Chances are, if you attended school in Quesnel sometime within the last 35+ years, you would have had the opportunity to participate in the school downhill skiing program. We think the school ski program offered at Troll Resort started before 1977 but none of us here remember exactly when it began. What we do know, is the school downhill ski program has been one of those positive school-community partnerships that has provided an introduction to a healthy, individual sport to literally thousands of Quesnel students.
Watching beginning skiers progress through ski lessons and practice sessions is truly amazing. On day one, actually getting buckled into boots and securing those boots into ski bindings is a small victory. Maintaining balance long enough to slip-slide over to the ski-school gathering place is a big second step. By the end of lesson 1, many of the first-time skiers who were nervous about making their way up the bunny hill via the tow rope are proudly displaying their new skills as they ski down that same hill. After lesson 2, most students are able to enjoy the thrill of skiing down trails such as Snow White and Bambi. By the third or fourth day, beginner skiers have been transformed; students display confidence as they ski in complete control from the top of the hill.
Troll ski hill is a very happy place for Quesnel students participating in the school ski program. You see lots of smiles and hear lots of laughter. You also notice the lodge is fairly empty of students throughout the day, because they are up on the slopes getting exercise and fresh air in the company of fellow skiers. By the end of Grade 7, many students who participated in the school program for several years have developed the skills they need to be confident, lifelong skiers. The sense of accomplishment and pride these students experience is a testimony to the importance of programs like this.
The staff at the Troll Resort ski school has gone above and beyond for Quesnel students over the years. Safety has always been a priority. Students are well-versed in mountain safety before buckling into a boot. Ski school staff members have come into schools and given lessons in safety and pre-skiing fitness. They have been responsive to students with physical challenges and have adapted equipment so that all students could participate. Equipment is always well-maintained and double and triple-checked before it is handed off to students. Students are not allowed to participate unless they have the appropriate safety gear (helmets for instance) which is always available on site.
This school ski program is made available to our students through some pretty amazing community support. The cost of the school program at Troll Resort is very affordable; ski lessons, equipment rental and lift tickets are made available to students at greatly reduced costs. School Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) have been very supportive of the program and have fundraised so that all students could participate, regardless of circumstances.
Students from Bouchie Lake School had their last ski day on March 15, marking the end of another successful ski season for 14 District schools.
Cynthia Bernier is Director of Instruction – Curriculum and Sue-Ellen Miller is Superintendent of Schools.
