First, I thought you might be interested in some statistics from last year.  We did a total of 1,831 guided visits - a record!  Of those visits, 102 participated in the women's program.  21% were snowboarders, and 79% skiers.  Our biggest day was Friday at 411 - another record.

         Dates
Due to Olympic scheduling issues, WinterPRIDE guiding will begin on Tuesday, March 2, rather than Monday, and continue through the following Sunday, March 7.
         Traditional Program
Our traditional program continues this year meeting between Blackcomb and Whistler.  Only 5% of Whistler will be closed due to the Olympics.  And while we are between the Olympics and Paralympics, competition runs will still remained closed.  We'll miss our Creekside runs of course, but there will still be PLENTY of great skiing.
         ATAC!
ATAC stands for All Terrain, All Conditions.  This is going to be the new name of our experts-only program.
         Women's guiding program
Women will once again have the opportunity to ski or ride in women-only groups by meeting at specific women's guiding signs.  Obviously not all will take advantage of this, but we want to offer this service to help continue to build the women's program.
         Training Requirements
There will still be mandatory on-hill training this year for all guides, except for Whistler/Blackcomb instructors or guides.  WB instructors/guides will still need to meet with me in a short dryland session prior to guiding.  I am redesigning the training days to give you the most value and fun.  Trust me - it will be great and worthwhile.  If you have ideas for the training, I would like to hear from you.  Once again, you will have two training days to choose from:  Saturday, January 16, or Monday, March 1.
         Scheduling
Since we have a much better understanding of our day-to-day needs, scheduling will be specific this year.  We will, of course, do the absolute best we can to accommodate your schedule.  BTW, we already know we need you on Thursday, Friday and Saturday!  LOL!
*         Minimum Volunteer Requirements
We ask that all guides, volunteer a minimum of 2 days.  And our preference is that those two days are on Friday and Saturday if possible.
*         Signage
Signage will be new this year.
*         Assembly Area Organization
This year the assembly area will be the GO ZONE!  
*         Flip Cards
The informational flip cards will be back.
*         Name Tags and Armbands
Name tags and armbands will again be distributed to guides.

This year, there are three distinct positions in the guiding program.
 

In addition to our traditional guiding program during WinterPRIDE, I am THRILLED that we will be offering elite guiding services during the Olympics and Paralympics.  Our goal is to offer guiding services EVERY DAY that PRIDE House is open.  (Click Here to Read More About PRIDE House) That's 42 days.  Whew!  This may be a near impossible task, but we're going to try.  Each day, up to two lucky guides will be chosen to have the opportunity to guide our Olympic guests around our fantastic mountains.  This is a program for experienced guides only.    If you are an experienced guide, and interested in participating, please indicate your available dates on the electronic survey.  Your willingness to participate, while appreciated, is not guaranteed.  I will need to get to know each individual participating, so a separate interview will be required.  You never know who we will be guiding..... (Oh Bode, please come out.... LOL!)  More will be coming out about this opportunity later.
 

Date Summary
Saturday, January 16 - On-snow training day 1
Monday, March 1 - On-snow training day 2
Tuesday, March 2 through Sunday, March 7, daily guiding.
 
My Contact Information
john@gaywhistler.com
You may also call John at 206.650.8769.  I may get a Canadian cell phone.  I will let you know the number if I do.
 
RECRUIT!!
One more thing - if you know of anyone that would be a great guide, please have him or her contact us via email.
 
That's it for now gang. I look forward to skiing and riding with each and every one of you, and truly appreciate your help to make WinterPRIDE guiding a whole lotta fun! I will send out regular information as we learn it. In the meantime, keep your eyes on www.gaywhistler.com for news and information.  Reminder, register today for the Travelocity Never Roam Alone Ski & Snowboard Guide Program - sign up today!

 

Cheers,

John

Perks:  In an effort to help you plan your WinterPRIDE Volunteer Vacation or as the industry now refers to as "Vollycations" (Okay so I made that up, but it sounds good!) We wanted to share with you your perks program so you can plan ahead and buy your event tickets prior to November 15th to get your Early Bird Discount.
 
-         Complimentary Lift Ticket for the day you guide
-         Complimentary Après Ski Party pass for the day you guide
-         2 Volunteer Coupons for the day you guide (to be used for a draw for American Airline Tickets or redeemed for event tickets)
-         Sunday Volunteer Appreciation Brunch

 

If you volunteer the entire week (4+ days) we will issue you a Travelocity Never Roam Alone Full Week Pass.  So for the men the rate would be $150* and for the women $50* if booked prior to November 15th. 

* To qualify you must be a registered guide.  Upon picking up your accreditation at the Welcome Desk at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa you will need to fill out a waiver.  Guides that volunteer less than four days will be charged an additional $100.  All rates are quoted in Canadian Dollars, subject to applicable taxes and service charge.