Edith, you were nine times North American Alpine Champion and four times Canadian champion during an 11 year stint on the Canadian Ski Team, what’s your lasting memory of racing?
One word comes to mind: fortunate. While I missed many of the typical social aspects of adolescence, I was travelling the world, developing an international network of friends, and pursuing excellence. I developed skills to deal with disappointment and celebrated many wins. And, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been able to carry my passion for the sport into my post-racing career.
How did you get involved with Snow Rehab?
Meeting Gordon, the other half of Snow Rehab, on the slopes of Big White was a serendipitous event. We share a massive passion for the mountains. When he approached me with the Snow Rehab concept, I immediately expressed interest not just in coaching his clients in the gates, but in a full partnership. I love sharing my passion for the mountains and the sport with others. I also host a TV show called Ski Television in the US, which allows me to travel around the world meeting people and showcasing mountain resorts. I was fortunate enough to visit Scotland for the first time this past April when I skied at Cairngorm, Hillend and the SnowZone. I’ve fallen in love with the country since then!
I’m told Ski Rehab is different in the way it almost takes clients back to their youth and gives them the all-mountain treatment, would you say that’s a fair assumption?
Our market is youth-focused, but for slightly older skiers, there is no question that they will come to play in the mountains in ways that they may not have imagined possible. With so many days on-snow, their riding will improve exponentially. Additionally, the broad spectrum of activities and new skills they will acquire through the Avalanche, First Aid, nutrition, and ski tuning courses will feed their desire for knowledge. And there’s no question that going cat skiing and boarding will have everyone giggling between breaths of light, dry powder snow.
Snow Rehab is based out in Canada, what resort do you call home?
Whilst I grew up in Whistler, I have settled in Kelowna, British Columbia. This place is magical! Incredible summers with large, warm lakes, orchards and award-winning wineries. Big White is my home mountain – just 45 minutes from town- it has a quaint ski-in, ski-out village with plenty of food and entertainment options.
What’s on the cards for Snow Rehab this year?
Everything is new! Although it is our first year, both Gordon and I bring a diverse, yet relevant repertoire of skills to Snow Rehab. With his experience in the business world and mine in snow sports, we have a keen sense for what makes a great winter adventure and how to deliver it. That is why we are offering 4, 6 and 12 week instructor and improvement courses at Big White and Revelstoke Mountain Resort with a variety of start and end dates from January through April. We have packed many extras into the standard packages, and are also offering a menu of add-ons. It is our first year, and we are out to impress.
If you had one tip for our readers ahead of the new season what would it be?
Skiing is anaerobic, so I recommend interval training. I know it hurts, but the benefits will outweigh the pain. Also, while you are watching TV, do some wall sits to strengthen your legs. It’s simple: back against the wall, feet a foot-and-a-half away. Slide down until your quads are parallel to the floor. Stay there until your legs are shaking, screaming and giving out. Repeat as many times as humanly possible. Lastly, and most important, go to comedy clubs to get your laughing muscles in shape…oh, and book into SnowRehab.com!
