The Cross Country Spot

Welcome 09.10 Nordic Staff!!!

2009-11-24T12:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome everyone to the 2009/2010 Winter Season here in the Nordic Area.

Just a quick note here to say hi to all the new staff and welcome back everyone coming back this season.

As most of you already know, we opened early for business this season (November 13th!). This has been a great oportunity to start getting staff up here and trained before the busy Christmas Season hits.

If you haven't worked yet, you will be soon. We've even heard a rumour that we may open early for evenings (this has not been confirmed).

So check back often; I'll try to post updates on a regular basis with what's going on "a la Nordique"

For now, here's a few random XC fun pics from last season's Spring Fest:

Whatcha Sayin' Boss? Contest Part 1

2009-02-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm late posting this. It seems to be the norm lately (Do I work here?). Regardless it's picture contest time!

The Picture

What to do?

Your goal as the creative genius that you are, is to figure out what's going through these two wonderful human beings minds regardless of how funny it may be.

Fill in the imaginary thought or speech bubble in the comments field below. Just remember to use your real name and that you have to work with these people again, so be nice. Full details can be found by clicking here.

So comment away folks. We'll close this one on Friday of next week, so comment and get a chance to win.

ps. You All ROCK! (my last ditch suck up attempt )

Click here to submit your suggestion!

Nah Nah Nah Nah Picture Contest Time

2009-02-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

Hello People of the Cross Country,

It's Picture Contest Time, let me introduce you to the "Whatcha Sayin' Boss?" Contest.

Yes that's right, we've got an opportunity to have you, our valued team members, break out the creativity. As a plus, we even have prizes for ya'll. Giddy up I know!

Check out the latest Cross Country Spot Video Update for more details here.

How the "Whatcha Sayin' Boss?" Contest works

Fill in the imaginary thought or speech bubble on one or many of the ridiculous pictures we'll be posting over the next few weeks and you could win a super prize from our box of super prizes.

Sound easy? It is! :) Just remember these two VERY important rules.

1) This Contest is for Fun. Your comments must be work appropriate, so no swearing, lude comments etc will be tolerated. All comments will be moderated, so keep it clean!

If you're on the fence about a comment, just remember you have to work with these people again.

2) You must use your REAL Name when making comments "DJ McCool Skier" is fun and all, but will not make it on the blog post. Sorry.

Timeline, Prizes Etc

This first picture will go up tomorrow morning (Friday Feb 6th) and we'll add more as the days go on (as long as we get some great comments!)

The First photo contests will close on the 13th of Feb. So get commenting.

Prizes, We have a box of fun stuff donated by Salomon, Different Bikes, Fisher and Deep Cove Outdoors. From headphones and toques to ski bags and waxing gear, we've got some cool stuff.

Picture Season

2009-01-24T11:56:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's easy to take for granted the amazing beauty that we are lucky enough to work in and around. Take a second and enjoy some of these great pictures from the start of the season until now.

Click here to view this in a web browser.

We'd love to see any pictures you have of Cypress or Winter Fun. Add them to the Cypress Cross Country Facebook Group or send them my way.

Winter and the North Shore Mountains

PS. Don't forget to pick up your Staff Party Tickets, the Winter White Out Party is on Tuesday!

Cross Country Update: Inversion Version

2009-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

Well here we go, another Cross Country Spot Video Update.

It's been a beautiful week up here, so check it out

Want more info on inversions, check it out here.

Reminders:

Don't forget to sign out a ticket for the staff party , it's next Tuesday. Also, I think we need to remind Harold about the Rap he promised us all. Get on him about that!

Staff Party and We're Back

2009-01-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been awhile. I don't really have a good excuse for not updating here, so please accept my apologies for leaving you all hanging. I know how much you like to see us embarrass ourselves on camera.

Today marks the first post for the Cross Country Spot in the year 2009 and we'll use it to let you know about our first STAFF PARTY of the 08/09 season. Giddy up!

Cypress White Out Staff Party

The Memo:

Once again, we are going with a theme, this one being WHITE OUT. So encourage everyone to get creative with outfits that are head to toe white - prizes for best get up.

WHEN: Tues Jan 27 - 7pm

WHERE: Mosquito Creek Bar & Grill

Prizes, food, raffles and games

Tickets must be signed out in advance at the Cross Country Ticket Office (limited quantities available) and are available now.

Notes: Must be 19yrs or older, must have ticket and valid staff pass.

