Today started pretty well. Compared to yesterday, I had a whole bunch more sleep, and I wasn't hungover at all! I headed into work and the sun was just beginning to warm the tops of the surrounding peaks, still white with snow. I got to work, and actually felt pretty comfortable with my new duties and responsibilities, after spending most of yesterday finding my feet. I knew I was going to be on the 7th Heaven lift, which meant that I should get a chance to actually see and ride the glacier.

I was half way through the morning checks when I received a phone call from my supervisor, asking if I'd heard about the accident. Last night two of my lifty buddies were sledding down Whistler. Apparently something went wrong, as can quite easily happen in the current slushy conditions, they left the trail heading into rocks and trees, and they died. I apologise as this is a family blog, but it's pretty damn fucked up.

I saw both of them at the weekend, one doing laps through the pipe and park with some other lifty's, the other getting ready to purchase an RV to go on a road trip with his girl friend and other buddies on Thursday.

Man, both of them were 23. They'd just been having the time of their lives over the last season.

The 4 or 5 lifties working up on Blackcomb today really didn't know what to do with themselves. Some were staying up on the mountain to keep busy, others, like myself have left the mountain to reflect. It really brought it home when I saw the girlfriend and another lifty who were about to embark on the road trip.

I think there's a bbq by a lake tonight to get everyone together, and the mountain management will be holding a memorial at some point in the next week.

These were two great guys with so much to look forward to, and enjoying themselves so much out here.

Ben and Josh, it's been a pleasure knowing you. R.I.P.