From the Past to the Present
For over thirty years, all senior alpine ski races held in Whistler, as well as in most other ski areas in Canada have been run by volunteers on volunteer-built tracks.

Over the years, the Whistler Weasel Workers have built quality courses in Whistler for World Cup, Canadian Championship and NorAm races.  The Weasels build courses for and help run races of all disciplines, but their specialty is the speed events.

The Whistler Weasel Workers have also participated in building downhill tracks and running races at the Calgary and Salt Lake Olympics, at the World Championships in Italy and in Spain, and at the World Cup events in Lake Louise and at Beaver Creek, CO.

The Whistler Weasel Workers include members from across British Columbia, as well as from Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and other points in Canada.  Our membership extends into the USA,  Europe, New Zealand and Australia.

The Weasel Workers are building a very large team of experienced race workers who will come to know the Whistler environment and our organization.  As 2008 approaches, we need many new volunteers to train as course workers, as well as experienced folk who can become our future Section and Crew Chiefs.

The Work Environment
Volunteer race workers work in crews of six to eight people, under the supervision of an experienced Crew Chief.   Our volunteers range in age from teenagers to “graybeards” in their 70’s.   Everyone works at his or her own level and no one is expected to do anything they may be uncomfortable with.  Egos and pretense are parked at the bottom of the hill, we operate with far more workers than “chiefs” and our primary concerns are safety, hosting quality events and having a good time.  We work long days and sometimes in “lousy” conditions but we have fun and enjoy ourselves.  

The health and safety of volunteers is of utmost importance.  Volunteers are asked to familiarize themselves with our Training material and, in particular with our Safety provisions, including the Racer Down protocol that is in effect on race days. Your Crew Chief will introduce you to safe conduct on the course and there will be a Safety Meeting for all volunteers prior to the first race day.  

Job Opportunities
Experienced volunteers might participate as a race official charged with the successful conduct of the races themselves, or as course crew charged with the construction of the track and its safe maintenance during the races. Most of our volunteers work as course crew. There is a particular need for course workers who can train to become future Section and Crew Chiefs, our on-hill managers.

Among the race officials are the Gate Judges who are responsible for reporting racers who may miss gates.  A large number of Gate Judges will be  required for the 2008 races in Whistler.

From Snowboard Championships

Opportunities for Novices and Non-Skiers
There are many opportunities for relatively inexperienced volunteers who may be intermediate skiers, may never have raced themselves or may even be non-skiers. 

Non-skiers might work “on snow” in the Finish Area, or with the Timing or Security Crews or “off snow” at one of many support and administrative functions.  We need volunteers in transportation, in the Beer Tent, for food preparation, the race office,  and in other areas.

Because of the nature of the “on snow’ course work, skis are much more practical than snowboards, which are not encouraged.

Accommodation in Whistler
The Race Organizing Committee (ROC) will attempt to provide accommodation for all out-of-town volunteers.  This will be both in private and commercial properties.  To help us plan for the future, we will be asking all volunteers for a lot of information about their accommodation plans and needs while they are in Whistler.

Perk package
For a set number of days work, volunteers receive a “perk” package that usually includes one or two articles of clothing and other trinkets.  It's called "Swag" for "Stuff We all Get".  Many volunteers will participate for 10 days or more over a two to three week period. In 2008, our entire work and racing period extends for almost a month.

The Work Day
Different crews will have quite different days, depending on the type of work they do, and whether they are planning for a setup day or a race day.  A typical day for course crew starts with a 7 am meeting at Dusty’s Bar & Grill at the “Creekside” base of Whistler Mountain. Volunteers get coffee, sign in, meet their Crew Chiefs, and hear the plans for the day before boarding the Creekside Gondola at about 7:30.   Work for the day may include erecting safety nets, shovelling loose snow from the track or the nets, side-slipping the track, building and placing air-filled “Willy” bags,  or erecting the finish area or a start tent.   On “race days” a whole new set of jobs present themselves to the course worker, including the ongoing job of track maintenance, which includes shoveling and raking loose snow and side-slipping the track to remove ruts. 

Volunteers who serve as race officials work as timers, starters, referees and gate judges.  On race days, they will often have an early morning meeting with the Jury, the Head Timer, or the Chief Gate Judge to plan the day ahead and to receive specific assignments.   They will need to be in position, on the hill well before the race starts and they remain in position until the race has been completed.

When Day is Done
At the end of each day, volunteers retire to the “Volunteer Hospitality Tent" commonly known as the “Beer Tent”, which is itself run by volunteers.  Good fellowship abounds, the challenges of the day are relived and the next day’s activities are planned.  After a couple of hours in the Beer Tent, most volunteers are ready for a good dinner and an early bedtime.  

Volunteer Dinner
On one night, during each event, the ROC hosts a volunteer dinner, also organized entirely by volunteers.  It's a night of good cheer and many door prizes.  Do yourself a favour!  Come and join the team.  Participate in our future.

Weasels and Sled Dogs at Lake Louise Alberta