Big Mountain Awareness
Big Mountain Awareness on Whistler Blackcomb
Social media and evolving freeride gear are pushing youth skiers and riders to access terrain well beyond their scope of training and experience.
Enter Extremely Canadian’s progressive Big Mountain Awareness Camps aimed at tapping into a healthy headspace for 10-15 year old advanced-intermediate to expert skiers and riders.
To that affect, the new program’s objective is to enhance awareness of hazards and provide tools to help young skiers and boarders effectively deal with many of the unforeseen challenges of such a large and diverse mountain resort. But we’re not talking about lectures and fire drills. True to Extremely Canadian’s cult classic style, these lessons will fuel campers’ stoke and get them to better skiing and riding.
By being more aware of the scope of challenges they may encounter, young adventurers will be able to maximize fun and minimize the consequences. The camps will tune riders into the personal, social, and environmental factors that play into any good day on the mountain, empowering them to celebrate good decision making amongst their ski crew and peers.
Nobody knows youth outdoor recreation leadership better than Mitch Sulkers who developed this course alongside Extremely Canadian Backcountry Supervisor and Lead Guide Keith Reid. The pair brings a lifetime of experience to the program. Sulkers developed the Outdoor Recreational Leadership Program for Whistler Secondary School and is a highly experienced outdoor educator with a passion for working with youth in the mountains, while Reid is an experienced IFMGA Mountain Guide and pass president of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Their hand picked coaches will ensure a world-class program for participants.
Price:
$919 + Taxes & Fees
Price is for private groups up to 6 people. Contact us to book your private course!
Whistler Blackcomb Staff Deals:
WB staff can call 1-800-766-0449 or visit any Whistler Blackcomb Snow School Sales desk.
All participants will be required to sign a waiver for each adventure; please review the document thoroughly prior to signing.
What’s Included:
Set among the world-class terrain of Whistler Blackcomb, the creative new single day camps will arm students with the knowledge, understanding, and attitudes to make good, safe decisions within ski area boundaries.
1-day camp packed with knowledge.
Lift line priority
Full day with an experienced Extremely Canadian guide
Dates:
Private BMA’s available any day of the season from Nov. 22, 2024 to Apr. 14, 2025.
Ability Level:
10 to 15 year old advanced intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders.
Give the gift of adventure.
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Meet 8AM at the Carleton Lodge Patio (the backside, facing Lululemon)
Have you signed a waiver?
Do you have a lift ticket?
8:30AM leave the Carleton and upload the gondola
11:30 Break for lunch and guides discretion
After break with patrollers to go over mountain signage
3-3:30PM back down in the valley
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Q: What is the minimum ability I need to be?
A: If you can comfortably ski/ride an ungroomed black diamond then we have a group for you! Our programs are geared towards level 4-6 skiers and riders, from advanced-intermediate to Expert level.
Q: Does the price include a lift ticket?
A: The price does not include a lift ticket, but you can purchase for a discounted price while skiing with Extremely Canadian.
Q: How much skiing/riding will my child do?
A: Your kids will get to go skiing/riding, but don’t forget this is an educational course. The goal is to teach them to safely approach the mountain off-piste terrain without an adult. Not to ski hot laps all day.
Q: What if the conditions are less than ideal, does the clinic/tours go ahead?
A: Our tours, the guides, will deliberate about the conditions prior to the tour and the morning of to discuss the Mountain conditions. The conditions would have to be extremely dangerous for the day to get cancelled.
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The fine print.
Book in Advance
Guides are in high demand and low supply. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Payment & Confirmation
All rates are quoted in Canadian currency and are subject to taxes. Full payment is due upon booking. Confirmation is made by email.
** Weather Conditions
Adventure travel involves risk and unpredictable weather conditions. Extremely Canadian does not purport to any guarantee of conditions. We retain the right to cancel at any time due to inclement weather or factors outside of our control. In this case the client will be entitled to a full refund.
Group Dynamics
We offer private groups for the Big Mountain Awareness course. We can take groups of up to 6 students of similar abilities. The maximum group size to safely and efficiently navigate the complex terrain covered on this course.
Insurance
We do not request proof of insurance coverage, but please ensure that you have appropriate coverage to ensure that you are adequately covered for any eventuality. We highly suggest that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to avoid penalties related to a change in plans.
If you require any clarifications on these important details, please contact us at ski@extremelycanadian.com or call 604-938-9656.
What you need to know before embarking on your day.
Meeting Time and Place
Meeting time is 8 AM on the deck of the Carleton Lodge in the main village between the gondolas unless otherwise noted in your confirmation.
Late Arrival or Departures
Extremely Canadian cannot accept responsibility for travellers inconvenienced by late, diverted, delayed, cancelled, or rescheduled travel arrangements. This also applies to missed connections or transfers. We intend to leave the Carleton Patio for 8:30 AM, there will be a 15 min grace period where we will wait and connect you to the group. If you arrive outside the 15mins, we are not responsible for connecting you to the group or providing a refund/reschedule.
Refunds
No refunds will be issued on whole or partially unused portions of packages. No refunds will be issued on day of lesson (medical reasons with a doctor’s note may be an exception).
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand if your plans change! Here's the scoop on our Avalanche Skills Training courses cancellation policy: Up to 7 days prior to your course, you will receive a 90% refund or you can choose to reschedule your course dates or opt for a 100% credit to be used in the future. All modification requests must be made within Extremely Canadian’s operating hours by email or phone at least 7 days prior to your online session date. However, please note that once alterations have been made to your original course dates, refunds will not be allowed. If you are cancelling your course due to illness/injury within 7 days, you may be required to present medical documentation to complete the refund.
For private courses, up to 14 days prior to your activity date, you will receive a 90% refund or you can choose to reschedule your course dates or opt for a 100% credit to be used in the future. All modification requests must be made within Extremely Canadian’s operating hours by email or phone at least 14 days prior to the start of your course. However, please note that once alterations have been made to your original course dates, refunds will not be allowed.
End of Day
Guides will determine the end of day. Many factors will be considered when doing so.
Behaviour Expectations
Guests are expected to behave in an orderly fashion and not to disrupt the enjoyment of other guests or in anyway harm the reputation of Extremely Canadian or its suppliers. Extremely Canadian reserves the right to decline accepting or retaining any guest whose health or actions impede the operation of a clinic or camp or the welfare or enjoyment of fellow guests.
Underage Participants
Group programs are for guests aged 16 and older. All clients 18 & under must sign the safety voucher and wear a helmet.
Waiver
You will be required to sign a waiver and release of liability before your first day on the mountain. Below is a copy of the waiver for your review.
If you require any clarifications on these important details, please contact us at ski@extremelycanadian.com or call 604-938-9656.
