Whistler Weasel Workers
One of the benefits of being the parent of an athlete in the Whistler Mountain Ski program is working alongside other parents during club races, zone races and Whistler Cup. Many of us Alumni members have lifelong friendships that were formed while doing race prep or running ski races for the WMSC. A challenge is how to continue this aspect of club life after your athlete leaves the program. Of course the club hosts lots of home races and help from alumni is always appreciated, but what about something bigger?
The Whistler Weasel Workers is a volunteer organization of ski race enthusiasts dedicated to the advancement of alpine ski racing in Whistler and throughout Canada. Many of us started our ski race careers at the Whistler Mountain Ski Club and now focus on major races. We had a large presence during the Vancouver 2010 Games. Did anyone visit Weasel House? Over the years, the Weasels have worked on Olympic, World Championship, World Cup, NorAm and Canadian National Championship ski races in Whistler , Nakiska, Salt Lake, Bormio, Beaver Creek, Lake Louise, Sierra Nevada and elsewhere.
The Whistler Weasel Workers have a long history that is closely linked to the Whistler Mountain Ski Club. We got our start when Bob Parsons (Whistler Mountain Ski Club founder) and his course crew of 6, prepped the first World Cup Downhill races in Whistler. They were nick named “those Weasel Workers” for their work hand shovelling and boot packing the Weasel and Toilet Bowl. Owen Carney, our current Papa Weasel, was part of the team and apprenticed under Bob. Today we are told there is a plaque with the picture of Bob and the original Weasel team that hangs in the adult lounge of the club cabin.
Our next event is the Northwest Funds 2011 Coupe Nor-Am Cup scheduled for March 15th to 20th and we encourage all Whistler Mountain Ski Club members to join us. Expert skier or non-skier, experienced race worker or novice, there's a place for almost everyone on our volunteer team. Expect to work long days, to have fun, and to make many good friends. More details on the perk package to come later. We anticipate having a package for everyone who works 5 or more days. Of course we will have our traditional "beverage tent" and a volunteer party on March 19th.
Again, we encourage all Whistler Mountain Ski Club members to join us. If you are interested please sign up at our Official Weasel Workers registration site at www.surveymonkey.com/weaselworkers .
Murray Wood
Whistler Weasel Workers
