It's Back

Well, the flakes are falling and the powder is light! Looks like it will be snowing all night!
Lots of traffic though Paradise Ridge this weekend. Unfortunately, the tempermental boiler that runs the hot tub is being tempermental. The hot tub has been closed for the majority of the weekend, but people seem to be enjoying the pool and sauna...including myself, who, when putting the cover on the other night, fell into the pool. Lucky for me, I had a friend there to laugh at me. The kinda laugh that lasts 5 minutes but barely makes a sound.

Blue Bird

Blue Bird

A bluebird is a member of the thrush family of birds and is indigenous to North America. However, with the decline of bluebird population in the 1970's, sighting a bluebird on Vancouver Island is a rare occurrence. Of all the members of the bluebird family, the Mountain Bluebird is perhaps the most brilliant. The males of the species are bright turquoise blue on top with lighter, sometimes white bellies. This migratory insectivore...with a side of berries...weighs about 2 to 3 ounces and would stand 6-8 inches tall.

A Blue Bird Day.

A blue bird day is an expression used to describe the perfect day on the mountain. Like our friend, the mountain bluebird, it's bright blue up above and powder white on the bottom. The mornings that dawn bright, clear and crisp after a healthy snowfall the night before. Getting a goggle tan while floating on champagne powder. The stark white mountains accented by a turquoise blue cloudless sky.

So, these last couple days have been bluebird

Paradise Ridge is cooperating as well as the weather. All systems are a go. The pool, hot tub and sauna are constantly in use and running great. Snow removal is squared away for the time being, with plenty of outdoor parking at both the upper and lower parkades. The elevator and garage doors are functioning correctly, which is a huge relief with the amount of traffic here this weekend.

Raven Lodge

I'm sitting in Raven Lodge as I update this blog, having just finished an excellent lunch. This is my first time eating here and I am impressed, a nice alternative to eating out on the mountain.

The snow continues to fall up here. Over the past week there has been only brief periods when the snow has stopped falling, otherwise it has been a steady downfall.

I managed to get out for a few runs yesterday. The visibility was quite poor, but the soft new snow made up for it. A pleasant change from the vertical ice rink wrist claimer. Visibility seems pretty good today though, likely a great day to be on the slopes. Apparently Friday is going to be the day...fresh snow and blue skies...we'll see.

The lower parkade garage door is fixed again and operating as it should. As well, the once again malfunctioning elevator has been repaired.

The big snow blower is still in the Valley getting repaired. It should be done today. I certainly hope so. It would be a great relief considering all of this new snow and a caretaker with a busted up wrist.

The pool deck is clear and the water is warm. The hot tub is bubbling away flawlessly. If I didn't live here I think I'd vacation here.

The sun has just blasted through the fog and Paradise Meadows is looking absolutely gorgeous. The whisky jacks are out in full form, adamant that each skier pay the appropriate toll for playing in their yard.

Winter is Back!

The snow has returned in force! Starting with a heavy snowfall on Friday night, with continued flurries through the weekend, this morning dawned to another night of heavy snowfall. Ironically, the biggest of our two snow blowers is in the shop for repairs, and dealing with this amount of snow with the smaller blower has proved to be quite the feat. Unfortunately, the in slab heating for the pool and hot tub deck cannot keep up with such a massive snowfall and the pool may need to be temporarily closed until the deck can be properly cleared. When it rains it pours, or when it snows it dumps. Sometime during this hectic weekend the lower parkade garage door (which was just recently repaired) was damaged and is in need of repair again.
I'm happy to see that the access door from the lower parkade has been kept secured and shut, as opposed to being barricaded by cinder blocks, wood, curtain rods, or empty McDonald's bags. As well, I have removed the stop from the main foyer door, as it was being left propped open far too frequently. Sorry for the inconvenience that may cause when loading or unloading vehicles.
I'm thrilled for the fresh snow, and speaking of which, I had better get moving. There are breezeways and exits to be cleared of fresh snow, and a small hill of recycling to deal with...the fallen soldiers of another packed weekend at Paradise Ridge.

P.S. Exposing the Myth:
It is important to note, that although there are 40 units, there are not 80 parking stalls. I believe there are more like 60 underground parking stalls. A widely believed myth of Paradise Ridge is that every unit is entitled to 2 covered parking stalls. It's nice to believe, but mathematically impossible. If you are an owner, please inform your renters and especially your rental agencies, that no one is guaranteed 2 parking stalls. The lower parkade stalls are numbered according to units, and are therefore guaranteed. However, the upper parkade is on a first come first serve basis. During times of full capacity each unit is only entitled to a maximum of 2 stalls (not to be easily confused with a minimum of 2 stalls), one in the lower parkade and one in the upper parkade...if your lucky.
It has been scientifically proven that staying updated on this blog makes you luckier.

IT'S OPEN!!!

Jim Moreau, Steve the Pool Guy and myself met with Josh from VIHA today for an inspection of our pool and hot tub facility. With an approved inspection, the pool is finally open. So come one, come all (to a maximum of 61 occupants???) and take an outdoor 82 degree dip while the snow is falling.
Great news all around, as the sheet of bullet proof ice we call a ski hill, is graced with some fresh snow!

A Quickie

The snow has arrived. It's snowing right now and just below freezing. A foreshadowing of what is to come this weekend...snow and plenty of it!
I'm preparing for the arrival of VIHA's inspector this morning, hoping that the steady snowfall doesn't delay or postpone our meeting.
I'll let you know how it goes!

Neutral News

For all those waiting with pins and needles, or butterflies and nausea...I thought I'd post an update. The inspection for the pool has been postponed until Wednesday morning. Although disappointed with the delay, I do consider it a blessing in disguise. Another couple of days to tidy up loose ends is a great benefit from my point of view. Sorry to be the bearer of what may be considered bad news...don't kill the messenger.
The sun is shining and the wind is howling. The temperature has dropped and has turned our recent flurries into a crusty top layer.
Whether you are up the mountain, slaving away in the big smoke, or sitting on a Mexican beach sipping watered down pina colada's from your all inclusive getaway...Happy Monday Morning!

What is this white stuff falling from the sky??? It is actually snowing on the mountain! It's a busy weekend at Paradise Ridge, with plenty of people hiding from the icy slopes in the hot tub.
Monday we have an inspection scheduled with VIHA. The pool and spa are dialled in, and hopefully our approval for operation will be forthcoming after Monday's inspection.
We have encountered a small problem with snow equipment being left in the lobby. A snowboard went missing last night but was reclaimed this morning. With increased activity on the weekends, I would like to encourage you to keep your gear locked in the ski lockers if you plan to leave it unattended for a length of time.
The elevator, which has been somewhat temperamental, had a major servicing this past week. It seems to be functioning flawlessly now.