WVSC is a snowboard program catered to Sea-to-Sky Corridor residents ages 9 and up, providing training for both recreational and competitive snowboarders. The high-energy, professional coaches encourage progression of freestyle and freeride ability on any and all Whistler Blackcomb terrain, be it powder, park, pipe or boardercross. The members work toward reaching their full potential as athletes and as people, developing life-long friendships along the way.
"The Whistler Valley Snowboard Club is primarily about our members. We rip around all day, constantly working on skills and asking the members what they want to do and where they want to go. If our kids want to build kickers on a powder day away from the crowds, we'll do that. If they want to ride pipe all day, we'll do that too. It's their club, after all." Owner and Founder Rob Picard.
This full time program allows members to develop their riding ability in a unique environment, including opportunities to compete and travel during the week.
Members start the term with dry-land training that involves circuits and trampoline exercises as they prepare for the coming snow. During the winter, members have the ability to schedule training during the week in cooperation with the Whistler Secondary School and are enrolled in the Sports School program The Club and the School work together to make sure that the athlete is keeping up with their classes while getting the opportunity to train during the day. Time spent with like-minded snowboarders creates life-long riding buddies and friendships. Program starts on the last weekend of November, pending snow conditions.
Full Season - Weekends (52 days)
Designed for riders to train all season long during weekends, over Christmas holidays, and Spring Break. This program also includes photos, video analysis and the option to compete in contests at other mountains. Program starts on the first weekend of December.
Half Season (30 days)
Designed for those that want to be a part of Club but also have other commitments throughout the winter. It delivers the same impactful snowboarding experience without a season long commitment. Christmas and Spring Break riding, photos and video analysis included. Choose from Saturdays or Sundays, the program starts on the first weekend of December.
When you are ready to book, call Whistler Blackcomb Reservations at 1.800.766.0449.
If you need financial assistance, Kidsport Canada can help! Visit http://www.kidsportcanada.ca for more information.
Snowboard Coaches
WVSC employs some of the best snowboarding coaches in the industry. Led by Joe McAdoo, the coaching programs encourage hard work, self-discipline and dedication, providing a solid foundation for success in every aspect of life.
Since 2003, Joe has been overseeing coaching and day to day training to ensure the curriculum encourages continued development of the members. Some of the other experienced and professional coaches include Olivier Roy, Dan Desbecquets, Robjn Taylor, Geoff Brown and Duncan Mainland.
Members frequently reach the podium at provincial and national competitions each year, making WVSC the prime model for similar snowboard programs across the country.
The Beginning with Rob
Inspired by longtime friend Mark Fawcett, who is currently a coach with the Canadian Snowboard Team, Rob Picard started coaching younger riders for Blackcomb Ski Club in the winter of 1996. Rob's style of coaching includes many days taking the kids freeriding, which wasn't a part of what the club wanted.
The following winter he was running his own personal coaching lessons the way he envisioned it, and with great response from the children and their parents. Whistler Valley Snowboard Club became officially endorsed in the winter of 1997/98, and hasn't looked back since. Each year Rob and his coaching staff welcome riders who are full of potential and eager to learn.
