february 2014 - Apex Matters
Transcription
february 2014 - Apex Matters
Apex Matters “Keeping You in the S’know” Published by Okanagan Matters Publications www.ApexMatters.com ~ Nickel Plate Nordic Centre ~ Join the 25th Anniversary Celebration! Volume 11 : Issue 6 Your FREE Local Snow Culture Newsletter! Late February 2014 apexmatters@telus.net 250.490.6951 Quick Facts: 2500 copies are printed twice a month from December 2013 through March 2014. Distribution covers Oliver, Okanagan Falls, Kaleden, Penticton & Summerland. Full distribution route information, along with the current advertising package, is available at www.ApexMatters.com. Not enough time during the day to play in the snow? How about ... ~ Night Riding & Tubing at Apex on Friday & Saturday Nights from 4-9pm ~ Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe at Nickel Plate on Saturday, February 15th Apex Brewski Event ~ page 22 NorAm Freestyle Event ~ page 5 Nickel Plate Nordic's 25th ~ page 8 www.MomentsUnderFrame.com HELMET MOUNT WRIST MOUNT on the move... Open House HD HERO HERO3+ Silver HD HD HERO HERO3+ HD 2 CAMERA 960Black CAMERA 349 $ $34999 199 $$44999 Accessories : Head strap,in Sunction cup, Largest Selection Town! LCD backpack, 3D Hero System 533 Main Street, Penticton • www.freedombike.com • 250-493-0686 OUR FOCUS is YOUR RIDE President’s Weekend Sat, Feb 15 ~ 4-7 pm 1417 Apex Mountain Road Priced to Sell ~ $629,000 778.476.7778 www.kirkchamberlain.ca Enjoy the best the South Okanagan’s alpine playground has to offer. This ski in/ski out 4 season recreational home offers year round enjoyment for the whole family. Join us Feb 15th for an exclusive President’s Weekend Wine and Cheese Open House. MLS ® #146096 Page 2 ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 International Apex Did you know that Apex may just be more internationally recognized, connected, as well as appreciated beyond what you may think? As many of the locals have noticed, there are a few new accents on the hill this season. While most every North American ski resort has their splash of Aussie's ... as seen on January 26th with half-naked beach-ready bodies Myleen Mallach, Owner/Publisher celebrating their Nation's Birthday in Okanagan Matters Publications the opposite season ... at Apex we are Apex Matters & Skaha Matters fortunate to add to this fun-filled scene with having quite a wide-spread international representation shown in our mountain staff this winter. Our new found friends and co-workers come from Switzerland, Ukraine, Germany, Britain, Brazil, France, New Zealand, Thailand, and of course Australia, to name a few. Welcome to the Apex family! You may not know that Apex is a very busy place in the preseason, as all ski resorts are, but at Apex there is an added buzz in the air. For close to two decades now, Apex has been attracting athletes for early season training. The T-bar and snowmaking capabilities that Apex offers makes for the perfect quick turn-around training ground that these athletes are looking for in November and December. And, to add to this, the Apex Freestyle Club and Apex Mountain Resort have built a world class freestyle facility, used for not only early season training, but World Cup and NorAm Freestyle Competitions. Early season training draws teams from all over Canada, along with International World Cup Aerial and Mogul Teams. With the Olympics and other World Cup events mostly in Europe this season, many of our regular teams stayed there to train. However, we were host to Olympic and World Cup Aerial Teams from Japan, Russia and Canada. Be sure to check out the amazing new Apex YouTube video with GM James Shalman interviewing Canada's Travis Gerrits and the crew at the Apex aerial site (link on the home page at www.apexresort.com.) On the mogul side, Apex was proud to host our Canadian World Cup and Olympic Team. With our home-town hero, Kristi Richards, a 2-time Olympian and World Champion in Moguls, it is no wonder that the international stage is set here from time to time on Kristi's Run. In fact, from February 13-16, Apex is hosting a Freestyle NorAm Mogul Competition, which is one step down from the World Cup Tour. All the up and coming future Olympians will be at Apex competing for top spot. These athletes represent Germany, Denmark, Great Britain, Japan, Australia, Bermuda, USA and Canada, including some of BC's and Apex's best athletes. Come watch some of this high-flying impressive mogul action this weekend on Kristi's Run. With all this international flavour roaming through the resort, there are tons of international connections to someone or somewhere found pretty easily, especially with the Olympics well underway. While the Olympics always brings a little controversy for some, they are guaranteed to bring out the best in the athletes, while joining family, friends and nations together. To host many of these high-calibre athletes, to make our mountain home to many world travellers, to welcome winter enthusiasts from all over the globe ... I am not only proud to be Canadian, I am proud to call Apex my home! For daily specials, fresh updates & current weather! Best Mountain Views! Come & Get Your Edge On! Sun - Thur 7am - 5pm Fri - Sat 7am - 9pm Plus Holidays & Night Skiing Specialty coffees, teas, amazing breakfasts, lunches with homemade soups, sandwiches & loads of treats. Try our “Take & Bake” Pizzas made fresh to order with your favourite toppings on a delicious stone baked crust. Simply throw it in your oven and dinner is ready in 12 minutes. Located next to The Mountain Shop in the Apex Mountain Village To order “Take & Bake” Pizza, or book a Group Function: Colin: 250.488.2400 Chad: 250.490.6585 The Edge Bistro ~ The place in the Apex village to gather and watch the Olympics, with the Canadian Flag proudly blowing in the alpine breeze. It is here you will meet many new friends, reacquaint with old friends, hear an accent or two to challenge your geographical memory, but regardless, you can count on the "Fast, Fresh & Friendly" service The Edge Bistro is famous for. “Like us” on Facebook! All of our combined Facebook Friends qualify for a Pair of Free Day Passes to be drawn on Thursday, February 20th. Like us both today & you could win! Winner TBA on Facebook & in Apex Matters. ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 My Olympic Pipe Dream Reality with Matt Margetts Tignes is an absolutely beautiful amazing resort. If you stand in the valley bottom and do a 360-degree turn around there are mountain peaks, with chairlifts to the top, and ski tracks every way you look. The chairlift accessible terrain is nothing like anything you see in North America. I have been coming to Tignes for contests like Tignes Airwaves and Euro X Games for years, but I never appreciated it as much as I did this trip. The weather was amazing, it snowed a bunch, I had a lot of time to myself, and I got to explore more than usual. My knee brace never showed up before I left, which I was a little stressed about because I needed it so I could ski. It ended up being a blessing in disguise, because my knee didn’t take to well to the 24 hours of travel two weeks after blowing my knee. The first day I woke up early, iced my knee and went on a breakfast mission with my strength and conditioning coach, Travis McMaster, or Tracksuit as we call him. We found a little bakery, grabbed a three foot long baguette, some pain au chocolat (chocolate croissants), then went across the street to grab some café au lait. After breaky, we took the bus to the next town over to find a gym. Through some broken French, we found this sick private training facility, which I called home the next week. After about five days of that same routine, I talked about my brace, which finally showed up with our physio Greg Redman from Kelowna. I was stoked, going a little stir crazy, and ready to get back on snow to see how my knee was going to hold up. I talked to the coaches briefly the night before to set up a game plan for my first day back on snow. They wanted me to go take a couple cruiser laps to warm up and then when I was feeling up to it, go into the pipe to feel out the transitions, and maybe do some straight airs. But, I told them I wasn’t here to do some cruiser laps and straight airs, I was here to train for the Olympics. After a week of beautiful blue bird skies, warm weather, and perfect conditions the day I finally get to ski after two weeks posted up, not skiing, practically losing my mind, the weather was s**t and there was a bunch on fresh snow in the pipe, but I didn’t care. I hiked to the bottom of the pipe from the hotel, clipped into my skis, took a sled ride to the top, looked down that pipe, took a big deep breath, and dropped in with the same speed as I normally would first run. It couldn’t have worked out better ... my knee felt good, I was a little rusty because I hadn’t skied in two weeks, I had a new knee brace, new skis, a blown knee and the conditions were far from ideal. The next day the weather was great, the pipe was SPT, Frank Wells, cut to perfection. I started off warming up with some straight airs. Each run going a little bigger. Then I started doing some tricks and within a couple of runs I had already done my competition run for the Olympics without doubles. The coaches pulled me aside and told me they were stoked, that I had proved that I can ski, and that I will be able to compete at the games, so be smart and take it easy. But like I said earlier, Page 3 I wasn’t there to just ski and have fun and take it easy, I was there to train for the Olympics. A couple runs later, I did my best alley oop double flat 720 safety of the season and then called her a day. From that moment, I realized I really was going to the Olympics and not just to ski injured and say I was there, but to go and giver 110% and be a medal contender and that felt good. I am now