Tonight was our mandatory Safety Meeting. It was great to see everyone out tonight – ok, almost everyone. Usually at the meeting, you will find the Net Monkeys sitting in the front row but tonight in the dark they were busy on the mountain buttoning up an A net like they have done for weeks. They are setting things up for the rest of the Sled Dogs to jump in to finish our safety installations tomorrow morning so that we can run test pilots tomorrow afternoon. Still lots of work to do but the track is looking awesome. Nice work all.Cats were busy over the last few days pushing, tracking and grooming the snow that fell over the last couple of days. Today’s bluebird day highlighted just how far we have come. I rode the first lift this morning with two of the ‘just arrived’ FIS Race Directors – Markus & Manu. Not only were they excited to be back after missing last year, they stopped to take pictures of the beauty of our venue. you guys have lots to be proud of.
If you have cycled up top, you will notice the proposed start it is far higher than we have set up before. If we can make it work, they will be getting some awesome air off the Saddle. Don Boyce’s start crew will be busy as they will be preparing several alternate starts nearby as well.
Hannes has worked with the man-made and natural snow production to add some new features along the course. It includes terrain on Upper Wiwaxy, a feature on Fallaway which will get the racers in the air and an interesting ‘spine’ at DT Cutoff that should make for a great race. The natural snow in some sections doesn’t have the necessary moisture in it for a robust track, so we had a crew led by Ben’s proud dad, Glenn Thomsen and Randy Tarchuk watering Upper Wiwaxy. This followed the watering of Sunset Gully a day earlier. The moisture will help the track withstand the pressure of a carving DH ski. Today’s warm weather helped put additional moisture into the snow so that with expected cold temps, it should set up nicely.
After a couple days of being socked in, today’s perfect weather allowed us to fly equipment up the mountain. This efficient process spotted sponsorship, timing, course and television production equipment along the course for set up. The pace of the drops was impressive.
Did you know we have Momentum Therapy supporting the Sled Dogs? If you have an issue, injury or concern – touch base with your crew chief or contact our Chief of Medical, Dr Tom Rich directly to arrange for an assessment. Assessments can happen during the breakfast period (7-8 am) and treatments can be scheduled from 3-7 pm at the Lake Louise Inn.
