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Sustainability. Regeration. ‘Going Green.’ These are all ‘buzz’ words we here so often, but maybe less often in the ski world. But that might be on the brink of changing.

Jiminy Peak in Hancock, Massachusetts are leaders in ‘green’ technology for skiing. In August of 2007 they began powering the massive wind turbine atop their hill.

The 378 foot/115 meter windmill (that’s taller than the statue of Liberty) sits back from the resort so visitors can see it, but far enough away that the resort visitors are safe.

Here are some of the facts (thanks to Elaine Meinel Supkis of EZ Reading Money Matters for all the stats)

• The turbine will generate approximately 4,600,000 kWh and Jiminy Peak consumes approximately 7,500,000 kWh a year.
• A 1.5MW wind turbine will provide approximately 33% of the electrical demands of Jiminy Peak annually. During the winter months when the wind resource is the strongest it may provide as much as half of our electrical demand.
• It is a 1.5MW wind turbine capable of producing up to 2,000 H.P. for our snowmaking plant.
• The wind turbine will sit atop a 253 ft tower.
• The nacelle that sits on top of the structure and houses the shaft for the blades, the gearbox and the generator is approximately 13 ft wide and 13 ft tall and 26 ft long.
• Each of the 3 blades is approximately 123ft, therefore to the tip of the blade the entire structure is 386 feet tall.
• The blades will turn a maximum of 22 RPM even in high wind conditions.

 Can this be the future for Southern Ontario resorts?

Alternative energy is the future as the price of traditional energy (coal-fired plants, nuclear, and gas) become more expensive. Wind can be a future for these resorts, it always seems to be quite windy at the top of the hill! It is time for someone to look at doing an Environmental Assessment for Wind-turbines at the top of our resorts to help offset the carbon footprint.

When I started skiing and racing, at Mansfield Ski Club (a little club in Southern Ontario), I had the privilege of having some of the best coaches. From Greg and Sean in Nancy Greene and then Wade, Jason, and finally Brad. There were others around me that influenced me but even as a young racer I knew that one day I wanted to be like them.

I wanted to be a great coach and I would do whatever it takes to get there

As I grew up I learned that the best coaches had their Level 3 CSCF (Canadian Coaching Federation).  When I started out coaching that was my goal was to become one day a Level 3 Coach – yesterday that became I reality, I am now a Level 3 Coach.

The path to get there …

I took the course 4 years ago now and then I took the exams two years after that. The course was a 5 day course where we coached each other and race gates all day – it was some of the most fun I’ve ever had on course; I was surrounded by ex-provincial and national team racers. The exams are a two day event that some what mirror the course, except the course conductors aren’t there to give you feedback they are there to just examine you.

There are 6 components to the level 3 coach – setting, coaching, GS free ski, GS Gates, Slalom free ski and Slalom Gates. On my first attempt I was successful in 5 of the 6 components, I did not pass the slalom gate ski.

With the changes happening at the CSCF and it going from the Level 1, 2 and 3, to the entry, development and performance Levels, it made it almost impossible to finish my Level 3 (now the performance level) last year.

This year Pierre Ruel, CSCF coordinator announced that this would be the last year they would grandfather the old system and made it accessible for all of us to reattempt our exams. Yesterday was my retest.

My first set of exams was -30, blowing snow, you couldn’t see three gates in front of you. But yesterday was sunny with great snow.

I woke up feeling a little nervous but as I headed out the door, I thought to myself, ‘I love skiing slalom, I’m going to have fun.’

After the first session it was over, I had been successful. The CSCF are not gatekeepers of the Level 3 – so when they see something they like they reward it. They are enablers, mentors, supporters.

I look forward to my future with the coaching federation. Much like the instructors federation (CSIA) I would like to start teaching level 1 coach courses and being more involved.

Time flies even faster when you spend your non-waking hours chasing Phil down the hill.

Since December 14^th I’ve spent more time on the hills than in the office. Two trips to Ste Anne later, one successful Christmas camp, I have to say I’m worried the season is going to fly by (oh wait doesn’t that happen every year?)

When I was growing up all I ever wanted to do was to go on a pre-christmas camp, whether it be to Europe, BC, or Quebec. This year I got to live my childhood dream and headed off to Mt. Ste Anne with Alpine Ski Club. With over 40 athletes at the camp we had a typical Eastern Townships early season ski week; we saw rain, then a flash freeze, followed by a little snow and then the typical bitter coldness of Ste Anne.

