Manning Park Ski Hill-Manager's Memo

April 4, 2010

Ok, I admit that it has been a couple of months since my last memo was posted. I won’t admit to procrastination and simply say that time seems to have a way of slipping past during the midst of our busy season. At least that is my story and I am sticking with it.

It has been a busy period that has brought us to the end of what amounted to be a great season. It brings a smile to my face reminiscing over a few of the extraordinary experiences that were shared at Manning:

Our dear friends from Shawnigan Lake School continued their long standing tradition of visiting the resort for their annual ski week. Once again, the staff and students from the school enriched Manning by their visit and I believe one and all enjoyed the activities and events that were undertaken.

Of course 2010 would not have been what it was if we had not experienced the amazing talents of the Russian and Kazahstan Olympians. Their presence not only brought a very colorful fabric to the resort but also gave us all the opportunity of making some dear international friends. Just remember; Manning, host mountain for Olympic training and unofficial supplier of snow to the Cypress venues.

March was filled with a number of events aimed at adding to your winter fun. Between the Telemark Festival, a weekend of Shreddin and Slushin and our 25 th annual Spring Fest celebration we were a buzz with activities in March. Many thanks to all the guests, volunteers, corporate sponsors and staff that made these promotions fun times for everyone.

And speaking of this season’s staff. From my perspective I have never been blessed with such an amazing group of folks. So much great positive energy and commitment to making Manning a wonderful place to ski and ride. Of course nothing ever seems to go without the occasional glitch, which as the manager, I hear about. But I would like guests and staff to consider a piece penned by Theodore Roosevelt some time ago. (with apologies Mr. Roosevelt for a couple of minor modifications):

“ It is not the critic who counts. Not the person who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doers of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to those who were actually in the arena. Whose faces are marred by grease and sweat and blood; who strive valiantly; who err and come short again and again; who know great enthusiasms, great devotions and spend themselves in a worthy cause. Who at best know in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if they fail, at least fail while daring greatly. So that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory …. nor defeat.”

January 24, 2010
Somewhere, some place, I recall reading something to the effect that “nothing is constant except change itself”. I’m not sure in the moment who first penned those words, but they came to my mind as I prepared to write this latest memo. I do know that, for me, the words speak more toward a reflection of daily reality verses the deeper philosophical or theological discussion that was probably intended. “Nothing is constant except change itself”. Since my last memo was posted, I can say without hesitation that there is truth in the concepts contained therein.

Change:
All of our longer term guests, season pass holders and staff have either asked about, or been apprised of, the “change” in management regime since the Bowra Group accepted operational responsibility of a resort in receivership. For those of you who did not know, well, indeed that “change” did occur in late November 2009. That, on its own, resulted in significant internal modifications to many aspects of how this resort is operationally structured and managed. Yes, this “change” has caused a departure of some dearly held and respected individuals and has stretched many long-timer’s perspectives on “we have always done it this way”. But, it has also brought some incredibly talented people to a table that has Manning Park’s future interest in mind.

Constant:
Manning Park Resort, Gibson Pass Alpine Operations, the Resort’s campgrounds and facilities are here and open for business. Besides, Manning does have a habit of grabbing a hold of folks that want to be here. Just talk to some of the staff like Wade, Aaryn, Smiley, Norbert, Joseph, Cliff, Wayne, Elise, Nate , Benn, Jim, Bimou, Dale, Steve, Elaine, Millie, Shelby, Tom , Mel and Ron. Not to mention the many repeat guests who come here because they like it.

How about the Christmas period when people enjoyed themselves on the slopes and had fun at some of the events we continue to host. Lantern making, a really great torchlight parade anchored by Jolly Old St. Nick, and a number of regular activities around the resort. A “constant” I would say.

Talk about folks in organizations like the Canadian Ski Patrol System and the Manning Park Ski Club as well as the dedication of part-time instructors in our snow school. “Constants” that continue to support and provide services to our operation. Or the “constant” contributions of people like Mike, Pam, Cindi, Kevin and the whole RV community that has been such a colorful part of Manning’s fabric. The amazing staff thank-you event that the RVer’s put-on this Christmas was a wonderful gesture.

Change:
A fresh contingent of employees who have in so many ways contributed to a better and more service oriented environment for folks who visit us. Young folks full of great ideas and enthusiasms.

Keep an eye out for things like Manning’s Facebook and Twitter pages or the introduction of specialty programs to offer lessons to disabled skiers. Watch for an increase in Resort marketing and special event offerings or activities. Yes, in some ways the winds of “change” can blow refreshing new approaches to the way business is done.

