Team Bonding
The two groups are getting to know each other well now after the staggered start to the course because of delays due to weather issues out of our control.
They have been bonding not just through skiing and snowboarding together, but over the weekend enjoying a partying mood, and ... haircut exchanges... a sign of true friendship developing! We also of course enjoyed our Sunday evening group meal, setting us up to dive into week two of the course.
New instructors and new perspectives
... kept the group on their toes this week. Here is the instructors' feedback from the week:
Skiers
All the skiers are very motivated and have made great improvements. Almost everyone is already at L1 standard, so we are looking forward to a very successful exam next week.
Boarders
Everyone is having a great time. The instructors really think about what each individual needs. A case in point being Coby who went to public lessons for two days, is now back in the group lessons and has absolutely blown his instructors' minds with how far he has come. The technique is great, confidence is up, and he is loving it! His motivation is through the roof, even going to the gym after group meals.
Overall the boarders have made some major improvements in their first week. They are in fact like new boarders and almost at Level1 standard now. Just about perfecting in time for the upcoming exams next week. Two steps back three steps forward - unlearn and relearn.And fast.
The boarders have also established a great collaborative learning style, quizzing themselves on lifts and asking great questions, celebrating even the smallest wins.
A few more diary notes from this week ...
On Monday it was KJ's turn for adventure running into a tree needing to be dug out by her instructor. We knew that would happen some time! We are learning about tree wells - and importantly how to stay safe around them ...That evening some of us headed to Raven for pizzas, drinks, pool and banter. Well earned post ski and tree adventure apres ...
Tuesday was a 'rest' day from classes. Some took the shopping shuttle into Kelowna to get supplies, others eager not to miss any snowtime headed out to ski and explore the mountain some more.
After a beautiful Thursday morning on the mountain, and a less beautiful afternoon due to visibility the evening was filled with open mic night fun at Snowshoe Sam's.
Overall
We have had a great week on and off the mountain. The weather has been kinder to us, our snow base having increased by 30cm, allowing for some great powder days. The groups are really getting into their teaching down in Happy Valley's magic carpet, gearing up for those exams coming up soon.
I'll bring you news of those and more soon.
Bye for now
Clare
