HELLO…? ULLR? ARE YOU THERE???

VOLUME 9: 6-Feb-2015
HELLO…? ULLR? ARE YOU THERE???
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
ROCK STARS—Pgs. 2 to 4
Safety—Pg. 5
Training—Pg. 6
Fireside Chats—Pg. 7
FACE SHOTS—Pg. 9
Upcoming Events—Pgs. 10 to 14
HANDY LINKS
urites)
(Save ‘em to your favo
44VCS
The Pass: http://bit.ly/1w
Check your Schedule:
comb.com
http://wis.whistlerblack
ord: Checkin2015
(case-sensitive) Passw
SPONSORSHIP & MID-SEASON BUMP INFO SESSION
Recruiting will be holding an information session about Sponsorship and the Mid-Season Bump. We
will be going over what exactly the
‘bump’ is, and specific details
about our sponsorship program.
Stay tuned for time and location.
The mid-season bump is based on
the hours worked up until February
15th and will be reflected on the
next pay cheque (Feb. 27). The two
components that are subject to a
pay increase are group pay and request rate. It is important to note
that wages can only be increased
during this time.
If you have any questions—before the session—please speak with your supervisor.
*ICE AWARD NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
ICE stands for Inspiring Continued Excellence. This prestigious award is handed out to select group of deserving
staff who truly embody our company's core values—Safety First, Striving to be the Best & We Care—day in and
day out. If you know of someone who deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions to your team or
any other, please nominate them for an ICE Award! Nomination forms are available online from the Landing or on
page 4. Please send paper nominations via inter office mail to Events & Recognition at The Cabin. Nominations can
also be emailed directly to [email protected].
VOLUME 9: 6-Feb-2015
Rock stars
Despite the challenging conditions, guests
are having amazing lesson experiences!
Here are this issue’s ROCK STARS:
Congratulations to the following
(WKRT) Bart’s Heart Winners!
VILLAGE:
Sam Copsey
Hisae Fukui
Jim Hathazi
Lucy Reynolds
Mahin Mckim
Kay Gall
Chris Pursey
Radu Vulpe
Marius Froissart
Justin Abel
Stewart Young
Yoshie Kii
Steve Tait
Dominic Ethier
Radmilo Saranac
Pat Richardson
BLACKCOMB:
Court Larabee
Caitlin Stevenson
Andrei Balint
Charlotte Rogers
Landon Pinette
Josh Hansen
Ingrid Ruberg
Beth Mulcahy
Minis – Alice Bickley
Destination – Ali Jay
AC – Kennedy Lay
ETC – Tim Graham
Daycares – Carla Pasin
George Tjelios-Nicholas
Tony Hetherington
Josh Duncan-Smith
Tom Duffell
Heather Bilodeau
Cristina Dobre
Tomaz Todorov
Alice Mastalir
Lubka Weisenpacherova
Luis Sanchez
Maxime Barbeau
Kyle Healy
PJ Harvey
Akiko Takemoto
Ceri Williams
Dolors Lax Andjar
Quentin Royle
Todd Harris
Minis – Lucy Elam
Destination Ride – Jake Lee
Destination Ski – Nicky Broesamle
Ride Tribe – Andy Worth
AC – Cynthia Gregoire
RH Club – Huw Jones
Club – Nicolai Nielsen
Support – Tyler Kenworthy
BLACKCOMB B2:
Ride Tribe Schools – Holly Squirrell &
Allan (Jockey) Wilson
Club – Cristina Altes Virgili
CREEK:
Minis – Daniel Bogo
Destination/AC – Jorge Perez Villar
Club – Taylor Green
Support – Julia Kubitzki
Esta Evans
...and the Swag winners are:
Kay Gall | Marius Froissart |
George Tjelios-Nicholas
Please collect your prize from reception at the SS
Admin offices, G1
Come pick up your prize from
Brenda Peterson,
Sunday to Thursday @
Whistler Village Kids.
