🎿 First Days of Skiing in the Rockies: Waking Up the Soul and Prepping the Season with Dare and Explore

 When the Swift Autumn Gives Way to White Magic

Since my wife, my six children, and I arrived in Canada, we have found our second home in the Rocky Mountains. There is a special energy here, a rhythm set by nature, and few changes are as dramatic as the transition from the brief, golden autumn to the silver vastness of winter. For many, this change is just a drop in temperature; for me, it is the sound of a bell, the call of the mountain.

Typically, the first blanket of snow greets us in early October. It’s a reminder, a silent promise of what’s to come. And for an adrenaline junkie like me—a guy who balances rock climbing with the peace of backcountry camping—winter is simply another opportunity to explore. It’s time to put away the mountain and road bikes, the hiking gear, and the climbing harness, and to dust off the winter arsenal.

Preparing for the Rockies Ski Season is not a weekend hobby; it’s a ritual. For a Director and Founder of Dare and Explore, and holding certifications like Avalanche Safety Training (AST) and Wilderness First Aid, preparation is an act of responsibility. It’s not just about my personal enjoyment or that of my family (with six children of all ages, the logistics are already an adventure); it’s about the promise we make to each of our clients: an unforgettable experience, yes, but above all, a safe one.

The Rigorous Inspection: From Storage to the Slopes

At the end of every season, we meticulously inspect and carefully store our equipment. However, when the first snowflakes tap on the window in Calgary, the crucial phase begins: the pre-season inspection. It’s a process we approach with the same seriousness as planning a 17-day expedition through the backcountry.

What do we inspect closely?

1. The Heart of the Expedition: Skis and Bindings: My alpine and backcountry skis are the first priority. The bases must be immaculate, without gouges that steal speed or control. The edges, sharpened to perfection. But even more crucially, the bindings. They must be calibrated. After months of inactivity, we must ensure they release at the correct pressure. This is vital to prevent injury. Skiing is a dance of precision, and if the equipment isn't synchronized, the experience falls apart.

2. The Armor: Boots and Apparel: Ski boots, which are the direct connection between my brain and the ski edge, must be thoroughly checked. The buckles, the liners, and the soles. Then comes the outerwear: snow pants, jackets, base layers. In the Rockies, the weather can change from radiant sun to a blizzard in minutes. Therefore, the layering system is law. We look for holes, worn seams, and ensure the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) on the outer layers is still performing.

3. The Safety Gear (My Creed): This is where my years of experience and certifications shine. For backcountry skiing and the explorations we lead with Dare and Explore, safety equipment is not optional. The essential trio: transceiver, probe, and shovel must be fully functional. The transceiver batteries, new. The skins for backcountry, without air bubbles. It is this attention to detail, this Lead Climber and Avalanche Safety Training mindset, that allows us to take our clients to explore the most beautiful and safest corners of the mountains. Updated gear is a life saved.

Seeing all the winter gear laid out, from my snowshoes to my youngest children's skis, is a feeling of deep satisfaction. It's knowing that we are ready, that our commitment to the mountain is firm, and that the adventure can begin at any moment.

 The Ritual of the First Run: Shaking Off the Rust and Recovering Synchronicity

The day of the first ski run is sacred. It doesn't matter that I have been gliding on snow for over 15 years, or that I am a certified Ski Instructor; the first run of the year is special, and it demands respect. It's like riding a bicycle again after a long break; the muscle memory is there, but it needs a gentle reminder, not a hard shove.

The first runs are always calm. The goal is not speed or difficulty, but reconnection. You have to shake off the rust. To feel the pressure of the boots again, the length of the skis, and the subtle resistance of the air. It’s a dialogue with my own body after a pause of months.

We focus on exercises that seem simple but are the foundation of excellent and safe skiing:

1. The Stance and Balance: How do we engage with the skis? It's a game of balance. The poles are not just for pushing; they are anchors, rhythm setters, and reference points. The first turns are slow, almost ceremonial, ensuring the weight distribution is perfect.

2. The Art of Turning and Braking: We review the technique for braking and turning, paying attention to edge angle and shin pressure. This is especially important for me because it's what I teach. If my technique is fresh and precise, I can guide my clients with greater confidence.

3. Detecting Snow Conditions: Early-season snow is fickle. It can be hard and icy in one section, and heavy and wet in another. As a guide, my eye must be trained. Observing changes in texture, the sound under the skis, and how my body reacts helps me make quick decisions about the safety of the routes, which is invaluable when taking a client to their favourite trails.

The Returning Magic: Floating, Gliding, Conquering

And then, suddenly, it happens. After the slow turns and precision exercises, the magic returns. It is the complete synchronicity that we seek in every carve.

It's the feeling of floating on the snow, of the ski becoming an extension of your will. The effort disappears and turns into inertia. It is the fresh, cold air hitting your face, the absolute peace of the landscape, and the pure adrenaline of gliding down the mountain. It is a sensation that transcends the sport and becomes a meditative, physical, and spiritual experience all at once.

