Behind every World Cup race lies an intense amount of trail preparation work. We had the opportunity to chat with Bruce Caron, an expert in this complex task, who shared with us the challenges and key steps of trail grooming at Tremblant. Here’s a look at his work and the challenges of an event of this magnitude.
What was the biggest challenge in your role?
Bruce shared with us that he is passionate about his work and always finds pleasure in what he does every day. He reveals that the biggest challenge is not so much the pressure of the event, but rather the weather. “The temperature and adapting to snow production are the major challenges at the beginning of the season.”
What is the grooming process for an early-season event?
The grooming process largely depends on the weather conditions. “If the temperature is favorable, snow production is rapid, and we can build the trail quickly. Otherwise, we proceed layer by layer, waiting for the next snowfall.” This allows the slopes to be optimally prepared, even when the weather is not ideal.
“It’s very different from a regular slope. You must fill all the compressions, guarantee a meter of snow over the entire length of the slope, and make sure that each side is perfectly prepared, right down to the woods.”
What are the special features of grooming a World Cup slope?
Grooming a World Cup slope requires specific skills. “It’s very different from a regular slope. You must fill all the compressions, guarantee a meter of snow over the entire length of the slope, and make sure that each side is perfectly prepared, right down to the woods.” The snow produced at the beginning of the season, which is wetter and harder to work, makes the job even more demanding.
How does the FIS participate in the preparation of the slopes?
The FIS plays a crucial role, especially in terms of safety. A FIS representative works closely with the grooming team to ensure that the slope is 100% safe. “Even if I manage my work and decide to extend my hours a little, the representative is still there to make sure that everything is perfect.” A real collaboration to ensure the quality and safety of the slopes.
Check out the full interview in the video below.
