(EDM) Downhill Ski Progression Course – Dec 2024 – Jan 2025

We would like to acknowledge that this mentorship program will take place on land that is the traditional territories of the Nehiyaw (Cree), Denesuliné (Dene), Nakota Sioux (Stoney), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), and the Métis Nation (Region 4).

For the second year in a row, Colour the Trails is hosting downhill ski lessons in Edmonton! In partnership with Arc’teryx we will be hosting a series of five lessons on the following dates/times:
Lesson #1: December 12, 7-9pm
Lesson #2: December 19, 7-9pm
Lesson #3: January 9, 7-9pm
Lesson #4: January 16, 7-9pm
Lesson #5: January 23, 7-9pm
**Participants must be able to attend all five lessons. Registration is only open to BIPOC aged 18+ at this time. 

Registration closes December 8th.

The beginner downhill ski lessons are for those with little to no experience skiing – you may register directly for the program. Intermediate participants will be selected based on google form application. Beginner and Intermediate lessons will be happening concurrently. 

Beginner Lessons: The first lesson will focus on mobility, stance, and balance. Then progress to learning to ride the lift at the beginner area, and being able to stop in a snowplow. As the group progresses, the lesson(s) will focus on snowplow turns, linking these turns, and speed control. The end goal over the five lessons would be linking snowplow turns on more difficult terrain, or even linked parallel turns on blue terrain. Again, the amount of accomplishment of the students will be dependent on their progression.

Intermediate Lessons:  This lesson group is for those who have experience skiing. Applicants should already be able to do the following items: change directions in a snow plow, get up unassisted, link snowplow turns with balance over the outside foot, walk with skis on. We will determine where the group is at collectively during the first lesson. These lessons will help with skill building, practice of techniques and moving towards skiing on more difficult terrain.  Submit your application here.

It is advised that the skills that are learned during the lesson are practiced outside lesson times. 

Location: Snow Valley Edmonton (13204 Rainbow Valley Road, NW Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)

Cost:
The retail cost for each lesson would be $400 plus tax for all four lessons. We are able to offer this group lesson package at a reduced cost through our partnerships with Arc’teryx and Snow Valley for $250 plus tax.

Registration includes:
2 hour lift pass
Skis, boots, poles and helmet rental
2 hour lesson + instructor (1:5 ratio)

Registration does NOT include:
Goggles, gloves, snow jacket and snow pants

Lesson Duration:
2 hours (7pm-9pm). We will be meeting at 6:30pm to sort out rentals and rental waivers. The group would only have to fill out the rental waiver once on the first visit and then will have rental cards to be pulled on each visit afterwards.

What you’ll need to bring/wear:
Warm clothes including moisture wicking base layers, mid layers to trap body heat, and water-resistant outerwear (snow jacket and snow pants), warm calf-high socks, and gloves or mitts. Goggles or sunglasses (optional).

Transportation: Please note that each participant will be responsible for getting to this event. Carpooling can be arranged by posting in our  Private Facebook Group. If you are carpooling with someone, please make sure to chip in for gas/parking.

Policy and Community Guidelines 

Inclusion Policy
At Colour the Trails, we are dedicated to fostering an environment that champions inclusivity, respect, and equality. We want to make it clear that we will not tolerate any form of anti-Blackness, anti-Indigenous attitudes, racism, homophobia, ableism or transphobia within our organization or community. 

Photo & Video Release Consent:
By purchasing a ticket you grant permission for Colour the Trails and sponsors to use any of the photos or videos from this event that have been taken by Colour the Trails videographers and photographers. They will be used for the purpose of sharing experiences with the community and encouraging future participation in events, which can include but is not limited to, print or digital versions, social media and websites without compensation or recognition given. Colour the Trails will not use the photographs in a manner that would exploit or cause malicious representation toward you.
Please contact [email protected] BEFORE the event if you do not want to be photographed or on video during an event.

Cancellation Policy
There will be no full or partial refunds once the participation in the program is confirmed. Most of our work is done during planning and preparation stages. If a mentee needs to withdraw from the mentoring program early, there will be no fee adjustments. This includes in the case of injury as we still need to pay the instructor and cover the cost of operating the program, without a replacement participant.

We understand that there might be exceptional circumstances that lead to last-minute cancellations or program withdrawals. If you believe your situation qualifies as an exceptional circumstance, please contact our team as soon as possible. Each case will be reviewed on an individual basis, and a decision regarding the cancellation penalty will be made accordingly.

Content Creation Statement
We ask to respect our work and to not create content to promote any other brands or organizations using footage or images taken during our events. Our team is putting a lot of energy and time into creating community spaces with little support and unrelated organizations should not benefit from our hard labour. You are encouraged to share about Colour the Trails work as it shows the welcoming and safe space we are creating and word of mouth helps our community to grow!

Full list of policies here.