Smithers Ski & Snowboard Club (SSSC), along with Hudson Bay Mountain Resort, hosted the final North Zone Teck race of the season, March 9 – 10, replacing the traditional mid-series Purden Teck Race and wrapping up zone competitions early this year due to the low snow season and bigger provincial events coming up in April. With 64 athletes from SSSC, Prince George Ski Club, and Lightning Creek Ski Club, plus a contingent from Yukon Alpine, there was much energy for this multi-race weekend.
True to fashion, if you plan a ski race, it’s bound to finally snow, and the Saturday giant slalom brought fresh snow and soft conditions to contend with. Another ambitious northern schedule made for an action-packed day, with two races (4 runs) for U14-U19 athletes, and two races (2 runs) for U12 athletes on both days.
Day 2 was another busy slalom day, but the morning fog lifted, the schedule held firm and the difficult slalom hill made for plenty of action. North Zone trophies were presented to end the event and mark the top athletes across each age group for the season. Many of the annual trophies have over 40 years of successive names engraved; a testament to the strong ski racing culture in Northern BC.
Next up is the 38th annual Schussboomer speed camp, downhill and alpine combined events on April 5, 6, and 7th!
~ Report submitted by Cormac Hikisch, Smithers Ski & Snowboard Club President