Mt. Seymour Program Director, Peter Krasula Dies at 42

It’s with absolute heavy hearts that we share the news of the tragic and unexpected passing of Peter Krasula. Peter was the program director at the Mt. Seymour Ski Club for many years and in his time, became a wonderful coach and mentor to many kids, coaches and families within our ski racing community. Peter was known for his kindness, incredible energy, wonderful sense of humour and unconditional love for the outdoors.

On March 8, 2023, Peter was out skiing with a friend on Blackcomb when his heart stopped suddenly beating. Peter leaves behind his two young kids and wife. If you would like to support Peter’s family, there is a Go Fund Me set up to help through these tough times.

Please click below to donate and the date of the celebration of life will be announced soon.

Go Fund Me for Peter’s family

Whistler NorAm Finals – March 21 – 28th – See the best of the best

Come out for a front row seat the watch some of North America’s best alpine ski racers, including Whistler Mountain Ski Club’s alumni now on the BC and Canadian ski teams.

We are still in need of volunteers most days and especially Monday, March 27th and Tuesday, March 28th (hand timers, assistant starters, bib collectors, slip crew, course crew). If off-hill opportunities are your thing, we have lots of space in race office and still looking for volunteers for the daily “weasel den” social. There will be plenty of social time (daily!), a little bit of swag, daily bag lunch and volunteer tickets for those that need.

Event Schedule:
• Tuesday March 21 – Downhill Training
• Wednesday March 22 – Downhill Training
• Thursday March 23 – DH Race
• Friday March 24 – DH Race
• Saturday March 25 -SG Race
• Sunday March 26 – SG Race
• Monday March 27 – GS Race
• Tuesday March 28 – SL Race

Please email whistlernorams@wmsc.info today to get involved and let’s give these athletes the best race series possible!

B-Net Set up Call out – Saturday, March 11 @ 9:30am

Our Training Center needs help to re-set some B-nets and prep the track for the upcoming NorAm finals event.

To join in the activities, please meet Dale tomorrow, 9:30am at the Garbo Hut.

Whistler Cup – Volunteer info session recap

Last Wednesday, we hosted a virtual information and inspiration session to get us geared up for the 30th Whistler Cup, happening April 12th to 16th. For those who couldn’t attend, please see the first video link below to get caught up on what you missed and how to get involved. For inspiration, please see the second link with a 2018 message from Mikaela Shiffrin about the event.

• Whistler Cup Zoom session
• Shiffrin video

Race Recap Report

With all of our teams traveling across the province, country and beyond, we’d like to take a moment to highlight some major events.
• FIS Parsons Race Series – Our home FIS series, the 43rd annual Parsons speed event was a big success thanks in large part to an outstanding core group of volunteers who braved the frigid temperatures. The cold weather made for a hard surface and some exciting action with a handful of our athletes taking podium positions and the Parsons overall title. A big big thank you to all the volunteers and coaches who helped make this event a success. Next up for the FIS team is the Senior National Championships in Kimberley, BC.
• U16 Canada Games & Westerns – The Whistler Mountain Ski Club had four U16 athletes travel to the Atlantic provinces to compete in the 2023 Canada Games. With some amazing top 10 and top 15 performances by all, it was sure an impactful trip in their young ski racing careers. Those not at Canada Games competed in the U16 Western championships in Red Mountain and they found some speed, reaching all steps of the podium and some big courageous results, attacking from the back of the pack.
• U14 Provincial & BC Games – The U14 team is gearing up for the fun and exciting part of their season with nine kids heading to Vernon for the year delayed BC Games and right after the whole team will be in Revelstoke competing in the Provincial Championships.
• U12 Nancy Greene Festival – Always an enjoyable time of the year, the U12s will be off to Sun Peaks for the annual festival where they’ll get to put their skills to the test in a fun and actioned packed few days of skiing and healthy competition.
• Masters National Championships & Over The Hill downhill – In February, a few of our Master’s athletes competed in the iconic Silver Star downhill event and then we had one represent the Club at the National Championships in Kimberley. It’s inspiring to see the athletes embody the ultimate goal, Skiers for life!
To all our competitors, let’s cheer them on and again, a major thank you to our coaches and volunteers who bring these events to life and provide the opportunity to race.

Hello U12!

I will be away to help with the Big White Ski Cross this weekend leaving Charlotte in charge of training. The plan is to continue with drill courses working on technical fundamentals and a free ski day on Sunday.

Each week we have a Team Value that we focus on, this week is Independency. With some guidance, please challenge your kids to pack back packs, tune skis, make lunch, set alarms etc. Coaches will also be challenging kids on hill through giving them time management challenges, letting kids take lead in some on hill decision making (with guidance) and more.

