What happens when someone snowboards over your hand...

Posted by KitrinaH 8th February 2012

I had a great plan for blogs this week. First I was going to write about rolling back into life as a full-time instructor for the first time in years. Then, best of all, transcribe my trip to Mt Baker to race in the Banked Slalom, one of the oldest still-running snowboard competitions. How does that saying go? The best laid plans of mice and men, often go astray?
 
Friday was an amazing shredding day in Whistler. Bluebird skies, above zero temperatures, the last snowfall was 15cms a couple days ago. I was teaching a lesson, two girls who were fun and picking up the sport quickly. One had progressed to a Kitrina getting stitches in her hand, Whistlerhigher group leaving me with a one-on-one. It was one of those perfect lesson days where work didn't feel like work at all. We headed up Magic Chair for that rewarding moment for an instructor and student when someone graduates from the Magic Carpet (our small beginner slope), to the Magic Chair, the bigger beginner hill.

Magic turned to tragic pretty quick. While sitting next to my student a preteen kid runs into me and rides over my hand. I didn't want to look; I knew that couldn't have been good. It wasn't. Let's just say there's a lot of power in a moving snowboard edge. I had a good sized gash on the edge of my right hand. Lesson ended right there and I flagged down a ski patroller coming out of the conveniently located patrol hut at the top of the Magic run. Four hours and 13 stitches later I returned to Blackcomb Base, to pick up my jacket that was still waiting for me on a ski rack after I took it off because of the balmy weather.
 
Having fun in the snow, WhistlerIt sure would've been nice to be with my colleagues who were drinking beer and hitting booters in the sun. Who were riding the park doing photos for next year's brochures. That's the unpredictable nature of mountain riding. You never know what's going to happen next. It is now officially ten years I've worked for WB, and this is something new for me. I've gone from crazy busy with two jobs, to now having lots of time to write, work on becoming left handed, practice belly dance and watch video of Travis Rice's Supernatural snowboard competition.

 

 

About the author

I was born in Quesnel, B.C., Canada, the heart of B.C's forestry industry. We had a ski hill within an hour's drive from town, and I made many trips out there with friends and family. I always loved it, and said to myself that on the slopes was right where I wanted to spend the rest of my days. Still, I didn't think that was possible, until I moved to Whistler. I've lived there the for the last nine years and haven't looked back. But it is also my dream to ride in my father's home country, Bosnia

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