Making the call.

Making the call to open or close for the day can be one of the toughest decisions to be made out here at the Brim. The Weather guessers had set the stage, a snow storm was forecast to travel into Ontario (originating out of Texas) and bring with it a substantial gift of snow.....delivered on the tails of wind speeds of 30 to 50kmh. In the early hours of this morning the wind was high and swirling whiteouts circled the slopes of Brimacombe. Snow accumulated in drifts across the slopes, and heavier sleet like particles tapped at the windows of the buildings. A search of the weather radars and local forecasts told us that the wind speeds were not going to drop anytime soon. The decision to close for the day was made (a decision most of our neighbouring resorts also made), not due to snow itself, but the high winds and resulting whiteout conditions. Rolling ahead into the early daylight hours the wind was still high, creating very poor driving conditions on the roads heading towards the Brim. A majority of the new snow had blown from the top of Brimacombe's slopes, however just over the crest the trees lining the runs had captured and saved much of the new snow which had drifted into washboard like ridges.

High winds can create unsafe operational conditions, they can affect our abilities to properly groom our terrain (wind blown, heavily ridged snow requires grooming) and can affect the safe operation of our lifts. Public safety is our number one concern.

Throughout the morning we began to clear our snow blown roads and parking lots, the winds dropped considerably and the weather radar and local forecasts showed that the risk of high wind was over. We reassessed and called in the grooming staff, we would open for night skiing.

As I write, the staff have finished clearing the decks, more new snow is falling to the ground and the operational checks are underway on our Lifts and Trails. It is going to be a fantastic night at the Brim, if you've spent the day on the couch watching movies or a day in the office thinking about skiing or snowboarding it's time to hit the slopes! We are now open for night skiing until 10pm.

Cheers,

Mark

On a stroll through the park...

The Terrain Park at the Brim was full of action today, if you've followed my blogs in the past you'll know, pictures tell a better story than I ever could...

Here's what I saw...

Another fun place to play at the Brim is our mogul field...

Chris D finds his line,

After his wife Sue shows him how it is done!

We have received a lot of snow since we first planted the "mogul seeds" and they sure have grown!

A view from afar of the top of our Whistler run,

Mike sets up a set of demo skis at the Brimacombe On-Hill Demo tent. Try every ski on our shops wall....right outside our shops door.

Today was race day for the Nancy Greene league on the slopes of Brimacombe.

It was another day in Paradise,

Cheers,

Mark

BRIMACOMBE GOLD MEDAL CHAMPION KRISTEN WORBOY!

We are very proud to announce that one of Brimacombe's most dedicated member's, Kristen Worboy, skied at the Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games in Thunder Bay this past weekend, and although several races were cancelled due to the extreme cold weather, she won a gold medal in the Giant Slalom, competing against skiers from across Ontario and Manitoba.

I caught up with Kristen today at the Brim for a picture of her with her medal!

WAY TO GO KRISTEN!

***

The conditions are great! Don't just take my word for it, come on out and experience Brimacombe!

Cheers,

Mark

Why stay indoors?

I woke up this morning to a reading of -22* on my thermometer. This wasn't a surprise, the weather guessers had made the prediction and yesterday's temperatures were only marginally warmer at that time of the morning. As I prepared for my day at the Brim I made sure to dress warmly, and put on a good pair of socks (Lorpen socks if fact). The sun was rising as I made my way to work, and even then I could tell that it was going to be a nice day...cold, but nice. The radio announcer then sent out her warning...STAY INSIDE TODAY!

Well, as the day wraps up here at the Brim I can tell you from experience, it was beautiful outside today. The sun shone 100%, the wind was higher in the morning but then eased off for the day, and the snow was FANTASTIC. Winter only lasts a short time, come on out and enjoy it at Brimacombe!

***

We hosted the 1st event in our Saturday Night Rail Jam Series last night. We had a great turn out and lots of spectators.

The Results are in...

16 and Over Male Snowboarders

1.) Evan Hay
2.) Bradley Hesson
3.) Matt Preston

Male Skiers

1.) Bryan Elliot
2.) Matthew Elliot
3.) Pelle Brolmann

15 and Under Snowboard

1.) Matthew Mageau
2.) Tanner Gallant
3.) Spencer Main

Snowboard Girls

1.) Jillian Clarke
2.) Ashley Bravn

Best Trick 15 and Under

Matthew Mageau

Best Trick 16 and Over

Matt Hogan



A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Brimacombe Proshop and Rentals, Elan, Scotties, Coal, Sessions, Oakley and Clarke Sommervilles Sports

Due to the heavy snow, I wasn't able to take many photos....


The MONSTER team

Snow flakes and rails, it was a great time!
Don't miss the other events in the 2011 SATURDAY NIGHT RAIL JAM SERIES

It was a COOL weekend at the Brim,

Cheers,

Mark

Even MORE snow...

EVEN MORE FRESH POWDER SNOW has fallen to the slopes of Brimacombe! We awoke to approximately 2-3 inches of new snow this morning and as I write, more white gold is making it's way to our trails. if you haven't made it to the Brim yet this year, there is no better time!

Photo taken this morning, Jan 21, 2011

***

The Ontario Snow Resort Association and Canadian Ski Council are pleased to present the English language version of http://www.myhelmet.ca/ . This site was originally launched by the ASSQ last season. Our associations would like also like to thank Claude Peloquin, President of the Quebec association, for allowing us to use this piece.

