Have you ever wondered how skiers become good at doing tricks on snow? Well, wonder no more. Simply go to Whistler, walk up from Base 2 parking on Blackcomb and watch kids take their tricks from trampoline to water ramps.
Podium of Life Snow Sports Academy recently has hosted athletes from all over B.C. to practise their tricks in water. Dillan Glennie learned how to do front flips on her first day of ramping. Jayden Grant took her spins to 540, Sofia Tchernetski worked on her cork 7s, and Layne Anvelt hit the bigger jump with a double flat 9. Other athletes experienced the facilities for the first time and felt the exhilaration of skiing off the jumps and landing in water.
The kids were lucky in a number of ways. First, they had great coaching by Chris Muir, who coached the Freestylerz last year. Second, they shared space with the BC Freestyle Park and Pipe team and the Russian National team where they were able to see tricks like a double cork 16 and watch Russian perfection off the ramps. Third, they passed fellow rampers as Momentum Ski Camps participants came off the glacier to practise jumping for the afternoon.
Podium of Life is a school that operates in the winter, they also provide opportunities for adventure throughout the year. The program will host a water ramp camp in September which is open to all athletes. Visit podiumoflife.com for more information.
Whistler Blackcomb Freestyle Ski Club will also be hosting water ramps in July, August and September. Check out www.whistlerblackcombfreestyle.com for more information.
At this time Podium of Life Snow Sports Academy is taking applications for next year for both Whistler and Mount Washington. If you are interested in sending your child to school where they ski as part of the daily curriculum contact podiumoflife@shaw.ca for an application.
– Podium of Life Snow Sports Academy