VOLUME 9: 6-Feb-2015
THANKS! YOU ROCK!
A huge “THANK YOU” to all the Snow School Professionals for supporting
the ‘Ski with a Pro Day’ for the TELUS Winter Classic.
As you know, Friday, January 23rd was one of the toughest days for rain on
the mountain. By the time of the après at 3:30 in the RHL I was surprised by
how many pros guided their team (or part of their team) for the whole
day. Everyone was a little soggy, but had big smiles and great stories about
their day. The pros have such a positive impact on our event and make a
difference for all the corporate teams that are coming out to support the
Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
We raised a record amount of money and “created great memories” for the
many guests that came out to support our event. Please accept my personal
thanks for all the support from the snow school pros.
Dave Brownlie, President & CEO
Andrew Deboer
Blair Anson
Bob Calladine
Brenton Leith
Brian Cameron
Bruce Smart
Carly Janz
Cecilia Dempsey
Chris Armstrong
Cindy Ross
Craig McConnell
Dave Ashton
Dave Goddard
David Stevens
Dom Ethier
Dom Oshanek
Doug Short
Greg Pierce
Jacque Champoux
Jim Hathazi
John Wood
Katelyn Brock
Kayleigh Raw
Liz Wilkinson
Lucy Reynolds
Mahin McKim
Marius Froissart
Martine Lafontaine
Mehdi Montazam
Melanie Tardiff
Melie de Jonge
Michael McKim
Michael Barton
Nicky Price
Robin Laver
Ron Rolleston
Sam Copsey
Sharon Denny
Steve Tait
Vic Gerard
VOLUME 9: 6-Feb-2015
SAFETY FIRST!
THE UPCOMING SAFETY THEMES IN WHISTLER KIDS ARE:
Feb. 9—15: Protect your Heart Week
Feb. 16—22: On-hill Awareness Week
As this is the only Pro Lines before the craziness of President’s Week and Chinese New
Year descends on Whistler I thought it would be useful to talk about on hill awareness
as there are going to be so many people and classes out on the hill.
Being aware of your surroundings is not only essential for your class’ safety it is also
essential for your own safety. Hopefully when you read this you will be thinking well
obviously that’s just common sense’ but when it’s busy and things get stressful we forget the simple things and put ourselves in danger.
Here are some crucial but simple points to make it through this busy time in one piece:
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Always stop where you and your class can be seen, not under knolls/rollers, or behind a banner.
Look up hill before starting out and merging onto a trail. Teach your kids to do the same – every
time!
Slow right down in slow zones.
Give other groups and the public lots of room when you pass them.
Be aware of other skiers/riders in front, to the side and coming behind you so you can sense quickly
if people are coming to close to you or your class or are going to be making unpredictable turns.
Only take up a maximum of a 1/3 of the run.
Make your turn shape regular and round so you are predictable.
Let your class know when you are stopping and get them to ALWAYS stop behind and below.
Download at the end of the day.
Avoid Terrain Parks when it’s busy.
Only go into the Terrain Park if your children are at a high enough level at least 4+. Teach jumping
and popping progression outside of the parks.
This season has been interesting for conditions. Please be aware that snow conditions, the condition of
the runs and what is open/marginal/closed changes frequently stay informed by trail boards and updates from each other and supervisors.
We have been receiving lots of feedback from public, other instructors and
patrol about lots of kids classes skiing really fast on green terrain especially
Whiskey Jack. With limited terrain it is pushing all users onto the groomed
runs and on the weekends when we have 1000 club kids it makes us stand
out. Please make sure your class is travelling at a safe speed on all runs and
you are teaching you groups safe practices.
Children in your classes should not look like this!! >>>>>
Stay safe and pray for snow, Anna
VOLUME 9: 6-Feb-2015
TRAINING UPDATE
Well, we are breaking records in training that’s for sure!! Last Tuesday we had 114 people sign up for training!! CRAZY! With 44 people signed up for 2-prep alone, I’m pretty confident to say it was our biggest day ever.
