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Tag Archive for: snowboarding adventure

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Test Riding the Burton Kendo Boots at Blue Mountain

test-riding-burton-kendo-bootsThe IKON Pass Experience at Blue Mountain

Southern Ontario got lucky with a snowfall during the Christmas break, so on Dec 27th, 2022 I decided to use my IKON pass to go snowboarding at Blue Mountain. Even though my IKON account says my pass was mailed out almost 2 months ago I still haven’t received it despite calling IKON customer support twice.

I was told that as long as I can show proof of an active IKON pass number and a photo ID, I should be able to receive a free lift ticket at participating resorts for the day.

This was put to the test at Blue Mountain and they passed! I had no issues acquiring a lift ticket.

Back Out to Make Some Turns…

This was my first time going snowboarding this season so I was excited. I brought all my video gear with me, which I carry strapped across my body with a fanny pack (it’s my wife’s fanny pack!) They had the snow-making machines going and there were scattered flurries throughout the day. The conditions were pretty decent for Ontario so I used the opportunity to stay off the groomers and venture out into the glades as much as I could.

I also have a new pair of Burton Kendo boots that I wanted to break in before my trip to Red Mountain in Rossland, BC later towards the end of January. I’ve been spending any extra time that I can find to prep and get into shape. I’ve been lifting weights and do calisthenic exercises at home. I’ve been trying to be diligent with my right shoulder after a few dislocations over the last several years. I’ve booked some physiotherapy sessions in order to get an assessment and make sure everything is functional before my trip.


Music: Three and a Half Feet High and Rising by El Ten Eleven

Test Riding Burton Kendo Boots

burton kendo bootsI was really happy with my new Burton Kendo boots. As far as the first day of riding with a new pair of boots ca go, I found them very comfortable. What I like most about these boots is their mid-flex and traditional laces.

I would describe them as having ‘goldilocks flex’, where it’s not too soft, not too stiff; just right. I got a solid 4 hours of riding out of them before my body was fatigued. The boots would have let me ride longer, but the muscles in my feet and calfs needed a rest.

I look forward to riding these boots while I’m out west. The imprint 3 liners in the boots were both supportive and warm. The articulated cuff is a key component to the boots’ mid-flex pattern. I’d recommend the Burton Kendo boots to anyone looking for a snowboard boot that has medium flex with a higher end liner, which should last you serval seasons depending on how much snowboarding you do.

 

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Step 9 Snowboarding in Lake Louise, AB

Back in 2017, our snowboarding crew, Step 9, and I went on a trip out west. We road tripped to several mountain resorts.

We rode Sunshine Valley, Revelstoke and Kicking Horse, which all had sub-optimal snow conditions. We focused on having fun and made the best of what we could find.

At each resort we hiked around certain peaks and bowls trying to find powder. But we hadn’t found a line yet that could seal the deal on the trip. We just wanted to get our money’s worth in higher quality snow.

At this point we were near the end of our snowboarding trip so we were running out of time to find better snow.

As we packed up the SUV, we had to make the decision to either start driving back to the Calgary airport, or we could fit in one more resort in search for powder.

So while driving back to Calgary we pulled off the highway and headed for Lake Louise. We figured we would just try it out to see what was there. And even if the conditions weren’t great, well at least we could still hang around one of Canada’s most iconic landmarks.

Luckily for us, the snowboarding in Lake Louise was the best of the whole trip. Not to mention we had a lot more sun light too!

The top of the mountain was rather windy but we were prepared with the right amount of layering.

We only rode Lake Louise for a few hours but I captured a good amount of great footage with my  GoPro Hero Session. I edited all down to an 8 minute video for your viewing pleasure.

Within the video embedded above, there’s some music tracks I’d like to credit:

After riding the mountain resort we checked out the chateau and neighbouring areas. There was people ice skating on the lake and ice sculptures to walk around and admire. I even got to have a tasting of ice wine from Inniskillin. It was nice to see some delicious Ontario wines making it out to Alberta.

snowboard road trip
snowboard road trip
snowboard road trip
snowboard road trip gopro
snowboard road trip gopro
snowboard trip driving
snowboard trip driving
lake louise photographer
lake louise photographer
lake louise gopro
lake louise gopro
lake lousie ice sculpture Canadian flag
lake lousie ice sculpture Canadian flag
lake louise horses
lake louise horses
lake louise ice sculpture
lake louise ice sculpture
lake louise ice sculpture
lake louise ice sculpture
lake louise ice sculpture
lake louise ice sculpture
lake louise ice sculpture
lake louise ice sculpture
lake louise snow sculpture
lake louise snow sculpture
lake louise snow sculpture
lake louise snow sculpture
lake louise snow sculpture
lake louise snow sculpture
lake louise ice wine inniskillin
lake louise ice wine inniskillin
john cerpnjak zack zaza
john cerpnjak zack zaza
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Step 9 Snowboarding in Kicking Horse, Golden, B.C.

Back in 2017, our snowboarding crew (Step 9) and I went on a trip out west. We road tripped to several mountain resorts. This video is a compilation of footage that was taken while we were snowboarding in Kicking Horse.

It was my favourite resort that we visited. I’m going to make a point of returning to Kicking Horse again one day in the future.

During our trip snowboarding in Kicking Horse, we were there for only one day. I captured a couple hours of footage on my GoPro Hero Session. I edited it all down to a video just under 14 mins.

Kicking Horse was the second resort that we visited on our trip. We were first at Sunshine Valley in Banff, Alberta. I ended up dislocating my right shoulder towards the end of the first day riding. Although it wasn’t the first shoulder injury I’ve had, it is the first shoulder dislocation.

I had to sit out on day-two of Sunshine Valley. But once we got to Kicking Horse I was ready to strap in again!

I styled it easy while snowboarding in Kicking Horse. I didn’t want to re-injure myself.

snowboarding in kicking horse

Panoramic view of Whitewall.

Some notable memories from the day is when we hiked along a mountain ridge called Stairway to Heaven. We got to the top of this one run called Whitewall. It’s the steepest incline I’ve ever tried snowboarding, even to this day. Because of my shoulder injury I took it real slow, which is why I’d love to go back to Kicking Horse again. I’d love another shot at riding Whitewall where I can give it my all.

It you watch at the 5:11 mark in the video, you’ll get a sense for how steep it was. But to be honest, I don’t think the GoPro footage truly does it justice.

  • snowboarding in kicking horse
  • snowboarding in kicking horse
  • john cerpnjak snowboarding kicking horse
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Within the video embedded above, there’s some music tracks I’d like to credit:

If you’re ever considering a snowboard trip to Western Canada, I recommend you try snowboarding in Kicking Horse. I think you’ll have a great time just as my friends and I did.

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