Shuttle Bus: Cypress will provide shuttle bus service towards the end of the night that will get you folks closer to home safely. Service will run to Lonsdale Quay, Park Royal and maybe Down Town (still need to double check)

Need some outfit ideas? Your colleagues in the ticket office have started brain storming. Add other ideas to the comments below!

Video Update: The Snowplay Christmas Version

2008-12-23T11:01:00.000-08:00

Hello folks!

We're up, we're running and we're having fun. Or at least that seems to be the general consensus. This week's video updates comes courtesy of Snowplay and their good times attitudes.

Check it (Don't see the video, click here to view in a browser)

Important Points for the Week Ahead

Peak period is coming, it's going to get busy. Meaning earlier opening, more craziness and more people. It's super important that you arrive at work on time and ready to go (so please be well rested or at the very least kinda rested)
More snow is in our future. Let's keep an eye on safety (both at work and on the roads).
We've added more videos to the Facebook group, so if you haven't already, click here to get invited to the group.
It's the Holidays. Nothing is better than a great compliment, a hug or a high five. So spread some Holiday cheer!

On behalf of us all, Happy Holidays and good luck in the coming week!

Video Update: It's COLD!

2008-12-14T16:12:00.000-08:00

This is a video update, click here to view it in a browser.

Lots of snow, opening weekend and very cold weather. Check it out!

Opening Weekend, Giddy Up!

2008-12-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

Andrew (ticket office) welcomes the snow!

Game On!

It's the day we've all been waiting WAY too long for. Our first day of the season will be tomorrow December 13th from 9am-4pm.

We will have LIMITED Cross Country and snowshoeing trails.

Snowplay will remain closed as we continue set up.

Those of you who have been contacted regarding specific shifts on the weekend, we look forward to seeing you. For those who haven't been contacted, you will be shortly as we confirm hours of operation for the following week.

Remember, please always check the Snow Phone 604-419-7669 prior to your shift to ensure we are open.

Thanks for all you snow dancers, it's finally paid off!

Snow Forecasting and a Possible Open in sight

2008-12-10T16:11:00.000-08:00

Hey folks,

Today I write with good news. There is colder weather and snow in our forecast.

Right now we're preparing for a possible 'limited' open this weekend. I must put emphasis on the POSSIBLE.

We're keeping an eye on the weather and will be in a better place to make a call later this week.

We will be contacting some staff over the next few days, to be put on standby. The reality is that if open, we will be operating on low staff since we will only have very limited services available (not many trails, no snowplay etc) We will do our best to bring in staff as the season ramps up.

Please be checking the Snow Phone 604-419-7669 or CypressMountain.com for info on opening.

Snow and Forecasting

Check out some of the snow and learn 2 good sources of snow forecast information. Click here to view the latest video in a browser.

Links:

With the lack of snow, what are mountain employees to do with themselves?

2008-12-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

We asked for a video of Julia doing a snow dance and got this!

She's just one of many creative geniuses here at Cypress.

If you have inspirational pictures, videos or words for your fellow workmates please send them to me, I'll put the cool stuff here.

Weekly Video Update Dec 5th 2008

2008-12-05T13:01:00.001-08:00

This is a video update, click here to view in a browser.

Hey folks!

Another week, and still bare ground. I'm getting used to warm evening walks to my car as I head down the mountain. I quickly snap out of it though, focusing my positive vibes on snow and cold and all those fun winter things.

So whats happened since last week?

All hands are on deck working on the new Alpine Base Lodge. As you can see from the video, it's loud and busy and down to the wire. So good luck to those hard workers at the lodge.

For all of you still eagerly waiting for the snow, those positive vibes look like they may almost be working. In the long range forecast, there is snow, not a lot, but it is snow. I say we take it!

We owe you some more entertaining videos, SnowPlay Julia has made a fancy one that we'll share as soon as I get it. Harold is still committed to the wrap, though we'll have to wait for him to finish up the Lodge before he can let loose, but it'll be soon!

Still really looking forward to seeing you all up here! Snow dance it up, if your looking for a snow dancing partner, you're more than welcome to visit me up the mountain!

Questions? Hit me up jsloss@cypressmountain.com

Weekly Video Update Nov 26th

2008-11-26T16:23:00.000-08:00

This is a video update, click here to view.

We've decided to let out shadows do the update today. We're really looking forward to seeing you folks working up here soon, so think snow. Until then, check out the update:

Trouble loading? Click here to view the video

Snow Dancing

The only semi statistically proven, wholly holistic and organic way to make snow happen is to snow dance, so we're hoping you get involved.