in Munich, chilling for a couple of days, and heading to Sochi tomorrow. Next time you hear from me, I am proud to say, I will actually be an Olympian and hopefully has medal around my neck to boot. Make sure you tune in and cheer me on (our event is Tuesday, February 18th - semi-finals 17:4519:25 and finals 21:30-22:30). Thank you so much for all the love and support! Stay tuned for more from Matt Margetts, as he continues on his journey to the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Page 4 Late February 2014 ApexMatters.com APEX FREESTYLE NEWS by ronda barzilay Apex Freestyle athletes enjoyed the rewards of hard work and the amazing coaching this past weekend at the 2nd of the Timber Tour - BC Freestyle Series II, one of two qualifying events for the Canadian Junior Nationals. We traveled just north of Prince George to Taber Mountain and were hosted by the Northern Freestyle Club. We all survived the four days of -37˚ and had a great time and brought home great results! Featuring three freestyle disciplines Big Air, Moguls & Slopestyle Apex Freestyle Club mogul winners (missing is Anna Spence) from the Timer Tour - BC Freestyle Series II Freestyle Event held February 7-9th at Taber Mountain Ski Resort Friday, February 7, 2014 Timber Tour ~ Slopestyle F3 - Chloe Kober - Silver F3 - Kassidy Todd - Bronze F3 - Shania Finlayson - 4th Upcoming Freestyle Events in the West! Nor Am - Moguls & Dual Moguls - February 13-16 Do Not Miss the ACTION!! Saturday, February 8, 2014 Timber Tour ~ Moguls F2 - Mason Barzilay - Gold - AFC Alumni F3 - Mackenzie Schwinghamer - Gold F3 - Kassidy Todd - Silver F3 - Chloe Kober - Bronze F4 - Madison Parker - Gold F4 - Anna Spence - Bronze M3 - Kyle Parker - Gold - AFC Alumni M3 - Koleton Phipps - Silver M3 - Joe Durham - 4th M4 - Brayden Kuroda - Gold Sam Holinaty Slopestyle at Taber Mtn Timber Tour #3 - Silver Star Mountain - March 6-9 Big Air, Moguls & Slopestyle Senior Nationals - March 26-31 Apex Mountain Resort is hosting one final event for 2014 in welcoming the best that Canada has to offer at the Senior National Championships, with the single mogul National Championship competition on Saturday and the head-to-head dual competition runs on Sunday. Canadian Open Tour - Silver Star Mountain - March 28-30 Big Air & Slopestyle Jesse Howden Slopestyle at Taber Mtn BC Champs - Mount Washington Alpine Resort - April 3-6 Big Air, Moguls & Slopestyle Contacts Sunday, February 9, 2014 Timber Tour ~ Big Air F3 - Chloe Kober - Silver F3 - Kassidy Todd - Bronze M3 - Matt Finlayson - Silver M3 - Cameron Kapusty - Bronze Hemlock - Mission 2014 BC Winter Games - February 21-23 Big Air, Moguls & Slopestyle (Athletes 11-16 years) Ronda Barzilay - Media Mom - Volunteer rondabarzilay@shaw.ca 1.888.847.6632 or cell 250.878.4272 (Freestyle photos are courtesy of Ronda Barzilay unless otherwise noted.) NorAm 2013 back cross action more action this weekend! Age Categories - Timber Tour - Age F1 & M1 19 & over F2 & M2 16 - 18 years F3 & M3 14 - 15 years F4 & M4 12 - 13 years Coach Kenni at afckenni@gmail.com or call 250.490.1762 www.apexfreestyle.com BC Freestyle - contact Camille 250.550.5322 www.bcfreestyle.com Volunteers are always needed & appreciated! Please contact Volunteer Team Leader Marnie at amtodd@telus.net apexfreestyle.com A special thank you to Taber Mountain Resort and the many volunteers who make the development of these freestyle athletes possible! Apex Freestyle Club promotes the love of the sport of skiing in a fun and safe environment encouraging each athlete to pursue their skiing passion of throwing down some tricks or one day representing Canada on the podium! Dual Mogul Action at NorAm 2013 ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 Apex Freestyle Club presents - Nor Am - Feb 13-16, 2014 SEE INTERNATIONAL TALENT BATTLE IT OUT ON THE MOGUL COURSE - World Class Action! Athletes from more than 7 different countries - Canada, USA, Australia, Japan, Great Britain, Germany, Denmark, and two athletes from Bermuda, including some of BC’s & Apex’s Best. The NorAm Cup is the stepping stone and training ground to the big show, the WORLD CUP. Acting as both an access point and holding area to the best developing skiers in the America’s and the World, the 2014 FIS Freestyle NorAm Cup has events in - Ski Cross, Moguls, Dual Moguls and Aerials. These are our next generation Olympians! Just a 30 minute drive to Apex Mountain Resort from Penticton and you can see these athletes pound down this course and get upside down performing amazing acrobatic tricks. You can watch from the village or take a short walk up to Kristi’s Run. Freestyle NorAm Cup Schedule Thursday, February 13th ~ Official Training Friday, February 14th ~ Official Training Saturday, February 15th ~ Single Moguls Competition Sunday, February 16th ~ Dual Moguls Competition Daily 4:45 pm ~ Awards Presentation on the Gunbarrel Podium! Page 5 Waiting For More World Cup Skiing with Andi Naude I am currently having some downtime, while my teammates are in Sochi. I am really excited to watch everything on TV ... only I wish I was there! I have used this time at home to catch up on a lot of schoolwork and dryland training. Last weekend I was fortunate enough to spend some time with the Apex Freestyle Ski Club. It was super fun seeing all the children having a great time! Apex’s Andi Naude, Next weekend my teammates on the 2013 FIS World Cup NorAm tour will be coming to Apex to Rookie of the Year! compete. I am very excited to watch the great event and catch up with them. At the end of February, I will be heading Japan to continue with the last half of the World Cup tour. Thank you all for your great support! See you on the slopes! We will be welcoming the following teams: Team Canada, US Ski Team, Sun Valley, Apex Freestyle Team, BC Freestyle Mogul Team, Canadian Sport Institute Team, Japan, Australia, Great Britain, Bermuda, Telluride, Steamboat, Vail, Park City, Winter Park, Ontario, Wasatch, Lift Off Freestyle, Alberta, and Squaw Valley. BC Athletes who will be competing: 1. Mason Barzilay - West Kelowna 2. Mackenzie Schwinghamer - West Kelowna 3. Madison Parker - Port Moody 4. Kyle Parker - Port Moody 5. Sophie McGregor - West Vancouver 6. Byron Estey - West Vancouver 7. Josh Kober - Penticton 8. Jordan Kober - Penticton 9. Brendan Kelley - Pemberton 10. Connor Spence - Penticton 11. Sofiane Gagnon - Whistler 12. Koleton Phipps - Penticton 13. Joe Durnham - Kelowna 14. Daichi Hara - Whistler A big thank you and shout out to our event sponsors! Apex Mountain Resort, RONA, KRAFT Canada, IGA Marketplace Penticton, IGA Summerland, Penticton Lakeside Resort, The Penticton Herald, 100.7 FM, ECM Promotions, Via Sport, Hosting BC and Province of British Columbia, and Ronda Barzilay & Associates. A big thank you and shout out to our BC Freestyle Sponsors! Safestart, Swany, Apex Mountain Resort and Silver Star Resort. www.bcfreestyle.com Andi Naude in the Val St. Come World Cup in late January. (Photo courtesy of Andre Chevrier.) You can follow Andi Naude this season right here in Apex Matters and at www.andinaude.com. Andi is also on Twitter @andi_naude. Available at Apex Trading Post From the Heart For the Heart 989 Cellar Road, Oliver, BC 250.498.2211 www.fairviewcellars.ca p. 250.762.7722 | f. 250.762.2232 toll free 877.311.7722 service@okanaganofficesystems.com 523 Lawrence Avenue, Kelowna “Serving all your Office Equipment and Stationary needs” Page 6 Late February 2014 Apex Carvers Update with Johnny Smoke, Carvers Coach Half way already? Yes, it’s true. There’s now less time left in the season than what we’ve done already. However, I always look at the first half of the year as just training for the best part. We started back at the beginning of January by trying to remember what foot which boot goes on, played with some gates, enjoyed some sun, and for a bunch of our skiers had our first race. Now at the mid-point I’m seeing all kinds of personalities emerge, and all our skiers seem to be having these wonderful revelatory moments, as the training starts to pay off with new found skills and confidence. Even our coaches are visibly improving, in no small part thanks to the efforts of Ross Coutts who has stepped up to help mentor our coaches with ongoing development through morning “Pump-Up” sessions. I couldn’t be happier with the progress I’m seeing at all levels of our club. Now that we’re over the hump, it’s time to drop a gear, turn it up to 11, and charge the mountain even harder. I’ll be reminding all of our skiers that the time really is right now. I think that being a skier at Apex underlines the concept of seizing the day in a way that’s hard to replicate in a classroom. Especially when the snow gods become misers. Carpe Powder! Next up for our Carvers will be the Okanagan Zone Finals at Silver Star on March 1st and 2nd (not March 15/16 as previously mentioned). Finally, there is lots of room in our two Spring Break Camps. Camp #1 is March 17-19 and Camp #2 is March 24-26. Only $99 for each three day camp. ApexMatters.com Join Apex Carvers! For children aged 5-13 years, this is the quality program that has made the Nancy Greene Ski League famous since 1968! Spring Break Camp ~ Just $99 9:30 - 3pm on March 17-19 or March 24-26 Children develop skills and confidence, through skiing all terrain types, games, skill drills, jumps and bumps, and skier-cross. The program is a very good value for money, as it is offered by the parent run Apex Ski Club. Register online now at www.ApexSkiClub.com U12 Coach Gary Athans works on his air technique. Ella Pasin leans into it during a U16 slalom race at Apex last weekend. Hanna Droppo with some big mountain style on the Great Wall. All photos this page are courtesy of Johnny Smoke. APEX SKI CLUB - WE AIM 2 WIN Jorgen explaining the importance of the “12th Man” to some of our racers. Building Skills & Self Esteem to Last a Lifetime www.apexskiclub.com ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 Skiing Through A Racer’s Eyes By Manon Gentes Ever since I started racing three years ago, people have always asked me, “Don’t you get bored skiing the same course over and over again?” I say, “No, it’s different every time, there’s always something new to work on and I love it so much, it doesn’t bother me.” I went into racing just to see if I liked it and now, after three years, I love it for so many Manon Gentes reasons. It first became my passion in my first year when I went 100 km/hr and realized that going fast was the most amazing feeling ever. I also love the feeling after a good run, you just can’t help but be happy. I really enjoy that it’s a social yet individual sport. When I step in to the start gate everything else melts away ... it’s just you and the hill. During the social part, I’ve met some of the best people I know. I think we as a team are all good friends and we all try to help each other when we can. The coaches are always there to help as well, because sometimes skiing just doesn’t make sense. Throughout my racing experience, I have built many skills that I will keep for my whole life. As a ski racer I have to miss lots of school, and therefore it is required that I have a good work ethic. Sometimes it’s hard to do everything when you ski race, especially when you ski four days a week like I do. You have to work really hard. I have also learned that even if you yourself don’t do well, you can still be happy for your team members. Some days are better than others, and you need to know that. When you ski race, you need to learn that you can’t get too high or too low. In ski racing there are also the not-so-fun parts. We wear skin tight suits that are not made to keep you warm! I’ve been in some of the coldest conditions and all I could wear was my speed suit. Then there are the bad days, where you feel like you’re the worst skier in the world, and even though some days are better than others, it’s still really hard to overcome those feelings. Even in the summer, after skiing is over, I’m still thinking about it. I want the next season to be even better than the last. I train hard on the hill from November to April, but from March to October, I am still thinking about how I could be better, what I could do to make it be as good as it can be. I don’t know what I would do without skiing. I would miss it so much. Page 7 Brains are priceless, helmets are cheap. Prevent a brain injury, wear a helmet! South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society #2 - 996 Main Street, Penticton, BC V2A 5E4 Ph: 250-490-0613 Fax: 250-490-3912 Email: info@sosbis.com Website: www.sosbis.com Apex Mountain Shop Located in the village of Apex Mountain Resort All Apex Fleece ~ 20% off All Descente Outerwear ~ 25% off Buy Any Ski & Binding Package & Receive 4 Free Tune-ups! ($200 value) Home of ‘try before you buy’! Demos for Skis & Snowboards. Specializing in Boot Fitting & Equipment Tuning www.ApexResort.com 1.877.777.2739 The Trading Post Rural Agency Liquor Store & Grocery Store Need Cheese? We carry Village Cheese Company cheese, including; Smoked Wild Salmon, Havarti, Gouda, Parmesan, Mediterranean, Red Hot Pepper, Canadian Maple, Savory Garlic & Jalapeno Jack. Great selection of crackers to go along with the great cheese. www.MomentsUnderFrame.com Be a Responsible Pet Owner Pets must be kept on leash in the Apex village and parking lot at all times. Please respect the roadways and paths and always clean up after your pet. Regular Hours: Sun - Thu ~ 8 - 7 // Fri & Sat ~ 8 - 10 250.486.0354 www.ApexTradingPost.com Page 8 ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 Welcome to the Nickel Plate Nordic Centre Office Open 9-3 Daily www.nickelplatenordic.org 56 kms of Groomed & Track Set Ski Trails / 25 kms of Marked Snowshoe Trails Day Lodge & Kitchen Facilities / Heated Washrooms / Change Rooms & Showers Ski & Snowshoe Rentals & Lessons Available Nickel Plate Nordic Centre Update This year marks the 25th anniversary of By Esther Skrypiczajko, President Moonlight Ski & Snowshow - Saturday, February 15th 30 people attended our last moonlight ski and snowshoe! We invite you to bring your headlamp and join us on Saturday, February 15th for our next one. You can come late afternoon/ early evening and go out and ski or snowshoe on your own then join us back at the lodge for socializing and a potluck dinner around 7 pm. Last time a few people went out again after dinner. For more information, call Elvia at 250-487-2191 or Esther at 250-492-8569. Live Weather Updates & More - www.nickelplatenordic.org If you are sitting in your condo enjoying your morning latte and decide that you want a change from the exhilaration of “hitting the slopes” today, why not come up to Nickel Plate? Although we are just a few kilometres up the hill from you, our weather conditions can be quite different, because we are on the other side of the mountain. Go to our website www.nickelplatenordic. org and start by looking at the webcam. This image is updated every 60 seconds and it shows you what it actually looks like up there right now. Then check the “current weather” link to find out the temperature, wind speed, barometric pressure and anything else you might want to know about the weather. One of my favourite features on that page is the graph of the temperatures in the last 24 hours, so you can see if it is getting warmer or colder. Going back to the home page, it will tell you if there is a social event going on that day. All our activities are open to anyone who wants to come, whether it is a hotdog barbeque at noon, a moonlight ski or potluck lunch. And we love having new people join us. The website also gives maps of both snowshoe and ski trails, as well as rates for day passes and rentals. If you have a dog who needs some exercise, the trails on the north side of the road are K9 friendly. Bring your lunch and enjoy socializing in our bright daylodge where we have a full kitchen that you are welcome to use. While you are having your last few sips of that delicious latte, check out our photo gallery. There are pictures from races, social events and everyday life at Nickel Plate. The staff and members of Nickel Plate Nordic would love to see you on our trails “clear above the clouds”. Come to the potluck lunch and help us celebrate on Sunday, February 23 More information to follow. E ON L A S E HUG AR! E G R E from WINT r Stock e 13 Wint p at Apex 0 2 / 2 1 20 Sho untain o M e h T % OFF 0 5 0 3 s All Item -like’ savings wap Enjoy ‘s s all gone! until it SALES & SERVICE Your Complete Bike Store The South Okanagan’s Family Bike Shop Mountain, Triathlon & Road Bike Specialists “For the names you know & the service you trust!” bikebarn.ca 300 W. Westminster Ave. 250-492-4140 ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 Page 9 Nickel Plate Skill Development Nickel Plate Nordic Race Report: Teck Okanagan Cup #2 By Kathryn Golbeck, Communications/Marketing for Nickel Plate Junior Racers By Audrey Perry, Skill Development Coordinator We are halfway through our lesson program at Nickel Plate Nordic. The weather has been cooperating with gorgeous blue sky days up there - until the frigid temperatures of last weekend. We had our day of cancellation due to cold. (Usually there is one super cold day each season when lessons are cancelled.) I guess we are back in the clear for the rest of the season! The Nickel Plate Loppet was a great time again this year. Even with the cold temperatures, many of the kids from the SDP program were there to race. We had over twenty five Nickel Plate SDP kids and 5 Junior Racers registered in the official 3 km Mini Loppet! The unofficial Mini Loppet had 9 competitors this year. The cold weather kept some of our younger skiers at home. Everyone went home with prizes. We wish to thank Peach City Runners, The Bike Barn, and Penticton Community Centre for their support of the kids’ races. As well as the smile on their faces, each racer in the program left with a 2 for 1 swim pass, water bottle, and a treat for skiing so hard. Many thanks to Peter and Claire Waterman, and the rest of the Nickel Plate Loppet Committee for helping us organize where the kids would race and the timing. Our chief Mini Loppet organizer, Todd Redding, did a lot of work to make sure the kids left happy to be involved in a fun race like a Loppet. We are very lucky in our program to have some great coaches and parent helpers who acted as marshals and guides for the kids on the 3 km race. Our next session will have all the kids learning snow science, as well as how to move on snow. The forecast is for perfect skiing temperatures and it promises to be a fun day in the snow! See you up on the trails. The second race of the Okanagan Cup series was held on Sunday, February 2nd, 2014 at the Nickel Plate Nordic Centre. A total of seven clubs participated in the free skate technique race, including; Larch Hills Nordic, Methow Valley Nordic, Nickel Plate Nordic, Overlander Ski Club, Revelstoke Nordic, Sovereign Lake Nordic, and Telemark Nordic. A total of 166 racers crossed the finish line, including 15 skiers from Nickel Plate Nordic. 8 Nickel Plate Nordic Junior Racers team raced at the Teck Okanagan Cup #2, with notable finishers, Rachel Shanner and Justin Odian, each placing 3rd in their respective Juvenile Girls / Boys 5 km categories. Having qualified at the Teck OK Cup #1 in Revelstoke in December, Rachel’s next race will be the BC Winter Games from February 21st - 23rd in Mission. Other top local finishers include Tom Evans, placing 4th in a time of 46:19.6 in the Master’s Men (40-49) category and Richard Finlay, who also placed 4th in the Master’s Men (60+) category with a time of 1:09:18. Complete results for the Teck OK Cup# 2 can be found at: http://zone4.ca/results.asp?id=6422 Nickel Plate Nordic also hosted another successful Annual Loppet on Saturday, February 1st. Top local racers included: Tom Evans - 3rd in the men’s 40-49 age category (30 km classic race); Murray Farbridge - 2nd in the men’s 50-59 age category (30 km classic race); Sarah Broder - 3rd in the women’s 16+ age category (15 km classic race); Rachel Shanner - 3rd in the women’s 14-17 age category (7.5 km classic race). 