Dear Interweb,

I’m back at Quest University for two spring blocks, Statistics and Ecology.  I’m a self-confessed nerd because I love academic challenges so this is a good thing.  Quest University offers the block program, much like Colorado College, so I don’t have to give up school or give up skiing.  Each course is intense, just the way I like it.  A few other athletes have chosen Quest for the same reason (Olympic luger, Sam Edney; US team sport climber, Elise Ebner; among others).  I’ve heard rumours that a few other Canadian freeride skiers are joining me here in the fall… 

My entire Statistics class eating dinner on top of our residences cooked by our university president and staff members

The other great advantage of Quest is its location, perching itself at the top of Squamish (Garabaldi Heights to the locals).  When I’m done class, I can grab a bike and ride some of the most awesome trails in the world right outside my door. (I have to buy a new bike because my brother sold my cross country bike so he could upgrade his DH bike…oh Luke!)  Or I can go with my friend, Elise, climbing or bouldering as Squamish is a prime destination for climbers.  Last time Justin visited, we took a few hours to hike to the top of The Chief, for fun, fitness and vistas. The lakes around Squamish are also amazing, though super cold as they’re glacier fed, which are a nice way to cool off from a trail run.

2nd peak on the Chief (massive rock face that can be seen from anywhere in Squamish)

The view from the Chief!

Climbing with Samuel and Elise!

The view from the Quest cafeteria is spectacular, so much so that the locals often come to have breakfast or lunch with us. Three of my teamies have houses in Squamish—Sarah, Trennon & Mike—so I’m looking forward to going to the skatepark and jumping on tramps with them this spring and in the fall.  In addition to some awesome friends I have at Quest, I’m meeting other Squamish outdoor athletes (DH bikers, Skiercross, climbers, kitesurfers, etc.) plus I have my favourite cafes and restaurants so it feels more and more like home.  The sea-to-sky highway should be finished soon (por fin!), making the drive to Vancouver and to Whistler/Blackcomb that much easier & faster which will make life here practically perfect.  Come visit!

Hanging out at Brohm Lake with Riddle, Elise and Samuel.

Sincerely,

Roz G

P.S  For my ecology block, we are spending half a week camping/studying an old-growth forest near Whistler  and then the final week on Vancouver Island, near Tofino, studying the marine restoration and forest sustainability.   What a life!