Winter Wonderland

The days are getting shorter and company Christmas parties are just around the corner. In no time you’ll be cursing Jack Frost. Curse not, though. Here are some reasons to look forward to winter, or at least be prepared for it.

by Lindsey Norris

Ski the Backcountry
Heli-skiing can be the ultimate outdoor experience. There are pristine runs, spectacular views and no crowds or annoying line-ups for the chairlift. If your pockets are as deep as an alpine snowdrift, check out “Nomads Week,” a new program from Canadian Mountain Holidays. The Banff-based company takes groups of up to eight people from Calgary to Revelstoke to ski the Selkirks and the Monahsees, offering a guaranteed vertical of 40,000 metres of skiing. $180,000 for a group, or $22,500 per person, based on an eight-member group. www.cmhski.com

Skate Faster
Want to get an edge (or two) on your amateur hockey team? The Thermablade, invented by Calgarian Tory Weber, uses a rechargeable battery to heat the blade, melting the ice just beneath the skater. The blade heats up to 4 C, which reduces friction to help skaters move faster and expend less energy. Tested by NHL players and endorsed by Wayne Gretzky, the Thermablade may well live up to claims that it will revolutionize hockey. The blades can be attached to any conventional hockey skate boot. $400. www.thermablade.com

Stay Warm
This Stingray jacket from Vancouver-based Arc’Teryx is designed for big mountain backcountry skiing and snowboarding. It’s made from a new generation of Gore-tex, has a laminated powder skirt and a helmet-compatible drop hood. Plus, the brim adjustors only require one hand. You can find it at Monod Sports in Banff, Out There in Calgary and Skiers Sport Shop in Edmonton. $650. www.arcteryx.com

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