The Edinburgh Ski Touring Club

Hints and tips for a Buddy Week-end

These are in addition to the standard process for running a ski week-end.

  1. Be very clear in the advert for the week-end that the maximum numbers for skiing and accommodation cannot be changed and will be strictly adhered to. Consider having an earlier cut off than normal for people booking onto a Buddy Week-end. People interested in attending a week-end should only go through the booking convenor. Individuals booking directly with the accommodation causes confusion with the accommodation owners and should be strongly discouraged.
  2. Again in advertising, be very clear that is only for those wishing to participate in the buddying groups. This is because these week-ends are very popular.
  3. Two organisers are recommended: one for the accommodation and usual week-end stuff, the other for the skiers' levels, type of kit and buddies.
  4. A process for capturing peoples' experience and aims for the week-end is recommended.
  5. The maximum size of each group should be 6, including 2 buddies. Always have 2 buddies in a group.
  6. Hold a briefing on the Friday evening so people know what to expect of the buddies. Buddies are not leaders; it is more like going out with a more experienced friend. The group should work as a team as would be expected on other meets. Buddies should encourage participants to volunteering themselves as buddies for future Buddy Week-ends.

© Copyright Edinburgh Ski Touring Club 2010. e-mail: webmaster@estc.org.uk. Last updated June 2010.