A New Year, a New Role

Shortly after that Christmas Camp started at Alpine Ski Club. This year I’ve taken on a new role. Where previously I preferred to coach and instruct the older children, I’m now in charge of the Nancy Greene Racing program; the racers between the ages of 7 and 10. I’m following the Canadian Ski Coaching Federation’s mandate and promoting my kids to learn basic ski skills, to spend less time in gates and to spend more time free skiing. Even though it’s early in the season I think I can say with some certainty that already there is a positive change in the athletes skiing.

Recognize when you need to make a change

But my season hasn’t been all ‘ups.’ This season has started off slowly with respect to my own progress. With all new equipment I’ve been struggling to be comfortable on snow. Phil has been extremely patient with me, listening to my whining, whinging and flat-out complaining. Alas I have found equipment that works and I have rediscovered my love for the sport. From learning the lesson the hard way, I have to say that if your equipment doesn’t feel like it is working than do something about it, change it and trust me you will be happier.

Looking forward I am excited for the trips to Ste Anne, to continue working every weekend with my Athletes and Coaches, and to spending as much time as I can skiing with my favourite person.

Time flies… when you spend all your non-working awake time on the slopes

It’s hard to believe that 2 months have passed since my last post – and so much has changed. For starters, my shoulder is healing nicely and I’m now pain free all the time. I still can’t sleep on my left shoulder, but i’m able to ski without restrictions – although it’s not strong enough to carry gates.

According to my surgeon, I’ll go back under the knife around April – or when I’m sure the ski season is done. Apparently the second surgery is pretty simple. They slice open my scar and uncork the 4 screws then slide out the hook plate.

The healing process should be fast – and apparently i’ll be swinging a golf club within a month.

I’ve already worked two level 1 courses this season and will be starting a third tonight at the North York Ski Centre. It’s a night course – so I’ll be traveling back and forth three nights this week and next. I’ve really enjoyed teaching the courses and had the opportunity to run the whole show (as a master course conductor) over the holidays at Mansfield.

I was given the opportunity to shadow part of a level 2 course over the holidays as well and hope to do more of these this season.

I knew my original season plan would change after my accident, but I’m surprised by the fact that despite everything, I’ve already been on snow about 25 days.

The other change in my season plan is that I’m no longer working at Alpine Ski Club.  I’m unable to coach and I was told they had plenty of instructors already.  I was hoping to fill in occasionally and do bell and run some sessions, but unfortunately it hasn’t worked out and I’ve become a free agent.

For the first time in years, I’m free to ski and go wherever I want.

Sasha & I just came back from a level 4 camp in Ste-Anne and I’m booking a weekend trip to Whiteface in two weeks. I’m loving this new freedom and plan on doing 2 more camps at Ste-Anne and at least one more weekend road trip.

Apparently some traveling ski clubs do upwards of 5 trips a year to Quebec, Vermont, and out West. This will definitely be something to consider for next year.

I’ve also decided not to go on the level 4 exams this year.  I’m realistic with where my abilities are at, and although I’m skiing better than I ever have right now, there are obvious gaps I need to overcome first.

I’m focused on the big prize – but I’m patient enough to wait my turn

It’s the middle of summer and already I’m ‘itching’ to get back on the snow. For some of us this is the year that we are going to do a course and exams. Whether it is the Level 2, 3, or 4 and even though we love what we do, the exams are always stressful.

Last year I decided to go and try the Level 4 exams. I had a great week out at Mt Ste Anne with fresh snow most days and great ski companions. I learned a lot about myself, how I coped with the stress of exams and what you need to surround yourself with to be successful.

My fellow examinees.

I was surrounded by people who were coping with the stress differently. For some people this was their first time on exams for others they had been there before, but everyone was working towards the same goal.

There were the internal people; you would see them off on the side of the hill, some with music, some muttering to themselves, and some just looking off into the distance. There were also more outgoing people who wanted to chat, to dance and to sing at the top of the hill. Others seemed very tense standing in the group but really found there element once teaching or sliding. And there were individuals who just seemed like they were out for a casual ski with friends.

How did I get through my set of exams?

Off snow is when your head really starts to play games with you. You think about your last run, the advice you gave a friend or the tip you provided in your lesson. You can guess and you can second guess yourself, but it is more about looking forward.

