Whistler Blackcomb's free “ski initiation day” last month for Ukrainians living in or around Whistler was, by all accounts, a massive success.
The March 6 event was a joint effort between the resort and Whistler Welcome Centre, in partnership with Capilano University, organized by ski instructor and outreach worker Camille Verdier. Twenty-three Ukrainians living in southwest B.C. were treated to complimentary ski rentals, a lift ticket, a group ski lesson, and lunch at the Roundhouse, in an effort to not only introduce participants to skiing, but "to show how the community supports them, and that they are welcome," Verdier said at the time. "And [we] want also to give them some fun times during a time that for them is a little bit hard.”
The only issue? There was still a lengthy waiting list of Ukrainians who weren't able to join in.
A second event is scheduled for Friday, April 14 to give even more newcomers an opportunity to hit the slopes—and, this time, to give snowboarding a try.
As of last week, 43 Ukrainians had registered for the free day, with 26 signed up for snowboarding. Nineteen of those are Whistler residents, with others coming from Vancouver or Squamish.
In addition to the same complimentary lessons, ski passes, rentals and lunch as last time, participants on April 14 are also invited to an apres-ski session to celebrate their progress on the slopes with a free drink while learning about settlement services available in Whistler. Whistler Blackcomb employers and a range of local non-profits will be on hand for a casual chat.
The idea to bring in these settlement services was sparked by a survey Verdier sent out last month, in which more than 68 per cent of Ukrainians who attended the first session said they are interested in moving to live and work in Whistler.
Friday's apres "can be a great opportunity for the Ukrainians to get some information and motivation to come to live in Whistler," Verdier explained in an email. "Also, it will be nice to make this project happen with a collective effort from Whistler Blackcomb and non-profit local organizations. Everybody works together to help the Ukrainians to feel welcome in our community."
The last day of winter operations on Whistler Mountain is scheduled for this Sunday, April 16. Blackcomb will stay open for skiing and snowboarding until May 22.
Reach out to Verdier at [email protected] for more information.
