The BC Ski Team opened the new season with a gritty effort at the Aurora Cup at Mt. Sima, Yukon, going head-to-head with a strong field of University of Alaska NCAA athletes who dominated much of the podium this past weekend.
The event capped off a productive training block for several B.C. clubs and provincial athletes from across Western Canada, taking advantage of hard early-season snow, challenging terrain, and world-class hospitality.
Former BCST racer Dylan Timm led the way with a silver medal in the men’s GS, while Baptiste Cais earned bronze in the slalom, backed by the second-fastest first run of the day. Dylan Stevens was the top current BCST skier in the GS, finishing sixth.
On the women’s side, Hannah Jensen claimed bronze in the slalom, while Lola Gilbert was the top BCST athlete in the GS, finishing sixth, just ahead of Jensen in seventh.
“The races were excellent,” said Johnny Crichton, BC Alpine VP, who was on site supporting the team. “The University of Alaska skiers brought the points, the snow was hard and grippy, and the trail was challenging with lots of terrain.”
According to Crichton, the provincial team’s goal was to work on executing a race plan in anticipation of the upcoming NorAm season, not to “chase points.”
Crichton praised the entire Mt. Sima experience, highlighting “incredible training, great hospitality and friendly people, lots of dogs and great food.” The indoor training facilities at the Canada Games Centre in Whitehorse were also a major bonus for teams preparing for the season.
BC Alpine clubs attending included:
- Vancouver Ski Team
- Cypress
- Grouse Tyee
- Kootenay Zone Team
- Fernie Alpine Ski Team (U14 & U16)
- Big White Racers (U16)
- BC Ski Team
With strong early-season results, solid training conditions, and great energy from athletes and coaches, BC Alpine is heading into winter with momentum — and the 2025–26 season is officially underway.