The Canadian National Freestyle Snowboard Team descended on Mount Washington Alpine Resort for six full days of training last week. 鈥淵a man, it鈥檚 really, really big,鈥� was a comment from one of the 20 national team members after completing the first day of training on the huge 65-foot jump crafted by groomer Steve Petrie and the resort staff.
While team members spent long days on the hill honing their flips, spins and grabs, they also took advantage of the flexibility of the new Vancouver Island Mountain Centre (VIMC) by holding morning and evening yoga and stretching sessions. The team members also utilized the state of the art fitness centre for evening cool downs and the meeting rooms and lounge space for important socializing and team bonding after long days of training.
鈥淭he benefits of cross-training are enormous and it鈥檚 great that we can now offer those options to groups staying with us,鈥� says VIMC manager Andrew Scherck. 鈥淲e also hosted our first international group last month,鈥� continues Scherck. A volleyball team from Japan enjoyed the mountain centre鈥檚 facilities in late March. The visit of the Japanese volleyball team was arranged by a former Mount Washington snowboard instructor who now lives back home in Japan.
The not-for-profit VIMC鈥檚 goal is to continue to build on the services they offer the public and you can help. The VIMC is holding an end- of-the-season Apr猫s Ski Party/Fundraiser on April 21 from 4 to 8 p.m.
"Come up and check out the new facility while dancing to Ucluelet鈥檚 own Left at the Junction and try your hand at shooting a laser biathlon rifle," Scherck said. "An outdoor barbecue and tons of appy鈥檚 will keep you fed while you peruse silent auction items and enjoy the crisp mountain air. You could even bid to win a return trip for two people on WestJet, anywhere they fly.
"Tickets are only $25 and all proceeds support the VIMC and emerging Vancouver Island mountain sports athletes,鈥� says Karen Bonell, volunteer event committee chair. For more information call 250-331-9355 or e-ail events@vimss.com.
You can find the Vancouver Island Mountain Centre at Mount Washington at the end of Nordic Road across from Raven Lodge and Strathcona Park鈥檚 Paradise Meadows.
The non-profit V.I. Mountain Centre provides group accommodation for up to 40 people, full kitchen and dining facilities plus meeting rooms and a fitness centre.
"It鈥檚 a perfect location to start your outdoor adventure, host your meeting or use as a training base in the 3,500-foot alpine. Surf to VIMountainCentre.com for additional information," Scherck said.
鈥� Vancouver Island Mountain Centre
