Life's A Mountain...Not A Beach with Poley Coley

Cole's new car...

2008-04-06T21:16:00.002-03:00

Yes ladies and gentlemen, it took me nearly two full months but I have finally gotten myself a new car in the form of a red 2008 Saturn Astra 5-door.

You may be saying to yourself right now...You bought a Saturn? Honestly, I never pictured myself owning a Saturn but this car is very "me". With the elimination of the Malibu Maxx Hatchback from the GM family of vehicles, came the introduction of the Astra hatchback.

To be honest with you, I didn't even know the Astra existed until a month or so ago when I saw a tv commercial that perked my interest. The sporty compact hatchback is very much like my old Malibu hatchback, just sportier, a bit smaller, more features, and better fuel efficiency (key!!).

I ended up going with the manual transmission in this vehicle which I suppose, was odd for me. Ever since I first drove Lesley's parents manual Hyundi Accent I have been enjoying the fun factor of going without automatic. The automatic version of the Astra also was a bit harder on gas which made the decision an easy one. I suppose the ultimate deciding factor was that I didn't want to spend any more money than I had to and that I would rather spend the extra $1300 on a big sunroof rather than on boring old automatic transmission!

This car is cool. It handles awesomely and it has some sexy lines. It's comfortable for a little car and has some great features such as: OnStar, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, rear wiper, and a massive sunroof, all of which the Malibu didn't have. The greatest part is the way this car drives. It is smooth and takes the corners very well. No wonder it is one of the most popular cars in Europe.

Thanks to GM for bringing this baby across the Atlantic so we can enjoy it too.

Poley extends its season. Crabbe to stay open til' May 4th

2008-03-27T11:10:00.003-03:00

Season passholders rejoice! Poley is going to be open for the first weekend in April (Friday thru Sunday) to help make up for all the days they were closed! hahaha

I am excited anyways. There's so much snow on the mountain it would be retarded not to be open for at least one more weekend.

Even bigger news coming from Crabbe Mountain this week as they're extending their season to May 4th! (weather and skiier dependant) They'll be open Wednesday thru Sunday for skiing and riding and I must say, I am looking forward to doing some turns in May here in New Brunswick.

Crabbe Mountain Spring Skiing & Riding Hours of Operation* (Open Wednesday-Sunday):

April 9-13 9am to 5:30pm
April 16-20 9am to 5:30pm
April 23-27 9am-5:30pm
April 30 - May 4 9am-5:30pm

Visit http://www.crabbemountain.com/skiandrideatcrabbeuntilmay4.asp for more details.

April is fly across the country 4 times month!

2008-03-25T00:29:00.002-03:00

So I bought an Air Canada spring flight pass which gives me unlimited travel on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays for the entire month of April. It was too good of a deal to pass up at $799.00.

Here is where I am going:

Fredericton (NB) to Ottawa (ON)
Sat. 5-Apr 2008

Just thought I would go check out Ottawa for a day trip. I'll be back on the same day. I just thought it would be cool to check out our nation's capital.

Fredericton (NB) to Castlegar (BC)
Sat. 12-Apr 2008

This is the beginning of the biggest leg of my spring trip. I know what you're thinking. Where the hell is Castlegar? Well it's in the interior of BC and from there I will be driving to Revelstoke, BC which is less than four hours to the north. Revelstoke of course, is home to North America's newest super ski resort. Can't wait to check it out.

Castlegar (BC) to Vancouver (BC)
Tue. 15-Apr 2008

I will drive back to Castlegar from Revelstoke on the morning of the 15th and fly out to Vancouver early in the afternoon. From Van city, I will take the bus to Whistler where I will be skiing four days at my favourite resort on earth!

Vancouver (BC) to Whitehorse (YT)
Sun. 20-Apr 2008

On the morning of the 20th I will be flying to the Yukon. I have never been to Canada's North so I am pretty excited about this. I will be renting a car so I may venture into Alaska as well. I can't wait!!

Whitehorse (YT) to Fredericton (NB)
Tue. 22-Apr 2008

After a couple of days in Whitehorse and area, I will be heading back home to Fredericton for a few days. I won't actually get home to Fredericton until the morning of the 23rd as I will be flying all night from the west coast back out east. I guess I just thought I should come home for a couple days!

Moncton (NB) to Winnipeg (MB)
Sat. 26-Apr 2008

Off to the praries to visit Mark for a day. I have never been to Manitoba so again, I am visiting somewhere new which is cool. I won't be in Manitoba for long though!

