Richard Rice Goes Extremely Canadian
I have been skiing a long time, but my technique is far from perfect. So I still try to have a lesson, or do a ski clinic, whenever I can.
When I am in Whistler I will always try to do an Extremely Canadian Steep Skiing Clinic. This two day camp is suitable for adventurous advanced intermediates and above, but whatever your level it will certainly challenge you and improve your skiing.
I am an experienced off-piste skier, but Whistler is a big mountain and there is some serious terrain - all accessed from the lifts I should say.
During my last couple of clinics I've been working on 'rolling over' and 'dropping' lips or overhangs that develop at the entrance to steep runs...
...tactical approaches to skiing a couloir - being considered here at the top of The Pencil, above the Blackcomb Glacier...
...and controlling speed once into the pitch - nicely demonstrated below by my instructor Steve. I went next, but it didn't look as pretty.
The instructors provide a great mix of instruction and guiding, and there are always plenty of laughs as well.
After a couple of days it is amazing how much you've achieved, and how much more of the mountain has been opened up to you.
The picture above is Steve watching another member of my group come down a run on Chainsaw Ridge, some of the steepest in-bounds terrain anywhere.
But it doesn't have to be scary - the level is always appropriate to the skiers in the group bearing in mind technique, fitness and experience.
The main thing is to push yourself a little, see more of the mountain and watch your skiing improve.