Jan16, 2010- Alexander Falls, Whistler, BC-snow shoeing

The day started out nice and we were supposed to cross country ski, but it had been raining for the last few days and the snow was sparse and crusty, not ideal conditions.

We went to the Olympic Nordic Center outside of Whistler and people were XC skiing, I don't like to skiing on crusty snow, so we opted to snow shoe a 4 km loop track.  However, after talking with the staff, he told me to back track the way we came as the back side of the loop is a steep descent and was extremely icy after yesterday's rain.

The track start down and is a rolling hill track and was very beautiful in the afternoon sun with soft, crunchy snow.  It took a few minutes getting used to the shoes and trusting their grip.

Olympic ski jump area

Hilly trail

Creek along the trail

The trail was marked with ribbons on trees and in some parts cut out.  The most challenging part was getting down to the river.  The trail ended and you just had to sit on your butt and slide down a very short, steep and icy hill.  Once down, it was a beautiful site.

River

It was a short distance to the falls and they were gorgeous!  They were running fast and loud:

                       

                   Alexander Falls

The hike back was uneventful and it was a fun 3 mile hike through a winter wonderland.