THE SLED DOG BLOG: SURVIVOR: SNOW FENCE

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.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

SURVIVOR: SNOW FENCE

The weekend of September 12th and 13th saw nineteen Sled Dogs descend upon the Lake Louise Ski Resort for two days of work in the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Under clear blue skies and 27 degree temperatures the crew set off on two tasks:

1) The installation of snow fence in above Tickety Chutes
2) An inventory clean-up air fence in the parking lot.

A crew of fifteen headed up the mountain on the snow fence mission. On site they were greeted by 400 pieces of T steel and 5000 feet of fence that was flown into place by helicopter. Gear was stashed but not staged: the 50 rolls of snow fence was hand bombed from the Oly Top uphill while 150 pieces steel was ferried by hand from the top of the Gulley downhill. Gruelling work - great job everyone!

For next year’s episode Survivor: Snow Fence, a safety video will be crafted after Sled Dog extraordinaire Jim Long took one for the team Saturday afternoon – a self-inflicted fence pounder to the back of the head. Jim will be receiving the Sled Dog Purple Heart for his wounds sustained in the service of ski sport.

Meanwhile down below, the rest of the Dogs spent what they might have thought was going to be an easier day in the parking lot. Their day: manhandling the entire inventory of air fence. Each piece was unrolled, inspected, patched, cleaned – they tend to get moldy, and patched where necessary, and there were a few of those for sure. For those who have not fought with air fences before these guys did not get off easy.

Saturday evening found the crew at The Lake Louise Inn, with dinner and accommodations looked after by the ROC. Word is that much food and wine was enjoyed and a good time had by all.

A big thanks to all the Sled Dogs who came out as well as to our friends at Laggan’s Mountain Bakery who donated lunch both Saturday and Sunday. The crew was: