Winterfest 2012 – Dakota Ridge – March 10, 2012

Today was “fun in the snow” day … Winterfest 2012 on Dakota Ridge. Look at all the snow! The ridge is up to a 2 meter base with 15cm just last night. It snowed off and on throughout the day and you can bet there is more falling tonight.

It still seems a little strange to live in Canada and yet hardly ever see snow. We’ve only had 1 little snow all winter this year and that was only a dusting that didn’t last more than few hours. I swept the sidewalk…no shovels necessary. So when I get the chance, I make the short 1 hour trip from Arcturus Retreat up to Dakota Ridge.

Today there were plenty of extra events…equipment demos, training clinics, and races all in support of our local Jackrabbits program (cross country ski instruction for kids). These are the brave souls awaiting the starting gun for the 5km snowshoe race.

Meanwhile, I was trying skate skiing for the first time. Our group had a very good instructor, Tyrone, who made everything look effortless. I didn’t go very far, but every once in a while I felt I was actually doing it correctly. It takes a lot of concentration to break yourself of downhill ski habits. Skate skis are only 2″ wide and only as tall as I am. Much lighter and more mobile, but good balance is very important. Your whole body is moving, whereas with downhill it is more about shifting your weight and keeping center of gravity.

My real joy is found on snowshoes. Hiking, but with really big shoes. Posing among the trees is my awesome guide, Annie. Dakota Ridge has 8km of marked snowshoe trails, but the real fun comes in breaking fresh powder. Note in the picture, there is no trail out front…just the path that we’ve created. There is something special about being the first person to walk across completely perfect, untouched snow. It is like no one has ever been in that spot because each snowfall wipes the slate clean. If you don’t have a lot of experience, it is best to have a guide like Annie who knows the terrain and watches out for tree wells, creek crossings & other danger spots. Besides, you can just stare at the gorgeous scenery instead of worrying about getting lost in the forest.

Thanks for a great day to my friends at Alpha Adventures who organized the event. Can’t wait for more fun in the snow. Just 3 more weeks to enjoy for this season!

Dakota Ridge – March 23, 2011


I had the most incredible day…a perfect day of sunshine up on Dakota Ridge. Warm temperatures, clear skies, and views that you just can’t beat. Oh, and did I mention 285cm of snow? That’s almost 10 feet!

I know I’ve posted about Dakota before, but this was what it is all about. Clear skies, sunny and warm. My friend Kelly and I set out on the western snowshoe trail first. The live view is better than the pics, but this is looking west across the Salish Sea to Vancouver Island and its snow covered peaks in the distance.

We hiked for 2 hours and didn’t see a soul. Just incredible views and a completely peaceful forest. We headed back to the warming hut, but chose to enjoy the sun and have lunch out on the picnic table. It was a popular spot, suddenly there were people everywhere…even a bbq in the parking lot. So many families enjoying the last taste of winter during spring break.

Rested and fed (with sandwiches & wraps from Strait Coffee), we headed off on the eastern trail. This picture is part of 13km of groomed XC ski trails with the Salish Sea in the distance.


Along this trail, I soon found a familiar sight. I am lucky enough to look at the North Shore Mountains every day from my deck. Here in the distance, is the same view…just from a vantage point 1,200 meters higher. A bit further up the trail, you could see all the way to Mt Baker in Washington.

No time to waste if you want to see Dakota Ridge for yourself this year. The area is set to officially close for the season on April 3. Get out there and have some winter fun!

Dakota Ridge – March 23, 2011

I had the most incredible day….a perfect day of sunshine up on Dakota Ridge. Warm temperatures, lear skies, and a view that you just can’t beat. Oh, and did I mention 285cm of snow? That’s almost 10 feet!
I know I’ve posted about Dakota before, but this was what it is all about. Clear skies, sunny and warm. My friend Kelly and I set out on the western snowshoe trail first. The live view is better than the pics, but this is looking west across the Salish Sea to Vancouver island and its snow covered peaks in the distance.
We hiked for 2 hours and didn’t see a soul. Just incredible views and a completely peaceful forest. We headed back to the warming hut, but chose to enjoy the sun and have lunch out on the picnic table. It was a popular spot, suddenly there were people everywhere…even a bbq in the parking lot. So many families enjoying the last taste of winter during spring break.
Rested and fed, we headed off on the eastern trail. This is part of the 13km of groomed XC ski trails with the Salish Sea in the distance.
Along this trail, I soon found a familiar sight. I am lucky enough to look at the North Shore Mountains everyday from my Arcturus Retreat B&B deck. Here in the distance, is the same view…just from a vantage point 1,200 meters higher.