Originally posted by Chris Winter over on Pmag:
Shortly after leaving Whistler that day, the road surface became slick from fresh, compacted snow. As I pulled over to put my truck into 4X4, I wondered what the hell I was doing, leaving the Coast as a March storm was rolling in, and heading way out to the Kootenays to meet this guy named David Erickson, and a mad posse of skiers called the Powder Maggots. Hmmmm? Nonetheless, I forged on to Nelson not really knowing what I was getting myself into.
With me were my partners from our charitable organization, Zero Ceiling. Zero Ceiling is a 7-year old non-profit organization operating several programs that host at-risk youth on the slopes of Whistler-Blackcomb… some for the day, others we train to become instructors and end up living and working in Whistler. Each year about 150 street youth and native youth come up for a day on the slopes and 6 have the opportunity to move up to Whistler. David Erickson, who knew of the program through his friends at Whistler’s Extremely Canadian Lodge, contacted me with a proposal for a fundraiser during the 2003 Powder Maggots Summit. “Sure,” I thought, “But what about these Maggots? Sounds a little suspicious…”
Sure enough things fell into place like clockwork. We’ll, not without huge effort though, leading up to the Red Mountain “Vertical Challenge” as we dubbed it. Dave organized the whole summit, and we worked together on the fundraiser, which proved to be a ton of work – but well worth it. We raised $4050 Canadian bucks, drank some cool Kootenay beers, hung out with the Maggots, ate burgers with Red Mountain Manager Jim Green, and lapped up the sweet terrain at Red. Also, the Powder for the People Tour VW bus had rolled into town for the Summit and was parked at the base of Red. With Tour manager Gabe Schroder at the helm, and Powder Magazine’s Editor Steve Metcalf in tow – it was a pleasant surprise to rip a few turns with these guys.
Firstly, I want to thank a million times over, David Erickson, for inviting Zero Ceiling to the 2003 Maggots Summit – and for working so diligently on the Zero Ceiling fundraiser. Thanks to all the Maggots who raised dollars for us. Thanks to those who donated prizes to the Vertical Challenge: Pete and Jill from the Extremely Canadian Lodge, Columbia Sportswear Canada, Powder Mag senior photographer Paul Morrison and Jim Green at Red Mountain.
On behalf of the youth who have the opportunity to rip the slopes here in Whistler – THANKS MAGGOTS!
Chris Winter.
Writer, skier.
Founder, Zero Ceiling Society.
www.zeroceiling.org
