Back country skiing lesson - Hope Valley

Amy, Scott and Sam took us for a back country skiing lesson up at Hope Valley. Later in the week this was to prove useful, though the skiing at Hope Valley, in a big dollup of powder snow was the best back country skiing we were to do. Amy taught us what to do on the skis and Scott joined us on snow shoes, with Sam in a carrier.

Back country skiing is rather strange and very squirly. These skis are only joined to the front of the boot and only then as a hinge, so to turn you need to kneel down with one leg whilst you slide the other forwards. It looks good when you watch someone good at it. It doesn't feel so clever as you see a tree looming up ahead and can't seem to steer.

We had lunch at a little cafe/store past Sorensens on the way back. Very nice too. Especially since the food was wheat-free and veggie but also because the place had lots of character.