So you’ve skied and boarded, sipped coffee in the lodge, even cuddled up and spent the night. You consider yourself a real expert on all things Marble. But what do you know about the history of the place? Nadda? Read on, good reader, read on.
The roots of Marble Mountain Resort can be traced back to the efforts of the Corner Brook Ski Club, which was established in the early 1930s. Ski Club members cleared the slopes fronting on a small pond in Corner Brook’s Massey Drive area and International Pulp and Paper Ltd. built a log cabin on the top of the hill. A wooden ramp was also constructed where skiers of Scandinavian origin taught the locals the art of “ski jumping.”
The slope flourished until the outbreak of World War II, when many young men left to join the fight. After the War, efforts were made to rejuvenate the area, but by the 1950’s, it had fallen into disuse.
It was in 1959 that a committee chose Marble Mountain as the site at which to construct a modern ski facility. Work began in 1960 under the direction of the Corner Brook Ski Club, and saw steady progress well into the late 1980s.
As it became apparent that the area had tremendous potential for winter tourism, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, with the agreement of the Corner Brook Ski Club, established the Marble Mountain Development Corporation. That organization was responsible for opening our spectacular base lodge and all other recent developments. And here we are today, rocking and rolling in fine style!
So now that we’ve shown you our history, how about showing us yours? Send us photos snapped at Marble over the years, pretty please! We’d like to compile a visual history to later be posted here on the blog!
Living in Newfoundland means that we’ve all seen lots of snow. But not everyone has had the opportunity to visit the slopes. And being a beginner – especially an adult beginner – can be a challenge. We thought we’d help out with a few tips on what you need to get started (other than a positive attitude!).
If it’s your very first time on the hill, it may be better to borrow what you can when it comes to clothing. A $400 ski jacket is a poor investment if it turns out that you don’t like skiing. If you do purchase, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Build a base layer
To stay warm without being so bulky that you can’t lower your arms, think underwear – of the long sort. Today’s “long johns” are built to wick moisture from your skin to the material’s outer surface where it can evaporate. Even if you never ski/board again, these make great cold-weather basics, and even comfy PJs!
Optimize your outer layer
Cold-weather clothing and ski clothing are not created equal. General use outdoor jackets and pants are designed to keep you warm and dry. Ski clothing considers those two things, but also allows for ease of movement. From a bells and whistles standpoint, there are no hard and fast rules for what features you need. Just try and think classic when it comes to colour and style – your gear will stay “in style” a lot longer if you do.
Socks
Having comfortable, warm feet is important. You may want to look for socks made with moisture wicking fabric. One pair of socks is usually enough if your boots fit properly, but it’s a good idea to bring an extra pair to change into part way through your day.
Gloves or Mitts
Here’s one place that spending a few extra bucks can make or break your day on the slopes. Regular mittens are a serious no-no. Go for specially designed gloves or mitts with multiple layers to wick moisture and allow your skin to breathe. Be sure you can move your fingers easily, and grip a pole. If you’re especially prone to cold hands, grab a pair with a built-in pocket for a heat pack.
Goggles
You can make do with regular sunglasses, it’s true. But goggles are ever so much better. They won’t fall off, they have vents to prevent fogging, they help keep your face from getting cold and most provide lots of UV protection. Look for a second-hand or lower-priced pair if you really don’t want to invest too much when you’re new to the sport.
Gear
If you’re a beginner, we recommend renting all the needed hardware. Just come into the rental shop and our experienced staff will hook you up with all you need: boots; board; skis; helmet; poles; you name it.
Odds and sods
A few other things you never want to be without on the slopes? Sunscreen, lip balm, energy bars, water, and heat packs.
Today is the kind of day when we really love our jobs here at Marble Mountain Resort! We woke up to an unexpected 10cm snowfall, it’s still snowing and it’s a picture perfect day on the mountain. Alli Johnston (the resort’s marketing manager) took a walk with her camera just before first run today and took these shots of today’s winter wonderland.
If you’re on the mountain with a camera today (or any day!) send us your photos. Everyone sees the mountain from a different angle and we’d love to see your point of view! Just post them to our Facebook Fan Page or email them to info@skimarble.com.
Veronica Brenner also competed at Marble Mountain during the 2002 Canadian Freestyle Ski Championships and before retiring she won Silver at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. She will be providing commentary for CTV for freestyle skiing competitions at the 2010 Vancouver Games.