11 Nickel Plate Junior Racers participated in the Nickel Plate Loppet. Full results can be found at: http://zone4.ca/results.asp?id=6420 Photos from both the Teck OK Cup #2 and the Nickel Plate Loppet can be found at http://www.nickelplatenordic.org/ photo_gallery/photo_gallery.htm The Nickel Plate Nordic Ski Club would like to extend appreciation to all of the volunteers and sponsors who contributed to a successful weekend of racing. Cross Country BC, a non-for-profit club-based organization, Top Left - Nickel Plate’s youngest competitor in the Teck OK Cup. Top Right - Some of is the provincial sport governing body for cross-country skiing the SDP and Junior Racers in the Loppet. Bottom - The Loppet start line. in British Columbia. Cross Country BC offers programs and services to support the continuous development of crosscountry skiing for all ages and abilities, from introductory experiences to international excellence. Teck Resources Ltd. is the title sponsor of Cross Country BC’s Skier Development Program, thereby supporting excellence in sport and providing youth with experiences that will help them prepare for the future. For more information on Cross Country BC, please visit www.crosscountrybc.ca. For more information: Jerome Jang (Chief of Competition) at 250-494-1972 or jang.jerome@gmail.com or Kathryn Golbeck (Media) at 250-487-0999 or kathryngolbeck@shaw.ca Page 10 ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 Movement is our Business By Crystal McLeod, BScPT, Sports Clinic Physiotherapy in the Penticton Community Centre Did you know that previous injury is by far the most robust factor related to future injury? Previous injury and pain alter motor control. Motor control is the process by which your body uses its neuromuscular system to activate and coordinate the muscles and limbs involved in the performance of a motor skill. Lack of motor control is when your muscles are not activating properly and/or your sequence of activation is not correct. This poor motor control changes the way you recruit muscles to create movement. When you have had an injury, or when you do a task repeatedly, your body will begin to take the pathway of least resistance and alter how it is activating muscles. This movement will not be normal. You may start to become stiff in some areas (‘mobility’) and unstable in others (‘stability’). Each region of your body is very dependent on other regions above and below. This regional interdependence allows compensations and will lead to altered movement patterns throughout the body. Your body needs a good balance of mobility vs. stability. A broken movement pattern between hips, core (low back and abdominals) and upper back can occur despite being on an abdominal strengthening program. If you have stiff joints above and below you will have a core that is sloppy. Mobility must precede stability. With an injury you don’t want to just focus on local pain and strengthening in one area, you need to take a complete look at how the whole body is moving. You must always assess and treat dysfunction, as well as the primary location of pain. Other variables that can also increase the risk of injury include asymmetry in movement (right/left movement differences or muscle imbalance), poor standing balance, poor neuromuscular control, excessive body mass and of course choices you make regarding safe activity ... Should you really be on Peashooter? Physical Therapists understand movement. Using a Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) a therapist can identify your mobility restrictions and/or your lack of stability/ motor control. This comprehensive assessment will allow the physio to identify individual movement pattern deficiencies. Once these deficiencies are identified an individualized exercise program using proprioceptive neuromuscular training (PNF) and reactive neuromuscular training (RNT) can be prescribed. 24 Hour Emergency Service Water & Fire Damage Restoration Wind Damage Odour Control Insurance Work Handled Promptly Asbestos/Mold Remediation Carpet Repair Bonded Insured WCB We handle residential and commercial disasters with expertise and exceptional customer service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Everyone can move better. We can help you move better. Performance is about Movement; let’s restore your whole function, so you can MOVE WELL - MOVE OFTEN. 250.493.6623 Proud Member of PABC “Keeping British Columbians Moving for Life” Serving APEX Mountain and Area for over 24 years! 1.800.46.FLOOD www.myABK.com ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 A convenient ski-in and ski-out dining experience located in the Apex Mountain Inn, right in the heart of the village. Eat in or take out BBQ, Burgers and Pizza. E YOU AR Page 11 D! INVITE Night Local’s HE with “ T ICS”! -A-MAT GROOV r Februa y 23rd Local’s Night IS ‘The Place To Be’ ... At The Rock Oven Grill The next big Local’s Night is Sunday, February 23rd from 6-9 pm! Alien alert! Alien alert! There has been an abduction of “The Grateful Not to Be Dead” Jam Band. In their place is a cleverly cloned imposter band that looks, plays, and sounds just like the G.N.T.B.D.J.B. The name beamed down from the twilight zone of space is ... “THE GROOV-A-MATICS!” This band has been so accurately downloaded you will not know the difference ... expect pop music quizzes with prizes, local guest performers, encouragement of quirky audience participation, and most of all, the fun-filled presentation of those 60’s, 70’s and 80’s tunes you forgot you remembered. Come on out and see what the off world visitors have created. Sing with, dance to THE GROOV-A-MATICS! After all, isn’t OLYMPIC FUN Whitewhere Kennedyit’s at? FAR OUT! feelin’ groovy 1 2 3 C B C U R L I O A 7 B S T O B H B Y L S O 12 13 L I P I N V E N D N S B 20 B R M U 22 W I C K K 4 14 F I 4 5 Across A team sport played on ice involving 42-pound granite rocks Time (Measure the speed of a E A N G A N 5 9 F O U 15 B R T E E N S K I 16 C L O C 6 D O F R A N C E E A H C 10 11 L E O P A R I L A A K E M A N C 18 A I N 19 L U G 21 T O E R I O N E S O K 8 17 T I R N I U P K L S E N H E I J U U K M P 1 2 S 23 J D R E Down Only athlete to win gold at both the Summer and Winter games Captain of men's Olympic hockey team 2014 Answer key to the left is for the "Olympic Fun" White Kennedy puzzle & below is the answer to the Apex Matters Sudoku Puzzle. Both puzzles can be found on page 23. Located at Skaha Lake Marina 700 Grizzly FX Nitro MTX 1300 Stryker Sales Service Parts Accessories Fuel Moorage Waterskis Boat & PWC Rentals Snowmobiles ATVs Motorcycles 250-492-8300 Page 12 Late February 2014 ApexMatters.com FEBRUARY 2014 Feb 13th - FREESTYLE NORAM - Feb 13 th-16th - The best mogul athletes competing head to head in the high level event which is one step below the World Cup! Come watch the excitement. Feb 13th - 2 FOR 1 BRING YOUR SWEETIE - Happy Early Valentine’s Day! Bring your sweetie for a day on the slopes! Today is a 2 for 1 day. Buy 1 adult full day pass & receive the second one free. Please note this only works on a full day ticket and cannot be used with any other discounts. Must mention "2 for 1 Sweetheart Promo" at ticket window. Feb 14th - MEN'S DAY - Feb 14th, 21st , 28th - Men's Day every Friday! Gentlemen let's make it a long weekend, grab your buddy, boss, father and come on up for a day of fun! Feb 14th - FREERIDE FRIDAY! Come hang out in the park 5-9pm with the Freeride Crew! They will have hotdogs, music and wicked prizes to give away! Feb 17th - ALBERTA FAMILY DAY - If you are an Alberta resident, bring your ID as proof and receive 50% off rentals & day passes! This applies to Alberta residents only. Feb 19th - LADIES DAY - Feb 19th & 26th - Ladies Day every Wednesday! Come on out with your mom, friends, co-workers and enjoy an awesome day on the slopes! Feb 22nd - BREWSKI - Apex's First Annual! A Craft Beer, Cider and Spirits event. There are 11 different breweries, cideries and distilleries coming. Tickets include food from the Gunbarrel, 12 free beer tokens, and a free after party with live entertainment from Towers and Trees! For tickets ($35+GST), call Kerissa at 250. 490.7235 or kerissa@apexresort.com TUBE PARK - Open Weekends 10 am - 3:30 pm and Fri/Sat 4-9 pm SKATING RINK AND LOOP - Open 7 days a week 10 am - 11 pm APEX SKI BUS - Weekends & Holidays - Check online for schedule NIGHT SKIING - Friday and Saturday Nights + Holidays 4-9 pm For bookings for tubing and skating, call the office at 1-877-777-2739 or email Kerissa@apexresort.com www.ApexResort.com ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 Snowmobiles in Apex Village with James Shalman, Apex General Manager Apex Mountain Resort would like to review the snowmobile policy within the resort village. As the number of snowmobiles has increased within the resort area, safety of the public is becoming a concern. There are also numerous noise complaints that we receive regarding late night snowmobile use. Here are some rules that would help to facilitate enjoyment and safety of our area for all: 1. Snowmobiles are not permitted within the resort village. Park snowmobiles by the hockey rink. Please do not drive across the parking lot. Snowmobiles are not to be parked by the Apex Mountain Inn and/or the Gunbarrel Restaurant. 2. Please respect the speed zone of 30 km/hr or less, within the Apex Controlled Recreation Area (CRA). 