Ski Trip to Canada, Eh?

It kind of came out of nowhere. One of those trips, the best kind of trips ya feel? I would graduate from college on a Tuesday (going uppppp) and leave for the trip on Thursday. 
Perfect timing? Aw heck yeah.

Scott Laneri sent me this text: "Hi Autumn! How are you?? Ok so I have a proposal of a lifetime. Haha. So we are taking a quick little ski trip to Banff, Canada next Thursday on the 17th. There are 8-10 of us going. Gonna ski Lake Louise Resort on Friday and Saturday and then head home Sunday. You wanna come?! We have a couple spots left!"

Umm hi I was just telling some close peeps I was in dire need of an adventure. (!!!)

After figuring out some minor details, I told him I was officially in for the count.

We left Thursday in a mammoth van with a box and a ski rack attached to the top. Plenty of room for all of us, even room to stretch out! Normally you wouldn't want the back seats due to too little of space... not the issue here!

Nine of us piled in-- Scott, Spencer, Mike, Jake, Shayln, Chantelle, Kylie, Bailey, and me.

The drive was...long... we did make a few pit stops along the way. One spot included a swanky bar where the ever so nice bartender offered us free water and some good conversation.

Before we got to the border (I've never crossed the border to Canada), Spencer told us what we needed to do to not be stopped forever by patrol. I'm not sure why, but I got nervous haha. When he said be quiet and act normal. I naturally was awkward and waved hello to the border patrol from the car.

No use in being awkward unless you show it. And I showed it. My hand was doing things on its own and my other hand had to quickly pull it back down. Noob status. The patrolman was very nice and even gave us a few suggestions as to where to eat in Banff.

We got to the condo, Lake Louise Inn, at about 2:30 a.m. Woof. We would be skiing in just a few short hours. I couldn't sleep for the life of me. 

The condo fit all of us and was still comfortable. It was so cute and cozy! So. Much. Ski. Gear. Everywhere.

The next morning we were up early, packed and ready to go skiing at Lake Louise. It was only 5-10 minutes away from where we were staying. 

I was one happy camper and stoked to be skiing!

Everywhere you look in Canada it is absolutely breathtaking (Even out a window, like so). Seriously, everywhere you turn. Not to mention every way you looked there were hot, rugged, manly, Canadian skiers, so I mean, you just can't go wrong. We were with cute American guys too!

Lake Louise Ski Resort is gorgeous and there is so much terrain to explore.

Me, Bailey, and Shayln

I haven't ever skied so much in 48 hours than on this trip. Two days from 9-4 p.m., with breaks in between for lunch and lift rides. 

Shayln, Kylie, Mike, and Scott

Spencer, Jake, Kylie, Mike, Scott, Chantelle, Shayln, and me

I met some amazing people on this trip. Skiing and laughter is always, and always will be a good combo to meet the best people. 

Shayln and Jake making their way to the back bowls

Scott, Chantelle, and Shayln

Laughing was constant on the drive there, back home, and on great lift rides up the mountain. We talked about anything and everything. I'm fairly certain we covered every topic one could imagine talking about. 

After skiing on Saturday, we went to see Lake Louise. Clearly a bunch of basic white girls haha!

Stunning views.... I'm talking about us.

So many great memories made on this trip!

We almost hit an elk on the way home. That was sketchhhh. I told Scott he should have just kissed the elk with the van to remind it who's boss. And leave it with a message, "Merry Christmas ya filthy animal!" 

I mean if that isn't the most perfect winter scene you've ever seen then I don't know what is.

Honestly, if I had a job offer and had to move for Canada for said job, I would do it in a heartbeat!

I'm not saying you should always jump in a massive white van full of people you don't know and cross the border. Actually, in most cases don't do that... unless the van is full of people named Scott, Spencer, Mike, Jake, Shayln, Chantelle, Kylie, and Bailey.

THEN DO IT.

"Life is like a road trip. We may appreciate the smooth stretches, but the bumps in the road are what truly make the journey memorable." 

(This includes almost hitting a very large elk)

<< Susan Gale >>