Over the next week we'll start putting some of our staff's best snow making moves on video right here. Want to get into the action? Show us your best stuff on video and we'll put you on the site!

The facebook group is up and running, click here to ask to be added

Until next time, think snow!

Nov 21st Video Update

2008-11-21T15:15:00.001-08:00

If you're reading this in email, please click here to view the video in a browser.

If you haven't signed up for the email alerts please enter your email here.

Video Update: Snow and More!

Dept. Training Nov. 22

2008-11-19T10:40:00.001-08:00

Hey Folks,

Thanks so much for the great turn out on Saturday, we had way more people attend than we thought we would!

This post is just a quick reminder for those of you attending the Cross Country Tickets/Guest Services, Rentals, Snowplay and Food Service training this Saturday.

Details:

When: Saturday Nov 22 9am-1pm (UPDATED I got carried away! )
Where: Nordic Area

What: We will be going over the department specific tasks as well as expanding on customer service training, FAQ and safety.

Bring:

A snack
Any finished paper work that was not completed last Saturday.

Car Pooling: If you need a ride please contact your hiring manager and we will arrange a similar pick up situation to last week.

Questions or concerns? Email jsloss(at)cypressmountain.com or 604-913-2572

For the rest of you, stay tuned , we'll keep you up dates on whats what up here. Think snow!

See you then!

Jess

3 Important Orientation Reminders!

2008-11-13T14:17:00.000-08:00

Hey folks!

Excited? Orientation is just a few days away, so here are 3 important things to remember!

1) Orientation starts at 9am sharp in the Nordic Cafe on Nov. 15th (this saturday)

2) Car Pooling: If you have contacted myself or another manager regarding carpooling, you have been added to our list. We ask that all those needing rides meet no later than 8:15 at Lonsdale Quay. Cars will be in the roundabout on your left as you exit the seabus terminal

3) Come prepared for the weather. Orientation includes an area tour. It will be raining (most likely) and we will be on muddy trails, in the cold and rain. So boots, jackets etc are recommended!

Thanks to all of you for subscribing and keeping up to date. As always if you have any questions you can call me at 604-913-2527 or email jsloss (at) cypressmountain.com

Jess

Fresh Tracks and Reality

2008-11-06T13:24:00.000-08:00

Hey folks!

Thanks for subscribing to these updates. if you haven't yet please put your email into the box to the right so you stay up to date!

Yesterday we had our first inch of snow!

Here's a few photo's to get you excited

And then here's one to bring us back to earth, rain today

We're at that point in the year where snow could come anytime or it might not come for a few more weeks. So do your snow dance and put out those positive snow thoughts.

We'll see you up here on the 15th! Remember to dress appropriately for a hike in the weather of the day! Boots and rain/warm jackets are recommended!

Click here for all the info on our orientation day

Orientation Reminder

2008-10-31T11:23:00.001-07:00

Hey Folks!

Just a reminder that the Cross Country Area Orientation is taking place on November 15th at 9am in the Nordic Cafe.

We should be a maximum of 4 hours.

What to Bring

Pen and Note Pad
Drivers License or passport (photo ID is required as part of our starter packages)
Copy of your valid work permit (foreign workers only)
SIN Card or #

Also: We will be walking out doors on our area tour, please come prepared for weather conditions of the day. You may get wet, cold, muddy or all of the above on our walk. You have been informed!

Please ensure that you are able to attend or inform your hiring supervisor if you cannot.

Getting Here

Your manager or supervisor will be contacting you to arrange rides since the shuttle bus will not be in service that day.

If you are able to give a ride or need a ride please inform your supervisor when her or she contacts you.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns

jsloss (at) cypressmountain.com

Introducing The Cross Country Spot

2008-10-28T12:42:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

I'd like to welcome all you new staff and welcome back our amazing returning staff! We're really stoked for this season and even more excited to have you on board for the 08/09 winter season.

What is The Cross Country Spot?

This site will be your source for all the latest and greatest information for all the Cypress Cross Country staff. It's the place where we'll talk about news, events, training and staff development. We'll post stories on staff that go above and beyond and extend the opportunity to you to get involved by posting, sharing and interacting with your fellow staff.

The Cross Country Spot is here for you and me and all of us to be in the know, and as GI Joe says, knowing is half the battle!

The Cross Country Spot in your Email

The best way to make sure you never miss an important announcement is to enter your email (in the top right or click here) to receive all updates in your email. If you're a little more tech savy, you can subscribe using RSS.

So Sign up, keep up to date and get ready for an awesome Winter Season!

Rock on!

Jess