Good afternoon Everyone! Happy Friday!
We’ve barely caught our breath after the trifecta of BC Family Day, Chinese New Year, and Presidents’ Week, and yet I’m already looking forward to Spring Break and Easter! I REALLY love the energy of Snow School during our busiest times—when we’re all out there doing what we love, surrounded by these incredible mountains, sharing our passion for skiing and snowboarding with our guests.
The chaos of Village registration always makes me smile and giggle on the inside—wondering each morning, “Where will the check-in line reach today?” And I love seeing so many of you at the top of the Village Gondola during end-of-day download. (Fun fact: when I first started in the ski industry, I was a liftie—so I still feel right at home up there with the lift team! I try not to boss them too much!) And of course, nothing beats returning to Blackcomb Base and catching those grilled cheese smells drifting out from Whistler Kids. Those little moments mean so much. 😊
This winter marks my 38th season—yes, I’ve been here longer than many of you have been on this earth! I’ve spent my entire career with Snow School and have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside such an exceptional group of leaders. As Senior Managers, Bart, Brenda, and I have worked hard to build a school that balances giving our guests unforgettable experiences while keeping our staff a top priority. We’ve navigated many changes together, and through it all, we’ve grown stronger and closer—most days showing what it truly means to be “one school.”
Whistler Kids has been such a big part of my life that it has, in many ways, become part of who I am. I’ve watched kids start in Valley Kids and grow into Olympians. I’ve seen families return year after year, their children eventually getting certified and instructing for Whistler Kids. When I first started as an instructor, I worked for Whistler Mountain—a family-owned business—and our kids’ facility was a massive red-and-white tent at the top near the heli-pad. Windy days were wild up there! Needless to say, a lot has changed in 3+ decades. The list is too long for this newsletter!
I’ve been fortunate to raise my family here and have my own girls be part of Whistler Kids since they were three… well, technically a little earlier, but that’s a story for another time! These mountains and this team have shaped me in ways I’ll always cherish. And with all of that in my heart, I feel ready to turn the page and begin my next chapter: retirement.
I am completely confident in the future of Whistler Kids. I know the program will continue to thrive in the hands of this outstanding team. Whistler Kids will remain the place where children smile, grow, fall in love with the mountains, discover the joy of skiing and snowboarding, and build friendships that reflect the very heart of our culture. Where instructors, ETC Crew, Support Teams and Care Givers will make friends from around the world and experience these legendary mountains.
All that said, I truly love this place—and I feel incredibly fortunate that this has been my life. I am deeply grateful for the people I’ve worked alongside, the moments we’ve shared, and the memories we’ve created together. This community, this team, and these mountains have shaped me in ways I’ll always carry with me. Every experience—every storm day, every registration line, every Village Gondola stop, every Whistler Kids grilled cheese with a side of Oreos—has brought me to this moment.
My last day will be Friday, April 17th. I have no idea what on earth I’m going to do the following week. For the first time in a LONG TIME, I won’t be waking up at 5:30 a.m. to walk my dogs, telling them, “We’ve gotta hustle, I gotta get to work!” Maybe I’ll celebrate by having popcorn with a small bowl of Nerd Clusters for breakfast while watching Netflix without checking the WhatsApp group? Maybe the dogs and I will go for a walk at a normal time like the people in my neighbourhood? Or maybe I’ll just sit quietly, take a breath, and try to comprehend that after 38 years with this amazing Snow School Family… I will forever cherish the memories and if you happen to see me wandering at 7am, don’t worry, I’m not lost. I’m just adjusting to this “retirement” thing 😉
Thank you all! Love you!
Warm Regards,
Donna Kerr
