Training Seminars
Ridgeline Athletics has a long history of offering in-person training seminars and clinics. This winter clinic is our newest offering.
If you're wondering about exploring on snow covered trails and perhaps getting away from the valley bottom during the winter months, this clinic is for you!
Training though the winter time can certainly be daunting. It's dark, slippery, and cold. We want to help make sure you are well equipped, not just to get outdoors all winter, but to enjoy it!
This clinic is a one-of-a-kind in our area. There are lots of technical courses for summer trail running but many athletes aren't familiar with the hazards they face in winter. We have many trails on the North Shore and in the Sea to Sky that are trivial in summer but become very serious affairs in the winter.
Not only will we have our coach teaching the skills needed in training, we've brought in an ACMG Guide to teach about winter hazards! The mountain environment is already dangerous but winter hazards further increase the risks involved in our sport. By learning and practicing these skills, we can be better prepared and explore further!
Upcoming Events:
Saturday & Sunday, Nov 27-28th, 2021 - Distance Runwear, North Vancouver, BC
- Open to runners of all ability levels who are interested in continuing to run through the winter months!
- For Sunday's group run, you should be capable of hiking up the Sea to Sky Gondola in ~1:45hrs or the Grouse Grind in ~1.5hrs. If you have questions about your fitness, reach out and we’ll let you know if it’s a good fit.
- We use an informal presentation style that allows you to interact and personalize the conversation and presentation. You do not have to be competitive, fast or elite. This is very much designed with the everyday trail runner in mind!
Schedule:
Saturday
9:00am - 11:30am: Classroom Component
Please arrive by 8:45 so we can start on time! We will start with a presentation by Ridgeline Coach Jeanelle Hazlett. She will cover topics including:
- It’s winter…! Now what?!
- What gear to wear and carry to be prepared for any and all weather conditions.
- How to manage motivation & expectations.
- How to adjust training and goals in the winter and still have fun!
We strongly encourage clinic participants to come armed with questions - the more interactive these sessions are, the more fun they are for everyone!
We'll have coffee (bring a cup) and snacks for the morning session.
11:30am - 12:15pm: Short Trail Run
We'll sneak out of the classroom for a short trail run in North Van to stretch the legs and get a quick brain break!
12:30 - 1:30pm: Transition Time
Grab lunch from the complex across the street or bring your own!
1:00pm - 5:00pm: Classroom Component
The afternoon session (1:00 - 5:00 pm) will be led by ACMG guide Christine Feleki. She will cover:
- When and why we should check the avalanche forecast and how it differs from the weather forecast.
- Recognizing and avoiding common winter mountain hazards.
- Why following a summer trail can lead to trouble in the winter & when to turn around!
Sunday
9:00am - 5:00pm: Field Component
Sunday we will meet in Squamish at the Sea to Sky Gondola to put our new skills in practice. We will hike the Sea to Summit trail to Al’s Habrich Ridge Trail. Again, please arrive a few minutes early to gear up and tweak clothing.
We’ll review micro-terrain, movement in the mountain environment, tweak gear choices, and discuss avalanche hazard, then head for the Summit Lodge for a drink! Leave a little wiggle room here if we go a bit late!
This session is somewhat dependent on weather. Because the goal of the clinic is to become comfortable in colder/wetter weather, we may tolerate slightly worse conditions than normal. We'll discuss the forcast on Saturday and make a gear list. We do however reserve the right to change our location or cancel this session depending on weather and conditions (such is mountain sport!).
Cost: $185 + tax
Note: Lunch isn't included. We've found that with the variety of food needs, it's a lot safer to pack bag lunches or walk across the street to the mall options!
Purchase Tickets:
Winter Run Clinic Event Ticket (Nov 27-28)
PURCHASE NOW
Because of the tight timing of these events, tickets are non-refundable, but fully transferable to another person if you cannot make it.
Can't make it this time? Sign up for our email list below so we can let you know as we announce upcoming seminars!
