🚀 go-pugleaf

First I must say that the all the good things mentioned about Whistler
in the review are true. Really great place to ski. I like Blackcomb a little
more than the reviewer.

Last weekend I flew to Whistler for the finals in the Canada Cooler DASH
series of speed skiing. This is a recreational speed skiing series that
was held at 8 mountains in B.C. and Alberta in Canada. (Blackcomb, 
Red, Hemlock, Silver Star, Norquay, Cypress, Whistler)

This was a VERY well organised series with a mandatory one day technical
seminar with instruction on format, form, safety etc. taught by Kent
Wills, 1985 World Champion Speed Skier. There were a number of the Pro's
there with advice to offer, Swix wax gave a waxing seminar and the sponsors
threw two great parties.

When we got right to it, it was a gas. The race was run on what is called
the headwall. A very steep pitch to the left of the T-Bars. The course was
well prepared and they started us off low on the hill to get used to the
hill. First run saw most people attaining 50-55 MPH and each run we moved
higher up the hill. The final day we only got one run. It was raining and
the course was getting very soft and people were catching edges and crashing.
In all I think 4 people out of 109 crashed. The fastest speed was around
77 MPH (125 Km/hr) and I managed a 35 place finish at 116.12 Km/hr (72 MPH).

There were few rules, 200cm-225cm skis required, helmet required, pole
baskets 5cm diameter, thats about all. You were never pushed higher than
you wanted to go, Unstable people were not permitted to go higher.

I highly recommend this as a pretty safe thrill.

P.S. The fast speeds (they call them times) were from guys in rubber suits
with leg fairings and special speed helmets. I was in a Bell Motorcycle
helmet and regular ski clothes and still managed a respectable speed. A
stretch speed suit is worthwhile if you are gonna give it a try.

t.jones