Having said that, I feel like a dog chasing after its tail! Please, PLEASE sign up for training in advance so that I
have time to call every trainer I know to staff our clinics. Occasionally – with enough notice – I have been able to
find trainers and bump people from the waitlist onto the clinic. If you sign up the night before, and you are on
the waitlist, it is not very likely you will get a spot the next day.
I AM so glad that you are all coming out! I love seeing you guys up there and keen to learn. We are a stronger
snow school for it and, plain and simple, it makes life here more fun!
Please note that training will be BLACKED OUT from February 14-21 with training starting
again on Feb 22. We will still hold morning sessions though, so see you there.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS THIS MONTH:
Freestyle Bump Session: Feb 23
Telemark Session: Feb 12
Level 4 BOOT CAMP: Feb 11-13 (3-day intensive training camp. Must sign up for all 3 days.)
Level 3 SHOE CAMP: Feb 24, 25 (2-day intensive training camp. Must sign up for both days.)
Tuning Session: Feb 26
*For the latest info, please see RTP.
And last but not least, “THANK YOU” to the trainers. You are the reason this program rocks. Special Recognition to Erin Keam and Denis Ebacher - our January Trainers of the Month on the ski side. Thank you so much for
your dedication and spirit. Love having you guys around!!
Good luck to everyone heading to exams soon!!
See you up there, Tracey
INTRO TO PARK AND PIPE (ON TUESDAYS):
If you are looking for a fun crew to ride with on your day off and maybe pick up some park skills while you are at
it, come and check out Park and Pipe Intro! Intro to Park and Pipe is exactly that – an introduction to park and
pipe. These sessions are designed to target learning basic introductory skills in the park, such as; popping off
jumps, sliding rails and boxes, switch skiing, spins and grabs. We will introduce you to safety and teaching tips
for your own lessons, like how to judge run in speeds for yourself and others (especially during changing conditions), all in a fun environment. We will progress from the Terrain Garden to Blue to Black park throughout the
season. Recommended Equipment: Twin tip skis (try to avoid training skis if possible), around 70-100mm under
foot. Anything is acceptable, but be aware rails can damage edges and bases, so don’t bring your favourite skis.
FREESTYLE BUMPS (ON MONDAYS):
This session offers instructors the opportunity to learn, or be reintroduced to, freestyle bump technique. If you
are interested in being taught how to smash the zipper line, pop off of mogul kickers, and improve your comfort
with speed in the bumps, then this session is for you.
INDOOR HEALTH & INJURY PREVENTION SESSIONS: 4:15-5:15 @ AAVA
Register for these informative indoor sessions in RTP. SkiRad sessions—Feb. 10th and Mar. 10th—provided by
Back In Action. Nutrition and Sports Performance session will be Feb. 20th with guest speaker Tracy Higgs.
Join Rob McSkimming, Vice President of Business
Development and the Snow School’s GM’s at Caramba
Restaurante to ask questions and share your thoughts and feedback
on the 2015 season.
This year’s Snow School Fireside Chats will take place at
Caramba Restaurante located in Whistler Village. We will be providing some light appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages. Space is limited. Please sign up for the session that you would like to attend in
RTP Instructor Training.
Advanced registration is required, with a minimum of 48 hours prior to the session.
Location:
Caramba Restaurante
Time:
4:00—5:30pm
Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Please register in advance in RTP – Instructor Training
ADULT GROUPS:
Sat. Feb. 7
Fri. Feb. 13
WHISTLER KIDS:
SESSIONS
COMPLETED
PRIVATES:
Wed. Feb. 11
VOLUME 9: 6-Feb-2015
MEET YOUR BOOTFITTERS
FACE SHOTS
“DISNEY PARTY” PayDay Party at Moe
Joe’s on January 30th. Thanks to Reggie at Coast Mountain Photography for snapping up all the
pics. Check out the rest of the photos from the night here: www.smurfville.com.