Winnipeg (MB) to Vancouver (BC)
Sun. 27-Apr 2008

Back to beautiful British Columbia and from Vancouver I will be heading to... you guessed it, Whistler! I should be able to ski for the afternoon of the 27th and then all day the 28th and most of the day on the 29th too.

Vancouver (BC) to Moncton (NB)
Tue. 29-Apr 2008

This is the last leg of my journey. On the evening of the 29th I will take the bus back to Vancouver and hop on an all night flight back to the east coast and land in Moncton early in the morning on the 30th.

Now that was a ski trip! (Sunday + Monday)

2008-03-20T16:12:00.003-03:00

Sunday was a tough morning. We didn't make it up in time to catch the first chair (I wonder why) but we were on mountain shortly after 9 am. Conditions weren't too bad, the snow was soft and the sun was shining. Good spring skiing all in all. The run of the day had to be the "puke run" aka right under the Flying Bear high speed quad where a line of barf could be seen.

Attitash was alright. We had fun once the day started to go on and we got our legs under us. My favourite run was...well it actually wasn't a marked run. It involved following a chairline to a huge cliff none of us were willing to huck, and then scrambling through the forest beside the cliff in order to get to something skiable again.

Monday we departed for Wildcat in the morning after checking out of our hotel and were faced with a windy and cold day. Wildcat was awesome. There was no crowd, the trails were long, had some steeps, and winded down the mountain in a crazy fashion. You would come around a corner and the ground would drop out from beneath you and if you weren't careful you could end up dismembering yourself pretty easily at high speeds.

There were a couple of killer bump runs there too. Notably lift lion and the chairline of the high speed quad. We found some fun little drops around and enjoyed a few runs through the trees and even made a couple of our own runs. Wildcat is a skiiers ski hill. The feeling we got as soon as we walked in the door was kind of like, yeah.....this is the place for us.

After a hard day on the slopes we headed for North Conway where I bought chocolate and socks and the guys went into children's stores and such. It made me realize how much I value the fact that I am single and have no children!!

The final verdict...Wildcat is sweet as hell. Locals say it has a reputation of being cold and windy but it looks as though they get a tonne of snow.

Attitash is a good resort for families but it's pretty mellow if you're looking for something more challenging.

Tuckerman's ravine is next.....

Now that was a ski trip! (Saturday)

2008-03-18T10:43:00.004-03:00

As I sit here in class this morning I can't help but smile as I look back on the weekend that was had down in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

After 8 hours of driving, Saturday evening we arrived at Attitash and checked into our hotel room and decided that we would go do a bit of exploring and try to find some locals to tell us where to ski the next morning.

We ended up going out to the Red Parka for supper and extra curricular activities and not more than 15 minutes into the pub/restaurant I was asked to move my vehicle because it was parked "bad", as the waitress informed me. Now, finding this non-legit parking spot in the first place was a challenge. Now I had to drive around this cramped parking lot, which was packed beyond belifef, in order to get a legitimate spot. After 5 minutes of driving around the spot closest to the door became vacant and I snapped it up.

Supper was a gong show. The guys were festive to say the least and I couldn't wait to get back to the room to enjoy a few beverages as well. Supper was decent but the view from our table was less than stellar. I was tired as heck and giddy from the lack of sleep.

After supper we returned to the hotel, which was about 10 km's away and chilled in the hotel room wondering what to do next. We decided that the Red Parka was the place to go back to after consulting with some of the locals.

Back we went, and after a short ride we arrived back at the parka and ended up at the back of a line (although a short one) but got in eventually. Once in, we began our reign of terror. Let's just say one of us rode the bar for the bulk of the evening, one danced up a storm, and another was berated by his boss after some questionable behaviour! Watch out for the guy in the black hat...

I don't think we made any friends inside the facility, in fact I know we didn't but we sure did outside afterwards! After enjoying the view from atop the Red Parka...yes, atop the Red Parka, we found Nick.

Now this is where I get a bit foggy...but this is how we got back to the hotel and he was a crazy guy. I have no idea what was up with this guy or why he picked us up but he did, and it saved us some problems since we had no American dollars!

Now finding ourselves at the base of Bear Peak, we enjoyed some time around the bottom of the lifts. I don't know where we found that keg, but it ended up on one of the chairs. I am sure the lifties were wondering what was up the next morning.

Off to Attitash

2008-03-13T10:53:00.002-03:00

This week is setting up to be the busiest week I have had so far this year. It kind of goes like this. Work on Friday, take off for Attitash on Saturday which will take the better part of the day. On Sunday myself, John and his brother Andrew will be skiing Attitash and then on Monday we may ski there again or possibily at Wildcat. Monday afternoon we'll be heading back to NB where I will have to make sure I have my assignment ready to hand in Tuesday at 10 AM. That may be an all nighter...

Wednesday morning at 5:45 am I will be heading off to Toronto for job interviews with Whistler Blackcomb since they are recruiting in the Toronto area on this day. Arriving back late in the evening I'll then have to cram for my exam on Thursday morning, again at 10 AM. Needless to say, it's going to be quite a week, but it should be fun anyways!

I am pretty excited for this little ski trip. I get the pleasure (or lack thereof!) of hanging out with the McNairs and I get to ski somewhere I have never been previously. Win win...

New snow at Poley overnight last night. We're recording about 5 cm's which should make things just great. There are flurries in the forecast for the remainder of the week and snow in the forecast for the beginning of next week. I love winter. Here's hoping it just doesn't end this year.

Back to school...and Toronto?!

2008-03-10T18:31:00.002-03:00

So March break is over and man is it ever a depressing feeling to be back at school!! It's nice to see my friends again and my roomies but school is such a drag.

So I am heading off to Toronto on Wednesday, March 19th to go meet with Whistler Blackcomb recruiters in hopes of securing a position doing something in Whistler for this coming summer. Plans are developing quickly and if I am going to work out there i won't be needing to purchase a new vehicle at this time anyways. When I come back to New Brunswick in the fall I will think about purchasing one then.

Class is about to start and I will think about adding to this post later I suppose.

Conditions at Poley were fantastic today. The 3-5 cm's we received after all the freezing rain did the mountain wonders!

There's still a base of 100 cm or so in most places and the ice patches seem to be covered up for the most part. Here's hoping there's more snow on the way here in the next couple weeks! Only three more weeks of ski season left so get out to the mountain while you can!!

The only thing that could ruin this March break is...

2008-03-05T22:04:00.003-04:00

Hold on...

Nothing can ruin this March break unless I let it. You may or may not know that I am having girl troubles with a certain someone. I am completely in love with her but she is not with me. She's more concerned about herself than anyone else, but whatever I guess.

So I am single, she doesn't want me, and I don't want anyone else right now. I am definately not interested in a relationship with anyone at this point, and I don't even know if I would consider dating (not to mention it is still ski season and it would take away from ski time).

I am pretty pissed off about the whole situation considering she was telling me wanted me back only to spend the night with someone else a couple days later.

Hello? Some decency please...

Now that I am done ranting,
March break kids' camps are on at the hill and the kids and their parents were pretty much the only ones at the hill today due to the poor weather. It wasn't actually that bad of a day though.

We had about 3 cm of new snow this morning and then we had ice pellets and freezing rain until about 4 pm. The couple of hours of rain we had wasn't exactly light rain but there is still a fair covering of snow on my lawn if that says anything!

Tomorrow it's back to the slopes. Look for spring snow conditions but the rain isn't falling here in Sussex anymore. It is still above zero but the temperatures will be dropping overnight and we could even see a dusting of snow. We might see some snow this weekend too.

Stay tuned.

Close calls and new friends

2008-03-03T23:23:00.002-04:00

I had a couple close calls today...as in, my skis actually hit trees but glanced off of them in the right direction thankfully. Oh yeah, I bailed a couple of times trying a 180, which is sad.

It was another sweet day on the mountain today. After teaching between 10-12 I decided that I was "off" and hit up the slopes for some free skiing. Neil took me through this crazy tree run and it actually scared me (this was the close call). I thought I was going to die.

Did a bunch of crazy drops again today and darted in and out of the trees in order to catch some of the few remaining freshies.

I made some new friends today too while skiing with Neil. A couple of boarders from the Moncton area named Erin and Joel. We had a good time and after they fed me some carrots we went back out again and I showed them "the drop" on Carousel and we shredded it up until a bit after 5.

Quote of the day:
"I need to see your pass" - Jamie
"What for" - Cole
"I read your blog last night" - Jamie

Get out to the mountain and pray for more snow.

EPIC DAY!

2008-03-02T17:31:00.003-04:00

WOW

That was an awesome day. It all started at around 8:30 AM with my first ducked rope going down the roped off portion of the front face under the chairlift. That was only the beginning...

