Staying Warm in the Cold
After two and a half weeks of warm sunny winter weather on the mountain, the clouds vanished from the Okanagan Valley below and were replaced by the cold of an "Arctic front". The groomers continued to churn up the top layer of snow and then rake it into pathways similar to a chenille bedspread rippling down the ski runs and the Nordic trails at the Star and Sovereign Lake. Surprisingly, the back trails still looked pristine, frozen into an untouched motionless winter landscape. For a week the mercury dropped, as low as -20 degrees. And the locals stayed home!
Those of us from the rest of Canada (east of the Rockies), who are more seasoned to "real winter", were not intimidated by the thermometer. However we did put our downhill skis aside in favor of our Nordic (cross-country) gear. And, true to what has become my mantra, we never had a bad day!
Admittedly, we did prepare for the cold, adding an extra layer clothing (we have learned the great advantage of our inner layer being of a synthetic wicking material!), replaced our gloves with mitts, and I also put some toe warmers into my boots and hand warmers into my mitts. These self heating packets, purchased at our local "Surplus Herbies" for $.99, are very effective. They are advertised to be non toxic, non pollutive and non flammable Made with iron dust, activated charcoal powder, cellulite and something called zeolife, who knows the truth of those claims. But they sure fit the bill for occasional cold weather!
The snow had the sound and feel of corn starch and the air was definitely nippy. However only about 15 minutes into our gentle ascent up Paradise Trail I had to shed my extra layer and my hand warmers. The -17 air was no longer an issue, I was toasty warm.
Nordic skiing is an amazing low-impact workout, the ultimate calorie burner and an effective antidepressant. You use all the major muscle groups of your upper and lower body to propel yourself forward, and other muscles for balance and coordination without over stressing any single muscle group so you can sustain the activity for hours without soreness or joint strain. You strengthen your heart and increase your lung capacity, lower your bad cholesterol and increase your good cholesterol while increasing your endorphin level. This minimizes the sensations of pain and fatigue, while creating a feeling of well-being, in my case demonstrated by a smile I can not wipe off my face. Meanwhile you burn a lot of calories. One study quoting facts from Harvard Medical School, reported that Nordic skiing uses about 600 calories an hour, compared to downhill skiing at about 450 calories per hour. However, I don't think many of us vigorously downhill ski for more than about 20 minutes at a time before we get back on the chair for another ride up the mountain. We are not serious athletes but we are usually out from 2 to 3 hours on our Nordic skis. No wonder we stay warm!
The cafes on the mountain were filled with cold skiers, their hands cupped around steaming coffees and hot chocolates. They were on vacation from Eastern Canada, the States, Australia and Europe or winter residents of the mountain. The atmosphere was friendly, almost festive, among us hearty souls.
Emily and Carlos, from Washington State, told me they had discovered Silver Star in the summer. "We have been up here more in the summer than the winter" Emily told me, "our kids grew up here and this is where we have real friends" In 1997 they tried a winter trip and their kids discovered the thrill of downhill skiing. Enrolled in lessons, their 5 year old son was separated from his older sister and was about to become distressed when a wise ski instructor, Darren Richmond, intervened, allowing him to join his sister's older group providing he behaved well. That evening their kids were sharing enthusiastic greetings with instructors and "lifties" (aka lift operators) they had met. "I don't know another place like Silver Star" continues Emily, "the trails, the snow, but its the people who are the spirit" .
The cold made me look inside, inside the shops in the village, some that I had never previously visited. I was charmed by the uniqueness, and colour I discovered. First stop was "Village Ski Shop", full of the latest and best in all things Nordic: skis and boots, clothing and accessories.
The long time owner Brian James and his staff are knowledgeable and helpful for both first time skiers and experts.
Farther along the Vance Creek boardwalk is "Coldstream Dry Goods". I am not much of a clothes rack but I have bought clothing here that I love.
But most of the time I just drop in and browse at the unique clothing, jewelry and scarves that pulse with colour and style. There are decorations, gifts, funky underwear and more!
Ski Dazzle, the largest store in the village is full of the latest in ski equipment and ski fashion and has the expertise to match the quality.
Season pass holders enjoy a 10% discount. And at present there is a 25 to 40% sale on all Silver Star logo clothing and gear.
Next door is a wee shop to delight all kids and other candy lovers: "The Goody Box", bursting with candy and treats, with Silver Star souvenirs and other gifts.
The newest shop on the hill is "Mountain High Quilts and Crafts/A Twist of Yarn" on the Aberdeen Hotel boardwalk. This store started with the owner, Ronnie, placing some quilts along the railing of the boardwalk for a colourful backdrop to the "Silver Star Mile High Wine Tasting" event in August where guests sipped Okanagan wines, nibbled on tasty treats from food vendors while they listened to smooth jazz. The quilts were a hit and her store opened December 1st.