Next party is Fri. Feb. 13 at Moe Joe’s.
VOLUME 9: 6-Feb-2015
AST LEVEL 1 COURSE
Avalanche Skills Training
They're finally here!
Head to the Springs to pay for your spot - these will fill up fast!
Shred members: $100
2015 AST Course Dates
February: 9-10, 12-13, 14-15, 21-22, 24-25, 28-March 1
March:2-3,4-5,7-8,11-12,14-15,21-22,28-29
April 4-5
DAY 1: 8:00am—meet at the front doors of The Cabin at Base II, Parking Lot 6, 11:00am—5:30pm, Field/Theory
DAY 2: 8:00am—5:30pm, Field/Wrap-up
This 2-day course is designed for skiers and snowboarders, looking to increase their
knowledge of winter backcountry travel. The course will combine indoor theory and
outdoor practical sessions regarding snow pack analysis, formation of avalanches,
route finding and the use of safety equipment, as well as the prerequisite knowledge
required for further avalanche training. In order to participate, an intermediate level
skiing or snowboarding is required. Certificate issued upon course completion.
Included:
Manual, certificate and handout information.
We have transceivers, probes, shovels and snow saws for use during course.
*Participants are responsible for lift access, touring gear, back pack, personal food and water.
Equipment Recommended for Theory / Field Days:
Notebook, pen, pencil, avalanche handbook (provided), lift pass, skis/snowboard, poles, touring equipment (alpine touring bindings/skins, split board or snowshoes/poles), backpack, outdoor winter clothing,
warm under layers, rite in rain note book, goggles, sunscreen, water, food.
Touring Equipment can be rented at The Escape Route: 604 938-3228 or Excess Backcountry 604-9053091. Discounted Shred rates available. (Must be on class roster). Skis & Skins - $45 (2-days) Transceiver,
Probe & Shovel - $25 (2-days) Transceiver only - $15 ( 2-days)
Questions: Please call the Safety Office at 604.938.7252.
[email protected]
VOLUME 9: 6-Feb-2015
2015 SS LENGTH OF SERVICE RECIPIENTS
5 years
Alexander Law
Alexander Robertson
Alistair Cray
Allan 'Jockey' Wilson
Anderson Goss
Andrea Watts
Andreann Lamoureux
Andrew Adams
Andrew Sainsbury
Court Larabee
Darren Barnes
Dennis Long
Emily Nicholas
Gabrielle Laurier
Garry Choo
James Carlton
Jean Sebastien Briere
Jesse Lieberthal
Jessica Janzen
John Phillips
Jun Yanagisawa
Katie Hall–Leah
Lauren Hetherington
Laurissa Stebeleski
Leroy Verboven
Lynn MacDonald
Michael Brunschwiler
Nick Copestake
Pepi Henry
Peter Maclean
Sean Murphy
Stephanie Moody
Terry Fielding
Tim Hailwood
Tony Xu
Yuko Ashida
10 years
Andrei Balint
Alix Browne-Munz
Arash Masbough
Brenton Leith
Brian Fuoco
Carol Balakshin
Charlton Naidu
Charlotte Uskoski
Claude Filion
Dan Roehlig
David Lo
Jamie Grant
Jeff Murl
Jeff Slack
Jill Dunnigan
Joe McAdoo
Jorge Ravenna
Justin Hartwell
Kaitlyn Waterman
Ko Homma
Laura Goodwin
Linda Brown
Max Issac
Menolly Lysne
Michael Messeguer
Miguel Dieguez Verdez
Nicholas Dalgliesh
Pat Harrold
Peter Smart
Radu Vulpe
Richard 'Dick' Nott
Sarah Prunier
Sharon Denny
Spero Moukas
Suzanne Bilodeau
Warren Williams
15 years
Alex Miyazaki
Anatoli Tchoukhlomine
Brigitte Briefer Brand
Brigitte Schonner
Dan Maki
Don Brett
Doug Short
Estelle Blank
Florin Moldovan
Heike Stippler
Jean Champoux
Jeff Topp
Kim McKnight
Lesley Parrott
Margie Berthoud
Michel 'Meesh' Berthoud
Miyuki Roy
Peter Weiland
Sara Bolton
Uli Brand
Yoshie Kii
Yuko Nonoyama
20 years
Andrew Tjelios
Bill Armatage
Brad Newell
Chris Rollett
David Hobson
Garret Gentle
Gary Keith
Helga Kargl
Ian Legris
Jane Hellyer
Mark Jones
Nadio Hachey
Robert Davis
Scott Robinson
Star of Peace Quinn
25 years
Don Guthrie
Donie Blunden
Joanne Younker
Ken Rezek
Linda McGaw
Michael Harkins
Siege Pflug
Tom Prochazka
30 years
Cameron Mackenzie
Otto Kamstra
35 years
Ken Lochhead
VALENTINE’S DAY CANDYGRAM FUNDRAISER—$2 each
GET YOUR CANDY GRAMS NOW BEFORE WE SELL OUT!
