Mar 4, 2010
Author: Nat Gough and Breanna Stangeland
With so many winter seasons being consumed by competing, it can be difficult to branch out of the contest circuit to experience some of the amazing resorts Canada has to offer. Meeting up with fellow shreds Breanna Stangeland and Alex Duckworth at the Burton Canadian Open, we knew we had a five-day window to make something happen.
After we got in touch with a photographer and packed up the vehicles, we were on a road trip heading west from Calgary, making sure we delivered Alex, our women's halfpipe alternate and forerunner, in time for the Olympic games.
Glimpse of the Canadian Open.
Our game of Tetris.
Breakfast of champions...cereal and toast!
Our first stop, the "Champagne powder capital of Canada"—Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, just on the outskirts of Golden, BC.
With over 2,750 skiable acres of terrain, 70 inbound chutes, and an average snowfall of 700 cm, Kicking Horse was sure to be a memorable stop!
Having our own guide, Chuck a.k.a. The Man, was key in our successes that day, and we owe many thank yous to him and the resort for making that happen. While the visibility was low, holding us back from being able to experience Terminator Ridge, Chuck still managed to guide us to some epic zones.
Our guide Chuck, giving us the low-down on the vast terrain.
Nat Gough scoping first lines. Photo Devon Gamble
Lights, camera, action!
Alex Duckworth, tree jibbin'.
Breanna Stangeland. Photo Devon Gamble
Nat Gough deep in the Kicking Horse pow. Photo Devon Gamble
Nat Gough slashes in Kicking Horse. Photo Devon Gamble
Nat Gough steep and deep in Kicking Horse. Photo Devon Gamble
Mustache party. Photo Devon Gamble
Welcome to the Red Bull Big Mountain Centre.
Breanna, rather excited for some avalanche 101 (that, and the Red Bull perhaps!).
A 190cm board?! No way would you be sinking in powder with that!
Chuck and Alex, having words in the Mountain Centre.
Special thanks again to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the Big Mountain Centre and our awesome guide Chuck for making our first experience at the resort one to remember!
Be sure check here Monday for part two in Nat, Breanna and Alex's adventure in the Interior!
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