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Edition #4, Friday, November 21st, 2025
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- A message from Kyle Murphy, Sr Director Skier Services
- Sliding safely together
- Training Update
- Schedulers Update
- Parking Update
Standing Agenda - We want to hear from you
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A MESSAGE FROM KYLE
Sr. Director Skier Services
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Afternoon WB Snow School Team!
Today is the day – Opening Day at Whistler Blackcomb! I couldn’t be more excited to welcome everyone back as we kick off another incredible season together. First, a huge thank you to our Mountain Operations team for their tireless work in getting us open on time, despite the challenging conditions that Mother Nature threw our way. Their dedication made this possible, and we appreciate every effort behind the scenes. If you see a snowmaker, groomer or patroller throw them a high-five!
If you head out on-hill this weekend, staff and dependents are welcome to ski, but please remember that terrain will be limited. Ski and ride safely, remember the code. Conditions are early-season, and that means rocks, thin coverage, and variable terrain. Take it slow, respect closures, and look out for one another. It’s a long season ahead, and the snow will only get better from here so there’s no need to rush. Enjoy the start, but keep safety front and center so we can all have an amazing winter together.
I also want to acknowledge the disappointment of not having an employee ski day this year. While that decision wasn’t easy, it was absolutely the right call to prioritize staff safety and ensure we opened on schedule. Thank you for understanding and supporting this important choice. A big shout-out to our Food & Beverage team for hosting two amazing events at the Rendezvous and the staff après at Merlin’s. These gatherings remind us of what makes this team so special.
Looking ahead, similar to last season, we’ve updated our parking program for weekends and holidays. Please check our website for details and review the additional information included in this newsletter. Remember: we are one team! Also included in this newsletter are a few key messages from your Snow School Senior Leaders as well as important information about training and early season operations.
I’m wishing you all the best as we dive into the season, and I hope to see you at your return staff orientations soon. Until then, keep the energy high and keep doing your snow dance!
Here’s to an incredible season ahead!
Sincerely,
Kyle Murphy
Senior Director, Skier Services
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Sliding Safely Together… The Dupont Bradley Curve and Snow School at Whistler Blackcomb
Picture this: It’s a bluebird day at Whistler Blackcomb. The snow is soft, the views are jaw-dropping, and the stoke is high. While messing with gravity, our instructors are out there shaping unforgettable experiences for guests, building confidence with every turn, and sharing the magic of the mountains. But behind every perfect carve and snowboard shred, there’s something even more important: safety.
Enter the Dupont Bradley Curve… a simple yet powerful concept that helps us understand how safety culture evolves. At its heart, the curve shows that safety isn’t just about rules or gear; it’s about mindset and community. The journey moves from reactive (“We fix things after they go wrong”) to dependent (“We follow the rules because someone says so”), then to independent (“I take responsibility for my own safety”), and finally to interdependent—the sweet spot where we look out for each other.
So, what does this mean for Snow School instructors…what does this mean for you?
From Lone Wolves to a Pack Mentality
Sure, skiing and riding can feel like solo sports, but teaching at Whistler Blackcomb is a team effort. When we embrace an interdependent culture, we’re not just thinking, “Am I safe?” We’re asking, “Is my team safe too?” That means:
- Checking in on each other before heading out
- Sharing tips on tricky conditions (WhatsApp)
- Where to go…What to do…etc. …
- Speaking up if something looks off… because silence isn’t golden when it comes to safety
Why Community Matters
The mountains are dynamic. Weather changes fast, terrain evolves, and guest needs vary. A strong community approach means we’re constantly communicating and supporting each other. It’s like riding in a powder stash… way more fun when you are sharing the experience with others… and beneficial if you loose your equipment 😉
When instructors feel empowered to care for one another, we move up (or should I say down…) the Bradley Curve. We’re not just avoiding getting hurt; we’re creating an environment where safety is second nature. And that’s what keeps the vibe high and the lessons rolling.
