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Entertainment and activity guide for the whole family!

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IN THE BEAUTIFUL COLUMBIA VALLEY Serving Spillimacheen, Brisco, Radium, Edgewater, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

HEAD START— With the Victoria Day long weekend here, summer is just around the corner, but why wait when the lake is clearly already the place to be, whether for swimming, boating, or stand up paddleboarding. Photo by Nikki Fredrikson

1988

25

WV

2013

INDERMERE ALLEY Golf Course

Player Friendly, Walkable and Affordable!

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ALL CLOTHING 10 ROUND AND SHOES PUNCH CARDS

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2017 memberships still available

Windermerevalleygolfcourse.com • 250-342-3004 for tee times

2 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Tony’s Greek Grill

May 19, 2017

Dead animals and divine views

Tony’s Greek Grill In Fairmont

HAPPY VICTORIA DAY

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• Fresh Fruit Smoothies • Frozen Yogurt • Hard Ice Cream • Milk Shakes

5009 Hot Springs Road 250-345-6661

FAMILY FUN — The Old Coach trail makes a great excursion with kids.w

By Lorene Keitch Pioneer Staff For outdoor enthusiasts looking to go on an easy but rewarding walk, look no further than the Old Coach trail.

This family-friendly trail is perfect for a quick jaunt or a leisurely stroll with its convenient access from anywhere within the Columbia Valley. It is fairly flat, with mild rises and falls in the dirt path.

Our family tackled the trail from both sides on two separate days and loved it both times. The first time, a friend and I started from the north end of the trail in Radium, kids in tow. Clear signage started our journey, which ran parallel to the highway before veering into the trees. This side of Old Coach finds quick rewards for minimal work. Before we knew it, two moms, four kids age six and under and a dog had made it to the first viewpoint– a stunning vista overlooking the Columbia River and adjoining wetlands. Across from the viewpoint were hoodoos ‘castles’ rising out of the landscape, a magic kingdom to a six-year old with an active imagination.

Along the hike, we came across the remains of a deer, which was “so cool,” some undetermined bones and the skull of a wolf, we think. As a word of caution, one of the kids also spotted the disappearing body of a cougar. Use caution when hiking and keep your kids nearby, as this is an active wildlife corridor.

For two hours of out and back hiking with small children, we reached point of interest #4, which highlights human and beaver activity and how that affects the landscape. I loved this trail, happy with the terrain for small children and the breathtaking views of the wetlands.

The second time we did the trail, my husband, kids and myself started from Dry Gulch. We found this trail less rewarding from the start, but with lots of side trails off the main path, it was a merry adventure to see where the paths led. The best side trail took us to a dramatic viewpoint of the Columbia wetlands and glints of Wilmer in the distance. On a warm Sunday afternoon, we shared the trail with a few groups biking, several other hikers and even a horseback rider.

The Old Coach trail is a nine-kilometre route that runs between Radium Hot Springs and Dry Gulch. Historically, this trail was a road traveled by Model Ts in the 1920s. From Radium, access the trail by parking at the visitor information centre, cross to the west side of Highway 93/95 and follow the trail signs to the north trailhead kiosk. To access the south end, drive 5.6 kilometres south from the south edge of Radium to Dry Gulch, or drive 7.2 kilometres north from the traffic lights at the Invermere Crossroads. Turn west off Highway 93/95 and park beside the south trailhead kiosk.

If you do this hike, please stay on the trail, yield to pedestrians if you are cycling, leave the motorized vehicles at home and keep your pet on a leash.

VALID MON-THU UNTIL JUNE 29, 2017

Attn: Pioneer Readers, this coupon Expires June 29, 2017

Photo by Lorene Keitch

May 19, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Play ’n’ Stay ~ 3

Summit Trail Makers ready for busy season

By Nikki Fredrikson Pioneer Staff In the past year, 55 volunteers have spent 800 hours maintaining eight trails that the Summit Trail Makers Society are contracted to maintain.