Her shop is a feast of design and colour. She sells finished quilts from local artisans, quilt kits, yardage and precut fabric. "A customer told me there is no store like this, not even at Whistler", smiles Ronnie.
Her shop mates are Camella and Ryan who own an extensive yarn shop in Vernon. A large rack of locally hand- dyed and spun yarns sits in the centre of the shop with a rack of My Mountain Silver Star logo yarns filling the back wall. There are hand knit and crocheted sweaters, hats, scarves and knitting supplies. For those needing instruction, free lessons have been scheduled.
The weather has warmed this week and it is again all about getting out there and attacking the hill, but the cold was a welcomed break to discover more that Silver Star Mountain has to offer!
Those of us from the rest of Canada (east of the Rockies), who are more seasoned to "real winter", were not intimidated by the thermometer. However we did put our downhill skis aside in favor of our Nordic (cross-country) gear. And, true to what has become my mantra, we never had a bad day!
Admittedly, we did prepare for the cold, adding an extra layer clothing (we have learned the great advantage of our inner layer being of a synthetic wicking material!), replaced our gloves with mitts, and I also put some toe warmers into my boots and hand warmers into my mitts. These self heating packets, purchased at our local "Surplus Herbies" for $.99, are very effective. They are advertised to be non toxic, non pollutive and non flammable Made with iron dust, activated charcoal powder, cellulite and something called zeolife, who knows the truth of those claims. But they sure fit the bill for occasional cold weather!
The snow had the sound and feel of corn starch and the air was definitely nippy. However only about 15 minutes into our gentle ascent up Paradise Trail I had to shed my extra layer and my hand warmers. The -17 air was no longer an issue, I was toasty warm.
Nordic skiing is an amazing low-impact workout, the ultimate calorie burner and an effective antidepressant. You use all the major muscle groups of your upper and lower body to propel yourself forward, and other muscles for balance and coordination without over stressing any single muscle group so you can sustain the activity for hours without soreness or joint strain. You strengthen your heart and increase your lung capacity, lower your bad cholesterol and increase your good cholesterol while increasing your endorphin level. This minimizes the sensations of pain and fatigue, while creating a feeling of well-being, in my case demonstrated by a smile I can not wipe off my face. Meanwhile you burn a lot of calories. One study quoting facts from Harvard Medical School, reported that Nordic skiing uses about 600 calories an hour, compared to downhill skiing at about 450 calories per hour. However, I don't think many of us vigorously downhill ski for more than about 20 minutes at a time before we get back on the chair for another ride up the mountain. We are not serious athletes but we are usually out from 2 to 3 hours on our Nordic skis. No wonder we stay warm!
Emily and Carlos, from Washington State, told me they had discovered Silver Star in the summer. "We have been up here more in the summer than the winter" Emily told me, "our kids grew up here and this is where we have real friends" In 1997 they tried a winter trip and their kids discovered the thrill of downhill skiing. Enrolled in lessons, their 5 year old son was separated from his older sister and was about to become distressed when a wise ski instructor, Darren Richmond, intervened, allowing him to join his sister's older group providing he behaved well. That evening their kids were sharing enthusiastic greetings with instructors and "lifties" (aka lift operators) they had met. "I don't know another place like Silver Star" continues Emily, "the trails, the snow, but its the people who are the spirit" .
The cold made me look inside, inside the shops in the village, some that I had never previously visited. I was charmed by the uniqueness, and colour I discovered. First stop was "Village Ski Shop", full of the latest and best in all things Nordic: skis and boots, clothing and accessories.
The long time owner Brian James and his staff are knowledgeable and helpful for both first time skiers and experts.
Farther along the Vance Creek boardwalk is "Coldstream Dry Goods". I am not much of a clothes rack but I have bought clothing here that I love.
Ski Dazzle, the largest store in the village is full of the latest in ski equipment and ski fashion and has the expertise to match the quality.
Season pass holders enjoy a 10% discount. And at present there is a 25 to 40% sale on all Silver Star logo clothing and gear.
Next door is a wee shop to delight all kids and other candy lovers: "The Goody Box", bursting with candy and treats, with Silver Star souvenirs and other gifts.
The newest shop on the hill is "Mountain High Quilts and Crafts/A Twist of Yarn" on the Aberdeen Hotel boardwalk. This store started with the owner, Ronnie, placing some quilts along the railing of the boardwalk for a colourful backdrop to the "Silver Star Mile High Wine Tasting" event in August where guests sipped Okanagan wines, nibbled on tasty treats from food vendors while they listened to smooth jazz. The quilts were a hit and her store opened December 1st.
Her shop is a feast of design and colour. She sells finished quilts from local artisans, quilt kits, yardage and precut fabric. "A customer told me there is no store like this, not even at Whistler", smiles Ronnie.
The weather has warmed this week and it is again all about getting out there and attacking the hill, but the cold was a welcomed break to discover more that Silver Star Mountain has to offer!
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