email : Webview : WB Snow School Newsletter #10

Edition #10, Friday, February 20th, 2026

In this Newsletter:

Scheduling Update
Ski Boots: why they matter and how to get it right
Training Update
PSIC
CSIA
Bike School Info Session
Après @ Buffalo Bills
Reminders

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Afternoon WB Snow School,

I want to start by expressing my sincere gratitude for all your hard work, flexibility, and professionalism over the past week. It was an exceptional stretch, one of those rare seasons when Lunar New Year, Family Day, Presidents Day, and the UK half-term all overlapped. This convergence created one of the busiest February operational periods we’ve seen, and you all rose to the challenge with the dedication and positivity that define our Resort and our Snow School.

These high volume times always push us to think differently and work differently. Many of you taught at a different location or delivered a different lesson type than you’re accustomed to, and you did it seamlessly. On Tuesday, our peak day of the season, we taught more than 1,300 children in our daily programs, an incredible accomplishment considering we were also running all of our other programming and saw solid volume in Privates. A very special thank you goes out to our unsung heroes, our Children’s Support Staff, Children’s ETC Team and our Scheduling Team. Your work is critical to the guest experience and foundational to keeping our operations running smoothly.

Our scheduling team deserves particular recognition. While they operate mostly behind the scenes, they shoulder an enormous responsibility—balancing ratios across products and locations, matching the right staff to the right product, and managing the operational complexity that comes with peak periods. We know that class sizes can be larger at these times, and the scheduling team is essential in finding the right balance between instructor experience, guest expectations, and safety. Our guest feedback continues to tell a clear story: even during high-volume weeks, guests choose to take lessons with us because they trust that their experience sliding with us will be better and safer than going it alone.

As we look ahead, lesson volume and overall visitation looks consistent for the rest of the season. All our mid-week and weekend programming continues to keep us busy. We will see a few quieter weeks in daily lessons and privates before volumes ramp up again in the second week of March. With Easter arriving early this year, the final three weeks of March and the first week of April will be very steady across our products.

As many of you prepare for upcoming courses and professional development opportunities, the leadership team wants to wish you the very best. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Thank you again for everything you’ve done and continue to do. Slide safely out there!

Sincerely,

Kyle

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SCHEDULING UPDATE

The scheduling team would like to recognize all the pros who have worked hard and with so much professionalism in the past week.

We want to give a huge thank you to all the pros that:

Stepped out of their comfort zone and helped other pods even if they had never taught there before

Showed up every morning with the best positive attitude and accepted any lessons that were assigned to them

Added days to their schedule

Moved their days off to accommodate business levels

It is because of you that we made it happen. We were able to accommodate every booking and give the best experience to all of our guests.

For the next months, we will have a steady workload. March often brings some new snow on the mountain. Let's hope March 2026 does not disappoint. With this in mind, please balance work/ freeski days and rest days. The season is not over quite yet and we count on you to manage your own health and energy levels.

Requesting Time Off

We will prioritize requested time off in this order:

First to ask first served

Certification courses and exam time off before other requests (example: travels or family visiting)

First requested time off VS second or more requested time off this season

SKI BOOTS:

WHY THEY MATTER &

HOW TO GET IT RIGHT

Before you read the following article courtesy of Barry Allison, I could not help myself and add one little Bartosz-ism.

If I had $900.00 to spend on ski equipment… this is how I would break it down…I would spend $900 on ski boots (and borrow more if needed) to make sure that they were perfect, then I would go to the reuse it center and get a pair of skis and poles to complete my set. I have been teaching and training individuals as well as groups for quite some time, and never ever did I hear these words “My skis hurt…”… and now a word from Barry…

Ski boots are the most important piece of equipment on the mountain. A proper fit directly affects your control, comfort, and overall performance. Not to mention Safety…you can lose precious days off the slopes if your feet get hurt – and that is a fact my friends. Poorly fitted boots can quickly lead to pain, fatigue, and reduced skiing efficiency, turning a great day on the slopes into a frustrating one.

