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Edition #7, Friday, January 9th, 2026
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- Training Update
- PSIC Adventure Days and Programs
- A Message From Bart
- Scheduling Reminders
- Feet!
- Your Employee Discount
- Reminders
- We want to hear from you
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WB Team!
As we wrap up the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your dedication, energy, and passion made this season truly special for our guests and for each other. The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year at Whistler Blackcomb. Your hard work, whether teaching first turns at Olympic Station, guiding families through downloading on Village Gondola, or helping guests discover the magic of our high alpine ensured that every guest truly had the experience of a lifetime. Your commitment to excellence and teamwork is what sets us apart, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we accomplished together.
As we look ahead, let’s carry this momentum into the rest of the season. Every day on these two incredible mountains is an opportunity to create moments that matter, inspire confidence, and share the joy of skiing and riding. Let’s continue make this winter one of our best yet, continuing to show why Whistler Blackcomb is a world-class destination!
Thank you for bringing your best every day, for supporting one another, and for creating memories that will last a lifetime. We couldn’t do this without you, and I’m excited for all that we’ll achieve in the months ahead.
Wishing you a fantastic start to the new year!
Kyle Murphy
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Mandatory Paid Training
There are a few pieces of training that are mandatory for all New and Return Staff to complete. If you haven't done the following, please do so ASAP.
Snow School Orientation
If you missed the in person 2 hour indoor orientation in November/December, we will be emailing you a link to the slide deck presentation and a form to fill out after reading through the slide deck. You can expect this next week.
Online 'Lift Training'
Yes please to still completing this training - Especially the Snow Pro Need to Know and the Slope Safety video.
https://vailresorts.sabacloud.com/Saba/Web_spf/NA7P1PRD010/app/dashboard
Optional Paid Training
In January and the beginning of February we will be offering 1 paid session for every employee. Some of these sessions may be assigned by your supervisor, others will be available for self sign up.
Teaching Steeps Levels 1 and 2
Not available for self sign up. If you are teaching in a program that has access to Teaching Steeps 1 or 2 terrain, you may be put forward by your supervisor to attend this clinic. It is an evaluated training session. Those attending will be expected to be familiar with the terrain in the package, have excellent class management and decision making skills and demonstrate the skiing/riding ability appropriate for that terrain.
To learn more visit the snow school website.
To train for these clinics - come to our Friday Intro to Steeps or Wednesday Advanced steeps - sign up is in flaik.
Not quite ready for Teaching Steeps 1 but have a program that will start venturing into TS1 terrain? Ask your supervisor about attending a Big Mountain Basics clinic.
Park Safety
In order to access the terrain park with clients, you must hold a Green Park Sticker.
If you are teaching in a program that has access to the Terrain park and clients that able and interested in using the park, you can sign yourself up for a Park Safety Session. Watch flaik for available sessions. Be aware that this is an evaluated training session. Participants will be expected to demonstrate basic park/freestyle skills, and know how to manage a class safety through the park. To prepare for this session, come to our Elective All Mountain Freestyle and Park Sessions.
Skill Development for Kids (Levels 4-6)
Open to all that work in programs with children level 4-6.
Learn how teach bumps, carving, and how to use terrain to your advantage. Build your skills toolbox while having lots of fun.
You may sign yourself up for this session.
Basics of Base - Adult Toolbox (Levels 1-3)
Let's get those beginners sliding with ease! Learn the tricks to help guests progress quickly.
This session is designed for all Base Pod and Privates pros working in beginner areas.
You may sign yourself up for this session.
Elective Unpaid Training
These sessions are available for all staff on a 'sign yourself up basis' using whistler.flaik.com
AM Sessions
We are welcoming all pods and people up for Morning (AM) Session.
Currently we are holding session at Blackcomb, Whistler and soon we will add 2 days at Creekside.
Please read all the comments in flaik so that you understand where to show up, when and understand the rules.
It is imperative that you sign an acknowledgement every morning - the link is in the flaik clinic.
Full Day Sessions
We have all sorts of full day sessions - something for everyone!
Please only sign yourself up for 1 full day session per week (Sunday - Friday) so that everyone has a chance to participate.
If you are not going to make it, you need to pull yourself from the session with at least 24 hours notice. You will not be able to unregister within 24 hours and will be marked as a no show.
2 no shows and you will be restricted from training. If you are sick and would like to be removed within 24 hours, please email wbsbs@training.com and notify people in the Whatsapp training channel that a space is available.
Part time are restricted to 12 full day sessions per season.
Please read the descriptions in flaik and on our website to see if a session is suitable for you, for meeting times and locations.
https://www.wbsnowandbikeschool.ca/tr-ss-full-day-sessions#fd-descriptions-ski Fitness Sessions
We are offering 4 different restorative and strength building sessions per week up at the cabin.
Sign up is in whistler.flaik.com and has the same rules as full day sessions - attendance will be taken.
These sessions are fantastic and free! Take advantage of them.
We are so stoked to ski and ride with you so please take advantage of our training program.
If you have any questions or feedback, you an reach us at wbsbstraining@vailresorts.com.
See you up there!
Tracey, JS, Jamie & Dan
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PSIC
ADVENTURE DAYS & PROGRAMS
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Huge Thanks to Our Snow School Pros – You Crushed It! ❄️
Hi Everyone…
Wow. Just… wow. This holiday period was nothing short of legendary.
Record-breaking lesson numbers
Incredible guest feedback (seriously, people are still smiling in their sleep)
You didn’t just teach skiing and riding – you taught joy, shard your love for the sport, build confidence, and probably changed lives forever.
