There is something incongruous about riding a chairlift in the summer. There’s no snow. You’re wearing a t-shirt, shorts and runners. The familiar terrain you skim in winter lies head deep in alders and stumps. Virtually impenetrable. How do we go there? Is there really that much snow? It’s all buried? Wow.

And it’s warm. The sun is out. Did I mention that? No bulk. Just light, ready for action. Maybe a day pack, but that hardly counts against skis, boots, poles, jackets, pants, toques and so on.

Simple. I love it.

While the initial perverse joy lies in riding over the alders, the real joy is hitting the alpine without the uphill slog. Only open on the weekends, take the Timber and head for the high country. That’s the ultimate goal. From Lost Boys, hike toward Lost Boys Pass. Look for the Ridge Walk sign. Follow the red dots (sort of like connecting the dots in the old Sunday comics) and plunk yourself on the ridge. If you have the time, wander over to Polar Peak or Snake Ridge for the downhill return and the whole Ridge Walk deal.

The views are spectacular. Down to Glacier. Over to Crowsnest Pass. Down the backside of the Lizard’s to Koocanusa.

Take a jacket. Take sunscreen, glasses and a hat.

If you feel gourmet, order a panini to go at Lost Boys. They’re great (by far, Lost Boys offers the best food on the hill—summer and winter) and if you wrap it in your jacket, it will still be a touch warm when you summit the ridge and pull it out of your pack.

This is the real Easy Street. Easy on the legs. Easy on the eyes. Just easy.

But don’t delay. Easy Street will only be open two more weekends. The ride ends Sept 6th and then it’s the anxious wait for snow.

Enjoy it while you can.