March 7, 2006
Snowfall
24 Hour: 24cm (9in)
48 Hour: 31cm (12in)
7 Day: 34cm (13in)
Snow Pack: 370cm (146in)
Text by Krista Turcasso
Photos by Krista Turcasso and D. Savage
Celebrate the Griz
 After enjoying the Griz Celebrations and Events all weekend, skiing felt like a task Sunday morning. We had friends visiting from Boston, and the idea of skiing groomers all day didn’t seem worth it. We arrived at the hill and were surprised by how warm it was. The first spring skiing of the year! I didn’t know what to expect, having skied only powder thus far this season, and can honestly say it was a day ranked among the best. I forgot how wonderful it is to ski when not only the snow is soft, but you are warm….all the time!
First run of the day was standard for a Fernie first timer, Cedar Centre. It was also a bit strategic because while our friends could ski the groomers, we could dip into glades along side the run. It looked pretty skied out and I was expecting it to be a bit choppy, but because of the warmth the snow was super soft and turny. The groomers were also amazing, very soft but still fast. We headed to North Ridge next, which was similar in excellence, and then traversed over to Dancer. Since Easter Bowl is one of my favorite areas to ski, I took the chance to wonder off. Once again, happily surprised. It had looked bumpy from below, but these bumps allowed for smooth turns and were fun to ski.
 Later in the day we suggested taking the Face Lift for the magnificent views…. of course the high traverses were in the back of our minds. The Face Lift is not the most comfortable of lifts, I remember the nightmares and panic attacks as a child, but we were confident in our friends. When we reached the top we noticed that they were further back than expected and could hear the muffled swearing. Stifling a laugh or two we turned their focus to the outstanding view of the valley and rock peaks that surrounded us. We skied towards Easter Bowl and I went to ski the bottom of Lone Fir into upper Easter Bowl. Watching the group come down from the bottom of Dancer I realized how tired they must be and we call it a day.
The great spring skiing conditions and amazingly groomed runs this weekend were a perfect way to end Griz Days. When I awoke this morning and saw the fat flakes falling from the sky I knew the Griz was happy with Fernie’s celebration in his honour.
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