3. Noise issues: Please respect the other users of our area and keep noise of your snowmobile to a minimum within the CRA. Apex Mountain Resort is one of the few resorts that allows snowmobilers access to the backcountry from within the resort area. Let’s work together to keep our resort a safe and fun experience for all. Thank you. Page 13 Smile of the Day Matthew Taylor Apex Carver Matthew never misses a chance to seize the day with a smile! (Photo courtesy of Johnny Smoke.) If you have a “special smile” that you would like to share, send in your photo and short reason why to apexmatters@telus.net. Mon-Thur ~ 8am - 8pm Fri ~ 8am - 5pm Now Accepting New Patients Exceptional General Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Sylvain Marino 185 Front Street 250.493.6724 Dr. James Jung www.pentictondentist.com GUNBARREL SALOON FEBRUARY EVENTS CALENDAR Sunday 2 Super Bowl Buckets Of Bud $22 9 3 Margarita Madness $3.75 Large Nachos $10 After 5PM 10 Free Pool Tournament starts @ 7PM Movie and Pasta Night Margaritas $3.75 Large Nachos $10 $8.99 @ 5PM After 5PM House Wines $4.50 16 17 Free Pool Tournament starts @ 7PM Movie and Pasta Night Margaritas $3.75 Large Nachos $10 $9@ 5PM House Wines $4.50 After 5PM 23 Tuesday Monday 24 Free Pool Tournament starts @ 7PM Movie and Pasta Night Margaritas $3.75 $9@5PM Large Nachos $10 House Wines $4.50 After 5PM 4 Wing Night $5 per pound Buckets of Canadian $22 11 Wing Night $5 per pound Buckets of Canadian $22 18 Wing Night $5 per pound Buckets of Canadian $22 25 Wing Night $5 per pound Buckets of Canadian $22 Wednesday 5 Thursday 6 Locals Night Highballs $4.75 All burgers 40%off Doubles $6.75 After 5PM Mini Pitchers $8.75 Ladies Day 12 Ladies Day All burgers 40%off After 5PM 19 13 Local’s Night Highballs $4.75 Doubles $6.75 Triples $ 8.75 20 Local’s Night Highballs $4.75 All burgers 40%off Doubles $6.75 After 5PM Mini Pitchers $8.75 Friday 7 Ladies Day All burgers 40%off After 5PM 27 Local’s Night Highballs $4.75 Doubles $6.75 Triples$8.75 8 Game Night Enter to win tickets to a Canucks Home Game with Accommodation Olympics Opening Ceremony Cheer 4 Canada 14 15 3 Course Dinner $39 Starts at 5PM 21 Ladies Day 26 Saturday Go Canada 28 Game Night Canadian sleeves $5.25 Jugs $18.25 DJ Dave Dancing 9PM until Late 22 Local Beer Festival 3-6 with Live Music from 9PM until Late Page 14 Late February 2014 Bill’s Avalanche Story By Bill Ford I first met Steve skiing at Park West, the smaller local hill near Park City, Utah. Steve and his roommates, Mitch and one of the Salvatore brothers, needed one more renter in the house, so I moved up from Salt Lake City. By the 1974-1975 season after the previous season of 7 day a week skiing, we had all gotten pretty good at laying down a good line in deep powder. The sensation of dropping down a forty degree grade through snow up to your chest is indescribable, but one can get addicted to the sensation pretty easily. Looking out beyond the ropes, which really meant something then, there were endless untouched lines. Steve worked in the ski shop at the base and thru him I met the cross country instructors. I bought some heavy duty full touring wooden skis with Silveretta cable bindings, and along with Steve and the gang, started spending more weekends in the backcountry. We both got to the point where we thought we were invincible and could ski down anything on this gear. Neither of us knew anything about telemark skiing, so we just skied like they were downhill without your heels held down. Steve was a more powerful skier, the kind who lays down one thousand feet of turns and they are so symmetrical that if one drew a straight line down each side every turn would hit the lines. I on the other hand always seemed to have to take a few big loping turns to get slowed down a bit. By the end of our second year of skiing every day, we had skied endless powder lines both in view of the resort and miles off in the Wasatch Range and we had skied down in a number of small sluff avalanches. Theses did not in any way prepare me for the size and power of a big slab avalanche. It was Spring Break at the University, so Steve and I decided to do some backcountry skiing. Steve had heard about a backcountry rescue cabin near Jackson Hole. We drove the five hours north in my Ford Maverick, stopped at the local sporting goods store and found a map with a location of the cabin. A few miles out of town near an elk preserve we left the car and proceeded to start the accent to the cabin. We were both using wooden full mountaineering touring skis with cable bindings. It is about a seven mile hike through the woods and it took us the better part of the remainder of the day to locate the cabin. Approaching from below, the cabin is almost invisible, being buried under many feet of snow. But, on the other side due to the wind direction the door was easily accessed and we were pleasantly surprised to find this place incredibly well provisioned. There was an old wood stove in the middle of the forward half of the room and a partial loft in the back half. A reasonable amount of firewood was already cut and the tools to cut and split more were all there, even a toboggan to haul the wood back to the cabin. There were quite a few old world war two era sleeping bags and plenty of cooking utensils. Even cans full of dried foods. This truly was a rescue cabin that a group of people could have survived in for quite a while. The scenery was spectacular with Jackson peak towering over us to the southeast. Facing the peak from the door of the cabin, the ridge to our left was filled with lines we wanted to ski. In front of the cabin was a large meadow, where the only visible signs of human existence were our tracks coming in. Tomorrow, we would change that. We got the fire going, had a meal, then settled in for the night. The following morning two ApexMatters.com other skiers arrived from below and we all skied some easy lines near the cabin. All day we were looking at lines to ski from the ridge above. The next morning after a nice breakfast the four of us headed out. The other two fellows headed for easier (safer) slopes while we, ignoring their warning, started out for the lines we had been scoping the previous day. Only a short distance through the trees brought us to the toe of the hill and we started to traverse up through the trees to the right of our line. We came out of the trees near the top of the powder field we intended to ski. Steve was leading as we started to traverse onto the open slope. I stopped above the first good line, while Steve continued further out onto the much wider section and a thin line of trees divided the two. We had just dug the tails of our skis into the hill ready for our decent when we looked at each other and with one “Oh Shit” I realized the entire hill was starting to move. A four foot vertical crack had opened right along our traverse. Sure looked more like six to me the next day, but the avalanche report says four. The next few minutes are something I hope I never experience again. The best way I can describe it is that it felt like I was in a twenty five foot washing machine, first being pounded to the bottom crushed by the weight of snow above. The next second you can tell you’re near the surface by the light, the crushing pressure is gone, but not for long as there were quite a few more revolutions left before reaching the bottom. Extremely lucky! I punched my hands through to the surface and was able to clear the snow away from my face. Amazed to still be alive and in one piece after writing myself off on the way down, I began to scream for Steve. When I got no response after an hour of yelling it became obvious he had not been so lucky. We had gone down at about three O’clock. I continued screaming in hopes that the other two fellows who I hoped were still at the cabin would hear me. With my skis still bound to my feet and the pile of snow I’m in having turned to ice, their hearing me seemed my only chance. From my position, I could see down to the woods where the cabin should be in. When the sun set I pretty well wrote my life off again, figuring I would freeze before morning. But I continued to scream every few minutes, as it was the only way to keep my teeth from chattering. Sometime around eight or eight thirty one of the guys in the cabin went outside and heard my screams, when he gets the others to listen they hear me again. I heard them yell back and knew they were coming. Two more fellows had come up that day, so the four of them set to digging me out. They had steel shovels from the cabin and got me out pretty quickly. I was able to ski back to the cabin with the one ski I had left and a person to lean on. They wrapped me in a couple of sleeping bags and set me by the fire for the next few hours to defrost. By the next morning, I was feeling good and the only longer term damage was to one foot, which had been crimped by the back of my boot. Three of us went to look for Steve, while the guys who had just come up went for help. We found my missing ski pretty well bent, but not broken. However, no sign of Steve. Soon the helicopter brought the avalanche rescue crew. Though I insisted I needed to stay and help, they said they were deputized by the sheriff, that I was to be flown out now and give my report to the sheriff. It has been much easier on me I’m sure, not to have seen the dead body at the bottom of the pile. To remember Steve as I always will laying down tracks on a big wall of white. Full report - http://www.jhavalanche.org/fatalArticles/article/Karl ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 Page 15 Dino’s Snowshoe Diaries - Part 6 They say, “A picture is worth a 1000 words!” By Dino Giurissevich, Snowshoe Guide Once again, except for my regular snowshoe haunts, I have little new adventures to write about. I will have more to write about for the next few diaries, as