Krista Turcasso's blog

~ Environment Canada, Sparwood weather station

The snow hasn't stopped since our last report, but instead of 70cms in one go, it's spread itself out with 10 or 20cm days here and there and one massive 39cm day just yesterday. Snow is in the forecast today and this evening, followed by a little sunshine and Vitamin D!

I pull the 20cm rule when I can, and am sometimes on my own trying to get in as many runs as possible before heading back to the office. The key is good music - there's nothing quite like an untracked run and the perfect song to accompany it.

Here are some songs that made appearances during the last week of multiple 20cm rule days!

15 Step by Radiohead

This week has at times felt like a dream, maybe because I have woken each morning to Richard looking out the window, or sneaking downstairs in the darkness of early winter mornings to check the snow report. Tuesday, I was a little grumpy at this 5, 6, and final 7am wake up call. But with 43cms overnight, and it continuing to dump, I didn't protest heading to the hill at 8:15am. Yes, that's right. We were at the chairlift by 8:30am, the lifties were still shoveling out a place for us to put our skis!

At long last - SNOW! And lots of it. Fernie was buzzing this last week and the excitement continues with promising forecasts. While cold temperatures may accompany this next storm, not even -25 will deter powder enthusiasts.

A few years ago I felt run down and toxic. I was working too much, going through stressful and emotional situations and instead of attempting balance I pushed myself harder and harder. It seems as though stress is the most toxic force in my life and at the time didn't recognize it until... well until I needed to do something serious!

A few years ago a back injury surfaced and I thought I was done running for good. As I slowly strengthened and learned from the injury, I realized that cross training was actually beneficial and preventative. Last winter I dusted off the runners and gradually running found its place back on my priority list... especially when a friend signed me up for a 20km leg in a crazy spring race! Of course, once biking season began it completely took over and running had to wait until fall.

This weather has us thinking about summer! Check out this new Fernie Tourism video by Nic Genovese.

It's the Eve of New Year's Eve, what are your options for ringing in 2012 in Fernie?

Here's a run down of what's happening in town and at the hill.

Picnic - sit down three course dinner followed by DJ Friendly Fire and dancing. You have the option of doing either or both! $50 for just dinner, $75 for both, or $25 for the DJ and Dance portion. 250-423-7666

Central - They have DJ's Alus Cognito, Nathan Kelly and David Adams lined up for a big party. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 at The Central or Northern.

Christmas Day on the Boom Chair

Here is the second installment of some of my favourite holiday and gift gems you can find locally! Happy Christmas celebrating and shopping, round three will be posted next week along with extended shopping hours at our local shops.

1. Hockey skates and equipment. Your kids will always remember playing pond hockey, and there’s nothing quite like a game on the Annex Pond to make you feel youthful. The Gear Hub sells used equipment at a good price, or try Canadian Tire.