I was recently in Whistler for a fabulous day of skiing. It was a bluebird day, mid-week, with nicely groomed cruiser runs awaiting us all across Whistler’s wonderful ski terrain. It was a visit to the great mountain that was much enjoyed by everyone. Our fabulous day, however, was narrowly taken away by two out-of-control snowboarders that came out of the trees down West Bowl, taking out one of our group as they collided. They were two young boarders from away, crossing the trail into out-of-bounds territory. We, a group of five, were all skiing down towards the Red Chair as we came down from Far West Bowl when the first came out from above and crashed on the trail about 10 metres in front of me, and then a second one further ahead who folded up an older gentleman and family friend that has had numerous surgeries in order to continue skiing and living his active lifestyle.
It brings up the question I have often had: Should we separate skiers and boarders from the same runs? Alternating access to them on odd and even days so that all have a chance to cover the same slopes and runs over two days. Boarders are blind to their backside, while skiers descending a fall line have vision on both sides. My recent visit on the mountain with lighter traffic on-slope left me amazed at the speed at which some people were travelling, with both skiers and boarders at risk of collision. Some probably moving at 70 to 80 kilometres an hour, which, if you hit a person at that speed, will cause serious injuries to both.
I personally don’t mind sharing runs with boarders as an advanced skier, but I am sure many people feel intimidated by boarders with their wider sweeps and their blindside. That would also stand for skiers that want to roll down the mountain at out-of-control speeds, which I just saw too many times on my recent visit to Whistler. Maybe there should also be a designated run for speed skiers, only to keep everyone happy. There are enough runs between Blackcomb and Whistler to provide for all interests.
Some après thoughts, post-fabulous day of skiing in Whistler.
