This past weekend, the slopes of Mount Washington Alpine Resort played host to the highly anticipated Teck Coast Zone Finals, bringing together over 210 athletes from across the Coast zone for a vibrant celebration of alpine ski racing. Hosted by the Mt. Washington Ski Club (MWSC), the event welcomed racers from U12 to U19, with the youngest forerunners—U10 athletes from MWSC—leading the charge and reminding us all that alpine racing is truly a sport for all ages.
Saturday slalom: Sunny skies and strong performances
Under clear skies and warm spring sun, Saturday featured a full day of racing with three exciting events: A U12 stubby course for the youngest racers, a U12 full-gate course to test agility and edge control, and a U14+ 2-run slalom, which tested precision, endurance, and tactical execution.
With five slalom sets, the course crew worked tirelessly throughout the day to keep conditions safe and fair. Thanks to their dedication—and some well-timed salt—the tracks held up remarkably well in the spring warmth, allowing athletes to push hard and deliver top-notch performances.
Sunday’s Team Dual: Team spirit shines in challenging conditions
Sunday brought rain and fog to the mountain, adding an extra layer of challenge to the much-anticipated Dual Panel Slalom. Despite the tough weather, the energy remained high as athletes from mixed-gender, mixed-club, and mixed-age teams battled it out in head-to-head races. The challenging conditions only added to the excitement, with racers showing grit, determination, and great sportsmanship all the way to the finish. The cheers from teammates and spectators echoed through the mist, capping off the weekend with heart and resilience.
A Community Effort
The Coast Zone Finals exemplified what makes youth alpine racing so special—athletes of all ages pushing themselves, supporting one another, and finding joy in the sport.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the team at Mount Washington Alpine Resort—especially Mike Manara, whose leadership of his team was instrumental in delivering great spring racing conditions on Whiskey Jack, our premier race run.
Photo Gallery
All photos courtesy of: Independent Sports News (ISN), photographer Paul M. Williams
Thank you to the Mount Washington Ski Club sponsors:
- Teck
- Colonial Countertops
- Rick Gibson Group | Royal LePage in the Comox Valley
- Splashes Bath & Kitchen
- Mattenley Group / Scotia Wealth Management
- Quality Foods
- The Province of British Columbia
A heartfelt thank you to our MWSC coaching team, led by Head Coach John Trimmer, who recently announced his planned retirement at the end of the 2026 season after an incredible career dedicated to the sport.
Special appreciation goes to the Race Organizing Committee—Eric Findlay, Stuart Aldred, Graham Millicheap, Adam Goehner, Stephen Childs, Kim Gerrow, Michael Dingle, Josh Good, and Sonja Childs—for their outstanding efforts behind the scenes. We’re also especially grateful to BC Alpine Technical Delegate Paul Francisty, who brought his expertise and steady guidance to the event. Although Mount Washington is his home mountain, it had been many years since Paul last worked an event here, making his return all the more special. His presence and support were instrumental in ensuring a smooth and successful weekend.
To the volunteers, more than 100 strong, and to the visiting clubs, thank you for your incredible energy and support. These events don’t happen without you, and your enthusiasm fuels our community.
– Submitted by Keir Graaten, Chief of Race