Report from our ski clinic organizer, Glenn K.
Well, Mother Nature finally relented just enough to let 30 or so of us to get on with the previously postponed clinic. Trail conditions were very good. Mind you, coverage is thin, but that will only matter if it rains.
Despite the usual bit of chaos in the rather small center, all participants managed to get signed up and make it up to the Bellevue chalet where the instructors were introduced. The appropriate groups were assembled and off we went. Matthew (advanced) immediately brought his group to the top of the first hill to work on… going downhill. Talk about baptism by fire. Fortunately all survived, although I did witness a few spills. He quickly pointed out a few flaws in our technique. Funny how many of us missed something we had been told minutes earlier. I guess that’s what’s called a habit! Oh well, points to ponder and practice.
Meanwhile back on the other side Gilles (intermediate) and Sylvia (beginner) took their gatherings through various drills. I spent a little time with the beginners as Sylvia had them work on balance without their poles. They didn’t seem too happy when I mentioned to a few that poles were nothing but a crutch! I quickly snapped a few pictures, and grabbed my crutches and sped off. I was also quite happy that no one remembered that poles make excellent spears!
Over at the intermediate group, I watched as Gilles had his troops practice the dreaded kick double pole. Ugh. When I returned to the advanced group, Matthew was doing the same. Double ugh. Good time to take more pictures . A few more exercises and before we knew it two hours had passed. A quick lesson on skate skiing and off we went.
As I headed off with Monique working on my newly acquired skating technique we passed Gilles. Hop he shouted, hop! (Apparently, it’s good practice to “hop” on the gliding ski when skating, something Matthew had also mentioned). We stopped as he proceeded to show us the flying squirrel pose. Nothing like a little extra help. And off I went leaping to the left and right (probably looking like someone with a neurological disorder)!
Many thanks to all participants and to Mathieu, Gilles and Sylvia and also to Sylvie the coordinator for an excellent clinic. Now it up to us to practice our newly acquired skills!
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