Thursday 27th January
All arrived safely late last night and then straight into it this morning. Safety Brief and program Outline on the Hill was enjoyed by all along with a yummy welcome lunch. We then had an extensive tour of the mountain. The snow is thin but covering all runs (we have an Indian snow dance to perform over the weekend!) Following the tour we were once again hosted by the ski school to a wine and cheese (great way to end the first days skiing and riding). Tonight we are all very tired and off to bed early as programme starts full on tomorrow.
Kananaskis |
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The Group |
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Saturday 29th January
An awesome day today - still no more snow but the weather was fantastic and the guys all had a really positive experience in their first day of lessons. Legs are a bit weary but the gym is being used frequently as well as the hot tub and sauna. Everyone is really enthused and the group is bonding well.
Iain Harry & Gemma on Chair Lift |
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Monday 31st January
A dusting of new snow today... just enough to get hopes up of more to come!!! The crew were back to basics today on the skis, mastering their snow plough demos and techniques. Meanwhile the snowboarders have been developing their personal riding. We have just bitten into the ILM theory covering risk management today... much more to come
Off the lift and getting ready to ride - Vittal, Jemma and Babs (the instructor) |
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Tuesday 1st February
Bright and breezy today! A few of the crew crashed early last nights after a big weekend and it certainly seemed to pay off. Not sure if it is the beer, jet lag or all the fresh air that is making everyone so tired! ...and fresh it was today…with the wind chill bringing the temperature down to -15 at the top of the mountain. However we were all wrapped up well and enjoyed another day of rigorous instruction. Going back to basics has most definitely uncovered everyone's bad habits and reminded us what it is that sometimes leaves us unbalanced and falling over on the more strenuous runs. For the skiers leaving behind our 'European' ways has meant making transitions that leave us feeling like we are riding a horse! For the boarders undiscovered muscles are being found!
Some clear progress however is being made and the feedback from instructors Walter, Caycee, Helen and Babs is positive. Here's hoping the drop in temperature is going to bring us plenty of white stuff to practice on!
Despite cold bottoms listening hard and being prepared - it is a long way down |
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Friday 4th February
WOW! We woke up to fresh snow this morning, wide smiles and great excitement. Over night 1 foot of snow had fallen...the beginner progressions went on hold as the instructors lavished the opportunity to try out our new honed skills on riding and skiing powder. I think you could here our whoops of delight across the valley.
Feeling like 'freshie' experts by the end we were all exhausted but buzzing with adrenalin and accomplishment. So the end of the day meant tired legs but wider smiles and hopefulness about the snow that is still to come over the next 6 weeks.
Andy showing us all how to ski freshies with style |
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Sunday 6th & Monday 7th February
Slightly stiff and sore we all felt that it was quite ironic that First Aid started today. And what a day to be in a classroom looking longingly at the slopes. The sun was shining and it was so cold and the sky so blue you could actually see the ice particles floating and glistening in the air...it was stunning. And a few keen beans made the most of it by racing up the hill in the morning to put a few turns in...This certainly must have been helpful to clear the head and be prepared for the all day theory session...
The next day meant putting the theory into practice... And role modelling injuries in the snow and having to be resourceful with all our equipment certainly had everyone rolling around with laughter...Following this the exam that everyone revised for the night before and we now have 29 qualified first aiders.
Jay and Pete trying to patch Harry up - First Aid course |
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Sunday 13th February
Friday night bought closure to the ILM module, with everyone taking the exam... It was good to get that done and dusted before the focus shifts to the level 1 ski and snowboard assessments (beginning on Sunday). Saturday was a day off the hill to prepare and relax. We all took a ride to Calgary in a yellow school bus or some retail therapy... the shops were very pleased to see us, we were joined by large quantities of shopping bags on our return trip.
Morning the level one assessments begin...
Ian's no. 1 rule - always look cool |
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Tuesday 15th February Congratulations to the crew!!! We have had a great success rate with the level one ski and snowboard instructor exam course. 27 out of 29 passed outright and now have their level one badge. 2 have half passed... One snowboarder passed the teaching component and narrowly missed the technical riding, and one skier has passed the technical skiing and just missed the teaching component... So well done everyone!!!
The CADS Certificate Crew |
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Tuesday 22nd February
We're back... from two days at Sunshine and three days at Lake Louise. Staying in Banff our base camp was the superb Banff Alpine Hostel.
The skiing and riding was fantastic and everybody made the most of the chance for a blow out from the technical training and level 1 exams... using the bumps, trees, steeps and terrain park to put to the test their new levels of skiing and riding. The instructors that joined us from the Nakiska Ski School were also able to show us some of the best terrain and impart a few handy tips. Of course the shopping and Banff night life was also exploited to its full potential.
