Banff, 11-Week Snowboard Instructor Course ‘08

WEEK 7 NOW IN! - SCROLL DOWN.

WEEK 1

Monday 7th - All over the world 22 people woke up with the same thought… Today was the day.

From all over the UK, Aus, Chicago and even just down the road, NONSTOPpers made their way to The Voyager, our home for the next 11 weeks. Not bad really - sauna, ensuite, outdoor heated pool, hot tub and even its own liquor store.

After a bit of unpacking it was off to the Irish pub to meet and greet the rest of the clan. Whether 17 or 36; out for a jolly or a serious career qualification; the good, the bad and the ugly (only kidding, you are all beautiful), we were here because of one passion… SNOWBOARDING & SKIING!

Tuesday 8th - A Late breaky, a tech session at the snowboard shop and a snoop around town, (Adam’s group taking the scenic route), before some serious kit buying.

Evening entertainment started with dinner at the Bear’s Den in the company of non-other than the Mayor of Banff himself. Fed, watered and happy it was off to catch some zeds before the awaiting mountains next day.

Wednesday 9th - Early breakfast and bus in the dark, excitement levels buzzing. An awesome day for most, but not for all as Hannah’s sprained wrist was the first to go, closely followed by Mike and his elbow. The x-ray showed this was no small break but amazing to see how positive Mike stayed. A hard days riding, drinks at the pub and home to crash. Life is good.

Thursday 10th - Early rise again for the bus ride to Lake Louise. Marc and Brian’s groups ripped it up with much whooping and cheering through deep powder, sweet. We hit the rail park (biggest rainbow high for Craig and myself, oh yeah!) and 360’s flying all over the show, courtesy of Alex and Kieran. The most awesome 180 belonging to the ever awesome Craig!

Met up after the days riding for hot chocolates. Snoozy bus journey home before our first all in NONSTOP Social (skiers too). As a challenge, each boarder was given 2 skiers to find. Once they were found and presented to the trusty Tysen there was jug of beer to be had and shared. Having started at the Rose and Crown, the general move was to hit the town. Good times had by all.

Friday 11th - First day free riding. Majority hit Sunshine after much appreciated lie in. Easy day for everyone cruising around the park. Bumper sticker on the Tipi Town lift said ‘Let me ride your tipi and I’ll let you bump my Wawa’ - comedy value - only Sunshine people would get it.

Night skiing at Norquay was another popular choice but sadly, the list for an early return journey home keeps increasing, as Paul found out his Dad was not feeling too well. All sorry to hear this, all the best Paul from us on your return to Scotland.

Saturday 12th - First day fending for ourselves. Trips to Safeway kept most occupied, but others managed to hit the slopes. A bit of hot-tubbing, sauna-ing and outdoor swimming (on condition of at least 3 snow rolls before getting in the pool). Just a bit cold!

Saturday - always a big night out - $1.75 high balls at Mel’s and more drinks at the Devil’s Gap before a dance at Hoodoos (all put to shame by Aaron it must be said) Patrick was accused of stealing while searching for his hoody and kicked out by the bouncers - doh! Some of us were working (on the pull - ahem Junior!) but that’s what Saturday nights are for eh………..?!?

Sunday13th - Major easy day. Some made it up to Sunshine again. Good days riding, hitting steeps and cliff drops - peer pressure. Hot tub, roll in snow, few drinks, chill, the usual. NONSTOP life is just sooo good.

Miriam Bennett

WEEK 2

Dear Diary,

This week has been superb! The week started with some 12-15cm of fresh overnight. As a result I was lucky enough to see a quite spectacular avalanche triggered by the patrol and got to ride fresh tracks off of the Mystic chair.

Played poker Tuesday evening, Ash was heads-up against Mark, went all-in blind and won! Wednesday, rode at Lake Louise and ‘switched’ it up a lot! Chilled out and watched The Kingdom with loads of people, that film is cool beans.

