Global Calgary Meteorologist Jordan Witzel is heading out in the community to experience some of the many careers that make up our dynamic city.
Through the #OurYYC Apprentice series, Witzel will try his hand at different jobs for one day – to see just how challenging they can be.
My #OurYYC Apprentice series this month dives into the winter season with a job-shadowing opportunity on the slopes of Canada Olympic Park (COP).
The world-class ski resort it is maintained by a handful of behind-the-scenes workers who don’t often rely on winter weather to provide the snowpack. In fact, more than 90 per cent of the snow at COP is man-made.
Snow is made early in the mornings, and the job of grooming and conditioning that snow is left to a team of employees who manage four groomers for nearly 12 hours each night.
WinSport, which operates COP, doesn’t attempt to compete with the local mountains. Instead, its mandate is to offer a chance for amateur snowboarders or skiers to improve their skills, as well as offering Olympic-level venues to elite athletes from around the world.
READ MORE: Snowboarder Shaun White says Calgary halfpipe suits him
During my time at COP I worked with WinSport employee Ian Newcombe, who taught me how tough it is to handle a groomer. I have to say it’s a pretty fun job, and a little like driving a tank I guess!
Oh, and I got a surprise visit from my self-proclaimed “#1 fan” Tyler Middleton from local radio station X92.9.
WATCH: Lots of laughs were had when Tyler Middleton from X92.9 made a surprise visit to Canada Olympic Park on Friday to see Jordan Witzel
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