SLED DOGS

In 1988 a group of enthusiastic volunteers assembled to work as the Ladies’ Technical Course Crew for Olympic Winter Games in Calgary. High winds and higher temperatures created huge challenges for the entire Organizing Committee and consequently crews worked around the clock to get races off. The Course Crew determined that they were being worked like “dogs”.

The analogy morphed into that of a Siberian Husky; a breed known for its loyalty, intelligence, speed, endurance and its preference for the outdoors - also its ability to work hard and haul a lot of stuff. The Sled Dogs were born and quickly defined themselves by their work ethic and their ability to enjoy the festivities and when necessary, create them.

The essence of a Sled Dog is captured in our brand. First and foremost he has a sparkle in his eye, a little bit of an attitude, confident, that “relish in the face of adversity” kind of a look. He is ready for the task at hand with his belt, drill and shovel at the ready as well a frosty beverage for the end of the day.

Today The Sled Dogs are recognized throughout ski racing circles as the volunteers corps of the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup who come together to ensure the Men’s and Ladies’ races go off without a hitch.

Being a Sled Dog is no ordinary volunteer job - work hard, play hard is the credo. The friendships, the laughs and the experience make it all worth while.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

NEW GEAR

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The 2010 Sled Dog Gear design is here. Available in "Dodger Blue" three options are available to you.
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SHORT SLEEVE: $20 ● LONG SLEEVE: $30 ● HOODY: $50
Pieces are 100% pre-shrunk cotton; t-shirts are tagless, flat collar design. Sizes available are:

S: 34-36 ● M: 38-40 ● L: 42-44 ● XL: 46-48 ● XXL: 50-52 ● XXXL: 54-56

To ensure delivery by World Cup all orders must be received by 5pm MST, Wednesday, November 10th. Payments can be made via Interac Email Money Transfers to thesleddogs@telus.net.

Interac Email Money Transfers are a simple, convenient, and secure way to send and receive money directly from one bank account to another. All you need is access to online banking through a participating financial institution, and you can send money to anyone with an email address and a bank account in Canada — without sharing any personal or financial information. It's a great alternative to cheques and cash. For a list of those who offer this service visit http://www.interac.ca/consumers/productsandservices_ol_emt_list.php

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Friday, October 29, 2010

Globe and Mail Columns


The Globe and Mail's Stephen Brunt posted this column on October 27th after members of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team visited Toronto. Read his post at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/stephen-brunt/spotlight-shrinks-for-winter-athletes/article1773881/
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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Manny on FAN 590

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Canadian Cowboy Manuel Osborne-Paradis appeared with Bob McCown and Stephen Brunt on Prime Time Sports this past Tuesday while on tour in Toronto. Check out his interview and hear his appreciation for the Lake Louise Crew by clicking on the link below.

http://www.fan590.com/ondemand/media.jsp?content=20101026_174734_10152

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

30 Days until Racer 1

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Winter has arrived and snowmaking is underway at Lake Louise. Checkout the webcam at www.skilouise.com to see how things are progressing; as you can see Fallaway and the top of Gunbarrel are starting to fill in.

Upcoming events and information for your attention this last Wednesday of October:

BANFF SKI SWAP

The Banff Alpine Racers and Bow Valley Quikies host part two of their annual Ski Swap this Saturday at Mount Norquay in Banff.

This is your last chance to find great deals on “new” boards for the race track. Retailers from across Southern Alberta will again be on-site with new and demo product at blowout prices as well as race and rec’ gear from all walks of the ski community. It is a great place to pick-up race skis at a cheap price.

For those with gear to sell, consignment takes place Friday evening and Saturday morning. Skis, boots, helmets, poles, clothes and other winter sport equipment are welcome. $1 is charged for each item consigned. The Clubs retain 20% of the sale price, which you set, and you keep the rest.


Mount Norquay Day Lodge

Sale: October 30th, 2 pm to 9 pm

*** Early Bird Sale: 1 pm to 2 pm ***

Consignment: Friday 5 to 9; Saturday 9 to Noon

*** Early Bird tickets are available for sale Saturday morning during Consignment. Tickets are limited to 100 at cost of $10 per person and allow you in the door 1 hour before the sale opens to the public.

THE DOG HOUSE

So far - awesome! That said The Dog House at Camp Canada still needs support. The “Dog’s Best Friend” program, an effort to take care (feed and wine) of ourselves, has sponsorship spots available. Please contact Craig via thesleddogs@telus.net to help your fellow Sled Dogs!



Who: Anyone – why not you?
What: Be a “Dog’s Best Friend”
Where: Camp Canada
When: 6pm nightly
Why: For the love of a Dog!
How: $100 per evening



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Johnny Ford, Sue and Tara: they have some help, but need more!

