Burke week 2

For this weather shortened week of practicum, I went for a groomer ride along. While there I first saw the per run check that happens (or should) before each night of pushing snow. The idea of sustainability can be viewed a few different way when it comes to grooming. First if you can make good use of the snow that you have especially in a year like this where there is a lack of natural snow you can save the resort money on snow making, second if you are efficient in how you push the snow you can cut back on fuel costs. As far as service to the guests you can argue that the groomed trails are the main product that you are putting out to the public. This also ties in to safety since a poorly groomed trail could prove dangerous to the guests.

Burke week 1

The first day of practicum at Burke was a pretty laid back day with just getting my schedule set up for my time there. As far as work this day I helped get some information packets put together for a trade show in Ottawa. Then at the end of the day spent some time reshaping lips in the park which can be linked to the safety and services to the guests, theses kind of go hand in hand a smother well maintained lip is not only nicer for the guests to use but it is also safer since you wont be getting caught in a rut and thrown off your line. For Saturday I worked in the rental shop where I got some time waxing and edging some of the rental skis. I also got to see how the rental shop benefits the employees of the resort by offering them discounted rentals and services to their equipment. Also for sustainability they use a soy based wax which is safer for the environment. I also learned some of the basics of DIN setting for skis which ties in to the safety of the guests.