Thursday, dinner was at the Elk & Oarsman with the skiers. Friday, avalanche safety training at the skiers lodge, was rather painful due to significant hangover. Saturday was Mark’s 19^th birthday and it snowed again - another 10-12cms.

Saturday and Sunday was the Banff Sunshine celebrity sports event. Basically lots of famous(ish) people from the movies and TV come to ski and get interviewed for resort TV.

Junior (Chris)

WEEK 3

Hi readers, I’m Aaron and this is my 3rd week with NONSTOP

Monday 21st- Today was clear, great for taking pictures. The evening held yoga for those interested - great laughs as some boarders went dressed in long johns.

Tuesday 22nd - Video analysis on the slopes started with a tech session on waxing and tuning our boards in the afternoon. Bryan the instructor let us use his wax and tools - great freebee!

Wednesday 23rd - More riding with the cam for some. In the evening we continued our NONSTOP poker tour, our 3rd round and I’m joint 3rd overall.

Thursday 24th - Our day to use the cam - great fun to analyse my riding, even though I stacked it hard. In the evening was our social night with the skiers. We met at a cool restaurant called Wild Bills.

Friday 25th - Started off great as Tysen hooked us all up with VIP tickets to the clubs Auroras and Hoodoos. It was the first of the one-on-one lessons - it helped me iron out the kinks in my riding.

Saturday 26th - It’s snowing! It was a great day! After learning a hell of a lot in first aid, it was Australia day, so we partied all afternoon with Alex (who’s obviously an Aussie).

Sunday 27th - It’s snowing again! The second part of first aid up at Sunshine was great fun.

Take care readers and I hope you join NONSTOP as it is a great experience!

Aaron Letts

WEEK 4 by Keiran Watt

MONDAY - TV weather reports  claimed temperatures were down to -45 ºC. Lessons   were called off and Sunshine Village was shut. Five brave warriors from amongst the NONSTOP ranks however ascended Mount Norquay to challenge whatever God could throw at them.

One run and a frostbitten face later we were back at the hotel regretting this decision. The rest of this day was to be spent chilling out… maxing, relaxing all cool and playing guitar hero.

In the evening we all headed up to the Sally Borden Centre for the long awaited volleyball tournament. 40 finely tuned elite athletes would compete for the ultimate goal. The standard was very high and we (Three Poms and a Convict Volleyball Club) could be sure that we were up against the best the world had to offer. Each match was a mental and physical battle; it therefore upsets me to inform you that after the dust had settled the best team did not win.

TUESDAY - Temperatures warmed up over night and Tuesday morning welcomed a tropical -29ºC. Lessons were back on and we returned to Mount Norquay in search of revenge. The very same mountain which had cost us so dearly the previous day was to feel our wrath.

WEDNESDAY - There was a rumour flying around the camp that Sunshine had just received 15 cm of fresh snow so I reserved a seat on the first lift and prepared myself for the day ahead. The powder did not disappoint and by the end of the day there was not a powder line on the mountain on which I hadn’t wiped out.

THURSDAY - Up at the Lake on Thursday and the pace was slowed down as the exams are rapidly approaching. The whole day was spent practising teaching along with a few cheeky laps through the park. After a good day riding it was time to hit the bar and dear Lordy we hit it hard.

FRIDAY - Today was laundry day for me, but many of the riders had private lessons up at Norquay. After my laundry it was time for the weekend I’d been waiting for all trip. We were going to Jasper and to get there we were to experience what is apparently one of the most stunning drives this planet has to offer.

SATURDAY - Jasper was pretty cool, some really nice tree runs and at the risk of sounding immature, some amusingly named areas, “Knob Bowl” and “Willy’s Run” to recall two but maybe you had to be there?! The day passed quickly because life was so good and before I knew it I had my Zinger Burger in my hand and was heading home.

SUNDAY - Very lazy day. Today was Super Bowl Sunday and I was uber psyched to watch the game without having to stay up till daft o’clock. Ten of us crowded the common room TV and prepared ourselves for what was to be one of the biggest let downs in the history of sport. Not many touchdowns, but we had a few sociable drinks and caught a bit of football in amongst the adverts. Happy times.

