Scenes from Banff NP (Winter)

Earlier this week, I did a short photo run in Banff National Park, my last one for this winter. I drove my daughter, son-in-law and grandson to nearby Mount Norquay for some skiing while I visited a few photo spots in the area.

As I descended from the ski resort, I paused at a viewpoint overlooking the Town of Banff. Looking back up toward Mount Norquay, I took the following picture of the mountain and a couple of its ski runs. I’m sure you can’t help noticing what a beautiful day it was for photography and for skiing.

Looking in the direction of the Town of Banff, it’s difficult to overlook its landmark, Mount Rundle which totally dominates the view from my vantage point.

My next stop was the Vermilion Lakes, on the outskirts of Banff. The lakes were largely covered with ice and snow, so I went to a favourite spot, a marshy area between the road and the lakes. Here I was able to get several shots including this one of some old stumps reflected in the water.

I moved onward to another favourite area, the Bow Valley Parkway. The Sawback Burn, site of a prescribed burn back in the 1990’s is a always a good stop. The lighting was good and the snow almost pristine but for a few animal and ski tracks.

I wrapped up my little junket at Hillsdale Meadow where I captured some nice mountain shots. But, I really liked this following picture of a snow bank pushed up onto the back of the roadside parking area. It would never have supplanted the mountain pictures had it not been for a recent snowfall which smoothed out the rough surfaces of the plow debris beneath. Great shadows, too!

My return to Norquay was timely, arriving at the opportune moment to witness my 6 year old grandson, Wyatt completing his second lesson. He’s free of his instructor and carving his turns on the way down the hill. Bravo, Wyatt.

If you’re wondering, I did ski earlier in the week but served as chauffeur on this occasion. I do look forward to skiing with all the grand kids, perhaps next winter when I hope we’ll all be together for Christmas in Canmore.