To manage it all I surrounded myself with good friends and thought about the support network back home. I roomed with a fellow ski coach from Alpine and together we drew strength from each other. We had breakfast together each morning, met for lunch, and then regrouped at the end of the day. We were a little team.

Checking my email, text messages and voice mail was also encouraging. So many people had sent me inspiring messages reminding me why I loved teaching and skiing.

I also blogged about my adventures on the snow each day. It allowed me to really express what happened each day and reflect. There were always many positive elements; good snow here, good run there and great friends both new and old.

My advice.

Whether you are preparing for a CSIA or CSCF course there are key elements to having successful exams. Practice the skiing skills. Practice the teaching. Organize your thoughts. Organize your equipment. Remember to tell yourself that at the end of the day you are doing this because you love to ski. And remember to measure success not necessarily on the final results but upon what you learned, who you met, and how much fun you really had.

About a month ago I was taking a leisurely bike ride through the Toronto trails and decided to head north to the DVP trail to extend my ride on what was shaping up to be a rare and beautiful Sunday afternoon.

I was first surprised by how narrow the path became in several sections and had to slow down & adjust my approach several times to avoid dangerous situations.

Unfortunately, I made one too few adjustments.

Approaching a downhill near pottery road on the DVP bike path, I noticed two mountain bikers coming in the opposite direction and taking up the entire path. They seemed distracted and oblivious to their surroundings.

I shouted ahead and applied my brakes 

Both bikers saw me and moved to the other side of the path allowing me to release my brakes and pass them on the downhill. What happened next was unexplainable – at the last second one of the mountain bikers drifted right into my path – forcing me off the bike path to avoid a head-on collision. 

Unfortunately I couldn’t regain control of my bike as I almost immediately caught a tree-branch with my right arm which sent me over my handle bars. Fortunately both my feet unclipped automatically from my pedals, but unfortunately I landed shoulder first on a boulder. 

Laying sprawled out on the pavement all I could do was curse.

My helmet was scratched, my knuckles were bleeding and I became suddenly aware that my shoulder didn’t feel quite right. 

As it turns out, I had separated my shoulder which l later found out is very different from a shoulder dislocation.

Although it doesn’t usually require surgery, i had a 19.2mm separation and the likelihood of regaining full mobility and strength would be small without surgery.

Here’s what it looked like before surgery: 

I opted for surgery and had a hook plate with 4 screws inserted into my shoulder to bring the bones back into alignment.

It’s been a few weeks since the surgery and although I’m still relatively uncomfortable and can’t yet sleep a full night, I’m seeing steady progress and have been cleared to start rehab so that I can be on Skis by early December.  

It will be a good six months before I mostly recover and at least one year before I go back under the knife to have the plate removed. 

Although the accident was completely avoidable, things could have been a lot worse and I’m thankful that I can return to a regular & active lifestyle soon. 

When I do get back on my bike and ride the roads again, you can bet that I’ll be avoiding the dual-purpose paths around the city. I’ve had too many close calls with people who walk without looking and in my specific incident, people who bike without awareness.

I’m thankful to have Sasha who has been unbelievably supportive.  She even took a week off work right after the accident to help me manage and even now after three weeks of restless nights she’s continues to be there for me. I was half expecting her to ship me out to my mother’s place after the first week of sleeping in 15 minute increments  

On the up side of the situation, I’ve been off the hook to mow the lawn, do the dishes, clean the house and take out the garbage. Maybe this recovery thing isn’t so bad after all…

How many times have you had ‘too much’ sun on the slopes while having fun? Remembering sunscreen in the winter is not easy; most of us associate sunscreen with the beach and summer. But that’s not to say that leaving our faces exposed is a good thing.

Between the sun and the reflection of the sun off of the snow we subject our faces to an extreme amount of UV rays everyday we are out on the hill. And it is not just the sunny days, the cloudy days have UV rays flowing through too; between 70% and 80% of the harmful UV-A & UV-B rays pass through the clouds.

To complicate it even more the UV ray intensity actually increases as you increase in elevation, and some of the best skiing is at higher elevations. For every 1000ft (333m) you climb you increase the UV ray intensity by 4%.

What can you do to protect your skin?