The society is contracted through recreation sites and trails B.C. in conjunction with the Ministry of Lands, Forests and Natural Resources (FLNRO) to upkeep alpine hiking trails in the Upper Columbia Valley.

The Summit Trail Makers work to ensure Pedley Pass Trail, Mount Swansea, Brewer Creek, Chalice Creek, Jumbo Pass, Lake of the Hanging Glacier, Welsh Lakes, and McLean Lake are safe for the public.

“Some of the interesting stuff we’ve been trying to do in conjunction with trying to make the trail itself, is to make it an enjoyable and safe hiking experience by clearing deadfall and keeping it out of the wet areas and stuff, so it’s a sustainable trail,” said Wayne Lyons, president of the Summit Trail Makers Society.

The group is not only working on the actual trails but has been implementing a program to create better road access and trail heads.

“This last year one of our big emphasis was on access roads to the trail head, because when you come off some of the main forestry roads, the access roads may not be

very passable for conventional vehicles,” said Mr. Lyons.

Last year the Summit Trail Makers fixed road conditions on the Brewer Creek access road filling in a big washout and then they tried to create a better drainage on that road into the trail head. When road maintenance is more complex they work in conjunction with the FLNRO, working with engineers to fix the road access.

“We’re going to work with them, also to try and get the Pedley Pass access road up to snuff too because we’re investing a lot of money up there with our Columbia Basin Trust grant,” said Mr. Lyons.

The group will be upgrading the Pedley Pass hiking experience, but adding a Pedley Ridge trail, one of four newly designated recreation trails in the Valley.

“We’ve worked very hard with Recreational Sites and Trails B.C. getting four new trails designated as recreational trails. They’re legally designated as recreational trails so that means they can be worked on, that they have a status, they can be protected to some extent, and we can put a proper trailhead in,” said Mr. Lyons.

Trail head improvements are another priority the group has been working on this past year, developing kiosks to go at each trail with maps, emergency numbers, and hiker logs.

“Our overall objective there is to create proper access — good, safe, efficient access to the trail — and to make the actual hiking trails themselves safe and usable,

TRAIL MAKERS — A Summit Trail Makers Society work crew of Peter Borsato, Bernie Rosner, Georges Saint Amour, Glen Casey, Joe Lucas, and Doug Yukes does some touch-up on the Lake of the Hanging Glacier Trail.

Photo submitted so people can go in and enjoy the alpine backcountry experience on these trails,” said Mr. Lyons.

Heading into a busy summer of trail maintenance with major projects including the Pedley Pass upgrades, the group is on the hunt for new volunteers. For anyone interested in becoming involved they are asked to send the Summit Trail Makers Society a message either through Facebook or through their website http://www. summittrailmakers.ca/home.html.

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4 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 19, 2017

Lake Lillian trails offers high gear thrills

By Nikki Fredrikson Pioneer Staff As someone who had never done any off road biking, I have to admit I was nervous about biking the Johnson Mountain Bike trail system. With my roommate’s bike, I headed off to take on the trail with only one piece of advice — take any of the trails in the system, except for the infamous Along the Johnson trail as it’s the longest at 10 kilometres long and takes you on a narrow track right on the lip off the steep Toby Creek Canyon.

Naturally, I ended up doing what I was warned against and found myself biking Along the Johnson overlooking the creek. But as a photographer, the views overtook any thoughts I had about maybe not being at a skill level required for that particular trail. Looking back at my route I realize now that I was riding along a high exposure trail, which is not exactly a recommended move for a beginner, however but by taking it slow I did make it through the tough sections.

While on the canyon rim I thought to myself “why not Facetime my mom” seeing as it was Mother’s Day and all. So as any logical person would, I took my bike off the trail hiked down the side of the canyon a bit and called my mom to show her the view and the drop down to the creek. Yes, like any parent she was not impressed with me but loved the view. The nice part of this particular trail is that there are sections where you can move off the trail to take in the view and have a sip of water.

