up...because we have to start somewhere. If you know them send them along!