I got in two runs in the glades before the general public even got a track on the hill......and then I went inside and was scolded for skiing prior to 9:00 without the PD Session (which by the way, didn't happen). It won't be the last time that happens either, haha! I ran my own professional development session this morning.

After teaching from 10:00 to noon it was time to go find some more freshies. I actually skied in some places today that I never knew existed. Needless to say, I am glad I found them. Did a few runs with Johnny and then had to break for a little food.

After sitting in the lodge eating my grease, I finally finished starring at the super hot girl across the cafeteria and decided that it was time to go out again. I found the Symington's and we did some drops and founds a few good stashes and then hooked up with Lisa, Bruce, and Meredith to finish out the day.

No falls today (amazingly) but Brucie lost his ski at least 3 times (watch out for Tower 1 buddy).

You have to get out to the mountain in the next couple of days because the conditions are fantastic. 45 cm's in the past week and we can only hope there's more on the way.

Number of times I ducked (or skied over) a rope today: 12

Wake the hell up powder hounds

2008-03-01T21:32:00.002-04:00

17 CM of fresh so far this evening at Poley (as of 8 pm) and it certainly shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Tomorrow is going to be one of the best days in recent memory but too bad for you, I took all the fresh lines on T-bar line this evening. :)

The lifts start turning at 9:00 AM sharp tomorrow morning.

Be there...

Poley Mountain Sky High Invitational presented by Red Bull

2008-03-01T00:05:00.002-04:00

Here's the details...

Location: Poley Mountain
Date: March 8th
Time: 6pm-8pm
Music: TBA
Format: Head to head elimination
Prizes: $1200.00 loot bag
Wildcard: 1pm-3pm

twelve skiers and twelve snowboarders have been selected to compete in the Sky High Big Air Invitational. didn’t receive an invitation? don’t worry, there are still eight wild card spots available for each division.for your chance to qualify simply email your info to katie.arbuckle@ca.redbull.com between 5pm—7pm on wednesday, march 5th. all wild card applicants will throw down at 1 pm prior to "Sky High". the top eight competitors from each division will earn a spot to compete in the main event. entry is free. helmets are mandatory.

OH YEAH! CHECK THIS OUT....

Snowfall warning for Sussex/Kennebecasis Valley and Kings County issued
Total snowfall amounts of 15 to 25 centimeters anticipated for Saturday.

WHITE GOLD BABY!!!!!

Saddle up...March break is here

2008-02-29T01:22:00.003-04:00

Thank God it is too. I am just about as sick and tired of school as one could possibly be. Tomorrow, however, is the beginning of ten straight days on the slopes of Poley Mountain. Boo yah!

On an unrelated note, I went to see Vantage Point tonight with Mark and it was pretty freakin crazy. I enjoyed it and it was quite suspenseful. I found out how much I am going to get for my car today (which I wrote off by the way) from the insurance company, and it is what I consider a pretty fair amount to be honest. I am not sure if that includes the roof rack or not, which was destroyed in the roll over.

I had the best nap ever today.

I am so glad that I don't have class now for the next week or so. Needless to say, I am burnt out from school.

Tomorrow night = Poley

Burton is at the hill on Saturday with their demo day so come check them out. Remember, Johnny and I at Outdoor Elements downtown will have Burton hard and soft goods starting in Fall 08'.

Cleve's is at the hill Sunday to demo their skis. Go try them out and then come in to our shop downtown and buy the ones you like from us! HA!

Pray that this next storm will bring all snow and no r@!n.

Parents beware...if your children are in the March break kid's camps at Poley this week...I might be polluting their minds with skiing propaganda...ahem....i mean teaching them to be better skiiers.

Winter life

2008-02-27T20:15:00.000-04:00

Winter is far and away my most favourite season of the year and this year has been the best winter in recent memory. With almost 300 cm's of snow so far this year and a new job which I am enjoying immensely, life is pretty damn good.

This winter I am working two jobs and still going to school at UNB Fredericton. This fall, John McNair of Outdoor Elements here in Sussex offered me a job for the winter. While I don't work many hours outside of Christmas and March breaks, it's been an awesome time. I am still doing some ski instructing at Poley too and just got my Level II certification last weekend (woo hoo!).
Next fall could bring an increased involvement with him and the shop. That's my plan anyways.

March break is coming up and I am ready to ski for 10 straight days over the break. I can't wait for that. More snow is in the forecast for this weekend, which just pumps me up even more.

There are lots of events going on over March break at Poley Mountain. Check out www.poleymountain.com for a complete list and up to date conditions or see our group on Facebook. Hope to see you there!