I will be guiding a group of women this Sunday on a “full moon” tour and I will be doing my annual “Aquarian snowshoe” as well. I did guide four young ladies to the top of the 3 bears. The snowshoe tour was a Birthday gift for mom from her daughter. I introduced them to some medium to steep climbing and some “powder running”. All enjoyed themselves immensely and did exceptionally well, considering they were more or less novices. It was heartening to hear that two of the young ladies had shed 20-40 pounds last year, which indicated to me they were taking their health seriously with the added bonus of enjoying the outdoors. Snowshoeing certainly is an excellent way to lose calories, as one can drop 300-1000 calories per hour. Enjoy the photos. They are worth a 1000 words! Dino’s Snowshoe tours tours rentals sales Check out my website for Full Moon Tour Dates! Enjoy 20% off on Remaining Stock of Snowshoes! www.dinostours.com 250-809-1165 Wilderness First-Aid Course March 4-6, 2014 at Covert Farms in Oliver Cost ~ $300 To register or for more information, contact Jim Ongena at 250-486-7166 or jim@corporateheights.ca www.corporateheights.ca Family Owned and Operated Trusted Since 1908 PENTICTON CHAPEL 250.492.0713 SUMMERLAND CHAPEL 250.494.7752 www.providencefuneralhomes.com Ron & Taraleigh Crooker Page 16 ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 By Leann Robbins and the ONYX Team Concrete countertops are becoming the preferred option to granite or synthetic countertops for the discerning homeowner. With the ability to customize the surface to your space and personal preferences, ONYX Castings will work with you to create your dream design. The thickness of countertops can range from 3/4 of an inch to any desired thickness. Front edge returns can be made to create a countertop that appears thick to any size desired. Concrete countertops can be straight, curved, notched, multilevel, etc. Unlike granite, which would drastically increase in cost for curved shapes, creating curved concrete shapes simply involves some extra complexity and labour in forming. Concrete can also be used in vertical applications, such as backsplashes and shower surrounds. Concrete countertops can also be used both indoors and outdoors. For more information or to get a quote, call ONYX Castings at 250.488.2798 or send your design to info@onyxcastings.com. Be sure to visit the ONYX Team at their booth at the 19th annual Penticton Home & Reno Show held on March 1st & 2nd at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre. Snowshoeing Decorative Concrete In The Bathroom Tours and Courses 2 hour Half/Full Day Moonlight & Mountain Top Fire Roasted Dinner & Fireside Fondue Winter Survival Youth Programs Rentals 1 Hour - $10 Half Day - $15 Full Day - $25 Children at all times - $8 For more information: 250 490 6084 www.hoodooadventures.ca team@hoodooadventures.ca On Mo u Cabin, ntain Town H Condo & ome R entals Visit o ur we b s amm site for enities. variou Ski FREE / Stay FREE: 3 nights & 3 days of skiing or snowboarding, and receive the 4th night & 4th day of skiing or snowboarding FREE! *New Reservations: Must state “Apex Matters” at time of booking. Booking and date conditions apply. www.stayatapex.com Toll Free 1.866.273.9737 Featured Property Keremeos Creek Crossing with Apex Accommodations These newer 2-3 bedroom units are located in the heart of the village and offer ski in/ski out convenience. All units ONYX Castings Bathroom Vanities - 12 ft long countertop, no seams and two types of come with complete kitchens, river double vessel sinks shown above. Call ONYX for your quote today at 250-488-2789. rock fireplaces, in floor radiant heat, beautiful decks with mountain views, Welcome the natural beauty and texture of concrete into your home. a private hot tub, wifi and beds made to perfection. Private professional chef cooking services are available for all units at an additional charge. For more great accommodation options, rates and availability, please call us toll free 1-866-273-9737. Apex Countertops, Sinks, Outdoor Kitchens, Furniture & More Accommodations is Apex Mountain Resort’s primary property and rental 250-488-2798 info@onyxcastings.com www.onyxcastings.com accommodation provider. From slopeside chalet’s to private townhouses or condos, Apex Accommodations has For Snowshoes & Thule Roof Racks ... a place for everyone this winter season. Visit www.stayatapex.com today! Jason Wagner 250.490.8815 dochook@shaw.ca #102 - 2595 Skaha Lake Road in Penticton Looking To BUiLD A CUSToM HoME? Contact Nicola Nuttgens for your free consultation. 800-663-2558 x116 • 250-488-9541 nnuttgens@linwoodhomes.com ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 Page 17 New Zealand “I’ve always wanted to go there!” Windex blue water, white sand beaches, island hopping and beach bum bach’n on the South Pacific one day, black sand beaches, rugged coastline, stunning treks on the Tasman Sea the next. Experience the adventure capital of the world and a cultural experience like no other! Let our knowledgeable and experienced guides shorten your 2014/15 Winter with this safe and fun adventure; filled with history, culture, flora and fauna of Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud. Day 1-5: Arrive in Auckland and make our way 45 minutes north. Stay in a traditional Kiwi batch right on the beach. Spend 7 days relaxing and island hopping on day long sea kayaking trips, return to the bach at the end of the day and relax on the beach or site see with your guide. Snorkel at Goat Island and check out the fish from a glass bottom boat. Your guide will assure the week is packed full of fun and exciting things to do, it’s your choice to go along or just relax back at the beach. Day 5-8: Head to coastal town of Hahei on the Cormandel Peninsula and spend 3 days paddling to beaches rated amongst the most beautiful in the world! Visit Hot Water Beach and lounge in your own personal beach hot spring, all while staying at a traditional NZ beach house. Day 8-11 Head to the rugged West coast for a day of trekking and a day of canyoning! Spending 2 days at a surf bach at the popular Piha surf beach; experience some true kiwi culture as you enjoy the stunning views and day hikes from your front door. Day 11-12 Take a harbor ferry to hike to the top of the Rangitoto Volcano, wine tour Waiheke Island and site see around Auckland; including Kelly Tarltons Underwater World, the Auckland Museum and more. This trip cost will include: *Flight - Direct Vancouver to Auckland *Transportation while in New Zealand (including ferry tickets) *Accommodation at Beach House Rentals *Meals(if you decide to go out for any meals it will be at your own cost) *9 days of sea kayaking *Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat *Trekking and Canyoning *Wine Touring *Site seeing in Auckland, Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, Auckland Museum We only need two more people to run this trip! These tours are designed to maximize your experience - not test your skills and stamina. We keep the group small so that we can really maximize your adventure instead of herding large groups; this also allows us to access more secluded areas and include more activities. Trip Leader: Lyndie Hill Lyndie was a resident of New Zealand for 7 years and was guiding and instructing in the outdoors there for 6 years. She has family there and knows the area, its history, flora and fauna very well and has guided there in both sea kayaking, rock climbing and trekking expeditions, she holds multiple qualifications in the New Zealand outdoor recreation industry. Her network there allows her to some of the best equipment, local knowledge and “hookups” for the perfect Kiwi experience. Date: November, 2014 Cost: $5245 (including tax) (price excludes travel/cancellation/medical Insurance) Contact us at: team@hoodooadventures.ca 250 490 6084 Page 18 ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 FOOTWORKS OKANAGAN VALLEY Custom Ski Boot Fitting Recreational ~ Competitive ~ Custom Orthotics TERRY MAKOS C PED (C) CERTIFIED PEDORTHIST CANADA ~ Over 25 years experience ~ www.footworksokanagan.ca ~ 250.490.5887 Tunes to Turn to ... Jay’s Pick This Issue: Artist: Metric Album: Synthetica Track: “Youth Without Youth” This Toronto band started back in 1998. Their style has been described as alternative rock with synth pop. With up beat energetic vibe, to mellow haunting tunes, this band is great for road trips to house parties. The famous Lou Reed also helped out on this 2013 Juno Award winning album. Jay is a life-long skier, who has skied this great country from coast to coast. Join him this season in “Tunes To Turn To” with his focus on Canadian bands. YouTube his tunes and join in. CABIN/CONDO CLEANING For an impeccable green clean at Apex Mountain Resort! Linda Williamson lwilliamson@telus.net 250-462-0658 Apex Hockey Thanks You! with Marc Tougas, Apex Hockey Organizer Thank you very much to everyone who made our 3 tournaments a great success this year. We were very fortunate with the weather for the last tournament, as all the games were played with as good of ice as we can get outdoors. The Apex Staff were fantastic with support to ensure all went well. The last tourney was an easy one compared to the week before when it was well above zero. Winners of the Shotgun Tourney “A” were Jagr Bomb’s 3-2 over the Bronco’s. Winners of the Shotgun “B” were “Who are those guys” and going to the “A” next year. Women’s winners were the Marauders. It was nice to see 5 new Men’s teams and 4 new women’s teams, with 2 of those were teams returning from years ago in the Shootout. 