After having a little break I went back to riding along the canyon, going up and down a variety of hills, twists and turns and the entire time I thought “gosh this is a workout”! I will admit I was a little embarrassed as I let a dad and his little boy, maybe four years old, pass me on the trail. I kept thinking if this little boy can bike this trail with no problem so can I. Turns out most of my struggle was due to the fact I was on the hardest trail using the highest gear on my roommate’s bike, a fact that only came to light when my roommate told me after I got home from my ride.

My favourite part of my ride on the Along the Johnson is the trail takes you along the canyon, through the trees and into some clearings, giving you a taste of all this trail system has to offer. At one point I decided I needed to switch onto an easier trail to get back to the parking area. I’ll admit I had a tiny panic that I wouldn’t be able to find a trail that would lead me back to my truck and that I’d be stuck within the trail system forever.

However, out of nowhere, I came around a corner after a rather precarious section of trail and a trail map with a marked star showing where I was appeared. I was right by the Apple Pie trail so away I went down there to connect onto Work Shop and finally onto Junior Johnson. In my opinion, the maps along this trail system added so much to my experience because I was able to change my chosen route on the fly without having to worry about getting lost.

Despite choosing a route that may have been outside of my skill level, I’ve got to say that taking a quick bike ride in this trail system is well worth it. It’s close to town

TRAIL TRIAL — Intrepid reporter Nikki Fredrikson (above, at the conclusion of her epic ride), despite never having mountain biked before, set out on a test spin of the Lake Lillian Trail network. Her verdict - a big thumbs up, for the trails, and for the many maps (below) that help new bikers from getting lost.

Photos by Nikki Fredrikson but the trail routes through the trees and above the creek give you a chance to just be outdoors without any distractions, and an opportunity to enjoy a quick workout while taking in some stunning views. The lower levels and shorter trails are perfect for families and the system even has jumps that provide fun for all levels of bikers. Personally, I can’t wait to get back on the trails and challenge myself within the Johnson trails.

Panorama opens bike park for long weekend Submitted by Laura Matthews Panorama Mountain Resort Panorama will be opening its bike park for the first time ever in May for a ‘bonus’ weekend. The Mile 1 Express chairlift will be operating for sightseeing and downhill mountain biking on May 20th and 21st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Specially reduced rate tickets for biking will be offered and a selection of family activities will also be available.

The earliest opening date for the bike park in Panorama’s history is not a

result of warm spring temperatures and dry mountain trails. “The trail crew is working diligently to crack as many lines as possible and has needed to add snow cats and snow shovels to their trail building arsenal”, commented Jason Simpson, director of mountain sports at Panorama. “Trails in the East Kootenays have been open for riding for almost two months, but there is a demand for downhill trails, evident by the constant stream of bikers shuttling at Mt. Swansea and other locations in the valley. We wanted to give these adrenaline junkies the taste of gravity-fed greatness they’ve been craving all spring”.

Continued on next page. . .

May 19, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Play ’n’ Stay ~ 5

The Valley is the place to get swinging

TO THE FORE — Reporter Nikki Fredrikson, always game for something new, took to the driving range with local golf pro Michael Midyette to take a swinging crack at one of the valley’s most popular summer pastimes, resulting in an improved stroke and a lot of laughs.

Photos by Scott Lawlor

By Nikki Fredrikson Pioneer Staff With over a dozen golf courses in the Columbia Valley, there’s plenty of opportunity to hit the fairways, whether you’re wanting a relaxed scenic course or something more challenging this Valley has something for you. Now if you’re like me and never have golfed a day in your life, don’t let that stop you from getting out to one of the many driving ranges in the Valley to ease your way into the sport.

Due to my limited experience or knowledge of the sport, I opted a take a lesson with Michael Midyette at Windermere Valley Golf Course. Now as someone who is rather competitive when it comes to sports, I didn’t want to miss the ball my first time swinging a club.