Thanks to Rocky Mountain Chocolate for their donation of chocolate hearts for the candy bags.
It is our 12th Anniversary Candy Gram Fundraiser and to date we have raised over $19,000 for local charity.
This is a great way for you to recognize your staff, boss or co-workers (or secretly tell someone you love
them). The heart shaped personalized (by you) card, with a yummy treat will be delivered to their workplace on Friday February 13th
Snow School Sales staff will be out and about selling the Candy Grams or feel free to stop by a Snow
School Sales location to purchase them. They are only $2 each so please buy lots! (Cash only please).
In the past we have donated to the Vancouver Children’s Hospital, usually in the name of local families in
need, and this year we plan to donate to a local family that were recently in a car accident and the mom and
one of the three children did not survive. The money will go to the Dad and the other two young children…
Thanks for your support, xoxo the Snow School Sales team
VOLUME 9: 6-Feb-2015
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2015
9
10
12
16
19
19
20
21
22
27/28
BC Family Day
SkiRad Session 4:15-5:15 @ Aava**
Seasonal & Volunteer Length of Service
US Presidents Day / AB & ON Family Day
Chinese New Year
KVRS—Blackcomb Mtn
Nutrition Session 4:15-5:15 @ Aava**
King of the Rail (Skiers Plaza, W. Base)
Peak to Valley Warm-up Race
2015 Peak to Valley
MARCH 2015
4
5
8
2015 McConkey Cup—Blk Mtn.
KVRS—Blackcomb Mtn
Daylight Savings BEGINS, turn clocks
AHEAD 1 hour
10
SkiRad session 4:15-5:15 @ Aava**
15
Park Rider Sessions—Blk Pipe
22-31 BC Schools Spring Break
20
First Day of Spring!
20-29 Alberta Spring Break
KOKANEE VALLEY RACE SERIES
Our next KVRS race will be GS, Thursday February 19th on Lower Franz, Whistler Mtn.
C’mon out—you can race against the Cigarette
Smoking Man from X-Files (Fo realz! That’s him,
far left in photo below) or give Marian Treger a
run for his money, who finished 1st on Jan. 29th
with a 9 second lead over 2nd place, also from
Snow School, Tom Francis—way to represent!!)
Only $25 to pre-register (be sure to mention
you are staff!) or $30 on race day. Skiers &
Snowboarders all welcome. Registration can
be made in person at any Guest Relations desk
or over the phone by calling 1-800-766-0449.
APRIL 2015
3
6
10
10-19
19
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Year-ender Bender @ GLC
World Ski & Snowboard Festival
Last day of Winter Operations
**HEALTH &
INJURY PREVENTION
SESSIONS @ AAVA
Sign up for these informative , indoor sessions in RTP.
Space is limited.
Attendance will be taken
at the session.
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