“Nothing is constant except change itself”. Well, our snow is great. The deals are on for groups and individuals alike. If any of you need a “change”, come and visit us. I believe our “constants” will appeal to you.

Respectfully,

Peter Kalina
Manager – Alpine Operations

November 7 th, 2009
There is something to be said for quiet moments….. those fleeting times where the hustle and bustle of the pre-season life of a ski hill manager magically disappear. I just had one of those moments today.

Standing alone at the base of the Orange Chair, in the solitude of the season’s first major “dump”. A moment where operations, procedures, to-do lists and the next agenda item are lost in the midst of large, sound blocking, slope covering snowflakes. At 11:00 a.m., 60 cm’s worth in the parking lot up on the mountain. Standing knee deep, listening. Not a whisper of wind or any objection from our magnificent natural surroundings. A moment of calming inside this manager’s soul, and a remembering of why I have come to really like this place we call Manning. Add being part of the child-like fascination (or fear) of some of our new staff who are experiencing real snow for their first time ever…. Yup, everybody needs a moment. I hope you all have one soon. I invite you to discover one here.

I gather you got the drift about our “dump”. And the snow has kept coming. There is now well over a meter of the white stuff in our alpine. And we are very close to being ready. All the lifts and related stuff have gone through the pre-season NDT (non-destruct testing), have been wrenched, tightened, greased and serviced by Nathan, John and Aaryn. That crew has been focused and working hard. All of the intermediate and novice runs have been “track packed” resulting in an excellent base. Needless to say, everybody is “chomping at the bit” to ski or ride.

Our long time visitors will see some fresh faces on the mountain this season. Amidst the new folks are those who know multiple languages, are MD’s in foreign countries, are world travelers or are here simply because they chose to work at Manning and perhaps “find a moment or two”. I invite you to get acquainted with our new people. We are all eager to provide you with a positive moment when you come to visit.

It was great to see some of our regular guests and to have met new faces at the Snow Expo. I invite you all to come and check us out. Especially if the big mountain or Olympic crowds are causing you to look for a down home “moment”.

Best regards,

Peter Kalina
Manager- Alpine Operations

Oct 19th, 2009
Well snow fans…. It is now just after Thanksgiving, and I have been very thankful for some awesome weather as we complete a number of projects on the ski hill. Even though we have already 10 cm. of the white stuff, it won’t hurt my feelings if a great snow year holds off for another week or two. Then, bring on those snowflakes that let us ride and glide!

For those of you that have been our guests for a long while; and for those of you that are considering Manning in the up-coming season; I would like to fill you in on some of the things that have been happening on the ski hill over the last 5 weeks. I plan on making this blog a regular thing to try and keep our guests informed on what is happening at the ski hill.

Slope brushing

Yes; the brush saws, chainsaws and mowers have been working like crazy. All of our Inter mediate and Novice runs could pass themselves off as golf course fairways. We have sum mer groo med a whole bunch of acreage that will help us open earlier with much better conditions. If any of you encounter Norbert and Ron this winter, shake their hands. They burnt out brush saws to improve slope quality on the mountain.

The Orange Snow Fences

Ride the Orange Chair and you won’t miss the new snow fences. Why? Because we are trying to catch that early season “white gold”. I know Featherstone, Upper Shadow and the Orange Streak won’t know what hit them as a result of these fences.

Sprucing things up

Sometimes things need a bit of TLC. Here’s to Mike and Pam and the incredible contingent of RV patrons that love our mountain. It was so encouraging to see that group volunteer a weekend to spruce things up in the day lodge. Talk about getting things done. You baby boomers outthere might remember Elton John’s “ Yellow Brick Road”…. Well there ain’t any “yellow brick walls” in the day lodge anymore. And the RVer’s make great chili…

I hope that some of the “sprucing up” that has happened will add to Manning’s ambiance. Lots of fresh paint to create a new look at the top of the Orange Chair.

It has been an interesting and exciting transition for me as the new Alpine Manager. I consider myself blessed to be surrounded by an amazing group of people who are as jazzed as I am about this place we call Manning. And it’s only getting better. I know I’m on a steep learning curve in some areas… but, “when a person is green they grow… when they think they are ripe… they rot”. I’m anticipating a great season.

Grab your Early Bird Specials while the early bird gets the worm. Call Lisa at our Season Passnumber (604-997-7277) for the scoop on our specials. We will have a booth at the Snow Expo in Abbotsford on November 13 th and 14 th. Stop by for visit.

I’m going to try to make the “Managers Memo” a regular thing for our web-site to keep all of you up-dated on our progress and status. I invite you all to be our guest at Manning in the up-coming season

Respectfully,

Peter KalinaManager – Alpine Operations