MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Summer 2019

The training is a collaboration between Blue Mountain and Elevation Aerial, a professional aerial design, consulting and training company. “The training and procedures are site-specific and based on the course design and environmental setting” says Luc Belanger, Manager of Recreation Programs at Blue. “It is necessary due to the nature of the activity, the risks associated with playing at heights and the technical knowledge needed to safely operate a ropes course.” A group of 65 staff have already gone through the training. Elevation Aerial offers input into site specific technical training which allows for the course to be geared towards the unique location, site access and environmental considerations of the ropes attractions at Blue. The safety-focused skills training consists of a core 40 hours of skills development and rescue training supplemented with online prep work. Course basics include how to use the high and low ropes and coaching guests through the elements.This is something I relied on during my personal high ropes adventure. As I stood on the platform staring out across a series of suspended wooden pogo sticks a realization came to me—I had no clue how to get across. I then heard a voice from below providing me with a few tips. After a little coaching and encouragement, I boldly placed a foot on that first pogo stick and completed the element. Limits are set on the number of guests that can safely participate on the course at any given time; up to 40 on low ropes courses and 100 on high ropes courses. Teams of either four or eight skilled staff members closely supervise all participants. It’s no surprise that challenge courses have gained popularity over the last decade. It’s fun to monkey-around high up in the trees, climbing, hanging and zip lining from platform to platform. But on-course safety-related knowledge is a must. Staff need to be able to recognize when all is running well and, more importantly, when it’s not. This includes training in course inspections. All those zip lines, wires, elements and platforms need to be in good working order. Elevation Aerial teaches, practices and third-party- verifies three different rescues at height, including standard, zip line and self-retracting lifeline. A dozen rescues on average and countless assists are completed each season. “Rescues occur because of minor injuries and more commonly fatigue,” explains Luc, “and assists are when we go on-course to help a guest back onto an element.” Ultimately, the rescue and course inspection training gives staff the ability to confidently and skillfully manage safety-related situations on the high and low ropes courses. —Laura Raimondi As I stood on the platform staring out across a series of suspended wooden pogo sticks a realization came to me—I had no clue how to get across. SIDELAUNCH DAYS ARE COMING! Collingwood’s Annual Harbour Festival • SUP Races & Demos • Cable Wakeboarding Activities • FREE Canoe, Kayaking & Sailing • Eats, Treats & Art Promenade • Kids Craft Centres • Kites Over Collingwood • Dockside Bar • Amphitheatre Concert www.SidelaunchDays.ca August 10 & 11, 2019 www.Collingwood.ca/ExperienceCollingwood NEW EXPERIENCES EVERY MONTH Experience Collingwood Collingwood Elvis Festival 25th Anniversary July 26-28 the Collingwood Elvis Festival will celebrate in style for its 25th anniversary with Signature Events, the Classic Car Parade, exciting new international Elvis Tribute Artists, along with many returning fan favorites. NEW THIS YEAR – Fans can save 10% with a 3-Pack General Admission! www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com Summer Night Markets Celebrate summer July 13th and August 17th 6:00 p.m. to 10:00p.m in historic, downtown Collingwood. Enjoy talented local musicians, prizes, and fun for the whole family! Shop and feast on delicious local offerings from our vendors and don’t forget to let your feet play a tune on the Monster Foot Piano. www.CollingwoodDowntown.com Art Crawl Enjoy a FREE, self-guided art walk featuring more than 40 artists and 40 original musicians at more than 40 venues! September 21 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. www.CollingwoodArtCrawl.com 2 DAYS OF FAMILY FUN