Living in Vancouver: 3 Tips for Skiing This Winter
Cross border moving to a new country and city can bring welcome changes. Now that you are a Vancouver local, you have easy access to snow skiing. Whether you are a beginner or pro, you will enjoy the views and the experience of being on the mountain. Here are three great locations for skiing in the Vancouver area.
Cypress Mountain
This is the home of Canada’s first Olympic Gold Medal on home snow, and they are very proud of this! Their Nordic trails are groomed and track-set for the classic and the skate techniques. A fun tube park tows you up to the top, then down the chute you go! There are plenty of opportunities for lessons if you are a beginner. Check out some of the daily entertainment if you need a break from skiing. You can park and ride the Express Bus to the top of the mountain, only $48 for a yearly pass, and only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. They also provide activities for younger and older children.
Grouse Mountain
This local and tourist destination is 15-minutes from downtown Vancouver. During the summer, there is hiking, zip lining, paragliding, sightseeing, lumberjack shows and other entertainment. In winter, there is skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and helicopter rides. Grouse Mountain is a favorite for weddings. They are proud to host a refuge for endangered wildlife. When it comes to dining, Grouse Mountain has many choices. There is the café style Lupins, casual dining at Altitudes, and fine dining at the Observatory.
Mount Seymour
Located to the north; Mount Seymour is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. This is a local favorite with nice skiing and snowboarding areas. There are special activities for younger and older children both. From the top of Mount Seymour you can see east to the Cascade Mountains, south to Washington State and the San Juan and Gulf Islands, west to Vancouver Island, the Georgia Strait and all of Greater Vancouver below. Get a bargain on first-time lessons compared to the other resorts, and rent equipment from the on-site shop. Have fun in the Enquist Snow Tube Park tobogganing and snow-tubing.
After cross border moving to Vancouver, be sure to try out the skiing this winter. With mountains so close to home, it will be easier than ever!
(Photo attributed to Flickr member @nonanet via the creative common license)
Living in Calgary: Top 5 Resolutions for 2012
Cross border moving takes a lot of planning and time, and once it is completed, is a big accomplishment. What are you hoping to accomplish in the year ahead in your new city? Here are the top five recommended resolutions for you in 2012.
1. Try winter sports for exercise. There is ice skating, hockey, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing. Head over to Canada Olympic Park, where you can rent gear for skiing or snowboarding.
2. Join Calgary’s efforts to go “green.” As the city adds parks and green spaces, supports green businesses, and invests in renewable energy sources, you can contribute too. If you don’t recycle, start. Get the kids involved; they will keep you on track. Choose eco-friendly products from eco-active businesses. Ride your bike and take public transportation.
3. Spend your decorating dollars on independent, local artists. Shop at the Micah Gallery, Loch Gallery, and the Rustic Fine Art Gallery for 2D and 3D art to decorate your new walls.
4. Teach your kids about the history of the new place you are living. Take them to the Heritage Park Historical Village, which depicts life in the West from 1864-1945. Kids can ride the steam train, paddle wheeler, and Ferris wheel. They can explore an old-fashioned candy shop or a blacksmith’s forge.
5. Get out and meet your neighbors. The best time to break the ice is right when you move in. Write down names and phone numbers so you don’t forget. Think about having an open house to create some community in the neighborhood.
Think of cross border moving as a fresh start for the year ahead. Make some resolutions that will help you connect with your new city.
(Photo attributed to Flickr member @dr_tr via the creative common license)
Life in Canada: How to Prepare for Your First Winter in Québec City
When cross border moving to Canada, you might not be prepared for the difference in winter weather. Québec City has a cold, snowy winter, with highs of only 23°F/-5°C and lows of 0° F/-17°C. You will want to be prepared to enjoy the winter in comfort.
When driving in the winter, you need to take extra care on snow and ice. There may be reduced traction or blowing snow that will make visibility poor.
Prepare your car for the winter weather. It is recommended that you have four winter tires, not just all-season tires. The tread on the winter tires will preserve traction in snow and ice. Be sure to replace old windshield wipers. Lubricate hinges, locks, and latches before they freeze. Treat the weather seals in the doors and trunk with a coating of silicone lubricating compound to keep them from freezing shut. Have a winter kit with such items as booster cables, a folding shovel, a blanket, and a traction aid (like salted sand).
You should also have a kit in your home in preparation for impending winter storms. It should include: non-perishable food and water for you and your pets, flashlights with batteries, a can opener, blankets and warm clothing, a camping stove with fuel, matches, a battery powered radio, and enough of your prescription medications for a few days.
Winterize your home. Make sure your home is insulated properly including pipes. Caulk and weather-strip your doors and windows. Have tree branches that hang over the house trimmed away. Check the roof for leaks, and clean out gutters.
Be wise about your exertions out-of-doors. Your blood vessels constrict in the cold, adding stress to your heart. This could trigger a heart-attack or stroke. Wear proper clothing which might consist of loose layers to trap body heat, a hat and mittens, a scarf to cover your face, and an outside layer that is water repellent.
Your experience cross border moving will be more pleasant if you are prepared for the winter like a local. If in doubt, ask a neighbor what they recommend as the most important steps to take.
(Photo attributed to flickr member @Ryan Holst via the creative common license)
Moving in the Winter: Things Not to Forget About Moving This Season
Moving at any time of year is often a challenging endeavor. When moving to the U.S. during the winter season, there are several things to remember to make your move go smoothly and safely.
1. Pack snow shovels and salt near the back of the moving truck, in case ice and snow are in front of your new home. Arrive early to allow for time to shovel snow and lay down salt. Make sure you have a clear path from the back of the truck to the entrance so everyone has solid footing while carrying heavy objects.
2. Check up on the weather before you set out driving. Winter weather can change quickly, and you might want to adjust your departure time depending on inclement conditions. Pack an emergency kit in your car just in case. This can include a blanket, water, some non-perishable food, a flashlight, a folding shovel, and traction material such as kitty litter.
3. Cover floors and carpets to avoid tracking in snow. Try to cover all areas where movers will be walking with a material that will not easily bunch up, such as cardboard.
4. Dress in layers. Whenever traveling in the winter, it is wise to dress properly in case you are forced to get out of the car. Wear sensible, waterproof shoes, and light, loose layers of clothing.
Cross border moving in the winter can be done, with a little extra preparation and thinking ahead. Follow these tips for a safe and warm move.
(Photo attributed to flickr member @ebmorse via the creative common license)
