Thursday 6th January
Peak Leaders arrived in Whistler, we were joined by Hugh who drove up from California. The weather is overcast and very cold. A good dump of snow is required!
Lousie |
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Louise leading Gib & Andy on short radius turns |
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Friday 7th January
Met the Whistler team - Francois (CSIA LEVEL 4), Gibb (CSIA Level 4) Justin (CASI LEVEL 4). There was a welcome reception, safety talk and explanation of programme goals. The group got their season passes, had an orientation session on the mountain and attended a welcome party in Legends at Creekside.
The Skiers at -10 degrees |
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Darren showing good stance |
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Monday 10th January
Glorious sunny day. The riders met up with their Aussie instructor Will (from Darwin). They rode Whistler Mountain hard, ending up with a few beers in Dustys, followed by a session in the out door hot tub. After a talk on safey, we ate dinner at Dustys. The spare ribs are something else.
Tomos & the Mounties |
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The riders: Gerorge, Will, Paul, James & Tom |
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Friday 14th January
Last night we ate at the Road-side diner. The previous night we ate at Boston Pizza and before that, it was in Nadio's chinese restaurant. This week end will see us in Dustys trying out the spare ribs! We are well into the second week. The instructors are working us hard on and off the hill. This week end, the plan is to chill a bit and watch the opening ceremony of the Nokia world snowboard championships.
Ice Cave on Blackcomb |
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Tuesday & Wednesday 18th and 19th January
Weather it has been raining all over Western British Columbia for the past 4 days and Whistler has been closed for 2 days.
Darren |
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Peter |
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Thursday 20th January
Because of wet weather on the mountain, the day was spent finishing off class room activities. Following a period of revision, the Institute of Leadership and Management Team Leading knowledge assessment was taken. Good feeling to get it done and dusted. In the afternoon there was a hands on tuning clinic by Guy and Shannon from Whistler Blackcomb ski school which gave people the opportunity to learn how to maintain, repair and wax skis and boards. Any core shots and serious damage can be fixed by Shannon at their shop in Squamish. Legends at Creekside where we stay, have provided a roomy workshop for Peak Leaders in the bike store. So most of the day to day maintenance can be done there at a fraction of the cost of sending the gear to a repair shop.
ILM examinations |
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Andy |
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Friday 21st January
A solid, technical training day on the mountain with Mike and Will. After drinks we dined together at Joeys Chinese Restaurant. The routine here is to pop into Dustys after a day on the mountain, sink a few beers, go to class, hot tub and gym, eat dinner, go out if you have any energy or just crash. Nadio, the owner of Joeys introduced us to Canadian champagne - dry with a slight hint of cucumber. Apparently it goes really well with oysters (on special offer in Whistler at $10 dollars a dozen)!
Watching the world chamionships |
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James |
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Saturday 22nd January
Shadowing in the ski school commenced. Peter and Louise had the opportunity to try out their teaching skills on some Japanese clients. Great experience and an opportunity to meet the movers and shakers in the snowsports school..
Ski's for hire |
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The evening meal |
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Monday 24th January
Avalanche awareness training on Blackcomb. Early start from Creekside, taking the bus up to Blackcomb day lodge to meet up with guides. The day was spent learning about terrain traps and how to select a safe back country route. We were introduced to the transceiver, probe and shovel and learnt how to use them to locate and rescue a trapped skier or rider. The instructors Mika and Tim are full time members of the ski patrol and really know their stuff.
The half pipe comp being televised |
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Sam |
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Tuesday 25th - Friday 28th January
Technical training on Whistler prior to start of level 1 examinations.
Whistler Mountain |
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Big Air competition |
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Saturday 29th - Monday 31st January
CASI level one course for snowboarders (except George who has slipped his course by a week).
Rupert & his fresh tracks breakfast |
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World snowboarding champoinships rails |
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Monday 31st January
Tomos, James and Paul passed the course and are now CASI level 1 instructors. Well done boys! Plenty of beer was drunk to celebrate before eating at Joey Chans Chinese restaurant in Creekside. The next day the snowboarders mellowed out.. Skiers started their CSIA level 1 course today with Mike and Chad.
Day Lodge at the top of Mt. Whistler |
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Avalanche Awareness |
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Thursday 10th February
Snowmobiling backcountry in the Sioux valley, clear blue skies and sun making it an epic trip.
Pete & Louise Snowmobiling |
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James Leading the pack |
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 Tuesday 1st March
Louise getting into the yellow and blue working as Whistler instructor whilst on our programme... Nice work Louise.Good luck for the rest of the season in ski school.
Lousie the instructor |
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