RED 11 Week Instructor Course 16/17 - Week 4

With the Rossland Winter Carnival over, the focus has turned back to the mountain. It’s been a busy week in lessons getting the guys ready for their upcoming CSIA and CASI instructor assessments, with the week being capped off with their Avalance Safety Training course.

Week 4 started with the tail end of the Rossland Winter Carnival. If Rossland isn't known for its nightlife, it definitely would be if every weekend was like that. We had an ice bar, fully loaded real ice and a live band outside. The community centre was transformed into one of many night cubs dropping some big beats. An incredible party atmosphere, the whole town came to life. 

There was some competition with 44 teams racing in homemade sleighs through the steep streets. Myself and other Nonstoppers helped to setup the race with fencing around the finish line. The race itself is more than a mile long and they pick up some serious speed. Inevitably, one of them crashed and an ambulance was called to remove the casualties so that the race could be continued. This tells you something about how things work in this town; tradition and freedom can sometimes trump safety, so be vigilant especially on carnival weekend when this go a bit crazy!

Blue bird conditions greeted us on Monday, super clear skies, beautiful vistas and a pleasant warmth from the sun in the cold –12 weather. We focused on our all mountain riding, CASI instructor standards in mind to get us shredding like instructors. As usual, at the end of the day we met in the buzzing Rafters bar. I like to drink hot chocolate, the others like to drink beer but they are crazy!

Tuesday focussed on our teaching skills. We practice our teaching on other members of the group. At the end of the day it was my turn, I made some mistakes but learnt a lot. Best to make the mistakes early on, learn and improve.

In the evening it was time for yoga at the Madhu Collective. A great way to stretch unwind and indulge the mind. I was so tired from my day on the hill during the mediation relaxation phase I fell asleep... must’ve needed it!

We continued to practice our teaching and CASI riding on Wednesday and Thursday. I got my mojo back and delivered my lessons much better.   

The weekend. It was time for the Avalanche Safety Training Level 1 course. This qualification is a must for anyone wanting to explore the backcountry a bit more! The danger is real and the consequences can be fatal, so the right training is essential. We now have a much greater understanding of avalanche safety, having learned about snow pack stability and testing it, reading the bulletins from ski patrol and using our transceivers in an emergency.

The friendships within our group are fantastic. We have all formed close bonds with each other and it just makes the experience even better. I've been thrilled to write this week’s blog. I have learned a new word to describe my time in Rossland so far and that is… ‘EPIC!’.

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