Time is running out, so we’ve compiled a list of “dos” and “don’ts” to help you start off the season with a bang – a non-thigh burning, injury-less bang, that is!
DO Pump Up That Dryland Training!
Make the most of every ski day by getting your body in shape for the upcoming season. This time of year, you’ll find that you aren’t the only person squeezing in a few extra sessions at the gym: we’re all air-squatting and lunge-jumping our way to thighs of steel.
There are several ways to prime your body for the mountain. You could do it from home: download Mountain Athletics, an app developed by The North Face to get you ripped for in-resort skiing or backcountry adventures. You could also head to Meadow Park and check out the bi-weekly dryland training sessions.
DON’T Be Too Keen!
When the snowline starts its slow descent towards the village, it can be difficult to resist the temptation to do a little hiking for some early season fresh tracks. Leave this one to the pros: we’ve all heard the stories of that guy who just couldn’t wait and ended up breaking his legs on some surprise rocks. Whistler Blackcomb has issued an official notice warning early season keeners to wait for opening day before heading up the mountain.
DO Wax Those Skis and Snowboards – Now!
For the past several years, the mountain has opened earlier than the officially designated opening day. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but we’re hoping that this trend continues. As such, you don’t want to leave any mountain prepping chores to the last minute – you need to be ready to go when you get that opening day announcement!
Make plans to finally get around to waxing your gear so that when the light turns green, you’re ready for action.
DON’T Forget Your Pass!
This year, Whistler Blackcomb is offering fancy new RFID season passes, meaning that the one you’ve had for the last few years will no longer get you on the mountain. If you’ve ordered a new pass but have yet to receive it, now would be a good time to follow up with Whistler Blackcomb. Once you’ve got it, place it in the left pocket of your go-to ski jacket – that way, you won’t risk forgetting it in the frenzy of opening day.
DO Start Planning Your Excuses!
You’ll need an action plan to get out of working on opening day. You could go with the classic: start sniffling a few days before opening day, then call in the day of declaring that you’re too sick to come in. Try claiming temporary insanity (ideally while riding down Lower Insanity) or regretfully informing your employer that you’re snowed in – just make sure it’s actually snowing in the valley, first!