I was pleasantly surprised when my instructor actually took me through all the different clubs explaining what each and everyone does and what the numbers on

them mean. During my lesson, we spent a lot of time on body position and making sure I had the correct stance and slowly worked through the progressions up to a full swing.

As we were practicing on the driving range the weather took a turn for the worse, starting to rain and eventually hail. Michael gave me the option to go inside before the storm really started, but wanting to master my swing I declined.

Reflecting on my lesson, I realized I had a terrible misconception that everything to do with the sport of golf was pretentious, and in the beginning of my lesson I was so afraid to do something that would be frowned upon. But while I was being soaked head to toe by rain those misconceptions began to fade and I was able to relax and have fun.

The first few attempts were okay. I hit the ball and it went to the left, which if you know golf, is wrong because you want it to go straight. Eventually, I had a few too many swings and misses getting frustrated with my-

. . . “Panorama’ from previous page Although the selection of trails has yet to be finalized, guests can plan to ride Mercy Me, Let It Ride, and Hell’s Bells with more trails still to be determined. Following the May long weekend, the bike park will close until the official opening for the summer season in late June.

In addition to mountain biking you can expect a full schedule of activities happening all weekend long at the resort. Enjoy a leisurely ride on the Mile 1 Express for sightseeing and hiking trail access, or tire the kids out with visits to the bouncy castle, Eurobungy, climbing wall, tennis, and Howling Wolf mini golf.

Discounted bike park passes and active pack passes can be purchased at PanoramaResort.com, or by calling 1-800-663-2929.

self standing on the driving range. soaking wet, I had two options — go in and call it a day or stick it out. My instructor, instead of giving me a hard time or laughing at my terrible swings had me take a step back and explained everything I was doing wrong and everything I was doing correctly. That’s when everything started to click. I started getting confidence and hitting goals Michael set out for me like getting it to the 100-yard marker. I even made it past some of our goals.

Now I’m in no way an expert or even skilled enough to go out on my own, but I did get a chance to experience a part of this Valley I otherwise never would have if I hadn’t taken a lesson. Will I go back to golf? Yes I will, because being outside surrounded by mountains seems like a great way to spend a Sunday to me. My advice to those who have never considered golfing — give it a try and you may find a competitive streak you never knew you had, a natural ability you didn’t know you possessed, or you might just leave the course laughing at all your swinging and misses, like me.

6 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 19, 2017

Peaceful Paddle Stand-up paddleboarding is a perfect activity for Lake Windermere, as these participants found during the Wings Over The Rockies StandUp Paddleboarding outing last Saturday, May 13th.

Photos by Nikki Fredrikson.

RIVERFRONT & FAIRWAY LOTS

A Rapidly Expanding Resort Community in Radium Submitted By Bighorn Meadows Resort

Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C.

Beautiful mountain, river and golf course view lots, gated community. Prices from $79,000. No building commitment. Developer will finance.

Doran Cain, 250-342-1629 Maxwell Realty Invermere

Our office will be closed Monday, May 22nd.

Bighorn Meadows is buzzing with excitement. With the completion of Phase 11, new construction starting on Phase 12, and the expansion of the Welcome Centre nearing completion, the resort is rapidly expanding.

Phases 10 and 11 are selling quickly and interest levels are at a record high not seen in years.

“Sales have exceeded our projected targets for the first quarter of 2017” commented Valerie Bracken, Director of Sales and Marketing for Bighorn Meadows Resort Ltd. “It’s a great start to what we anticipate to be a very active spring and summer for real estate sales.”

The resort is privately positioned between the ninth and tenth fairways of The Springs Golf Course in Radium Hot Springs with panoramic mountain views in all directions. The new Residences at Bighorn offer welldesigned, low maintenance, energy efficient and very alluring mountain-contemporary style homes.

“We’re very pleased to be offering such a well thought out product for vacation home owners, as well as those looking at retirement or an active lifestyle in the Columbia Valley,” said Ms. Bracken. “Having a professionally managed home in a resort community means all play and no work.”

