Dan Singleton  - No.1 Wolfpack

It's great to hear what past Gap Year Canada "Gappers" are up to these days, even better is when we get a surprise visit!!  Dan Singleton (the scottish looking dude on the left) was Gap Year Canada's very first applicant back when it all started in season 2005.  Is it great to be back in Banff for a visit? We believe after a season in the mountains, everyone is drawn back to Banff at some point!

Looks like they like our blog! thanks for following!

An update from Michael, out this season on the Early Season Instructors program:

Thinking about taking a gap year or just a change of scene?

I undertook the Snowboarding Instructors Course based at Mount Norquay, this included the training, exam fees along with guaranteed employment!

After i passed my level 1 i went straight into teaching representing Norquay's ski school. It's fun working with others who share a passion for snow sports!

As for the training you receive when you are out here, it is unmatched, working for a ski school there is always some way to challenge or test your riding. So if you are up for working at a snow resort, earning money doing it AND becoming an unrivalled mountain slayer then you'll love this  

As for everything else you can think of is organised for you, from where/who you live with right through what mountain you work at! 

I did my level 1 CASI certification and intended on just coming to Canada for the year, but now i'm taking my Snowboard Level 2 and Park Level 1 and planning to stay the summer too the experience was that good!

As a gapyear, as a life choice or just a different experience to what you are used to, taking a year out through Gap Year Canada is a must do!

Powder Day? Happy Valentine's

Funny how living in Banff your priorities start to change.

Light, fresh snow falling in the evening creates excitement, anticipation and a husstle of gear.

Looks like Sunshine had the best overnight snowfall at 12cm...lets hope there is more that has blown in!

Happy Valentine's Day from mother nature: Blue skies and fresh snow!

Bluebird days in Banff!

You can't beat a bluebird day in the Mountains!

Especially when you are one of the lucky ones with an outdoor job!

This is life living in the mountains, and the luck of the draw with the weather gods!

You can get spring days in February and big dumps of powder well into May...and we learn to embrace it all!

This is what it's all about living and working in Banff for the season!
You guys look busy, keep us the good work!

Ross working Teepee Town lift at Sunshine Village Sunday Feb 5th

 Si working Wolverine chair Sunday Feb 5th

                      Lifty life- certainly one of the more coveted positions!

Sure the temperatures can drop in the rockies and it gets pretty cold, but who can complain with the views and the midweek downtime to get a couple of hours in of riding each shift!?

We were most impressed with the creativity of the lifties at Louise this past weekend.

Way to go Larch crew, your sign is impressive!

January shaped up to be a pretty good month for us.

Mother nature made up for the cold snap earlier this month with a good couple of dumps of 20cm over the past week. 

Looks like a few people are rocking new fat skiis and are expecting more good snow ahead...

bring it on, we are ready!

January - Real Mountain Extremes

January in Banff brings much of the same.  More work, more late nights, more snow, but finally after a warm'ish season so far we are given a new experience. Some -35 degree weather to remind us that we are in fact living in Canada and not Europe! Thanks to the boys at Norquay for demonstrating what happens when you through water in the air at -29 degrees.  Also, it's confirmed, it does snow when it's -30!!  

-29 Liquid Fireworks at Norquay

-39 at the top of Suplhur Mountain looking down on Banff

Recycling days after Christmas and New Years can be very lucrative for some and yes the house does smell better without the 1691 cans lying around!!

Ever wonder where you wages are spent? 

Beaver cashes is on their collection of cans

Working and commuting to your office at 8,500 feet is now not just a novelty it's a way of life and a distant past for many who have been and done a season here.

Wolfpack Will commuting to his office at 8500ft