I was at the orientation session for volunteers at Whistler Adaptive and we had the head of patrol talking to us about signs on the mountain and carrying safety equipment (particularly for back country skiing). I noticed none of our gang had a whistle … so I made a trek to MEC and got whistles for the gang.
There was some unfamiliar white stuff on the ground this morning. Yeah! Lula was not feeling well but was there to say hello. The six pack and I were out the door at 9:15. There was some struggles adding poles to the mix of equipment to carry but all good. I was planning to head up Red, but there was a lack of responsible adults. So… after a lesson on how to use pole straps correctly to grip poles, we headed down Expressway to warm up. At the beaver bench, I had kids share a pole with those who didn’t have any and with hands in front riding our bikes, we skied to the mid station gondola.
We talked about tree wells on the ride up and with a bit more snow, the kids pointed out potential hazards. Skis on at the Olympic rings, I helped those struggling with pole straps. Taping the clasp on straps will make a loop which will help threading little mitts to properly grip poles.
Regrouping at the Welcome Pole, we navigated our way into the Family Zone. With more open area we practiced side slipping and doing hockey stops (on both sides). We skied longer stretches before stopping, and I had those with poles hold them in an airplane stance dragging the tips on the snow.
Up Emerald, all were at the Whistler Kids “meet here” sign. Time for an extra run, we did the same route to Emerald. Good checking by all leading the class before taking off down the hill.
It was a blustery ride up… fingers crossed that winter is finally here. Regrouping at the light board, kids enjoyed climbing the banks on the road to Upper Whiskey jack. Kids worked on keeping shoulders square to the fall line when performing hockey stops and trying not to look at skis when side slipping. Getting better! Good skating by all across the flats to Orange Peel. We skied the middle third of Orange Peel non-stop to Pony Trail entrance. Skiing non-stop to the corner, I knew why the kids wanted to stay on the left side of the run… a wall to climb! I explained the “rules” about where we could do jumps and Pony Trail was not one of them.
Down for our 12:00 lunch in the Clubhouse, kids all had helmets, mitts and jackets in the laundry bag … except Evie and Everett who were playing in the snow…. Sheesh! Two full bowls of veggies, grilled cheese and jam sandwiches, sliced apples, bananas and cookies quickly disappeared. Swamp water for the day was OJ and apple juice.
Out and gear back on, up the gondola and Red… winter has definitely arrived!
We repeated the same run as this morning in the Family Zone. Kiel commented that things were getting a bit boring. I agreed with him, but the limited terrain was reinforcing the drills we were doing. Up Emerald, we climbed and dropped the bank from the Roundhouse to Upper Whiskey Jack. I pointed up to Roundhouse Roll and told the kids we’d hopefully be doing that one on our first day in the new year. We did more drills to the last pitch above the Chicpea. Evie looked a bit confused when I gave the team a well earned free ski to the restaurant: you’re on your own … pick a route and go!
In for Skittles, Amanda’s class joined us. All were keen to race the flats to Orange Peel. Soldis from Amanda’s class gave Kiel a good chase. Taven took both groups to the sign by the Tree Fort followed by another speedy run to Pony Trail. We skied the left side again (with no hits on the side… yeah!). I watched the kids on a series of rollers on Highway 86. Pretty good compression / extension! I talked Kiel into downloading with Amanda’s group (a Skittles bribe I owe you, Kiel). Back at base right on time: 2:45pm.
Lockie will be in Scotland by the time you’re reading this entry and my best wishes to you all for the holiday. We will be goal setting on our first week in January. My prime goal is not to get hurt! … :)