I remember the first time I saw the face of one of my six children experience that feeling. It is the same awe I seek to awaken in every client of Dare and Explore. We don't just ski; we celebrate the freedom of the mountain.

Fieldwork: Reconnaissance in the Rockies Playground

For Dare and Explore, the first ski run is never just for fun. It is, above all, an essential reconnaissance. Our business is based on an intimate and deep knowledge of the Rockies. We don't sell generic packages; we design custom adventures, taking our clients "by the hand to adventures planned for their needs and abilities." To do that, we must know exactly what the mountain offers.

That's why, once we've shaken off the rust, we begin our annual inspection tour of the big four quadrant: Nakiska, Lake Louise, Sunshine, and Kicking Horse.

Lake Louise and Sunshine: The Opening Pioneers

Usually, the first to open their lifts are Lake Louise and Sunshine. This is strategic. Sunshine’s altitude, for example, guarantees a more reliable and consistent snow base, even early in the season. Lake Louise, with its iconic landscape and well-maintained slopes, offers an excellent start, with many perfect groomers for reviewing technique.

Our Reconnaissance Mission:

• Lake Louise: We check which areas are open and what kind of snow they are receiving. We evaluate the learning slopes for our beginner clients and check access to the more challenging area, always with an eye on the avalanche forecast (thanks to my AST, we never let our guard down).

• Sunshine Village: Its high-capacity lift system and ski bowls are unique. We look for the best routes to take our clients to experience the first deep snow without putting them at risk. The snow quality at Sunshine is often the best for the early season start.

Kicking Horse and Nakiska: The Challenge and Proximity

Soon after, Kicking Horse and Nakiska join in. Each has its own character that influences how we use them for our personalized adventures.

• Kicking Horse: It is known for its steep, challenging terrain, and its elevation ensures quality snow. When we scout Kicking Horse, we are thinking of our more advanced clients, those looking for thrilling descents in fresh snow conditions. We evaluate the conditions of the bowls and the chutes. Not all zones are open at the start, and knowing exactly where the ideal snow is is what sets us apart.

• Nakiska: Often used for race training, it is fantastic for skiing with the children and making long, fast turns. It’s ideal for our clients to regain their pace or to introduce them to the feeling of alpine skiing before taking them to the grand stages.

The Purpose of the Tour:

We survey every part of these mountains to take you to the best area for you. If you are a beginner skier, we will take you to the gentle slopes that will build your confidence. If you seek adrenaline, we will take you to the powder you’ve been dreaming of. The personalization of our trips (from 4 to 17 days) demands that our knowledge of the mountains be as fresh and current as the falling snow.

H2: Beyond the Sport: The Fusion of the Skier with the Environment

It’s hard to find the exact words to express the feeling we experience while skiing, especially on those first days. It is an incorporation between the body, the skis, and the snow. There is no friction, only fluidity. The synchronicity achieved in every carve, when the pressure on the ski edge is perfect, gently propels you into the next turn.

It is enjoying the fresh, freezing air on your face and body, feeling completely alive. And, of course, there is the exhaustion at the end of the day. It is a deep, satisfying fatigue. We demand a lot of ourselves, yes, but it is because we love the challenge and the reward. A day of skiing is a cleanse, a mental and physical reset.

My philosophy, both in family life and at Dare and Explore, is that the journey is not just the destination; it is total immersion. That’s why we don’t just visit the iconic spots. We venture with you to explore the forests, our favorite trails, waterfalls, lakes, rivers. Skiing is just a gateway to a lifestyle that includes backcountry camping and total exploration.

Your Unforgettable Adventure Starts Now with Dare and Explore

The Rockies have given us a new season and a new promise of adventure. The mountains are opening their doors, from Lake Louise and Sunshine, followed by Kicking Horse and Nakiska.

At the beginning, as I mentioned, not all zones are open. The mountain dictates the pace. But don't worry, this is part of the charm. It means that experts like us are constantly monitoring the situation to ensure the area you visit has enough snow for an exceptional experience.

My question to you is simple: Are you ready to ski this season?

If the answer is yes, or if you still have doubts about how to plan your trip, remember this: Dare and Explore is more than ready to welcome you. We have been in these mountains for over 15 years, we know their secrets, and our team of professionals (including my safety certifications) is here to take care of every detail.

We plan your trip with you so you can enjoy it to the fullest, ensuring that every day of skiing (or snowshoeing, or backcountry camping) is safe, exciting, and a truly unforgettable experience. From renting the perfect gear to finding the best route in Kicking Horse for your level. Leave the logistics and safety in our hands.

Come discover why we love sharing and showcasing the beauty of the Rockies with our clients and friends.

See you on the snow!

Ernesto Lozano Director and Founder of Dare and Explore

Chatea con nosotros.