THE SLED DOG BLOG: WE'RE ROLLING

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.

Monday, November 8, 2010

WE'RE ROLLING

Saturday marked Day One on snow for the 2010 Winterstart World Cup as Darrell, Jim, Mike, Craig and Dan made the trek to Lake Louise to check in on snowmaking, cats and all the great work of The Net Monkeys.

While things may look a little rough around the edges snow wise things are progressing well so far. The shots from the webcams may look sparse but one has to remember that it is only November 8th. As Darrell so aptly put Saturday morning, "I have been standing on grass more than a few times on the same date."

Craig, Jim and Darrell - givin' their best Don Cherry

After a brief meeting in The Jury Room with Doug Savage The Team loaded up The Glacier Chair at 9am in there best Saskatchewan Ski outfits. Following a hike up to Platter Base The Crew successfully skied down to the Top of Fallaway!

Of note, The Resort opened Glacier Chair and the Wiwaxy 500 on Friday morning. It is just 4 widths wide in a couple of places!

Upper Wiwaxy

Dan surveys Fish Net

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The long range forecast for the next two weeks calls for daytime highs hovering just below the freezing mark and lows in the -7°C range. With Randy and the Crew having all A Nets hanging and the weather looking good the arrival of the first volunteers this weekend is perfect timing. See you there!