The Bottom Line
Safety isn’t a solo run… it’s a group ride. By embracing the Dupont Bradley Curve and aiming for that interdependent zone, we make Whistler Blackcomb not only the best place to ski and ride but also the safest. So next time you clip in or strap on, remember: we’re all in this together. Because the best turns are the ones we can keep making… day after day, season after season. In Bike School we have a saying “The only thing better than riding today… is riding tomorrow”
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Bartosz Barczynski
Sr. Manager - Adult Programs & Private Lessons
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Hi Everyone,
Thank you SO much to everyone who has been doing their online training and signed themselves up for their mandatory preseason training. Rock Stars!!
I appreciate the effort you have gone through to to adapt to two new websites and get yourself ready. Big Hugs to you!
Online Training
Once hired (if you have done all your onboarding steps) you wil receive email notifications from our Lift Online training platform. You are automatically assigned a bunch of online courses to do each season. The expectation is that you will complete these courses BEFORE your first day of work or training.
Notes:
- You do NOT have to complete the "My Schedule/Legion" or "Wage & Hour" courses if you do not have a second job in another WB department.
- Snow Pro Need to Know - If you have been assigned more than 1 of these, you do not need to take the same course twice. 🙂
Pre Season Mandatory Training
Please if you haven't already, go in and update your profile. If you have not received an invite email from flaik, email us at wbsbstraining@vailresorts.com.
All training will be scheduled in this platform this year.
(Scheduling will remain in instructor.snow.com)
New Staff - you are required to sign up and attend the following:
- Welcome to Winter
- Snow School Orientation (SSON) for new staff
- OST - Operations & Safety Training
- IST - Instructor Skills Training
Return Staff - you are required to sign up and attend the following:
- Snow School Orientation (SSOR) for return staff
- Note that there is a specific SSO for your department (kids, adults, privates etc)
- If you are not able to attend the SSO date for your department, a recording will be provided on our wbsnowandbikeschool.ca website that you can watch and be paid for.
- RST - Return Staff Training for your pod
- Optional - Return to Winter on December 1st
- Company wide (paid 2 hours) connection & what's new
If you are having any issues signing up for training, please check our website and if still having difficulties, email us at wbsbstraining@vailresorts.com.
Elective Training
Fitness Sessions are starting soon!!
Look in whistler.flaik.com for upcoming free fitness class opportunities.
WPC Health Self Assessment Classes
WB snow school in conjunction with Workplace Physiotherapy Clinic is going to offer 6 opportunities for a pre season physical self assessment.
Come join Allison and Jana at Blackcomb kids at 4pm for a 1 hour class that will help you assess where you may need to develop some strength, balance or flexibility to stay healthy and safe this season.
30 people per session. Please only sign up for ONE clinic.
Myofascial Stretch Classes with Paul Sherman
The legendary Paul Sherman will be back this year to help you get ready for the season and maintain your physical health with his myofascial stretch 'pain club'. 🙂
Classes are free for WB snow school staff on Tuesdays starting Dec 2 up at the Cabin at Base 2.
4:15-5:15. Sign up is in flaik and bring a yoga mat if you have one. If you sign up, show up. No shows will be restricted from future training sessions.
Yoga with Bob and Amanda starting soon!
We are very lucky to have both Amanda and Bob back to help restore your bodies after long days at work. Meet them at the Cabin at Base 2 for their classes (4:15 - 5:15)
Bob's Classes on Saturdays will start on December 6th
Amanda's Classes on Sundays will start December 14th.
Sign up in flaik. Bring a yoga mat if you have one.
AM and Full Day sessions will start once we have the conditions to slide safely.
Updates here in the newsletter.
All sign ups will be in flaik!
Level 4 Training Program - Ski
Lastly - if you are looking to join the level 4 ski training program, we will be doing assessment days early in December. If you haven't yet filled out a the form expressing your interest, please do so here: Level 4 Training Survey – Fill out form
Ok Team! Get out there and get ready for your season ahead!
Can't wait to see you up there!