New amenities in the Welcome Centre include a brilliant and very modern meeting lounge for small gatherings; a fitness room with cutting-edge equipment; an

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additional large hot tub, plus upgrades to the current hot tub; and additional deck space around the pool with a magnificent pergola for the sitting area. Guest Services, housekeeping and maintenance departments have also undergone some much-needed changes to their facilities in the Welcome Centre in order to maintain their efficiencies with the resort’s growth.

“Our management team of guest services, housekeepers and maintenance are the essence to keeping the high standards that Bighorn Meadows provides to owners and guests. Having a positive work environment for the immense job they do, requires space,” said Ms. Bracken.

Hassle-free living in a resort-style community is what Bighorn Meadows offers, and the new residences attract homeowners who wish to simplify their lifestyle.

No yard work, cleaning the pool/hot tub, or shoveling snow, and if you leave for months at a time, no worries. Our professional management company takes care of your home with a trustworthy team.

The 1,100 square foot (100 square metre), two bedroom, two bath residences are selling as full ownership.

There are some one eighth share fractions available at this time as well; however, they are selling quickly. Contact the resort today and learn how to live the resort community lifestyle at 1-888-766-9637 or email info@bighornmeadows.ca.

Visit our website www.bighornmeadows.ca.

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May 19, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Play ’n’ Stay ~ 7

Fresh overhaul for The Springs Course

By Lorene Keitch Pioneer Staff The Springs Course in Radium Hot Springs is sure to dazzle members and guests this season. While the world-class designed links are top notch, the interior was getting a little dated. So The Springs owners opted to renovate and upgrade, enhancing the already exceptional experience found at this local gem.

“We’ve completely renovated the pro shop, installed new double entry way doors, we redid the flooring, moved the counter and put in a new granite counter top, and freshened up the paint,” shared Steve Haggard, manager and head professional at The Springs.

Not only that, they completely renovated the washroom facilities in the clubhouse. Then the team moved on to the restaurant, where they redid the tables and recessed the glass into them. In the player’s lounge, golfers will find as stunning, beautifully handmade 22-person cedar plank table.

Mr. Haggard said the reaction has been fantastic.

“The members and the guests have been blown away with the changes. They just walk in and say wow,” shared Mr. Haggard. “It’s pretty impressive.”

The restaurant, called The Elevations Dining at The Springs, has revamped the menu to go alongside

Steve Haggard stands at the new granite countertop in the golf prop shop.

Dean Midyette photo. the updated interior.

Executive chef Noah Darraugh said he still has golf fare staples on the menu but he adds his own twist to them, such as adding mango chutney to the chicken burger.

The dinner menu is geared towards “a higher end steakhouse,” Mr. Darraugh described. His menu in-

cludes mouth-watering selections: the only challenge will be what to choose. How about a Salmon Wellington, a Tuscan style veal chop marinated with fresh herbs and garlic, veal au jus, or a seared rack of lamb, medium rare, with caper and herb sauce?

Mr. Darraugh a Red Seal chef hails from Ontario but has cooked his way around the world, learning techniques and styles in places as far flung as the Caribbean and Paris, New York and Philadelphia, and closer to home in Whistler and Jasper.

Mr. Darraugh says the customers love the new menu.

“We’ve had great feedback,” Mr. Darraugh shared.

One of the biggest changes for golfers will be the brand new fleet of golf carts purchased for this season; The Springs bought 82 Club Car precedent golf carts.

“It’s very, very nice to have a cart that’s this comfortable and this spectacular,” said Mr. Haggard.

The golf carts include USB chargers, fold-down windshields, sand/ seed divot bottles, and a brand new and improved rain hood so your golf clubs don’t get wet.

“For both members and guests, they will see an overall improved experience,” Mr. Haggard concluded of all the changes Radium Golf Group, which owns The Springs, took the course back under its wings this year, after being run by management contractors over the last couple of years.

May 19, 2017

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8 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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