Fernie 11 Week Instructor Course 16/17 - Week 11

The last official week on our 11 week instructor course in Fernie, and it didn’t disappoint. The gang were kept busy with their Level 2 exams, some big celebrations (obviously!), and the Nonstop Hot Dog Day, where many brightly coloured 80s onsies were worn with pride and swagger. Thanks for keeping us in the loop this season Heather. Here’s her final piece.

This week started with the second half of our CASI Level 2 evaluations, with more riding and teaching feedback and assessment. The instructors/evaluators are always very open and approachable with their advice. Although we’re all anxious, they make an effort to keep it fun and as stress free as they can, so we can ride at our best.

Everyone was pushing themselves to reach that Level 2 standard and it was great to see. When it was all over, we enjoyed one of the best runs down back to the base. We were all happy to be at the end of the exam and that positivity and good feeling was evident in everyone’s riding and attitudes. I thought to myself, even I don’t get the Level 2 certification, I’m really happy with where my riding is at, it’s been a fantastic last run and I’m glad I stuck it out and didn’t quit after some tough moments!

We met up afterwards in the day lodge for our results. Unlike the unanimous success of the Level 1 results reveal, this time around was more formal, and we were each handed an envelope. To my genuine, utter amazement, mine contained my results sheet, along with a certificate and a badge. Cue shock, elation, relief and mild puzzlement. “Are you sure!??”, were the first words I spoke to Clarence at my final feedback session, apparently so — I’m a Level 2 instructor! Beer did flow. The exhaustion, physically and mentally, of those four days was evident when I ended up falling asleep around 8pm that night, missing all the celebrations that were happening. It was the best sleep I’d had in ages though!

After a much needed rest day on Wednesday, those of us who had completed our Level 2 headed up into Cedar bowl on Thursday morning ‘for a rip’. We slipped down into Cedar Ridge to discover some awesome powder to play in. After a few more hits in Lizard Bowl after lunch, we finished the day in the park on the rails, boxes and jumps.

Friday was all about neon on Nonstop Hot Dog Day (official Hot Dog day is next week). Everybody got together wearing their 80’s snow threads at the far side of Falling Star for an epic alpine picnic in the sunshine. It was such a nice atmosphere and a terrific end to the season for those leaving at the end of the 11 weeks. That afternoon everybody got super ‘sendy’ on a Lizard hit lap as they all flew, trying to do the best cheesy, 80’s ‘tourist’ method!

In such contrasting style to the day before, Saturday was emotionally difficult as we had to say goodbye to some of our friends, who’s 11 weeks had come to a close. Some were heading home, some onto other destinations, a few close friends were heading up to Banff to take part Nonstop’s 1 week freestyle course. I think the fact that we get so upset over having to say goodbye to people we’ve only known for just three months is a testament to how these sports, especially snowboarding, can bring people together to form deep connections and friendships that will last for seasons to come.

Deciding to do this course has certainly been the best thing I’ve ever done. Not only have my snowboarding skills improved to a level I never thought possible, I’ve also had a change in the way I think and how I approach things. It’s made me more confident, more open, and less concerned about trivial matters. It’s prompted me to think about where and how I should live; it’s a multifaceted mind-changing adventure! Most importantly, I’ve made some of the most amazing friends from all over the world, this is what I’m most grateful for. I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied with the week long European package deal ever again, it’s seasons or bust now, in Canada of course! Fernie has been so welcoming and a wonderful, easy place to live in, due in no small part the warm, friendly people who will always acknowledge you in the street. I could quite easily carry on living here. It’s not a case of if I’ll be back, it’s when. Here’s to a truly epic season, and the best adventure!

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