We Started off our season by heading up to Whistler with the intention of skiing into russet lake during the long weekend in November. As we pulled into the extended term parking area we were thoroughly overjoyed at the prospect of skiing in all this wonderful, freshly minted snow. We had anticipated on having to walk in a ways in our boots but at the rate the snow was falling and the amount on the ground we had more than enought to ski right from the car!

















As we made our way through the along the trail we found that we were continuously having to break trail. This was one hell of an opener to a trip, especially consider that the trail is something like 18km long!

We skied till around 10pm and found ourselves on the wrong side of the ridge to Russet Lake hut and having anticipated sleeping in the hut that night we hadn't bothered to bring sleeping bags. Good thing we brought space blankets!! The night turned out to be relatively calm with only bits of snow falling from the trees. Our bags didn't even really get wet though Nick ended up having an awefull sleep due to a "past time to be retired" sleeping bag.



The next morning after a quick whistle we started heading up the slope that would lead us to the descent into the cabin. Nick was really excited about having somewhere dry and cold to store his kit with the prospect of carving up the slopes.








The landscape was sureal, the snow was fresh and we were in a fantastic mood. How could anybody refuse an amazing sport like this?

Fissile looks amazing in a fresh blanket of snow!

Ah yes, my first hut experience. While it's nothing like being inside a tent it's definitely hard to stay warm in such a large space with no bag.

Nick on the other hand is enjoying his creme a la creme insulated pants with built in vibrator...

Scotty, the universal soldier, makes his debut by arriving after 10pm in a gailing blizzard. And to think he gave up his snow bank for this..
There's nothing like a snow enshrouded out house to let you know that winter is fast approaching in the back country.


After a hard days yo-yo we've had enough and have decided to pull out. We couldn't have asked for more.












Well, just as another winter storm moves in, we move out.
















Oh yea Scotty, bet you can't wait for some phat ski's!

















Oh, it's the three of us...














The End