How Should Ski Boots Fit?
A ski boot should feel snug but not painful. When standing upright, your toes should lightly touch the front of the boot. As soon as you flex forward into a skiing stance, your toes should pull back slightly. There should be minimal movement inside the boot, especially around the heel and ankle. That said, it’s quite common to experience slight heel movement, particularly in places like Whistler where warmer temperatures and variable snow conditions can affect fit. Ski technique also plays a role — developing stronger form often reduces excess movement over time. Remember: tight and secure is good — sharp pain or numbness is not.

What Are Custom Footbeds?
Custom footbeds are inserts shaped to match your feet. They provide arch support, improve alignment, and distribute pressure evenly, increasing both comfort and control. While not mandatory, they are highly recommended for skiers of all ability levels.

Simple Habits That Improve Fit and Comfort

Keep boots buckled when not in use to help them hold their shape and stay easy to fasten.
Walk with boots done up and booster straps secured to prevent foot movement, friction, and sore spots.
Dry boots properly by removing the liners after skiing so both the liner and shell can fully air-dry.
Wear thin socks. Thinner socks are often warmer and allow for a more precise fit by improving circulation and reducing bunching.
Address pressure points early. If discomfort persists, visit a professional boot fitter — pressure usually turns into pain or worse if ignored.

A well-fitted ski boot doesn’t just feel better — it helps you ski better. Taking the time to properly fit and care for your boots pays off every time you click into your bindings.

We still have new liners available if yours have seen better days - we will drop them off at the Springs (upstairs) - hopefully your size is still available.

TRAINING

Having a great time at the Adaptive Après Ski Session!

Training Update

Required Training - Teaching Steeps and Park Safety

Process for this internal designation is through your supervisor. If you require either of these for your work, please connect with your supervisor to see if there is an upcoming opportunity.

Elective Training

We have a full calendar of events from now until the first week of April with the exception of the week of March 15-20. At that time we will still run AM session and our end of day Fitness sessions, but will not be offering full day sessions due to a busy March Break period.

Many thanks to everyone who is filling out the survey after their session. It is a great way for me to receive your feedback and plan for the future.

Special Events

Tech Champs - Save the Date - April 10th

The WBSS Technical Championships is tentatively scheduled for Thursday April 10th.

Open to everyone, this day is a super fun, social day to challenge yourself and support each other in a race, bumps and corridor runs. Amateur, Pro and Masters categories available. Prizing for both ski & snowboarders, men and women competitors. Sign up will be in flaik.

PSIC/WWSO Women's Leadership Conference - Mar 11-13

WB Snow School is partnering and supporting a very special event from March 11-13.

The World Women's Snow Sport Organization is a newly formed global entity aimed at sharing knowledge and expertise on how to evolve the ski industry through collective learning and global leadership. Coaches from the WWSO will be pairing with PSIC coaches and leaders to provide a 3 day (on snow and indoor) event.

Aimed at being an inclusive event, it is open to PSIC members and non-members, coaches, industry members, and all genders. Participants should be comfortable on WB Blue and Black runs.

Participants may sign up for 1, 2 or all 3 days.

Day 1 - Unlocking personal performance habits to become more coachable

Day 2 - Exploring gender-informed coaching strategies for long term performance

Day 3 - Leadership Behaviours that attract and retain talent

For more information, please check out the poster below and visit:

World Women's Snow Sport Organization - https://wwso.pro/

PSIC Website and Event Registration - https://www.psic.pro/

Questions can be forwarded to tfraser@vailresorts.com or info@psic.pro

BIKE SCHOOL INFO SESSION

REMINDERS

To check your Schedule:

https://instructor.snow.com (username: active pass # | password: $noW2526)

Privates & Corporate

WBPvtSchedulers@vailresorts.com

Whistler Kids

WBKidsSchedulers@vailresorts.com

Schools on Snow, Recreational Club & Roundhouse Club

WBSchoolsSchedulers@vailresorts.com

Adult, Ex-Can, Gap & Adaptive

WBAdultSchedulers@vailresorts.com

Gondola Loading

Blackcomb Gondola - 10
Village Gondola - 9 - The Lift Experience Team targets for 8, but it can be 9 with 8 sitting and 1 standing.
Excaliber Gondola - 8
Creekside Gondola - 10

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