For eight years now, eager youth that love to ski and snowboard have been taking advantage of a great program offered by the CRCA. The Friday Afternoon Ski/Snowboard Trips to Canada Olympic Park (COP) are always hugely popular with parents and kids alike. The kids get to hit the hill with their friends and moms and dads don’t have to drive, so everyone is happy.
The supervised trips run on Friday afternoons and is designed for kids ages nine to 17. The bus leaves the Rec Centre shortly after 3:00p.m, and returns over 5 hours later with a bunch of tired kids at 9:30p.m. Each winter there are two sessions to choose from, the second of which begins January 24th and goes through until February 28th. The cost of the trip is relatively inexpensive but varies depending on whether you purchase the bus only or the bus/lift ticket combo. While the bus/lift ticket combo is $200 for four trips, the bus itself is only $60.
The adult supervisor acts as a base camp contact for the kids and is available inside the lodge if needed. The kids are free to go out on their own to ski or snowboard and are simply asked to check in at base camp every couple of hours. Some of the kids pack a dinner and there is also a concession available for those who decide to purchase food.
If parents are interested in lessons for their child, they can contact COP directly and set up and pay for the lessons during the time they are there. The supervisor will help ensure they get to their lesson destination if they need help. Whether you are a beginner or an expert on the slopes, this trip is worthwhile. Many kids have their own equipment but you have the option to rent your gear at COP as well, so nobody has to be left out.
“These trips are just awesome because I wouldn’t be able to get out to snowboard nearly as often without it” says one teen who has been attending the organized trips for many years now. “It’s great to be able to go to the hill with my friends every Friday.”
Another participant who has attended for two years now says that she highly recommends everyone to give it a try, regardless of their skill level on the hill. “You don’t even have to be a great skier or snowboarder to have fun,” she says. She explains that she tried snowboarding for the first time last year on one of these trips and now she loves it. “I even got a snowboard for Christmas this year!”
Space is limited so you will want to register early and keep in mind that this CRCA program requires a 2013/2014 Community Membership. You can register on line at www.chestermerecrca.com until Jan.21 or at the Rec Centre Admin Office during business hours. For more information email recreation@chestermerecrca.com or call 403-272-7170 ext. 224.
