Hello to everyone!
It is the end of August and we are enjoying a beautiful summer in central British Columbia. Here at the lodge, Mark is finishing minor renovation projects (more about that later), planning new heli pads to be cut in the fall, and already organizing his guide's schedule for the 2005 season. We are enjoying everything that summer brings - warm weather, long days, the odd vacation, a little river rafting. But we have to admit, there is not a day goes by that we do not look with anticipation to the upcoming season. We are ready!
2004 Season...
But before we talk about the 2005 season, let's take a moment and talk about 2004. This was a great winter of skiing for everyone here at Crescent Spur. Our early season started off with perhaps a lesser snowpack than would be considered normal, but the coverage was solid and stable. We were able to ski all of our terrain and enjoyed excellent ski conditions!
As the season continued, so did the snow. That's the way we like it! Frequent, consistent snowfalls kept our mountains in top shape. Our spring weeks were excellent. Those guests that decided not to dust off their golf clubs just yet were rewarded with spectacular spring skiing. We had some exceptional corn snow and we still skied powder right up to closing day. It is a fact that spring brings some of our most fun skiing. The days are longer; there is more sun. That is not to say that we don't get new snow at this time of year. The storms roll in and then roll out, with the sun following in behind to keep us company as we shred the fresh powder.
The photo here shows our final group of the year, along with Regina, who couldn't possibly stay in the office on a day like this. Awesome ski conditions, excellent stability, and sunny skies enabled us to ski anywhere - and we did! We laid tracks on Stonehenge, Vintage, Notre Dame, Esmeralda, and Fortitude.
Our Skiers
The 2004 season saw an increased number of new guests. Skiers joined us from the US, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark and Canada. As well, we were thrilled that 10 parents came with their adult children and introduced a new generation to heli-skiing! What a great way to share time together!
At the same time, our 75% return rate meant that we were able to see many of
our 'old' guests - the veterans. We think of them as extended family and it is always a pleasure to spend another week with them.
Helicopter
This past season we were excited to work with Airspan Helicopters. Airspan owners Steve and Brian have extensive prior experience flying in a heli-ski setting. Their Bell 205 helicopter is larger than our previous 204, with a carrying capacity of 12 passengers. It was a pleasure to work with such a professional company and we are looking forward to working with them again in 2005.
Staff
We feel very fortunate to have a dedicated staff that brings not only professionalism and a sense of pride to their work, but also a fun, positive energy to our lodge. Many of our staff are 'old timers' with us. It is true that we see our staff as extended family - we view our guests that way too. We feel very lucky to be able to live this lifestyle and to share it with so many wonderful people.
We are looking forward to having many return staff in '05 - Michelle, Jody, Ray and Jo, Helen, Kelly and Donna in the lodge and Adam, Rudi, Greg, Kevin and Steph guiding us in the mountains, flying in the capable hands of pilots Trent and Andre, with the ever helpful and cheerful Dan, helicopter engineer.
More Exciting News!
Well, we do have some great news! Trent married a wonderful lady, Withanie, in April. They have a new baby Madeleine, born June 26, who will be fiercely protected by big brother Gavin!
We have another wedding happening - Adam and Steph will be 'tying the knot' September 25 in Revelstoke, BC. Much of our staff will be attending - it is an event not to miss! We think they make an awesome couple and wish them the very best.
New Logo
By now you will have noticed our new logo. We were very pleased to find the team at smashLAB who have done an excellent job of meeting our many requirements of what we wanted a new logo to bring to us. We like the clean, crisp professional image and all of the collateral material they have designed for us. Look for our new logo on all of our retail items in our shop!
2005 - Now to the upcoming season...
Projects
We are working on a few projects this summer. Many of our guests commented on our new handcrafted, larger beds in all of our guest rooms.
They reflect our commitment to work every year to bring something new to our lodge. We are currently finishing one more large bedroom. Guests will be happy to hear that the much awaited internet café was completed for the spring weeks in 2004. We have one PC and several laptop hookups for those who need to stay in touch with their office. Unlimited use of this service is included in our heli ski packages. Another change for 2005 - use of our specialized powder skis is now part of everyone's package at no additional cost.
Mark is planning a number of new heli pads to be cut in the fall. Last season we constructed new pads in McLeod Creek, which, along with a new fuel cache in this area, expanded the choice of terrain in one of our favorite areas.
Last season we explored new terrain in the Dome Creek area in the Cariboos. This area boasts tremendous potential. We are looking forward to adding even more new runs to our repertoire!
Booking Policy
Remember that for those of you booked for 2005, you have exclusive booking privilege for the same spaces in the 2006 season, BUT ONLY UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2004. All unbooked spaces for 2006 will open for general booking December 1. Mark your calendars, or better yet, call us now to reserve for 2006!
Cancellation Insurance
We mentioned this last year, but it is worth mentioning again. Don't let this important insurance slip through your fingers. Trip cancellation insurance is only a phone call away. We send information on obtaining insurance every time we send you a receipt. It is covered on our website and in our brochure. That means we think it is important!
Many people think of trip cancellation insurance only after they have been hurt. We have had phone calls from guests who injured themselves literally days before their holiday was to have begun. At this time, it is virtually impossible for us to fill their spot. Even with more notice, the nature of our business is such that heli-skiers plan far in advance and it is extremely hard for us to fill a cancelled space. Cancellation insurance is reasonably priced and takes all of the stress out of a necessary cancellation.
"Way Beyond Skiing"
Just a catch phrase, we admit - but it really is something we strive for here at Crescent Spur.
We consider memorable skiing to be of utmost importance. It isn't enough though. We want our guests to remember the food, the lodging, the staff, and after ski fun. We want you to remember Matt's singing at the bar (we are getting you a guitar, Matt), the night of dancing with The Pucks, the Ping Pong Olympics with Mark defending his title for a second consecutive year in a close match with Devinder. We want Emma Rose to have fun recalling all of the dry wit that was a constant with her group - on the slopes and around the lodge, Hans and Franz and their initiation rites for 'heli-virgins'. We want everyone to take home memories of a holiday that went "way beyond skiing"!
We look forward to seeing all of you that are planning on joining us for 2005. For those of you that haven't booked your space yet, we invite you to visit our specials page to check for spaces that might suit your schedule.
Our very best wishes for a great summer and fall season!
Mark, Regina, Bryna Aubrey