This website contains comprehensive information on helmet usage and general helmet information.

http://www.skicanada.org/myhelmet

***

SATURDAY NIGHT RAIL JAM SERIES STARTS JAN 22!
Attention Riders!

Saturday Night Rail Jam Series,
Jan 22, Feb 12, Mar 12 2011

Brimacombe is proud to present the 2011 Saturday Night Rail Jam Series, brought to you by our very own Brimacombe Proshop and Rentals, Elan, Scotties, Coal, Sessions, Oakley and Clarke Sommerville Sports

REGISTRATION

Save up to $25 when you register in advance!
$20 per event in advance
$50 for all three in advance
or
$25 per event when you register day-of

THE RUN DOWN

 Registration and Sign-in starts at 4:00 day of the comp
 Registration and Sign-in ends at 5:30 day of the comp
 Mandatory Riders Meeting @ 5:45 in the fenced in area at the rail setup
 Comp starts at 6:00
 1 hour jam session
 Finals will begin at 7:30
 Big prizes and awards will be tossed out following the rail comp

COMP FORMAT

 One hour Jam Session (controlled drop-ins)
 Riders will be scored on the tricks they can throw down, biggest tricks stomped puts you in the finals
 Skier 11-15 years old and Skier 16 and over categories and snowboard 11-15 years and 16 and over categories
 Awards for top three finishers and best trick in each division
 Comp will be fenced off while park stays open through the night
 Park passes are required

Riders must be 11 years of age or older

***

Looks like a chilly weekend ahead, but that's no reason to stay inside! Dress appropriately! Be sure to dress in layers that can be easily removed if you get too warm, cover all exposed skin and bring a pair of quality ski socks to change into once you arrive at the hill. Winter is a short season, MAKE THE BEST OF IT AT THE BRIM!

See you on the slopes,

Cheers,

Mark

ERV HUNTER

HUNTER, Ervin Joseph –
(April 1, 1936 – January 15, 2011)

(40 year member of Oshawa Ski Club; enjoyed 13 years operating the peewee program and being a member of the past board of directors. Retired 35 year supervisor of General Motors, co-owner of June’s Sugar and Spice, member of Probus, graduate of York University and inducted into the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame with the Connaught Softball Team)

Peacefully at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Saturday, January 15, 2011.
Beloved husband of June (Hodgson) for 53 years. Loving father of Kim (George Matthias), Jodi (Mike Smithson) and Christopher (Cathy). Cherished grandpa of Lauren and Curtis Matthias, Cassandra and Marli Mason, and Chelsea and Catie Hunter. Dear brother of Marian Leonard and brother in law of Barbara (Jack Dunn) and remembered by his nieces and nephew.
Thank you to the Lakeridge Health Oshawa Emergency Staff for all of their help and support.

The Hunter Family invites you to join them in the auditorium at Kingsview United Church, 505 Adelaide Avenue East, (at Wilson Road North) Oshawa for a Celebration of Life reception on Thursday, January 20th from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Donations in memory of Erv to a charity of choice may be made through McINTOSH-ANDERSON-KELLAM FUNERAL HOME, 152 King Street East, Oshawa (905-433-5558).
Online condolences and memories may be left at www.makfuneralhome.com.

McINTOSH-ANDERSON-KELLAM FUNERAL HOME

SUNday

It has been another BANNER DAY on the slopes of Brimacombe, yesterday's heavy snowfall made for perfect ski conditions today, the crystal clear blue sky and crisp air was the icing on the cake!

A few shots taken today....at the Brim!

SUN, BLUE SKY and SNOW.

The steeps of Rutherford's Cut/Richard's Landing and the Challenger run.

Don, Irene, Patti and Chris share a ride up the Bowl Chair.

A shot more typical of Western Canada, but taken today on our western most runs.

***

We have expanded our Food services to the Ticket Kiosk in parking lot #2 (top of the hill)! We now sell hot drinks, cold drinks and light snacks from this location! Grab a coffee after dropping your kids off for a day of skiing, or stop by for a quick slope side snack! Thanks for continuing to support your club!

***

Attention Riders
Saturday Night Rail Jam Series,
Jan 22, Feb 12, Mar 12 2011

Brimacombe is proud to present the

2011 Saturday Night Rail Jam Series,

brought to you by our very own Brimacombe Proshop and Rentals, Elan, Scotties, Coal, Sessions, Oakley and Clarke Sommervilles Sports

The Run Down

 Registration and Sign-in starts at 4:00 day of the comp
 Registration and Sign-in ends at 5:30 day of the comp
 Mandatory Riders Meeting @ 5:45 in the fenced in area at the rail setup
 Comp starts at 6:00
 1 hour jam session
 Finals will begin at 7:30
 Big prizes and awards will be tossed out following the rail comp

Comp Format

 One hour Jam Session (controlled drop-ins)
 Riders will be scored on the tricks they can throw down, biggest tricks stomped puts you in the finals
 Skier 11-15 years old and Skier 16 and over categories and snowboard 11-15 years and 16 and over categories
 Awards for top three finishers and best trick in each division
 Comp will be fenced off while park stays open through the night
 Park passes are required

Riders must be 11 years of age or older

***
ERV HUNTER

It is with sadness and regret that we announce the passing of Mr. Erv Hunter. The Board of Directors, Management and Staff wish to express our sincere condolences to the family. Erv, a long time and Life Member of the Oshawa Ski Club, played an active role in the development of our club and led the Pee Wee Program for many years.

***

It was a WEEKEND in paradise, thanks for joining us,

Cheers,

Mark