So things got a bit busy recently as everyone was doing what they needed to prepare for their Level 2 and Level 3 snow board and ski exams. The tension was mounting. We undertook the Level 2 Ski course and were both told that if we worked on a few things we had a chance of passing. Not bad after 6 weeks’ of skiing.
We spent the three days we had before the exam practicing hard but the daily changing snow conditions were challenging. Our least favourite conditions was when the temperatures shot up to 17 degrees centigrade on the mountain and the snow turned into a sticky mess. In between the shade of the trees you suddenly sped up, like you were playing Mario Karts, but in the sunny patches you almost came to an abrupt stop throwing you forward in your ski boots. Luckily during the two days of our exam the temperature dropped considerably.
After a tense two days, we both passed our Level 2 Ski teach but just missed out on the Ski half of the exam. Maybe if we add it to our half a Level 2 snowboard we could be classed a Level 2 instructor 😉 Many of the Level 2 group passed with flying colours so there was lots of celebrating to be done. The Level 3 standards are a huge step up and the conditions werent’t kind so there were less of the ski and snowboard group celebrating even though they looked amazing riders to us. But there were still a few drinks sunk to help ease the dissapointment.
Following a messy night, to nurse our hangovers we all took to the hill for a great last day on the snow together. There were some very near crashes, lots of laughing and some great memories made.
And then our last night was upon us…… so some more drinks were in order. A great party materialized at Henry’s house, which I’m sure the neighbours loved !!
On the way home we all had a laugh as people took it in turns to ride Taj’s wheeled suitcase like a horse up the road back to the hotel. We are really going to miss these guys……..
Saying goodbye was never going to be easy but hopefully we will see many of them again, either in their homelands or when working as ski and snowboard instructors in some amazing destinations. A few of us who are staying in Sun Peaks for a short while waved everyone off with misty eyes. Au revoir guys and bon chance, wherever your new qualifications and experience may take you. Its been a blast!
