This season, Whistler Blackcomb launched a documentary series looking at the big picture questions facing the snow sports industry. Extremely Canadian is addressing two of those questions with their Big Mountain Awareness Camps for Youth.
As the line between nature and technology blurs, how can we make sure that our children (and all of us) get the chance to unplug and get outside? And, backcountry skiing is the fastest growing segment of the snowsports industry, but are people ready to accept their responsibilities when they step beyond the boundary? Ski resorts are at the front lines of backcountry access and play a vital role in backcountry safety through education and awareness.
Enter Extremely Canadian’s progressive Big Mountain Awareness Camps, aimed at tapping into a healthy headspace for 13-18 year old advanced intermediate to expert skiers and riders. Set in the world-class terrain of Whistler Blackcomb, the creative new camps will arm students with the knowledge, understanding, and attitudes to make good, safe decisions within ski area boundaries.
“The Extremely Canadian team is psyched to contribute our 20+ years of big mountain experience to such a worthy project,” says owner and head coach Peter Smart. “I believe it is essential for this generation to have access to the tools and knowledge necessary to keep them safe.”
To that effect, the new program’s objective is to enhance awareness of hazards and provide tools to help young skiers and boarders effectively deal with many of the unforeseen challenges of such a large and diverse mountain resort. But we’re not talking about lectures and fire drills. True to Extremely Canadian’s cult-classic style, these lessons will fuel campers’ stoke and get them to better skiing and riding. By being more aware of the scope of challenges they may encounter, young adventurers will be able to maximise fun and minimise the consequences.
For more information about the camps, see attached press release or visit: https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/snow-school/big-mountain-awareness-camps.
See more from the Big Picture documentary series at:
https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/pwdr-stash/features/the-big-picture/part-2.
https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/pwdr-stash/features/the-big-picture/part-3.
