TECK RACE RECAP: Heavy Snow, Mild Temps No Match for Fast U16s at Whistler

Challenging conditions kept athletes, coaches, and course crews on their toes last weekend as U16 racers took on the Ptarmigan run at the Dave Murray National Training Centre on Whistler Mountain.

The first Whistler Mountain Ski Club–hosted race of the season—and the first Coast Zone race for the U16 age group—went ahead thanks to a tremendous collective effort. Mild temperatures and heavy snowfall tested racers throughout the weekend, demanding focus, adaptability, and resilience.

“All of the coaches were pleased with the grit and determination the athletes showed despite the challenging course conditions,” said WMSC coach Jayden Metcalfe. “We loved seeing so many positive attitudes, smiling faces, and supportive teammates. The hard work put in during the pre-season was clearly reflected in a race environment.”

BC Alpine would like to extend a sincere thank you to the dedicated volunteers who made the event possible, including Chief of Race Josh Douglas, Chief of Course Andrew Kirker, Start Referee Martin Suchy, Finish Referees Josh Sarkis and Duncan Reid, Chief of Slip Darren Chalmers, Chief of Timing Amie Chu, Chief of Gates Euan Cormack, and Chief of Manual Timing Isabelle Poirier.

Despite demanding conditions, the weekend delivered strong performances and an exciting start to the Coast Zone U16 racing season.