March 30, 2006
Snowfall
24 Hour: 0cm (0in)
48 Hour: 1cm (0in)
7 Day: 11cm (4in)
Snow Pack: 348cm (137in)
Text and photos by Krista Turcasso
Hot Dog
Hot Dog Day went off with a bang this year. A warm, sunny day and a ski hill covered in brightly adorned skiers of all shapes and sizes. And when I say skiers, I mean it. Many snowboarders took out their old skis yesterday, increasing the level of hooting and hollering off chair lifts substantially.
Our adventure started late in the day, riding up the lift at 2:30pm. We instantly found our fellow “hot doggers,” easy to find against white snow. Together we made our way to the traditional sun pit hot doggers congregate each year. I was expecting 15 people, 20 tops. We raced down the run and traversed at high speed on our long, straight and skinny skis (not much else we could do on them) and as we turned the last corner I nearly crashed in shock. Over 80 people were gathered, and not one I could recognize. After painfully getting out of my stiff bindings, the laughter began as I slowly began to recognize the crew.
After a few tasty beverages and “Hot Dog Day” quotes, we decided to go for a few runs hot dog style. 30 of us headed up the Boomerang Chair and discussed what would best represent the ski style of 20 years ago. Yes, we had the clothes and the gear, but in order to truly meet our goal there were some definite ski styles we needed to attempt. First we found a nice jump at the top of The Bear. We each took turns getting air, pulling spread eagles, helicopters and daffys as best we could on 200cm skis (some a lot longer). After laughing with each consecutive skier, we headed for the bumps. I decided to be a spectator, as I could not pass up watching 30 colourful, tacky skiers come down in unison on The Bear bumps.
 Our next run we chose to race down the narrow path that was once the Elk T-Bar, 20 years ago at Fernie Snow Valley. It’s difficult to forget that lift, the anxiety you feel at 5 years old being lifted off the ground by a huge t-bar. The perfect last run of the day, not only did it represent the days of old and allow us to speed along on our skinny skis, it lead us straight to The Griz Pub. The party began on the decks at the Griz Pub and ended at the Parkplace Lodge Pub in Fernie where “Hot Dog, the Movie” was shown and people grooved to retro music late in the evening.
What made the day were the skiing conditions. I am still surprised by the base at FAR. It is perfect for spring skiing, lots of soft snow to be enjoyed for the last few weeks of skiing this season. And with another classic Fernie event approaching, the annual Powder Pedal Paddle race on April 15th, the last weekend proves to be one not to miss. See you on the slopes!
www.skifernie.com
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