Recently I started using Bethesda Sunscreen Soap.  Loaded with vitamins and minerals that your skin needs it also protects your skin with a layer of SPF 10. Using a unique vitamin formula, called ALL ONE Vitamins, the soap has many vitamins including the essentials, Vitamin A, C, and E, as well as minerals such as selenium and zinc. The four basic ingredients are Aloe Vera as an immunity booster, chlorophyll as a natural cleanser and deodorizer, Balm of Gilead to soothe and disinfect and glycerin as a hydroscopic moisturizer.

I have very sensitive skin and was careful in beginning to use the soap. I started with my hands and then tested a patch near my ears. No reactions and my skin looks and feels so much better. Unlike some other soaps that I have used on my face it doesn’t strip it of moisture and it doesn’t leave an oily feeling either.

I’ll try to remember to throw a bottle of sunscreen in my day ski this year. But at least by using the soap daily I have provided my skin healthy nutrients and a layer of defense.

It’s that time of year again, the days are getting shorter, the sun doesn’t seem as warm and there is a certain chill in the air. It is that time of year here in Southern Ontario where the artic ari currents seem to drop down again. 

While out running, biking and hiking I can picture the trees wrapped in a blanked of white, fluffy snow. I think of my first tracks and what they might feel like.

That arctic chill in the air is my reminder that winter and skiing are just around corner.

It’s hard to believe that summer has already come and gone and we are on the cusp of another ski season. Let’s hope the wet summer translates into a snowy Winter – and one that begins in November and stays until at least Easter! 

Sasha & I have had an active summer with plenty of golf, cycling, and ultimate Frisbee three nights a week. We are stronger, fitter, and ready to challenge ourselves this winter on the slopes.  

Our plan is to start the season early and get at least 25 days on snow before the holidays. We start in mid-October shortly after thanksgiving when we’ll be travelling to Zermatt, Switzerland for the second time for a two week training camp on the glacier. Once again we’ll be with Sandy Gardner and his myswisstrip program. 

I’ll be taking my Level 2 coach during the first week. Sasha will join me for the second week as we both focus on training for our Level 4 CSIA. 

We’re hoping that by having a more active summer we’ll find the sweet spot on our skis sooner so that we can get the most out of the short winter in Ontario. 

I’m back on Head skis this year. I’ll have three pairs in rotation – my CHIP XRC’s from last season which are great all mountain skis, a world cup race stock Head slalom ski (but with softer bindings to make them more versatile) and a longer set of Super Shape Speed for the days that I’m skiing on bigger vertical. 

Sasha will likely be back on Atomic this year (ST 12) – although she is considering a switch back to her Lange boots. 

I’ve made some minor updates to our blog that we hope you enjoy. Specifically, we’ve added a pluggin that will make grinandbarrett.ca also a  photoblog – so you’ll be seeing weekly images from our adventures posted to our site starting this week.  

We also encourage you to follow us on Twitter. Links to both our accounts can be found on the top left navigation bar. 

The countdown to snow begins… now!

(photo: Esta Evans, Phil Barrett and Sasha Gollish  at Anik & Jeff’s wedding this summer!)

This summer we decided to take a different route with our training.

Early in the spring we both purchased road bikes. Phil had grown up road riding so it was a natural extension of his body, I grew up mountain biking and was never really good at it, but learned by watching Phil how to be more comfortable on the bike.

Our goal was to keep our legs stronger  and increase our endurance strength for the 08-09 season. As the riding season progressed it went from training session to riding obsession.

From Urban to Rural to Urban Again

Our riding locations have varied. Living in the city it is easiest for us to walk out the door and jump on our bikes. But that alone is an adventure in itself. Although Toronto has done a remarkable job at creating bike (multi-purpose) lanes along the waterfront and through various parks, they are often crowded. And too frequently there are pedestrians who cross without even looking – would you cross the street without looking both ways? But having said that there are great stretches where I’m off chasing Phil.

Our rural rides have varied. With our weekend escapes up in Collingwood we’ve had a great time challenging ourselves on the escarpment. Our most daring ride was in some torrential rain and high winds while climbing the front and backside of Blue Mountain – with huge smiles on our face.

Other times we have driven out to Phil’s mom’s house in Mississauga. Within 10 minutes there are back country roads and tons of other road riders. On these rides I’m still amazed that there is such beauty and openness still so close to the city.

Our adventures on the bike this summer have been numerable.

It has been great training and I definitely feel stronger. My long rides with Phil remind me how much I love skiing, adventures, and finding the right person to do it all with.