Full-On Spring

Again this year we missed the "ambivalent" time, when there is the best spring skiing but the golf courses are open, and the Vernon Outdoor Club starts  its regular hiking and biking schedule..  March is both late winter on the mountain and early spring in the valley.
One dilemma about living in such a desirable four-season-climate is deciding when to go traveling.   Having a good airport 30 minutes away does make travel convenient and the decision a bit easier. We again took a direct flight to Cancun this March and traveled around the Yucatan for three weeks.  It was a good trip but we were thrilled to get home.
We got home in time to enjoy the last weekend of skiing up at Silver Star/Sovereign Lake.

What's wrong with these pictures?

Its 0915 hrs Sunday April 6 at Silver Star Resort.  There is a 200 cm snow base at the lodge with 6 cm of fresh snow.  The main runs have been meticulously groomed

 It is -2 under a sunny/partially cloudy sky.  The conditions are excellent for downhill and Nordic skiing.  We head up the Comet Chair and over to the Nordic runs that connect with Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre. 

Its all perfect and there is no one here!!

After two hours of skiing, including a short stop at the comfy lodge at Sovereign Lake for a gourmet cookie, we arrive back at the Village and much has changed!  

It is the year end celebration.  Hundreds of season pass holders have gathered to participate in a Silver Star "flash dance" , and chow down complimentary burgers.  

The shops are full with shoppers taking advantage of 50% off sales on everything related to skiing.

Silver Star Mountain Resort is now closed for two months, opening for summer season in late June.  Its hard to believe all this snow will melt and bikes will be spinning over all the trails on the mountain by then!
Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre has also closed but only until May 9th when it will reopen for 10 final days of Nordic skiing.  Based on current snow conditions, they are expecting their best "summer" season yet!

 We drive down the mountain and check out Kin Beach on Okanagan Lake.  Its now mid afternoon and has warmed up to 20 degrees.  The grass is green, kids are playing at the playground and riding bikes.  

We joined the Vernon Outdoors Club for a ramble up Quail Ridge, behind UBCO on Tuesday and went on our first bike ride yesterday.  The golf courses are full of golfers.  A few keeners are sharing the local beaches with the ducks.

Crocuses, hyacinth, and forsythia are in their full glory. 

Spring is here!