The Whistler Blackcomb Senior Ski Team (SST) is gathering to mark its 20th anniversary.
The SST came about in response to novel skis which emerged in the early 2000s. Innovated by the late freeskier and BASE jumper Shane McConkey, these reverse camber skis marry a concave shape underfoot with rising tips and tails for high performance in deep powder.
Then in July 2003, Whistler's bid to co-host the 2010 Olympic Games proved successful. The town's population would grow to serve a boost in ski tourism across North America—a trend that included people over 50 years of age looking for reliable instruction on the new shaped skis.
Wendell Moore played a key role in getting the first iteration of the SST underway. Half a dozen locals met with him on a weekly basis in 2004-05 for lessons on both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain, usually followed by lunches at Creekside or Blackcomb base.
"Wendell is a very detailed person who is able to solve any problem that he encounters with little effort… or so it seems," remarked Wilma Weidner, who joined the SST in 2008. "He has and still is introducing specified training and equipment for people who want to up their technical skills."
The first cohort of SST members hailed from places such as Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Winnipeg. People like David and Rosemary Mahaler, Anne and Roy Strickland, Doug and Joan Deeks as well as Gus and Gail Leach were regulars in those days, and a small number of them are still involved.
'A passion for skiing'
Participation increased consistently over time as 70- and even 80-year-old individuals began to join. The Whistler Blackcomb Ski School took notice, ultimately making the SST part of its official lineup.
Demand rose further, with the SST expanding from one group to seven, 14, 20, 35 and now to 50 today. Moore helps divide both female and male registrants (between 300 and 350 each year) into units of seven who learn from the same coach for blocks of 12 sessions. Adjustments are made to fit the skills of everybody: from newbies who overestimate or underestimate themselves to returning pupils wishing to move up or down the ladder.
Each group of students meets at about 9 a.m. on any given day (with various cohorts heading out four days a week) and skis until sometime after noon, alternating between Whistler and Blackcomb week to week. Changes to the schedule are made to avoid poor weather and busy days like holidays.
These seniors enjoy an active social life centred around potlucks in local homes. Prior to COVID-19, the SST was frequently sighted at well-known establishments like Buffalo Bills, Nita Lake Lodge and the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC).
"The SST is its own community as it brings people together from all walks of life who have a passion for skiing and enjoying the outdoors, including the social aspect," Weidner said. "The goal is that we are skiing in teams and the leaders are coaching, not as much instructing."
At 71 years of age, Weidner has lived in either Whistler or Pemberton since 1998. She was born in the Netherlands and learned to ski in Tyrol, Austria as a teenager. Her favourite thing about the SST is meeting and bonding with "great people" who come from various vocational backgrounds.
She and many others get to renew those relationships on April 2 for an end-of-season lunch hosted by Creekbread.
"Celebrating 20 years means that the coaches and members have an opportunity to recognize and honour Wendell's ideas and work," said Weidner. "We are now a recognized unit within the Vail organization and other mountains too are now incorporating this program.
"The other reason is to let other people know that this SST program exists. It may be an idea for someone out there who is a lonely skier—or a previously injured skier who lost confidence—to sign up for next season."
A press release notes the SST has provided approximately 50,000 lessons to date. Visit seniorskiteam.com for more details.
