Podium of Life Ski Academy starts Monday on Mount Washington whether the lifts are running or not.
"We are very excited to be starting our fourth year in helping students realize their dreams," says Shane Harle, co-founder of the school. "It is very rewarding to run a program where students are excited to be there."
Podium of Life Ski Academy has 17 students registered from Grades 5 to 11 this season, and all of the students from last season have returned. The students come from all over the Island to go to school on Mount Washington, and one has moved from Calgary.
Of the 17 students, it is balanced quite evenly with approximately one third from each of freestyle, racing, and all mountain. Some students have the dream of winning an Olympic medal, while others simply want to become an all-round skier.
The academy holds classes in the morning in the school building at the bottom of the Hawk, where students are focused on math, social, English, and science. The afternoons are spent outside, where the main focus is skiing, however a variety of other activities are offered to the students; hikes, environmental studies, physical training, yoga, art, snow building, experiments, etc.
"It looks like it will be an amazing year working with some amazing kids. Bring on the snow," Harle said.
– Podium of Life Ski Academy