From early mornings to après chats, you kept the stoke alive and made Whistler Blackcomb the #1 Resort that it is...Hopefully the other Resorts don’t mind me saying this and gracefully accept the 2nd and 3rd and (you get the point) position. If John McClane was to take a proper vacation and not just screw around at airports or destroy Nakatomi towers, he would come skiing or snowboarding at WB and obviously take a lesson – that’s how good we are…oh, do we have any instructors named Hans? BTW – that was my way of saying ‘Die Hard’ is definitely a Xmas movie.
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Thank you for your energy, professionalism, and humor through the busiest time of the year. You’ve set the bar so high, even the Peak Chair is jealous. I’ll give you a break for now – but rest assured Pez week will be here before you know it.
Here’s to more turns, morning sessions, and maybe a nap or two before the next rush!
Hey you awesome Private Pros, please read the following and let me know what you think?
Cuando estés esquiando, tu equilibrio debe estar predominantemente sobre el esquí exterior, y a medida que los esquís giren en contra de la dirección de desplazamiento, siente la presión pasando por la zona del talón de tu pie cerca de la finalización del giro.
Is it not crazy that a Polish person is now writing in Spanish?…Well not without ChatGPT he is not…but coming soon we will offer introduction to conversational Spanish specifically targeting skiing/snowboarding ‘lingo’ for basic lessons. Who knows, even I will make a huge effort to attend, mainly to understand what Carla is saying ‘under her breath’ when we finish talking…so keep an eye out for the sign-up announcement…
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Thank you all for your incredible effort over the Christmas period! It’s one of the busiest times of the season, and your energy, professionalism, and flexibility made a huge difference for Snow School. We truly appreciate everyone’s willingness to work across different pods—your support didn’t go unnoticed!
A few quick reminders:
- Update your mobile number: Please email or text us your current number so we can reach you for any schedule changes.
- Schedule codes explained:
- “Does not need work” – You’re available to be called off if needed. This helps us prioritize call-offs and keep schedules accurate.
- “Keen to work” – You’ve expressed interest in extra shifts. If your availability changes, let us know so we can update your schedule.
- Part-time holiday instructors: If you’re called off, it counts toward your 17-day requirement. Sick days do not count toward the 17 days.
Thanks again for helping everything run so smoothly!
Thank you everyone
The Scheduling Team
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With 14 weeks of winter ahead, your feet play a critical role in keeping you comfortable and performing at your best—both on the job and on your days off. Here are some key tips to help you stay healthy and enjoy the rest of the season:
1. Keep Your Boots Dry
- Remove liners and dry your boots thoroughly every night. This simple step prevents discomfort and prolongs boot life.
2. Fresh Socks Every Day
- A clean, dry pair of socks each day is essential. Invest in good-quality ski socks; having more than one or two pairs will make a big difference.
3. Take Advantage of Your Discounts
- You receive 40% off at WB retail stores, which carry a variety of brands and styles.
- You’re also eligible for the Helly Hansen Pro Deal online, offering additional options for quality gear.
4. Check Your Boot Fit
- If your boots don’t feel right, they probably aren’t. Our experienced boot fitters at all Can Ski locations are happy to help you find the perfect fit.
5. Listen to Your Feet
- If your feet are sore or tired after your work week, it’s okay to take a rest day or even a half-day. Recovery is part of staying strong for the season.
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Over the many years I’ve seen some nice looking feet post winter season; a nice pedicure, 5 toes (not some bunion type thing sticking out to the side), no extended heals, etc. I’ve also seen some bad looking feet.
I will not describe those . . .
My point is that you are responsible for the care you take of yourself. Looking after yourself also includes looking after your feet. We want you to enjoy ALL the season has to offer so be good to your feet!!
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Enjoy Your Employee Discount This Holiday Season!
As we head into the holidays, don’t forget one of your great perks as a Vail Resorts employee—special discounts on gear, rentals, and tuning services at Vail Resorts Retail (VRR) locations. It’s our way of saying thank you for all you do!
Here’s what you need to know to make the most of this benefit:
Discount Details
- Retail Merchandise: 40% off full price at 250+ VRR locations
o If an item is on sale, you’ll get the better deal (never below cost +10%). - Ski Hardgoods: 40% off Minimum Advertised Price (MAP).
- Rental & Tuning: 50% off for VRI employees.
Who Can Use the Discount?
- All active employees are eligible.
- Just make sure you:
o Are present at the time of purchase.
o Provide your employee ID number.
o Show valid ID (driver’s license, passport, or active employee ski pass).
How Can You Use It?
- Retail Discounts:
o For your personal use.
o For your partner or dependents (with you present).
o For gifts for friends and family. - Rental & Tuning Discounts:
o For employees only.
What’s Not Allowed?
- Reselling discounted items for profit
- Getting reimbursed for purchases
- Accepting tips, cash, or anything of value in exchange for using your discount
This benefit is meant for personal use or gifts—please help us keep it fair for everyone.
Other Important Notes
- Discount starts your first day as an active employee
- Cannot be combined with other discounts or coupons
- Credit/debit card used must be in your name
- All transactions are monitored to ensure fairness.
For full details, visit EpicEmployee > Perks > Retail and Rental Discount.
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To check your Schedule:
Privates & Corporate
Whistler Kids
Schools on Snow, Recreational Club & Roundhouse Club
Adult, Ex-Can, Gap & Adaptive
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Do you have anything you would like to share with your Ski and Ride leadership team? Please do so using the below link:
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