WEEK 5 by Nats

Monday

I woke up to my phone ringing… it was my dad, surprised to catch me in my room as late as 10:00am Great, forgot to set my alarm. Finally got to sunshine and met up with Mark and the gang for teaching practice for the level 1 exam which starts tomorrow.

Back at the hotel I waited eagerly for dinner - stir fry beef,– ate too much as usual. Then another game of the ‘NONSTOP Poker Tour’… Unusually I won the first three hands, however my luck soon ran out! Probably for the best as I wanted an early night, ready for the exam.

Tuesday

Feeling the nerves. I was slightly anxious about what to expect. Got the early bus then met our examiners. We did some riding around and went through teaching before lunch. In the afternoon we all met up for talks and a DVD, before receiving feedback from our examiner, Andrew - a sound guy (and an Arsenal supporter).

Back at the hotel it was a very tame night, after dinner everyone just went to revise and practice. It was an early night for all.

Wednesday

After waking early to get the 7:43 bus, sunshine was closed due to weather conditions. Everyone was a bit anxious. However, we got the second bus managed to get there for more practice teaching, and feedback. I tried to take everything onboard, ready for the big day tomorrow.

Back at the hotel we watched the CASI DVD then went over some notes and did a run through the teaching progression, before another early bedtime.

Thursday

Today was the final test day and though I nervous I was also eager to get it over and done with. The snow today was great and I also rode through lunch, as the powder was so sweet. All in all had quite a good day, the teaching and riding part went well. Then we all had to wait until our examiners were ready to let us know the outcome… We made use of this time with a snowball fight, NONSTOP against Snow Skool (another training company) and obviously we won! Anyway I passed… am very happy, and can’t stop smiling. The ride down was one of the best ever!

We went out for dinner at the Elk & Oarsman that evening. Food and drinks were flowing and it was a good vibe. Then a few went to Hoodoos early for 1$ high balls (bargain), had a little dance, some shots, more drinks and the rest is all a blur.

Friday

Ow… head hurts today. Just pigged out at the bar (6 meals for 4 people), then began the Lord of the Rings trilogy marathon. We watched all of them in one day and hardly moved… it was epic!

Found it hard get to sleep that evening, think I was just too excited about kicking horse tomorrow. It’s an early departure (6.30am) so time for some sleep.

Saturday

Alarm went off at 5:30am – ouch. Got on the bus and fell asleep. Got there and the lift queues were crazy, but after one run I knew what all the fuss was about – long, steep runs and great snow. Lunch was wicked too, at the Eagle Eye right on top of the mountain. The afternoon went really quick with some crazy/fun stuff.

Sunday

Picked up for Dog Sledding at 1.30, which took us somewhere in Canmore. Very exciting seeing all the beautiful husky dogs lined up, ready to take us on our sledge ride. I was even happier when I found out I would actually be controlling them. It was awesome, they listen to your commands and take you through some beautiful surroundings. After taking it in turns to drive and sit in the sledge we got back and sat round a fire with hot apple cider and cookies. I would definitely do this again it was well worth the credits - lots of fun!

Back home we went to Bumpers for some pool, drinks and a really good steak meal. Then back for another round of poker, this time for money… not much luck again.

Got back to my room and I was looking forward to lessons tomorrow, as it will be the start of the rest of the course, now that there are no more exams for me … it’s AMP (All Mountain Pro) all the way!

WEEK 6 by Pat & Joe

Monday, a sunshine pow day. Sick lines all day. A tree jibs Pat in the face leaving half a Chelsea smile.

Social night was retro 5 pin bowling. So good, funky UV lights and beach wear theme. Great tunes – thanks Kieran – everything from Boney M to Aqua!

NONSTOP dream team (Pat, Alex, Kieran & Nat) nearly won but were snaked last minute by the skier girls. Literally last minute, good tunes made up for it though.

Tuesday, new equipment day: Joe = New board and bindings, Pat = New board, Alex = New gaNgsta pants and Craig = New sick crowbars (goggles) $100, so sick! Park all day, with the lesson starting the whole group off on the large kicker.

