Castle Mountain Ski trip - January 20th, 2015

Before my parents had even committed to purchasing tickets to visit here, Andy had concocted a wonderful way to get the whole family skiing this year.  The "plan" was to have mom and I take care of the new baby and Rowan in the chalet while Dad and himself took the boys skiing. Then when the boys were tired we could also have them in the Chalet and Andy could check out the rest of the mountain. 
And work out it did, which was really alot fun for all of us, we couldn't have asked for nicer weather to take a day trip. A chinook went thru southern Alberta this past week which brought some beautiful balmy weather and plus temperatures. Since it was not windy anymore we decided to go to Castle Mountain Resort which is located in the Westcastle Valley of southwest Alberta, in the Rocky Mountains. It's about 50 kilometers west of Pincher Creek. The views along the highway driving up to it were gorgeous - a huge expanse of grassy rolling hills with the snow covered mountains looming ahead. 
Castle Ski Resort is renowned for it's long steep runs (I think the longest is 5 km) and held the Canadian winter games in 1975. It has an average of 9 metres of snowfall a year.  Needless to say, Andy and dad were thrilled to be there. We all were actually.  A big thanks to my parents for being such good sports and helping to create good memories!

First run of the day - I'm sure Andy and Opa needed the practice on the magic carpet just as much as Seth and Tristan;)

The map.  See the green area centre bottom? There were separate lift tickets available for just that green 'learner' area and that is where Seth and Tristan stayed.

Seth and Opa! Away they go!

Pleased as punch to be there and he did so well this year!  Both boys will surpass me in no time.

"I could do this forever!" says Tristan.  What a speedy little guy this was.

Dad and Andy did a bit of skiing with the two of them. First time for my Dad skiing down a "real" mountain.

It's such a neat feeling watching Andy skiing with his own sons.  Where did time go?

Rowan was their biggest cheerleader. He wanted to ski with them so terribly badly. Hopefully next year little lad.

The littlest bunny at the hills. 

Opa and Oma took us to MacDonalds on the way home.  We were a hungry bunch from the fresh air!

On the way home with the mountains behind us again.

Anyone else want to come skiing for a day with us? I'll provide the sandwiches and coffee... and a sweet baby to cuddle if you feel like resting in the lodge with me;)