Learning to Fly! |
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Thursday 24th February
Backcountry training... Well we have spent the last couple of days undertaking our avalanche training both in the classroom and out on the slopes. Identifying avalanche terrain, selecting safe routes to travel and getting our heads in the snow to analyse the snow pack will all hold us in good steed for the next two days of back country excursions. We will also be armed with Transceivers, shovels, probes and the knowledge of how to use them... the kind of insurance policy everybody should have heading out of the ski area boundary. Rob Davidson and guides from Yamnuska will have their fingers on the pulse to manage the group's decisions out in the backcountry... Here's hoping for some great snow and some fresh turns!!!
Boys will be boys! |
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Friday 25th February
Wow-wee a hard few days for all. thoroughly enjoyed by some and endured by others! Peak leaders back country experience....The first day was a basic introduction to the equipment and took us in amongst the trees. We returned to our night base where tents were pitched and snow shelters dug out. The evening entertainment focused on a BBQ and timed transceivers search in the dark getting us all into practice. Well done to Eliza who found hers in 48 seconds! A campfire followed and I am sure even the hibernating bears heard the singing.
Transceiver rescue training |
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Snowpack Analysis |
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Saturday 26th February
The next day...cold and stiff a hardy few continued up the mountain whilst the rest skied down the way and sought the comforts of a warm bath and a well desreved restful day at the hotel.
Going up the way, above the treeline was hard work however we were well rewarded with magnificent views and a long if arduous run down through wind packed powder and hard crust!
Getting above the tree line |
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Getting the overnight gear sorted |
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Sunday 27th February
A long awaited day off gave us time to prepare for the evening entertainment. French was the theme and not only did we all have to dress up but Judge Jocelyn scored us strictly on our French speaking and translation abilities! The wine flowed and Doug our chef put on a delicious French meal.
The backcountry hard core! |
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Round the camp fire |
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Monday 28th February
Back to the technical program... individual plans are being created with much up for grabs...level 2 and freestyle is the focus for some, whilst others are keen to explore other aspects of work on a ski field... disabled skiing support, ski-patrol, ski mobile driving, lift work, technician/workshop training ..even a night with the groomers is being arranged...watch this space for further updates on how everyone is doing...
Jon - on top of the world! |
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Thursday 10th March
Some of the snowboarders made national news today being interviewed by the media, and doing a group sing along of Monty Python's… Always look on the bright side of life! It was the beginning of their freestyle training at Canada Olympic Park, and unfortunately if the hot sunny weather continues as it is, the snow may not last in the half pipe. Three members of the Peak's crew performed a public snow dance last night so I'm sure a change to snow is on the way.
Duarte in the park |
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Sunday 13th March
The snow dance has paid off! It's been snowing most of the day… about 15cm and more in the forecast. Sadly it was a little to late for COP's half pipe. This was closed, unfortunately cancelling the level 1 freestyle assessment. Disappointing for Matt, Duarte and Graeme who had enrolled… however the fresh snow has put a lot of smiles on faces.
Monday 14th March
Freestyle training is on option for some of the skiers today… bumps, jumps and tricks! While others who are focused on their level 2 exam continue with the technical training. It's less than one week now before the level 2 ski and snowboard exams, the pressure is beginning to show a little.
Ed - cornice madness! |
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Friday 18th March
Today and yesterday most of the crew are completing the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiing Certificate. This meant skiing around the hill blindfolded, becoming familiar with sit skis and skiing on one ski with out riggers. Quite an insightful experience, that left everyone in awe of the level of confidence and courage that people with disabilities have when they decide to take up skiing or snow boarding. This two day course was an optional extra, and has attracted a high number of participants. It will be another feather in the cap of a well rounded ski or snowboard instructor.
Eliza on a sit ski! |
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 Friday 25th March
Congratulations... Peak Leaders had great success in the Level II ski and snowboard exams. All six snowboarders to participate passed! Of the nine skiers who took part, two skier passed their level II teaching component and seven passed their level II instructor award... Well done to: Dan, Matt, Pete, Duarte, and Jemma (snow boarders)......and: Jon Rose, Jon O'Conner, Jamie, Amanda, JoJo, Jocelyn, Matt, Will and Andy (skiers)
We have also had success with Richard and Harry who swapped codes halfway through to get their level I ski and snowboard awards... and everybody on the programme has now completed level I... Awesome!!!
...and the snow keeps on falling |
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