Another massively successful race series in Apex in the books. The four-day technical (GS and slalom) series last weekend had the weather and visibility mostly on its side, while racers age 15 to 18 raced against the clock and each other on both the legendary Old Mill Run and Okanagan Runs at Apex Mountain Resort.
One of the highlights of the event was the continuation of the Random Start Order, a relatively new approach to seeding races which is being tested across Canada. The seeding method includes a randomized approach to bib numbers – as opposed to the traditional method where athletes start based on their national points ranking.
“It’s been hugely successful so far,” said Johnny Crichton, BC Alpine VP. “It’s making the races more exciting and more importantly it replicates race environments that they will encounter as they transition into FIS-level competitions. It gives all athletes a fairer chance at better course conditions.”
Crichton mentioned the recent World Cup top 10 finish by BC Ski Team alumni Brodie Seger at Beaver Creek last month, when he started with bib 49 to finish 10th … and Cameron Alexander in 2023 when he started 63rd and finished 7th at Val Gardena, Italy, on one of the toughest World Cup super-G tracks.
“The system we used in the past has favoured early developers and top performers by allowing them to start on a fresh, well-groomed course, which typically offers better conditions,” Crichton said. “As the race progresses, the course deteriorates, and with limited maintenance after the initial group, it becomes harder, and potentially less safe, for later starters to secure a fair chance at a top 30 result.”
As for the actual racing, Tylee Carr of the Okanagan Ski Team (OST), won both slalom races and finished in second in the first girl’s GS. Upstart U16 racer Elana Deda, of the Windermere Valley Ski Club, had a phenomenal race series, winning both GS races and finishing second in the first slalom.
On the boy’s side, Rowan Smith – also of the OST – won both GS races and finished second behind teammate Takoka Ito in the first slalom race. U16 skier Aksel Larsen, of Grouse-Tyee claimed a slalom win and finished second in the second GS race.
[Link to the full results below]
In the season’s overall standings – which ranks the skier’s best 4 points total with maximum of 3 points from any single discipline – shows clubs from across the province challenging for the lead. Currently Elana Deda leads the girl’s standings, ahed of Valerie Chan, of Grouse-Tyee, and Maggie Cormack, of the Whistler Mountain Ski Club.
On the boy’s side, Hunter Kay, of the Big White Racers, leads the standings, ahead of Aksel Larsen who sits in second, and Bodie Ottem of Sun Peaks Alpine Club in third.
The volunteer crew worked tirelessly to once again deliver a fantastic ski racing series, with the leadership of the Race Organizing Committee:
- Chief of Race: Jeff Ellis (SL)
- Chief of Race: David Warriner (GS)
- Chief of Gates: Michael Johncox
- Chief of Course: Martin Parilak and Tom Evans
- Chief of Timing: Wally James
- Race Administrator: Jenafor Lansel
- Chief of Volunteers: Dave Gill
The Apex Ski Club, along with BC Alpine, thanks the Apex Mountain Resort for continuing to be an incredible partner of ski racing in the Okanagan and the province.
