Life goes on, very differently indeed!  It will take time for us to digest Karine's death, and time to fill the void and rebuild.  It still hits us as surreal, and we not have really taken in the grasp of what her disappearance means.  Karen and Fred worked together very closely this past winter. They shared ideas, worked on projects and had planed to do things together in the future.  The exchange took place in the mountains, on a chair lift or cable car, during a road trip or while having a fresh fruit cocktail after a hard days's work.  To keep this news a little "happy", Fred remembers that they drove into a snow bank on the Col du Lauteret, as they were both absorbed in their inspection of the couloirs that they could ride.

This is the last "Winter News".  Our summer season has started, eventhough we continue to ski in the backcountry.  We're back from a Peakpowder backcountry ski trip to the Jackson Hole, WY, and there's excitement in the air.  Where to start??? Our eyes are still sparkling, in awe of the beauty of the terrain.  What an enormous potential there is for backcountry skiing!  All levels of skiers can experience an adventure in these jagged mountains, as ski touring itineraries can be chosen according to the technical commitment needed.  The view is striking, the horizon seems endless, wildlife abounds and the warm western charm and hospitality is wonderful.  Our major worry as we headed out on our early morning alpine starts was a surprise encounter with a cougar or coming face to face with a grizzly on the hunt for a midnight snack.  We saw many impressive tracks, but never ran into any animals while skinning (other than a grouse)...alas!  The little town of Jackson Hole is where we found our local watering holes, with its numerous saloons and some very tasty beers brewed locally.  This is a western town just like a movie setting, wooden archways, balconies, quaint town square and a Rodeo at the fairground.  On this Memorial Day weekend, we certainly understood that we were in cowboy country - big pick-up trucks and very stylish ranchwear.  To date, this place ranks on the top of our list when it comes to ski trips.  The mix of scenery, ski terrain, nature and people is unique.  Relaxed, welcoming, always smiling and curious, with a sincere good old mountain welcome...this is what the locals had to offer us.  There's tons of room in these here parts, just head off and discover...hee hah, it's time to start dancing with the powdah!