After a thorough and detailed process of who would be crowned Mackenzie Investments “Top Peak” ski community in the country, Kimberley came out on top, tied with Adanac Ski Hill, near Sudbury, Ontario.
Each will receive $50,000 to invest in local community projects. Rounding out the top five was Sommet Saint- Sauveur (Que.), Fernie Alpine Resort (BC) and Mont Blanc (Que.) placed third, fourth and fifth respectively.
“We’re thrilled at the spirit all the teams displayed as they came together this year to not just compete, but to also celebrate the sport they love and support their local communities,” said Barry McInerney, President and CEO, Mackenzie Investments. “In a race that was truly too close to call, the judging panel felt that both Team Adanac and Team Kimberley were deserving co-winners for their exceptional efforts and enthusiasm.”
Former Olympian and World Cup winner Manuel Osborne-Paradis – a BCST alumna – was part of the judging process.
“I was honoured to have been part of the judging panel and I’d like to thank all of the teams for their enthusiasm, dedication and engagement,” said Mr. Osborne-Paradis. “It was a tremendous sophomore year for Top Peak, and we look forward to many more exciting seasons!”
Top Peak is a national competition that seeks to identify one special ski community that exemplifies the Top Peak mantra: “Be Invested. On and Off the Hill.” This year’s program, which featured 68 teams from across the country, offered a hybrid model of live programming in an effort to rally Canadian ski communities for a chance to win $50,000 to put towards a local, community initiative – not to mention bragging rights for winning the coveted Mackenzie Top Peak “Crown”.
Mr. McInerney noted that Adanac Ski Hill and Kimberley Alpine Resort faced a variety of challenges they had to overcome this ski season, including the ongoing impact of the pandemic and, in the case of Kimberley, a fire that destroyed their main chair lift.
Both winners plan to put their prize earnings toward facility and equipment upgrades that will benefit their local ski communities. Team Adanac is earmarking their funds to help in the construction of a multipurpose ski shack to house equipment, facilitate races and act as a supplemental area for athletes. Team Kimberley will be helping expand access to future ski programs and upgrade their club’s training equipment.
Please visit: www.mackenzietoppeak.ca for more.