Tracey Fraser
Training Manager, Whistler Blackcomb Snow School
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Hi everyone,
Depending on how fast the terrain open, we might see our registrations number fluctuate in the next couple of weeks. We invite everyone to look at their schedules on a daily basis. Here’s how we’ll keep you in the loop if anything in your schedule changes:
3 Days Ahead
If a change is made three or more days in advance, it’s up to instructors to check their schedules. We won’t be calling or emailing for these early changes.
2 Days Ahead
We’ll send you a quick email or text to let you know what’s changed.
1 Day Ahead
We’ll give you a call to make sure you get the update.
If we can’t reach you (and there’s no voicemail), we’ll follow up with an email or text so you still have all the details.
At this time in the season, we are assigning lessons prioritizing return Full time instructors.
We would also like to remind you to inform your supervisors and the schedulers if you decide to change your pre season training calendar on FLAIK. If you change dates or cancel a training registration, please inform us about it so we can change your Instructor schedule.
We are wishing everyone a great opening weekend!
To check your Schedule:
Privates & Corporate
Whistler Kids
Schools on Snow, Recreational Club & Roundhouse Club
Adult, Ex-Can, Gap & Adaptive
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PARKING - FROM BASE AREA OPERATIONS
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Hi WB Team,
This summer we announced the updated Parking Program for the 25/26 winter season.
Here is a reminder that parking program is in effect for all car park users with the program day, starting Saturday, November 22nd.
See below some helpful resources and updates to ensure you have all the information you need to have a safe and organized parking experience.
Key Resources
Upper Lots (6, 7, 8) – Weekdays (non-holiday Mondays to Friday)
- Free, open 5am–10pm.
- No overnight parking—violators will be towed.
- No House overflow
No buses or oversized vehicles—use Lot 3 or 4.
Upper Lots (6, 7, 8) - Weekends, Holiday Mondays and the core festive days of December 27 to 31, 2025 inclusive
- Lot 6 – Free reservations-based parking will be available to vehicles, no restrictions on # of occupants from 6am until 11am
- Lot 7 – 50% Free Carpool reservations / 50% Free Carpool First Come, First Served from 6am until 11am
- Lot 8 – Free general occupancy, First Come, First Served (at any time of day)
Creekside (Lots P1–P4) – Weekdays (non-holiday Mondays to Friday)
- P1 – 50% Free Carpool reservations / 50% Free Carpool First Come, First Serve from 6am until 11am
- Over height and P2 – Free reservations-based parking, no restrictions on # of occupants from 6am until 11am
- Over height, P3 & P4 – Free general occupancy, First Come, First Served (at any time of day)
Daylodge, Admin & Springs Lane
- Daylodge loop: Drop-off only (max 5 mins). No parking in loading bays. Predatory towing in effect.
- Admin lot: Permit-only. No personal vehicles allowed. Towing will be active unless attending a registered meeting with approval.
- Springs Lane: No parking personal vehicles or motorcycles —ever.
- Admin & Springs Lane: Whistler Kids drop-off/pick-up allowed 8–9:15am & 2:45–3:45pm only.
Lot K & Corporate
- Permit-only. No permit = immediate tow for Winter 2025/26.
- Overflow is in Lot 7 midweek.
- Working staff only. No guests, family or personal vehicles for ski days.
- Work trucks need to be parked in the work truck area
WCB Employees – Injured Staff Parking
- Injured WB employees must follow standard parking rules.
- If you have a valid accessible parking pass, some close by spots you can use are:
- Admin Lot – 2 spots
- Cabin – 2 spots
- Lot 6 – 2 spots
- Sundial – 2 spots
- Roundabout near The Keg – 1 spot
- No exceptions will be made. Unauthorized parking will result in towing.
The Roads and Parking team consistently deliver an exceptional experience for both guests and employees by managing parking and arrivals with care and efficiency. We kindly ask that you extend the same level of courtesy and consideration to them that you would expect in return.
Please reach out to your department leader if you have any questions about the 25/26 parking program.
Here is to a fun and safe winter season!
Thanks, from the Roads and Parking Team
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