I don’t know what it is about the holidays but it makes me a little crazy. Not in the mad/angry way but I tend to shed inhibitions and plan atypical travel.
Remember last year I decided that I would voluntarily live in Canada for the winter, I went to a restaurant on a frozen lake for dinner in -49C weather and my only trip outside was to Finland so I could jump in a frozen lake?
I am a bit crazy.
But again this year I have renewed hope that I am not a pansy.
I’m staying in Canada again for winter and my first trip will be to Jasper, Alberta. I haven’t spent much time in Western Canada other than to drink wine in Kelowna and eat at the night market in Richmond. This time I’m heading to Jasper to visit during the 25th Anniversary of Jasper in January. The whole month there will be lots of music and winter events like polar bear dips – don’t think I’ll be doing that again after Finland!
Jasper seems like an interesting town, it’s not a luxury resort place like Banff. I’ve heard people are more laid back and it’s down to earth. I’m staying at the Tonquin Inn and I hope my room has a fireplace too because Jasper is in Northern Canada and it will be cold!
But the cold doesn’t entirely scare me as I’m attending events like Hops and Scotch, visiting the Jasper Brewing Company and looking to eat lots of game. But I’m also doing something scary…
I’ll be snowboarding for the first time!
I have wanted to learn to snowboard for years and while I’m a great ice skater and I can ski but I feel like I’m the only Canadian that’s never been snowboarding. I’m not petrified, I’ve always thought I would be good at snowboarding, maybe because I’m so low to the ground? And as much as I make fun of how lazy I am (and really I am) I was once quite a coordinated person, played soccer and volleyball for years and considered myself sporty.
How things have changed!
But seriously. I am actually looking forward to learning at Marmot Basin and I’m hoping it won’t be too cold so I can strap a camera to my body so you can see.
But the adventure is likely going to stop there, so I need to know folks – where should I eat??
Disclosure: I will be a guest of Jasper Tourism through a project with the Navigate Media Group but they did not request I write a favourable review or insist I snowboard at all. It was my, potentially foolish, idea.
There is a small community of us non-snowboarding Canadians…good luck!
But aren’t we crazy? It’s like Canadians that don’t know how to skate.
Or Australians who don’t know how to swim! I’m a Canadian and I don’t trust having two feet strapped on the same board. Skiing and skating I can handle.
Had a recent tip from my sister-in-law that Syrah is supposed to be a great restaurant. 🙂
I must find that one!
Snowboarding is an interesting game. I am curious about this. Although I don’t do it. But I always try to learn. Please give me tips for learning snowboarding??????
If I can master it I’ll definitely share tips.
Oh this should be interesting…good luck 🙂
I’m going to need it!
I love snowboarding! I’m a good teacher. You should bring me along 😉
If only!
I’m close enough to the Canadian border that I should have tried snowboarding too, but haven’t, only skiing. If you’re getting a lesson and you stay on the beginner slopes on your first day you should be fine. G’luck!
I think it could be my age, when I went on school ski trips snowboarding hadn’t made it mainstream yet. Wow I sound old.
Ayngelina, I’ve lived in Colorado for almost 12 years, and have yet to strap myself to a snowboard. And probably because of my creaky knees that could bust any time now, I probably won’t attempt it. But welcome to the world of adventure travel, even if it’s short-lived. You just might like it later on… 🙂
I have creaky knees too, but I figure I should give it a shot at least once in my life.
Good luck with your snowboarding trip, I bet you’ll have a lot of fun! Enjoy it!
I certainly hope so!
Great article! I’m actually thinking about doing the same thing, but with skiing. I just moved to a ski town in Colorado and I snowboard, but really want to be able to do both. Would you recommend trying to figure it out on your own, or taking a lesson??
Oh I think you definitely need a lesson!
I love snowboarding!
So many people seem to love it, I hope I do too.
Sadly, I think I’m in a worse position than you. I’ve been snowboarding multiple times, and even taken lessons (twice!), and can barely get off the bunny hill. Sigh. I love it though, but I just have to take the attitude that snowboarding teaches me humility.
You and I may be the same…I am totally prepared for the fact that I may not get off the bunny hill.
Oh cool! I can’t wait to hear about it. I’ve never tried snowboarding or skiing – something I hope to rectify soon!
I’ll let you know!
It is very reassuring to know that their is a bunny hill in snowboarding. You will look good on that bunny hill…good and safe!
That’s how I like it too!
As a former resident of Jasper, I have to say you’ll love it there! You won’t even recall all the time you fell learning how to snowboard because all the mind blowing views will be all that you can remember!
I am definitely looking forward to seeing the Rockies.
Oh how I love snowboarding! Its all in the hips! =P Always stay on an edge, even when going straight keep on a slight edge or the board will be caught in another track and flip you! By the way…I don’t think I’d be so adventurous as to stay in Canada in the winter…so you’re adventurous enough!
People tell me about these edges, I hope that’s one of the first things my instructor explains.
Good Day! A trip to Jasper wont diappoint.Just learned of your blog and in checking it out says your making your way out west .I am your cousin,Holly,Ritas daughter.Live in Edmonton a few hours from Jasper.If up our way make sure to pay us a visit.Hope you enjoy your stay in Western Canada.Remember to dress warm,just saying….
Holly! I wish I could stay longer in Alberta, maybe later in the year?
That sounds great1 I have never tried snowboarding before, but recently gave sandboarding in Huacachina a go. Let’s just say, my balance wasn’t as good as I imagined, so I mainly went down the dunes on my belly.
I went sandboarding on my butt, I wonder if there’s an option for that with snowboarding. Oh yeah that’s sledding.
So how’s your snowboarding experience so far? Is it good? Like you I also didn’t know how to snowboard but maybe in the future I can try it and be good at it.
I’ve only ever skied but hopefully I’ll love snowboarding as well.
We’re making some wild boar bacon treats for your mixology class at Evil Dave’s on Sunday. Looking forward to a few cocktails before the Super Bowl!
Woot! That sounds awesome.
Can’t wait to see the photographic evidence of your snowboarding adventure!
Can’t promise photos as I may be face first most of the time.
Come surfing with us. We love good food and you should do more adventurous travel!
I went surfing once in Nicaragua and I actually did like it, I should try it again.