PAW PRINTS

The 2010 version has been delayed at the “editors” thus the 2009 edition of Paw Prints will be sent to all new volunteers in the next 24 hours. Of note are the changes to pages 12 and 13 - Event Schedules:

● November 13/14: 1st Day for Volunteers, Build Weekend/ FIS Snow Control
● November 20: Build Weekend – THE BIG ONE!
● November 24: 1st Men’s Training Run
● November 27/28: Men’s Downhill/Men’s Super-G and Ladies’ Crossover
● November 30: 1st Ladies’ Training Run
● December 3/4: 1st and 2nd Ladies’ Downhill Races
● December 5 : Ladies’ Super-G and NorAm Crossover

BUILD WEEKENDS

The Sled Dogs are responsible for the Men's, Ladies’ and NorAm events at Lake Louise which run concurrently until mid-December; this includes building, maintaining and tearing down the race hill. Building the course is no small task – your help is needed. Many hands truly make less work!

All local crew, those within driving distance including the likes of Calgary, Edmonton, Kimberly etc, are asked to help out on at least one of the November 13/14 or 20/21 weekends with the preference being the latter.

As the website is now closed to changes please contact Craig, Mike or Julie to arrange participation if you have not already committed to help out.

DUSTIN - given 'er!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

SKI CARDS

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Looking for the deals on skiing in and around The Rockies this winter? Here's the latest pricing released by local operators. Of note, Lake Louise has partnered with Kicking Horse and Castle Mountain for 2010/2011.

Louise (Kicking Horse/Castle): 2 days free, $50/day each after at all 3 resorts - $99.00
Sunshine (Marmot): 1st, 4th, 7th free, $13 discount at each - $79.95
Panorama: 4 days free, $15 discount after, Christmas & Family Day blackouts - $134.00
Nakiska (Fernie/Kimberly): 1 day at Nakiska; $10 discount @ NAK, $8 @ FSV & KIM - $39.95
Fernie (Kimberly/Nakiska): 1st, 4th, 7th free, $13 discount at FSV & KIM, $8 @ NAK - $74.95


Louise/Kicking Horse/Castle: http://www.skilouise.com/louise_cards.php
Sunshine/Marmot:
http://store.skibanff.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=1011SMC
Panorama:
http://www.skipanorama.com/snowcard
Fernie/Kimerly/Nakiska:
http://www.skircr.com/loyalty_cards/index.asp

Daily Prices

Louise: $76.00 ● Kicking Horse: $73.00 ● Castle: $64.00
Sunshine: $76.00 ● Marmot: $74.00 ● Panorama: $72.00
Nakiska: $66.00 ● Kimberly: $60.00 ● Fernie: $76.00

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

LET IT SNOW!

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Mother Nature delivered some last Friday and so did Tony and the Crew.

http://jetvision.tv/video.aspx?playerID=30&videoID=&tabName=&categoryName=
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Thursday, October 14, 2010

FINALLY A NEW POST!

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CANMORE SKI SWAP

The Banff Alpine Racers and Bow Valley Quikies are hosting their annual Ski Swap this Saturday in Canmore.

The Swap is a great place to pick up a new pair of boards for the race track, gear for family members who seem not to stop growing and to find some great deals on clothing. Retailers from across Southern Alberta will be there with new product at blowout prices as well as race and rec’ gear from all walks of the ski community – no straight skis or rear entry boots though!

For those with gear to sell, consignment takes place Friday evening and Saturday morning. Skis, boots, helmets, poles, clothes and other winter sport equipment are welcome. $1 is charged for each item consigned. The Clubs retain 20% of the sale price, which you set, and you keep the rest.



710 Main Street (the old SAAN store)

Sale: October 16th, 2 pm to 9 pm

*** Early Bird Sale: 1 pm to 2 pm ***

Consignment: Friday 5 to 9; Saturday 9 to 12


*** Early Bird tickets are available for sale Saturday morning during Consignment. Tickets are limited to 100 at cost of $10 per person and allow you in the door 1 hour before the sale opens to the public.

Can’t make it this weekend, don’t worry! The Clubs does it all over again in two weeks time at Banff Mount Norquay – more details to follow.

SLED DOG SCHWAG – COMING SOON

2010 Sled Dog clothing is in the final stages of design. Keep an eye on The Sled Dog Blog for this year’s t-shirts and hoodies.

VOLLEY KICKOFF

Our friends at Willow Park Wines and Spirits are graciously hosting an evening in our honour at their flagship store again this year.

Tuesday, October 26th, 5:30 pm - 10801 Bonaventure Drive SE

Thanks to Peggy Perry and Wayne Huneset for their continuing support of the Sled Dogs!

THE DOG HOUSE

It’s back! After a tremendously successful first year the “Dog’s Best Friend” program returns in an effort to take care of ourselves.

The goal: to enhance and improve the experience at The Dog House at Camp Canada using funds raised by “Dog’s Best Friend” for non-sponsored items, specifically après snacks and wine.

Lisa, Carleigh, Paul, Kelly, Wayne, Mai and Super Dave: they need your help – a lot!

Who: Anyone – maybe you!
What: Be a “Dog’s Best Friend”
Where: Lake Louise Inn - Camp Canada
When: Evenings available over the entire event
Why: Support of your fellow Sled Dogs
How: $100 per evening

Contributions can be arranged by contacting Craig via thesleddogs@telus.net

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