Things of note:
Tyee Cup: Medals for the Tyee Cup will be given out at Sun Peaks. They are looking to possibly reschedule the canceled day to early April, I will keep everyone updated on this once I hear anything more. If they do not reschedule, you will get a refund for the lift tickets, and we expect a refund for the entry fee for Sundays cancelled race.
Sun Peaks Nancy Greene Festival: Deadline for registration is March 08, TODAY! not as shown online for Mar 17. So far, we have 40 out of 44 registered. The festival events are Friday and Saturday, we recommend travelling Thursday and Sunday. This means we will not have training for U12 on Sunday March 26th. Please sign up through the link below.
https://www.wmsc.info/clubs/6388/pages/178018
Sun Peaks Volunteering: Click below to find out information https://alpinecalendar.ca/eventFiles/other/895/Additional%20Volunteer%20Info.pdf
Extra Days: Deadline to book extra days is the last Tuesday prior to the week of training. Please see the link below for information and booking extra training days.
https://teampages.com/clubs/6388/pages/181905
Gymnastics registrations Page: See the upcoming gymnastics sessions using the link below. Next session is April 01. Registration is open and for now we can only allow a maximum of 18 participants.
https://teampages.com/clubs/6388/pages/185979

Meeting Locations and Times
Friday, 10/03/2023 – Giant Slalom Training
Meeting: 09:00am Chic Pea
Equipment: Slalom Ski’s
Finish: 14:00 Chic Pea

Saturday, Friday, 11/03/2023 – Slalom Training
Meeting: 09:00am Chic Pea
Equipment: Slalom Ski’s
Finish: 14:00 Chic Pea

Sunday, 12/03/2023 – Free Ski! (Planning to hike Flute!)
Meeting: 09:00am Chic Pea
Equipment: Free ski ski’s or Slalom.
Finish: 14:30 Chic Pea
If any plans change last minute, I will update on WhatsApp

Extra Training Days(For Core Program)
Deadline to book extra days is the last Tuesday prior to the week of training. Please see the link below for information and booking extra training days.
https://teampages.com/clubs/6388/pages/181905

Key Dates and Events
Nancy Greene Skills Event- Mar 24-25, Registration Closing March 08. Click below https://www.wmsc.info/clubs/6388/pages/178018
Ski Up Day: April 8th. This will be for kids looking to join the club next winter, this is not for kids already registered in U12. Registration to open late March.
All registrations for races may be found on https://teampages.com/clubs/6388/pages/178018

Team Video
We use Sprongo as part of our video review for kids. To Join Sprongo:
Go to www.sprongo.com
Create an account
Join: “whistler mountain ski club wmsc” Please only one account per family join as we have a limit on accounts with the team.
You will then find videos from during the season in playlists starting with U12. We have 1 playlist so far.

Calendar
Click on the link below for the U12 Teampages calendar.
https://teampages.com/teams/1998742-U12-Programs-skiing-team-website/events

Equipment Checklist
Please label all equipment and ensure bindings and boots are fitted correctly. If you are unsure on bindings let the coach know and we can check them on hill.
U12 Equipment Checklist
• Correct Ski’s, Boots and Poles
• Lift Pass
• Pack Lunch
• Hard eared helmet
• Backpack
• Back protection (recommended)
• Gloves (warm, dry, and possibly padded is a good option) Spare gloves are always a good idea
• Ski socks (extras on a cold day)
• Facemask
• Water bottle and/or thermos
• Snacks
• Warm thermal layers and face covering
• Warm, water resistant outerwear
• Inner layers like soft shell or puffy jacket

Thanks for reading!
Jack Evans
WMSC U12 & Masters – Lead Coach
Jack@wmsc.info
+1 (604) 203-4429

Whistler Cup Virtual Inspo & Info Night | March 8, 7:30 pm

Come one, come all and join online for our virtual Whistler Cup inspiration and information session. In 30 minutes, you’ll learn about the history of the event, the impact it’s had and how you can get involved at this year’s Whistler Cup!

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On Wednesday, March 8 at 7:30pm, click the link below to hear from members of the Organizing Committee, athletes and our Volunteer Coordinators to find out how you can be one of the 400+ volunteers that help make this a magical event!

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The Whistler Cup has a long track record of showcasing future stars and many of Canada’s biggest World Cup and Olympic alpine and ski-cross stars have also graced the event over the years, experiencing international competition for the first time on their journey toward success in life and sport!

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Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84738174242?pwd=UXZHYkV4UjdmMlNQQUF5Z0o4KzBUdz09

Meeting ID: 847 3817 4242

Passcode: 850852

BC Alpine Après with the Champs | March 23rd

BC has a successful history of developing champions! Come Après With the Champs in Whistler during the Nor-Am finals in a unique collaboration between Whistler Mountain Ski Club, BC Alpine and Alpine Canada Alpine. All proceeds from the casual and fun party will support BC ski racers.
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Après With the Champs – Purchase Tickets here

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Cost: $100 per ticket

Where: Whistler – Après Après Nightclub

When: March 23, 6pm onward

Entertainment: The Hairfarmers

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WB Foundation Whistler Classic Gala | March 4th

If you haven’t already, here’s your chance to get your ticket for tomorrow night’s big event!