Signs are posted for important reasons. There are directional signs, level of expertise signs, as well as warning signs. These signs must be obeyed at all times. Warning signs may be advising of a potential safety hazard. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, it is imperative that these signs are acknowledged and obeyed.
Know the Code. Be safety conscious. It’s your responsibility.
You don’t need aching muscles to tell you that skiing/boarding is hard work. The incredible appetite you have when you get back to the lodge is enough evidence.
Giving your body all the fuel it needs to perform properly is just as important as having the right boots and bindings. Here are a few ideas on how to do it.
Basically, your body has about two hours worth of glycogen (what your muscles use for fuel) floating around at any given time. So, if you’re on the hill any longer than that, you need to get some calories in or you’ll start to run out of energy. Tucking a couple of energy bars into your jacket before you set out can give you the juice needed to keep going ‘til the sun goes down (and beyond).
Tiredness can also be a sign of dehydration. Drink frequently, before you start to feel thirsty (another sign of dehydration), to ward it off. Go for energy drinks instead of water as they add back some of the electrolytes and minerals you’re losing as you sweat.
If you’re planning to ride super hard, try diluting energy drinks by half with water. In their full strength, some can be too potent or sugary and upset your stomach.
And if you’re competing or taking on an extra-intense/long ride, consider energy gels. They’re faster and easier to get down (chewing a bar can hamper breathing), and your body can process the ingredients faster.
When you’re finally done riding, try and eat within an hour. This allows muscles to absorb the most nutrients and your body to replace glycogen levels. You’ll recover fast and likely hurt less the next day.
We see it all the time out here at the Mountain. People so excited to get to the powder that they go straight from sitting still in their vehicle for hours to barreling down the slopes. And all too often that means sore muscles, aches, pains, and even injuries.
A warm muscle is actually stronger and more elastic than a cold one. It’s better able to absorb shocks too, especially important to those knees and neck. An increase of two degrees can increase muscle elasticity by up to 20 percent.
Here are a few simple movements to get you started.
Arm Swings: Stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees gently bent. Stretch arms straight out to the side at shoulder level. Slowly bring them back, pushing shoulder blades together. Return to rest, then across the torso, and then back to rest. Repeat ten times.
Arm circles: Place your hands on your shoulder and slowly make small circles with your elbows. Do ten forward, then reverse the motion and do ten backward. After this, extend arms out to their length and windmill them from the shoulder, ten forward, then ten back.
Leg Swings, Front-to-Back: Stand on your right leg with your right hand against a wall or on your ski pole for balance. Swing left leg as far forward as is comfortable, then as far backward. Repeat ten times then switch legs.
Leg Swings, Side-to-Side: Stand on your right leg with both hands against a wall or on your ski pole for balance. Swing left leg out to the left and then across the body to the right. Repeat ten times then switch legs.
Shoulder Shrugs: Stand with arms straight down, hands shoulder width apart. Lift shoulders — without bending elbows — as high as you can. Hold for a beat, and then lower back to rest. Repeat 10 times.
Torso Twists: Rest a ski pole across your shoulders and hold with both hands at shoulder width. Turning slowly at the waist, twist your body to the left until you feel the stretch. Come back to rest, then rotate to the right. Do ten on each side.
A skier/rider must use a braking or retention system at all times. Ski brakes are recommended as the best and safest method of ski retention. Skis with broken or missing ski brakes are not allowed on a hill and must be replaced with a pair with functioning brakes. It is also mandatory that snowboards have a brake or retention device. Runaway skis or snowboards without proper braking systems can cause injury, even death.
Know the Code. Be safety conscious. It’s your responsibility.
Your safety is our primary concern. Our Ski Patrol is on the mountain to make sure you have a safe day on the slopes and all members of Marble Mountain’s Ski Patrol are trained and certified by the Canadian Ski Patrol System (CSPS). They’re easy to find – just look for their bright yellow and blue coats and backpacks with the CSPS badge.
We want you to have fun on our mountain and the only way to have a carefree winter is to know and adhere to the Alpine Responsibility Code. Over the next 10 weeks we’ll remind you of the common sense rules responsible skiing and riding.
1) People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
Know the Code. Be safety conscious. It’s your responsibility.
So you’ve skied and boarded, sipped coffee in the lodge, even cuddled up and spent the night. You consider yourself a real expert on all things Marble. But what do you know about the history of the place? Nadda? Read on, good reader, read on.
