As many of the western Canadian ski hills struggle with a weak snow pack and warm temperatures, Hudson Bay Mountain is thriving with a base of 450+cm. Alpine Canada was recently forced to relocate the 2015 Canadian Ski Cross Championships from its scheduled venue at Tabor Mountain, to Hudson Bay Mountain Resort.
For the first time ever, and with very short notice, the Smithers Ski Club prepared for and hosted a hugely successful national championship event!
Hard working volunteers put a course together in a matter of days, and the entire community took the opportunity to show visitors the "best of Smithers". Many local business owners rallied and put together swag bags for the athletes filled with local produce, baked goods and even fishing flies!
Olympic Gold Medalist Marielle Thompson was on hand to give out awards and sign autographs with the rest of the Canadian Ski Cross Team.
Smithers' Highland Helicopters Ltd. treated some of the competitors to a spectacular ride to the hill – CHECK THIS OUT
The Smithers Ski and Snowboard club volunteers worked tirelessly, and their efforts certainly paid off! Club representative Philippe Bernier thinks big things are coming for the club. "We showed alpine Canada and the Canadian Ski Cross team what kind of event we can pull off, and I think they're going to be back next year," Bernier said.
After an exciting week of competition one thing was certain – the Smithers Ski and Snowboard club, and Hudson Bay Mountain, can't wait to host their next competition!