The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation are big supporters of the WMSC along with so many other non for profit organizations, charities, health care facilities and much more in the Sea to Sky corridor. If you’re ready for the best event of the season and feel inspired to support, get your ticket for tomorrow night’s event.

Click here for tickets

Mackenzie Top Peak Contest | Up to $100,000 grant

We are on the top 11 – Let’s go team!! help us get to the top 10 by March 8th

“Mackenzie Investments is searching for Canada’s Top Peak – the one ski club that is a little bit more invested in the people, the place and the sport you love.”

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Ways to help get to the top 10

Vote vote vote
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You can vote/nominate once every 24 hours
You just need name and email, you don’t need to be 18 years or older
https://mackenzietoppeak.ca/teams/whistlerblackcomb
Challenge and earn us even more points (100 points)

Complete challenges and post videos on Instagram. Challenges postings must include the following in the caption:
Identify the challenge ( i.e. Ski limbo, or ski jumping jacks, or ski conga line)
peaks hashtag #TopPeakwhistlerblackcomb
Sponsor hashtag #Mackenzie TopPeak
Instagram account must be set to PUBLIC

Whistler Cup Virtual Social | March 8, 7:30 pm

With a little over 40 days until the kick-off of the 30th Annual O2e Brands Whistler Cup, the Race Organizing Committee has been hard at work planning for this internationally recognized event. There are over 400 U14 and U16 athletes expected from over 20 countries and we intend to make the event as spectacular as ever.

To ensure that we can support both on hill and off hill activities, we need over 400 volunteers for the entire week to support the various activities and races. We are inviting you to join us for a virtual social on Wednesday, March 8 at 7:30pm to hear from members of the Organizing Committee, athletes and our Volunteer Coordinators to learn more about this important event and how you can support it. Our goal is to keep the evening to 30 minutes, so consider it a little like speed networking.

The Whistler Cup has a long track record of showcasing future stars and many of Canada’s biggest World Cup and Olympic alpine and ski-cross stars have also graced the event over the years, experiencing international competition for the first time on their journey toward success in life and sport!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84738174242?pwd=UXZHYkV4UjdmMlNQQUF5Z0o4KzBUdz09
Meeting ID: 847 3817 4242
Passcode: 850852

Mackenzie Top Peak Contest | Up to $100,000 grant | deadline March 8th

We are on the top 11 – Let’s go team!! help us get to the top 10 by March 8th

“Mackenzie Investments is searching for Canada’s Top Peak – the one ski club that is a little bit more invested in the people, the place and the sport you love.”

Even if Olivier entered us into the contest for a t-bar, we would invest the prize in Alpine Equipment and gear for our on-hill training.

This is also an opportunity for us to highlight our amazing and inspiring WMSC program.

Ways to help get to the top 10

Vote vote vote
• You can vote/nominate once every 24 hours
• You just need name and email, you don’t need to be 18 years or older
• https://mackenzietoppeak.ca/teams/whistlerblackcomb
Challenge and earn us even more points (100 points)
• Complete challenges and post videos on Instagram. Challenges postings must include the following in the caption:
• Identify the challenge ( i.e. Ski limbo, or ski jumping jacks, or ski conga line)
• peaks hashtag #TopPeakwhistlerblackcomb
• Sponsor hashtag #Mackenzie TopPeak
• Instagram account must be set to PUBLIC

WMSC hosting NorAm Finals – Calling all WMSC parents! Course Prep March 16-19, Race Series March 21-28

The WMSC will be hosting the NorAm Finals in just a few short weeks! We need all hands on deck to provide the best race series possible! We will be hosting the top racers from North America, and some will be racing for World Cup spots for next season. Let’s provide these racers with the best race on the circuit. Let’s show them how the WMSC puts on a show!

Thank you for those of you that have already signed up – you may have already heard from Abbie at NorAms@wmsc.info. If you haven’t heard anything yet – give her a little nudge with your availability. There have been some momentary technical glitches! Computers!

The famous Whistler Weasel Workers are coming out in force and want to take this opportunity to mentor Whistler Mountain Ski Club parents. We are looking to all of you to come out for course prep days (March 16-19) and race days (March 21-28).

Race Schedule

• Thursday March 16 – Sunday March 19 – Course Prep
• Tuesday March 21 – DH train
• Wednesday March 22 – DH train
• Thursday March 23 – DH Race
• Friday March 24 – DH Race
• Saturday March 25 – SG Race
• Sunday March 26 – SG Race
• Monday March 27 – GS Race
• Tuesday March 28 – SL Race
Note: Course prep Thursday March 16 – Sunday March 19.