By the afternoon we were doing 3’s off the large kicker – Pat does it first and wins the bet – Alex and Mark lose big time. Junior stacks it SWITCH!!! Racing in the afternoon and Rob beats Jay 3 times. Alex beats Pat in re-match – but he was on jib board, 7cm shorter and no magne-trac (lame excuse!)

Em appoints us to write the diary – Biggest mistake EVA! Poker night continues – big money game, Alex needs to win to have lunch on Thursday. Alex wins – we let him, obviously

Wednesday, 16 cm fresh at Lake Louise, SO GOOD! Groups changed up. Pat and Kieran make and sing new Barber shop song – Atomic Kitten cover “looking back on when we first met…”

Alex does back-flip 360’s, Pat does back-flip need we say more? Miriam also makes good effort on back-flip. Level of riding is now so much higher! Craig nails a cab 3!

Hannah unfortunately goes home for a week. Nice weather, 0° and sunny. Pat and Alex have lunch on poker winnings. Francesca arrives.

Thursday. Whole NONSTOP group together for Back-flip spot. Rob breaks his wrist! Junior is out of riding for 5 days. Heavy drinking night.

Friday, Hang overs all round. Laundry day followed by night riding or going out again, busy weekend; US, UK & Canada have holiday. Joe gives free lesson to 2 girls ;P
Saturday, More hang overs. Generally easy going day. Awesome slope style comp in Norquay. Chew arrives.

Sunday, Barclays suck and Joe spends most of day making phone calls and walking to and from the ATM machine! (Not very Happy!) Aaron, Kieran and Alex pub crawl Banff for the fourth night in a row.

WEEK 7 by Mark B

Sunny as anything this week. Monday at the Lake, football in the evening, I was the only goal scorer of the undefeated boarder team.

Tuesday @ Sunshine. Sun all day again, vents open, hats off, such a good feeling. 32 days straight on the snow so far. Poker night, I take the lead in the NPT (NONSTOP Poker Tour).

Wednesday @ Norquay. Hannah back from England, bearing gifts of Iran-bru, Haribo and an English paper. Pat and Weeksy did 3’s off of the medium kicker. Everyone starting to get goggle tans.

Thursday @ Sunshine. Johnny instructing today. Dinner in the rose and crown, Mels and Hoodoos for the night. Parties continued back at the Voyager.

Friday: Nick’s Birthday. Most off to Fernie for the weekend. I spent the day in the sun. Tunes, drinks, no shirts, no shoes, it was a good recovery day. Night boarding at Norquay, on the XL, always fun.

Saturday: Into the backcountry for some kicker building up on Wawa ridge. Sun-shining, tunes going, t-shirts on. Some good airs put down.

Sunday: Spent the day on Wawa ridge again building more kickers.

WEEK 9 by Hannah Horni

Monday - Boarding was pretty relaxed as it was Ash’s birthday the night before so those who made it up were feeling pretty worse for wear. Many had favoured the 25cent beers on Sunday at Aurora (and the peak leader girls)!

Tuesday - “Boolanger”!!  Another funny night at the Canmore Eagles hockey match. This time NONSTOP’s banter was aimed at the Old Grizzly fans.

Wednesday - Another one bites the dust! Poor Miriam.  Miriam decided to give the boys a run for their money and try a 3 off the medium kicker.  She broke her nose and both bones in her arm…. a good effort! Rob on the other hand has come out of surgery and is on the mend.

Thursday - Meal out at Wild Bills. A quiet night for a change and for once, no gossip to report!

Friday The long awaited Calgary hockey match night! Got on the bus at 4pm and the drinking began… The evening really livened up in the Tantric (night club) it turns out it was a gay night; men in leather, women in basques… you name it was being worn…. or rather not being worn!

Sunday - Happy Birthday Pat! Backcountry kicker building day for some, chilling and shopping for others! Well done to all the boys who passed park and carving exams this week! 100% pass rate!