On Feb. 8, the FHS Alpine Club trekked across the border into Canada for the second time in less than a month.
Seventeen telemarkers, cross-country and downhill skiers and snowboarders enjoyed the trip to Fernie, B.C., in January so much that they decided to use club funds - raised through concessions and ski waxings - to rent a bus to go to Fernie again.
"We went back because the snow conditions were great two weeks ago," said Alpine Club adviser Sue Supola. "The snow wasn't as great this time, but it was a beautiful day. I think everybody had a good time anyway."
"It was all blue sky and rocky cliffs," said sophomore Justin Martin. "It was really cool."
The highlight of the day for many club members was a steep hike to the top of a chute, then an exhilarating run down the back side. It was more exhilarating for some than for others.
"Kelly (Hayden) was putting on her ski after the hike and she lost it," said the president of the Alpine Club, junior Kristin Gannon. "It went shooting down and caught about 20 feet of air off a bump, then went zooming out of sight. Eddy Abel said he'd get it for her. He took a step and did somersaults all the way down the hill. Ed knows how to get a ski with style."
For others, the best parts were the surroundings.
"The snow bunnies up there are great, eh?," said junior Brett Morton.
Said sophomore Megan Hughes: "We were grooving to the forces of the mountains. I was in touch with nature. It was a beautiful day."