Addicted to Improving - Why Katie Keeps Coming Back

Serial Nonstopper Katie is always looking for her next ski adventure and has found that through our courses. So far she's done a total of five Nonstop programs including a ski instructor course, snow safari and our 'master the mountain' off piste camp. As well as making massive progressions with her skiing she's also made many great friendships. We caught up with Katie to see why she keeps coming back!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST NONSTOP TRIP AND HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE?

My first Nonstop trip was the 3 week level 1 ski instructor course in Fernie, over the New Year back in 2009/10. It was great, massively improving my skiing and teaching me loads of useful drills I could use going forward. I also got to experience an amazing day cat skiing in fresh powder, something I still remember. It was my first time in Fernie and I instantly fell in love with the place. I stayed in Nonstop’s Red Tree Lodge and probably spent a bit too much time in the hot tub. I embraced Canadian culture and became somewhat of an ice hockey fan, cheering on Fernie’s local team the Ghostriders whenever I got the chance. It goes without saying that I have met some great people over years on Nonstop courses, some of whom have become close friends.

WHAT OTHER COURSES HAVE YOU DONE?

Well… I’ve done a fair few. Two snow safaris in 2011 and 2016. The first one went from Whistler to Banff. Clarence was our host and was super fun. I loved all the different resorts we got to ski at, and the travel between resorts was spectacular, with lakes and hot springs some of the hot spots along the way. It was nice to be able cram so much into such a short time, especially as literally everything was arranged for us. I also did the Powder Triangle Snow Safari in 2016. Again, a great trip. Mark hosted us this time and was great. Snow was superb and skiing in all the resorts was great, and even better, I got to revisit Fernie.

In 2012 I took a longer trip and did the 6 week 'master the mounatin' off piste ski camp in Fernie. This was a dream as I got to spend a prolonged period in Fernie working on my skiing, enjoying some amazing experiences and meeting some fantastic people. Most recently I did the early season ski camp in Cervinia in 2016. What a good way to start the season! The snow couldn't have been better for November and I felt like my skiing massively improved even in four days. My friends and I are already talking about doing this one as a group next year!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE? WHY?                         

My favourite of all time would undoubtedly be the 'master the mountain' course in 2012. Best. Trip. Ever. Everything about this was brilliant. I stayed in one of the houses in Fernie, which was perfect as it meant we could cook for ourselves and relax in the living room in front of the huge TV. It was also very social and we cooked dinner for the whole MTM crew a few times. We even built massive chairs, tables and bar from snow in our front garden. The skiing was just phenomenal. Polar Peak was open by then and brought a new challenge. Wendy and Dwight were brilliant instructors who really helped me build confidence in powder and challenging terrain. Day skiing at Kimberly was fun. Lots of messy social nights! I had one day off from skiing each week and used the local pool during this time. I also tried out cross country skiing, learned how to ski tour and experienced the Boulder Hut! I don't use the word awesome that often, but what a truly awesome place!

The helicopter ride to the Boulder Hut was pretty special... and when we arrived it just continued to get better. We were greeted by Rosie, the bear sized dog. We all shared one warm wooden cabin to sleep in. I loved it! There was a separate cabin for chilling and eating (brilliantly cooked food might I add), where we played cards, laughed a lot and even tried to play the guitar. There is absolutely no phone signal there - bliss! So, no internet, no texting... The skiing was unreal. I found the uphill walks with skins pretty hard work, but oh, they were worth every step when we started our descent! And of course, Rosie was charging along next to us! The place is so tranquil, so silent and peaceful. It really is a total escape. I met so many great friends. The year after the MTM we even had a reunion trip in Revelstoke.

WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?

The trips are so well organised and I've loved every minute of them all. My skiing has really improved. Accommodation is always lovely. I've met some great friends. Also, I have more opportunity to ski than some of my friends, and really enjoy that you can go on a Nonstop trip alone and not feel out of place. In fact, I love the freedom of going on these trips alone! Nonstop courses really focus your mind on getting the most out of your skiing, whilst loving every minute. The standard of instruction is top notch, without fail.

HOW FAR HAS YOUR SKIING COME OVER YOUR TIME WITH NONSTOP?

Massively. Even a few days of tuition with nonstop makes a huge difference and every trip develops my skills vastly. I'm totally hooked!