Similar to all races we can always use more support. Let’s get everyone out to lend a hand. In addition, there will be plenty of social time plus a bit of swag.

The WMSC will host a “Weasel Den” every day at the club from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Beer and snacks for all!

There will also be two bigger vollie socials:
o Saturday March 18th for the set-up crew
o Sunday March 26th between the Speed and Tech events.
We are also looking for volunteers to help with the “Weasel Den”, race office and other off-hill activities. We will find something for everyone. And you get a chance to watch some of North Americas best FIS racers.

Sign-Up Today: NorAMs@wmsc.info today or go to https://alpinepoints.ca/volunteer/4375/

Hello U12!

Moving forward we plan to switch our focus from race prep to technical, we will not be setting tall slalom gates this weekend and will be setting a variety technical drill courses and some fun head-to-head duals.

Things of note:
Tyee Cup: Medals for the Tyee Cup will be posted, i will keep those that need to know updated on this. You will get a refund for the lift tickets and we expect a refund for the entry fee for Sundays cancelled race. I am waiting for confirmation from Grouse on when this will be, you should expect your refund in the next 3-4 weeks.
Sun Peaks Nancy Greene Festival: Registration is now open, the deadline for registration is March 08 (not as it shows online for Mar 17). The festival events are Friday and Saturday, we recommend travelling Thursday and Sunday. This means we will not have training for U12 on Sunday March 26th. We expect 95%-100% of kids to attend this event. You may see the attached trip sheet for additional information on the event and budgeting. Please sign up through the link below.
https://www.wmsc.info/clubs/6388/pages/178018
Sun Peaks Race Notice: https://alpinecalendar.ca/eventFiles/raceNotices/4446.pdf
Sun Peaks Volunteering: Click below to find out information
https://alpinecalendar.ca/eventFiles/other/895/Additional%20Volunteer%20Info.pdf
Extra Days: Deadline to book extra days is the last Tuesday prior to the week of training. Please see the link below for information and booking extra training days.
https://teampages.com/clubs/6388/pages/181905
Gymnastics registrations Page: See the upcoming gymnastics sessions using the link below. Next session is March 04. Registration is open and for now we can only allow a maximum of 18 participants.
https://teampages.com/clubs/6388/pages/185979
WMSC Office – Blanca: Blanca will be away from the office for the next two weeks.

Meeting Locations and Times
Friday, 03/03/2023 – Slalom Training
Meeting: 09:00am Chic Pea
Equipment: Slalom Ski’s
Finish: 14:00 Chic Pea

Saturday, Friday, 04/03/2023 – Slalom Training
Meeting: 09:00am Chic Pea
Equipment: Slalom Ski’s
Finish: 14:00 Chic Pea
Gymnastics: 17:00-18:00 at Whistler Gymnastics Club, Cheakamus (must have registered)

Sunday, 05/03/2023 – Giant Slalom Training
Meeting: 09:00am Chic Pea
Equipment: GS Ski’s
Finish: 14:00 Chic Pea
If any plans change last minute, I will update on WhatsApp

Extra Training Days(For Core Program)
Deadline to book extra days is the last Tuesday prior to the week of training. Please see the link below for information and booking extra training days.
https://teampages.com/clubs/6388/pages/181905

Key Dates and Events
Nancy Greene Skills Event- Mar 24-25, Registration Open. Click below https://www.wmsc.info/clubs/6388/pages/178018
All registrations for races may be found on https://teampages.com/clubs/6388/pages/178018

Team Video
We use Sprongo as part of our video review for kids. To Join Sprongo:
Go to www.sprongo.com
Create an account
Join: “whistler mountain ski club wmsc” Please only one account per family join as we have a limit on accounts with the team.
You will then find videos from during the season in playlists starting with U12. We have 1 playlist so far.

Calendar
Click on the link below for the U12 Teampages calendar.
https://teampages.com/teams/1998742-U12-Programs-skiing-team-website/events

Equipment Checklist
Please label all equipment and ensure bindings and boots are fitted correctly. If you are unsure on bindings let the coach know and we can check them on hill.
U12 Equipment Checklist
• Correct Ski’s, Boots and Poles
• Lift Pass
• Pack Lunch
• Hard eared helmet
• Backpack
• Back protection (recommended)
• Gloves (warm, dry, and possibly padded is a good option) Spare gloves are always a good idea
• Ski socks (extras on a cold day)
• Facemask
• Water bottle and/or thermos
• Snacks
• Warm thermal layers and face covering
• Warm, water resistant outerwear
• Inner layers like soft shell or puffy jacket

Thanks for reading!
Jack Evans
WMSC U12 & Masters – Lead Coach
Jack@wmsc.info
+1 (604) 203-4429