JANUARY 2022

First 2 WEEKS have been awesome...

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS - INFORMATION FOR INSTRUCTORS - TRAINING EVENTS

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE VASS


Our amazing VASS president, Anne, has found a contest that we can enter to hopefully win $100,000. It is run through MacKenzie Investments so it is reputable and not just a grab for emails.


All you need to do is hit the button above, search Grouse Mountain and then scroll down and hit the NOMINATION button. Fill in a name and email address. Done 


And you can vote once a day and help us get 10 points for every nomination. We are a little behind but I think with our VASS MAGIC powers and your support we can make a big move quickly.


I am committed to voting daily and to make this happen I have set a reminder in my phone everyday from now till March 8th…. That is when the first rally stage ends. Join me in the quest.


Thank you for your support. 


JAMES


ACTION UPLOADS



Did you know that you can add your photos to the VASS Action Uploads photo page on our website. Be apart of the growing collection of memories for the 2023 season. Click here to find the webpage on our site and upload.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION


I wanted to take this quick opportunity to thank you all for all the incredible effort I have seen already. Many program coordinators have been raving about the high quality of lessons and how safe everything seems.


I am happy to share a few ideas on skills you could be developing if you are not sure about what to teach when you are out on the hill.... and before moving from the learning area to more advanced terrain, like the CUT or Mystery chairlift.


Side Slipping

Hockey Stops

Little nature Jumps

Wedge to Parallel

Inside ski raises

Flat 360's

180 static hops

J Turns


If you don't know all of these drills, chat with your Program Coordinator or Program Trainer for some more info.


*** the 2 things that freak me out to see......


  • Sit ski continually being bucketed (thumbed) - if this is always needed you are likely not developing skills in the correct terrain.
  • people skiing beside students and holding their hands - use a pole it is way safer for everyone.

Keep up all of the amazing work and see you on the hill soon.


Best


James







TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES


SKIMP


FREE LESSONS FOR YOU...We are happy to bring back SKIMP sessions which are for both ski and snowboard improvement. You can find these training dates available on SNOWLINE and you must sign up if you are going to attend. Click here to find them on the calendar.


CADS 2 SKI PREP and EVALUATION


Anyone that has completed their CADS 1 Ski is welcome to attempt their CADS 2 Ski certification. There will be a training weekend FEB 25-26, ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT, where we will go through exactly what the expectation is to be successful in the evaluation, for VI, OUTRIGGERS, ASD/CI and SIT SKI. Then, on MAR 25-26, we will have the evaluation. The training is all completely free and the evaluation costs $50. Sign up for training and evaluation are on SNOWLINE.


If the above dates do not work for you but you are SUPER keen, give me a call and we can chat about other options. We may run a second evaluation and additional training if there is a need.


People always want to know how hard is it... with preparation, it is highly achievable. For your personal skills, you need to be able to sit ski Paradise and 3-Track down the Cut as well as be able to teach all of the other disciplines.



Why would you want to do this.... It is fun, it is rewarding, and you can help students achieve higher goals!


Also:

  1. It is the pathway to delivering a course
  2. you get other cool opportunities to go to conferences
  3. you can lead a program


AND.... you are helping make the mountains accessible for all.


CADS 3 PREP AND EVALUATION


If this is something you want to train for and attempt, please give me a call. Two individuals have already set their goals with me and we are looking for a few more to join the group. Once I know the group, we will set training around everyone's schedule. James @ 604 646 8277


CADS 2 SNOWBOARD PREP AND EVALUATION


As for a CADS 2 SNOWBOARD, I don't yet have one planned as there are only a few people in CANADA that can deliver this program. I am trying to get a date nailed down and will keep the snowboarders informed as I know more.


CADS 3 SNOWBOARD Does NOT exist yet....

Here are a few dates to be aware of. More details will be flowing through our newsletters in a few weeks.


VASS - A -THON FUNDRAISER FEB 27-MAR 5 - Details Coming this this week

INSTRUCTOR SEASON PARTY MAR 3

VASS SNOWFEST MARCH 11

All of our programs are in good shape for instructors except one.... we are looking a few skiers and/or snowboarders to join the SUNDAY afternoon ALL MOUNTAIN Blue Streak program. This is a really fun program with intermediate skiers and riders that want to explore the mountain in small groups. Lots of mileage and a little bit of learning.


Please call me if you can help out, even for just for a few of the sessions.

James 604 646 8277