It didn't look like a good day to begin with

At 9:15, the departure time from Sheppard Yonge station, there were fewer than 15 of the expected 64 of us, not counting the non-skiers. Where was everybody?

But onward we went, on Bus 84, and then on foot from Bathurst-Sheppard to Earl Bales Ski & Snowboard Centre. Then began the task of getting everyone organized in classes, getting measured for equipment, and getting everyone seated and quiet for Recreationist Heather Kerr's address. After that, it was off to the rental shop to get helmets, ski boots, and skis.



By eleven, the first handful of MicroSkills participants were out on the snow, on the pony hill, walking in circles with one ski on.

While most of the learners were out on the pony hill, a handful of advanced skiers and learners--including Teachers Wendy and Waldi--headed off to the main hill. Soon, they were joined by a class of other brave learners doing their turns with skis in pizza formation.

The weather didn't disappoint either. Although there was a nice dumping of white stuff around eight in the morning, we got another two awesome snow squalls and wicked winds driving the minus 7 temperature to a minus 19 windchill. Visibility was down to 30 feet or so. It was a good thing we had a chalet to retreat to, where we could join those holding the fort--or at least a mug of hot chocolate. And then the sun came out again.

 

 

Welcome to Canada!

By 2 p.m., most of the equipment had been returned, and most of the tired skiers retired and homeward bound. Hopefully, they'll remember to share their pictures and videos on their blogs!