A Perfect Course

As a member of the former Yugoslavia National Ski Team from 1980-1987, Vancouver resident Andreja McQuarrie has skied on many world-class runs.

While competing on the World Cup circuit, McQuarrie would often visit the venue the night before a race to help her prepare. She remembers one pre-race visit in particular – it was snowing, and the course was barely visible under a layer of fresh snow. When Andreja returned in the morning for her race, the fresh snow had disappeared. "The course was perfect," McQuarrie said. "I knew that it hadn’t happened by itself . . . there were people making sure the course was in tip-top shape."

During McQuarrie’s career, the practice of engaging volunteers to help prepare ski courses was a largely North American tradition. In European countries, the military performed the majority of roles, like slip crew, to ensure a well-prepared course. "When I raced on courses in North America, I knew that volunteers were responsible for the course conditions," said McQuarrie. "Knowing that people donated their time to bring a course to a high level amazed me." McQuarrie also learned just how much effort went into the preparation of a race course from her father, who volunteered at some of her races.

McQuarrie remembers the immense trust she developed for race organizers and volunteers who ensured a perfect course to race on for her and her teammates "Everybody knows you can’t put on a World Cup without volunteers. A world-class event needs people who are enthusiastic about showing what the country can do."