3 hockey tournaments are in the works for next year, so check www. apexhockey.com in the fall for the dates. See you all next year! Do You Suffer From Back Pain? Read on ... By Dr. Cary Yurkiw, DC Most people have back pain from time to time. Research says 80% of people will have back pain at some point in their life. 40% of people currently experience back pain. Some people suffer for days, weeks, or months and others have constant pain. Back pain can come in the form of sharp pain, muscle spasm; feeling locked to one side, and can refer down the leg. Sometimes combinations of the symptoms are present. Tissues that surround the spine have nerve endings that can transmit pain to the brain if something is not working right. Swelling can irritate nerves. This can make the problem worse. Have your tried chiropractic? The cause of a back pain can be very simple ... a bone or many bones out of place in your back! A bone out of place or what we call a subluxation can cause poor nerve and blood flow in the spine and surrounding areas. This can expand to include areas connected to your spine like your legs, hips, and stomach. What is the solution? It can be as simple as an adjustment to the subluxated vertebra or bone out of place to restore the proper nerve and blood flow. Other times it may need a series of adjustments to condition the spine to be stronger. Many people testify that chiropractic has worked for them. There are many new and old methods to do adjustments including hands on as well as instrument techniques to adjust the bones and relieve tension at the source of the problem. Most techniques are gentle, so discuss your treatment options with your chiropractor. Our goal is to help you feel better. So, are you ready? If you are tired of your back pain, want an answer, and what you are doing is not working, I encourage you to call a chiropractor today! Relief may be just hours away. *Results vary from patient to patient. NOW G N ACCEPTI NEW TS PATIEN DR. CARY YURKIW CHIROPRACTOR “Celebrating over 20 years of Chiropractic Service” Back Pain? We can help ... call today! Free No-Obligation Introductory Consultation Orthotics and Orthopedics Now on Sale 250.492.2277 104-74 Wade Ave. E. NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS SOLD HERE • SAME DAY X-RAY ON-SITE ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 More Great Deals & New Products with Accent Living & Leisure Specialists Now is the time to upgrade your stove and save big! Buy a qualifying Regency and save up to $600.00 in Regency rebates on both wood and gas models. Fortis has also extended the $300.00 rebate program into 2014. Don’t delay. Take advantage of these great savings now! Come in and see our beautiful Jotul stove selection. We have just brought in a new shipment of both gas and wood stoves in this historic Norwegian line. Jotul’s little 602 wood stove was used by both camps in WWII and is still a popular choice today for heating cottages and shops alike. The new Primo ceramic charcoal grills are now here! Rivaling the Green Egg, the Primo’s boast a greater choice in grilling surfaces with its oval option. Add extended grill racks to cook meats at different levels, and therefore, variable temperatures within the cooking area. Cook ribs or chicken directly on the grate, while smoking a brisket or pork butt slower and at a lower temperature, and all at the same time. Page 19 Linda Larson, MLA ~ Boundary-Similkameen 6369 Main Street, Box 998, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Tel: 250.498.5122 Toll-free: 1.855.498.5122 “Your Voice in Victoria!” Linda.Larson.MLA@leg.bc.ca We are like a snowflake ... all different in our own beautiful way. Even though some snowflakes should get out of the 80’s! All of our ski & cold weather clothing is now 20-70% off! The best style in winter is warmth! Head to Accent Living & Leisure in Penticton for more information on these great deals and to view these newly stocked items. “Our service will not be beat!” We are open from 9am - 5pm Monday through Friday and are located at 1295 Fairview Road in Penticton. For more information on how you can qualify for the extended $300 Fortis Rebate Program, call us at 250.770.2903 or email accentliving@shawbiz.ca. You can also view our website at www.accentfireplacegallery.ca. Over 50 years in Business! Jeff & Jennifer Van Os 250-492-8315 apexskishop@yahoo.ca 1055 Westminster Ave. W. Accent Living & Leisure Wood Stoves Gas Stoves ~ Valor / Regency / Enviro / Majestic Accessories Mr. Heater ~ Regency / Quadra-Fire / Jotul / Napoleon ~ Mitts / Fire Tools / Fire Starter ~ Full Range of Products for Every Outdoor Enthusiast and Pet Owner Come See Our Beautiful Jotul Stove Selection! New Primo Ceramic Charcoal Grills Are Here! 1295 Fairview Road, Penticton 250.770.2903 Buy a qualifying Regency Stove and Save up to $600.00 in Regency rebates on both wood and gas models. Fortis has also extended the $300.00 rebate program into 2014. www.accentfireplacegallery.ca Our service will not be beat! Page 20 Late February 2014 ApexMatters.com Apex Fire Brigade Update with Mike Polywkan, Apex Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief Well, our Fire Prevention week has come and gone, and I would have to say that it was a success. It was not successful in the fact that we raised a lot of money, nor was it successful in terms of a great awareness of our group. I think that it was successful for what it was, “Fire Prevention”. No one may ever know what we have potentially done. We went on a community tour. We walked through the commercial kitchens to familiarize ourselves with the lay out and location of safety equipment. We discussed hazards to be aware of in the event of a fire and how to minimize injuries and potential danger. We also toured some of the larger buildings that may pose the most risk for us in the event of a fire. We inspected all of our equipment in the hydrant boxes and toured all of the hydrants in the community to ensure that we are very familiar with them. We also made sure that all the ones that we could need were fully accessible. This was intended to be due diligence for our department, but it went far beyond this. We found some things that were truly alarming! In hind sight, I feel really lucky that we have not gotten more fire calls. The Strata’s have been, or are in the process of being, notified of the situations that we found during our tour. We considered these situations to be extreme hazards and non compliances. Many owners may not be aware of the potential hazards that exist in their building. We are the ones that will ultimately have to deal with them if something happens, so we became more aware of the potential hazards. We did not tour every building and potential hazards likely exist in some of these places as well. If you have any concerns about your building or cabin and would like an opinion on how to make it more fire safe, please contact us. We will have a look and make some suggestions as to how we can be more safe. It really is all about prevention and it may seem ironic, but we did not start a fire department because we wanted to fight fires. We formed our department because we didn’t want to fight fires. We have slowly grown and gained enough knowledge to the point where we can be more active in the prevention end of things. It is here where we can make the real difference and yet it is this difference that is the least visible. If we do our jobs really well, NOTHING happens and that is how we want it. I would also like to bring up a detail which we all should know since we took our drivers exam when we were sixteen years old and that is, not to park in front of fire hydrants. You cannot park within 5 m of a fire hydrant measured from a point in the curb or edge of the roadway that is closest to the fire hydrant. If you do, you can be towed and incur all of the costs associated with this. We do not remove the snow from all around the hydrants, so that someone has a great place to park. It is for public safety. Your safety! And if anyone sees somebody doing this, kindly remind them of the law and possible consequences. It is for their safety as well. If you missed the chance to make a donation to our department, so that we can continue our community services, and would like to do so ... A donation can be made to any one of our members at any time, until we can fashion an easier method of receiving donations. It would be greatly appreciated. Apex Volunteer Firefighters spotted in the Apex Village during Fire Prevention Week. If you would like to join the AFBS, call Mike at 250-292-8570 or mikepolywkan@live.ca. LEAVE HOME HOME CHECK BUTLER Trustworthy Reliable Insured Affordable Trudy Deuschle ~ 250-493-8518 WORRY FREE Serving Penticton & Apex www.homecheckbutler.com I would like to end this with some fun fire facts and quotes: • 1967 - Several women from Woodbine, Texas form a Volunteer Fire Department and then use money from raffles and bake sales to buy a 1942 pumper. • Fire Fighting: One of the few professions that still makes house calls ~ Unknown • Modern ladder trucks can provide fire fighting access to buildings as much as 100 ft high. • 1774 - George Washington bought a new fire engine and gave it to the town in which he was a volunteer firefighter. • Join us on Facebook ... APEX FIRE BRIGADE SOCIETY. Have a Safe Ski Season! ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 Page 21 APOA Forestry Advisory Update By Jeff Brown Hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, ATVing, snowmobiling, camping, backcountry skiing … even at minus 25°C not a day goes by without people heading onto the trails and into the mountains to enjoy Apex’s year-round recreation opportunities. This is not “use it or lose it.” We all know that Apex’s forests are used year-round by uncounted thousands of outdoor enthusiasts. But what we might have is: “prove it or lose it!” And that is what this article is about. The APOA Forestry Advisory Committee has spent the last year providing input to government and industry on forest harvesting activities and practices in the Apex area. This is known as “local consultation”, and it is a vitally important aspect of how the forestry industry operates in BC. Why? Because it is the main way that local stakeholders - the people most impacted by harvesting and other forestry activity - get their detailed “ground proofing” and “traditional knowledge” incorporated into the industry’s harvesting plans. At least in theory. In practice, what the APOA Forestry Committee has found is that there are two major information gaps that make it difficult and time consuming to provide the type of detailed feedback required to “prove” the specific recreation values and uses of each new area being proposed for harvesting. Firstly, there is no comprehensive description of the noncommercial recreation activities occurring throughout the Apex area. This description would include a detailed map of all the informal trails people use in summer, and show the numerous backcountry ski and snowshoeing routes that fan out from the village each winter. We also need credible estimates of how many people are out there actively enjoying Apex’s forests each week. Secondly, there will continue to be various types of forestry activity in the Apex area that the APOA and other local stakeholders are asked to evaluate each year: harvesting for profit, thinning for wildfire risk reduction, or selective harvesting for forest health management. From the onset APOA members have been asking, “What’s the long-term plan here?” We’ve concluded there really isn’t one, at least not one that covers the full lifecycle of the forest and fully embraces our area’s primary value as the South Okanagan’s premier alpine recreation and tourism destination. So when the APOA Forestry Advisory Committee is asked to provide input on how these activities will impact property owners, recreation activities, and real estate values, we find ourselves ill-equipped to predict the cumulative impact of years of successive cut blocks and fire hazard reduction activities. So what can we do? The APOA Forestry Advisory Committee has spent time thinking about what a recreation and forestry plan for our area should look like, what information it should contain, and how it would assist the APOA membership. We’ll be presenting these concepts and ideas at this year’s APOA Annual General Meeting in March, hopefully showing how the APOA can become more proactive in ensuring the best possible future for the Apex recreation area. Be sure to attend the APOA Annual General Meeting to be held on Saturday, March 22nd from 1:30 pm in the Apex Mountain Inn Conference Room. Social to follow in the Rock Oven Grill. Apex Property Owners Association MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! APOA Annual General Meeting Saturday, March 22nd Apex Mountain Inn Conference Room 1:30 pm Arrive/Renew Membership - 2 pm Meeting Important vote to take place with regard to the Forestry Committee’s financial needs. Bring yourself. Bring your neighbour. Rock Oven Social Afterwards - $5 drinks & $5 off meals www.apexpropertyowners.com Great Cabin Recipes Slow-Cooker Cranberry-Orange Pork Roast Prep Time: 20 min Total Time: 1 hr 10 min Serves: 8 INGREDIENTS: 2 Tbsp. oil / 1 centre-cut pork loin roast (1.8 kg) / 1 can (398 mL) whole berry cranberry sauce / 1/2 cup Catalina dressing / 1 Tbsp. soy sauce / 2 Tbsp. cornstarch / 1 tsp. zest / 1/4 cup juice from 1 orange. Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add meat; cook 4 to 5 min. on each side or until browned on both sides. Transfer meat to slow cooker. Mix cranberry sauce, dressing and soy sauce; pour over meat. Cover with lid. Cook on LOW 4 to 5 hours. Remove meat from slow cooker, reserving liquid in slow cooker. Cover meat to keep warm. Whisk remaining ingredients in small bowl until blended; stir into liquid in slow cooker. Cook, covered, on HIGH 10 min. or until thickened. Slice meat; place on platter. Drizzle lightly with sauce. Serve with remaining sauce. If you have a “Great Cabin Recipe” that you would like to share, please email to apexmatters@telus.net. Happy Cooking! Diesel’s Snow Removal Enjoying our 4th season of clearing snow! New 3rd Machine 2 High Capacity Snow Blowers Competitive Pricing John (Diesel) Davis ~ 250.490.7952 johndaviscontracting@gmail.com Page 22 Late February 2014 ApexMatters.com BREWSKI BREWSKI A Craft Beer, Cider and Spirit Event! A Craft Beer, Cider and Spirit Event! Saturday, February 22, 2014 Saturday, February 22, 2014 6-9pm followed by Live music 6-9pm followed by Live music Tickets $35 + gst Tickets $35 + gst Tickets include:12 beer tokens, food Tickets include:12 beer tokens, food supplied by the Gunbarrel and a FREE supplied by the Gunbarrel and a FREE after party with live music from after party with live music from Towers and Trees. Towers and Trees. Breweries, Cideries and Distilleries Breweries, Cideries and Distilleries attending are: attending are: Barley Mill, Cannery, Firehall, McClelland Barley Mill, Cannery, Firehall, McClelland Premium Imports, Mt. Begbie, Tin Premium Imports, Mt. Begbie, Tin Whistle, Tree Brewing co, Rustic Roots, Whistle, Tree Brewing co, Rustic Roots, Left Field Ciders, Summerland Heritage Left Field Ciders, Summerland Heritage Cider , Maple Leaf Spirits Cider , Maple Leaf Spirits Apex Presents the first annual Brewski Event. Apex Presents the first annual Brewski Event. Live entertainment from Victoria BC’s Towers and Trees, entery is free with a Brewski ticket Live entertainment from Victoria BC’s Towers and Trees, entery is free with a Brewski ticket or $5 at the door. or $5 at the door. For Tickets and more information E-mail kerissa@apexresort.com or call (250)490-7235. For Tickets and more information E-mail kerissa@apexresort.com or call (250)490-7235. Snowballs or Snow Angels? Mark Pankratz 250-488-1568 Experience the Difference Send in yours to apexmatters@telus.net Throw a “snowball" at someone for not so good actions, like dumping furniture at the garbage bin or send a “snow angel” to another for doing a good deed, like pulling you out of the ditch. (Please Note: Some discretion on inclusion may be involved.) South Country Realty www.MarkPankratz.com Penticton ~ Kelowna ~ Vernon ~ Kamloops www.trueoutdoors.ca Open Mon-Sat 10-6 & Sun 11-5 #106 - 290 Riverside Drive, Penticton 1.778.476.6111 Share Your True Outdoor Adventure Story Submit your “True Outdoor Winter Adventure Story” and you could win a $50 Gift Certificate to True Outdoors. The winning entries will have their stories published in Apex Matters this season. Share your love and passion for our Canadian winters and tell us why you deserve a $50 Gift Certificate! Please limit your entry to 500 words of copy or less. Photos to accompany your story are welcome too. Some discretion on content inclusion may be involved. Email to apexmatters@telus.net. Can't type? No time? Call 250-490-6951. Snow Angles to the Trading Post for providing great produce, coffee, milk, eggs, cream, crackers, cheeses, frozen foods, toiletries and snacks and more at GREAT PRICES!!! The Trading Post is a BC Liquor store (read consistent pricing!) so shop local!!! Remember cabin owners -- if you WANT a store at Apex, YOU need to USE it!!! I'm doing this months shopping at the Trading Post. I'm getting good prices and I'm saving on fuel and time. Thank you Michael!! ~ from Judy Ford Snow Angels to the Management and Staff of the Gunbarrel for the recent upgrades to the pool tables. The Monday night pool tournaments have been a great addition as well. Thank you Gunbarrel! ~ from Elena and Jeff Snowballs to the sled heads who on Saturday, February 8th woke up the village doing jumps at the old gravel pit. Boo! Sure would like to mention names! ~ from the Apex locals Snow Angels to Judy Ford who is heading up a "Stitch & Bitch" on Thursday evenings at Apex. Head on into the Gunbarrel Saloon for Thursday's local's night and see what's crafting or perhaps bring something to share. This is not just for the ladies. Time to make your own toque?! ~ from the Apex locals Snow Angels to the True Outdoor Adventure Story Winners Congratulations to Bill Ford & Vince Rabbitte! Enjoy your $50 Gift Certificates to True Outdoors. ~ from Apex Matters ApexMatters.com Late February 2014 Page 23 Answer key on page 11. CatMatch Meet Monaco I'm dancing because I am footloose and fancy free! All the kids have moved out and now it is my turn to start living my life! My name is Monaco and I am approximately one and 1/2 years old. I have the most beautiful golden eyes flecked with green, if I say so myself. Currently residing at Bosley's Pet Food store in Penticton, I can have my belongings packed in no time if you want to share your home with a one hot (former) momma! If I have sparked your interest, just contact www.AlleyCATSAlliance.org. ad sponsored by Jardin Estate Jewelry & Antiques Recycling the Elegance of the Past 5221 Hwy 97 Okanagan Falls 250.497.6733 www.jardinantiques.com Apex Matters Sudoku Puzzle Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically and without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square. Answer on page 11. "Kids Learn To Ice Fish Event" On February 22-23, 2014 at Yellow Lake on Highway 3A near Twin Lakes, the Okanagan Fisheries Section in conjunction with the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, will be hosting this special event for kids to learn to ice fish from 10-3 both days. Please Note: No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this publication. We reserve the right to refuse any submission or advertisement. All authors/advertisers are provided with a proof of their submission and their final approval must be in place in order to be published. © 2013 Okanagan Matters Publications. Page 24 Late February 2014 ApexMatters.com Apex Matters Photo Gallery - Full page each issue ~ Brought to you by Moments Under Frame Photography ~