Whistler Mountain Ski Club hosted the BC Alpine Speed camp February 24 to 26, welcoming ski racing athletes to Whistler from all around the province. While the locals were less happy with the recent lack of precipitation, the ski racers were thrilled to experience world class conditions as they developed speed ski skills on a safe but challenging track.
Athletes from the Okanagan Ski Team, the Kootenay Zone Team, Vancouver Ski Team, Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club, Cypress Ski Club and the local Whistler Mountain Ski Club came together for what was, for some, their first experience on downhill skis and in a true downhill set. The camp was a U16/FIS event and was a great opportunity to train speed after an unfortunate event took Kimberly off the season schedule. This opportunity helped prepare FIS racers for the upcoming FIS BC Cup Parsons Memorial Speed Series event that will run from March 3 to 8 on Whistler’s Dave Murray National Training Centre.
Thank you to all the volunteers, coaches, BC Alpine, the Dave Murray National Training Centre (DMNTC), and Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Operations. The racers able to take advantage of fantastic weather as well as the work done for the Canadian Para Alpine Ski Team 2022 Olympic preparation camp. The WMSC is privileged to have Dale Stevens working tirelessly for all the athletes that come to train at the DMNTC.
The BC Alpine Board of Directors has updated the Covid-19 vaccine policy for the 2021-2022 ski racing season.
This update reflects recent PHO orders.
Effective today, proof of vaccination is no longer required for participation in BC Alpine sanctioned events below FIS level, unless it is a requirement from the host mountain.
The event organizers have released a useful (and nice looking!) Event Guide, with information on the event, its history and what’s in store at Panorama. This will keep you in tune with the three BC skiers who will be competing in the event.
Three BC Alpine skiers were named to Team Canada for the upcoming FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships in Panorama, B.C., March 1-9, 2022. The event features the best junior ski racers in the world (born between 2001 and 2005), and is considered a critical point in the ski racing pathway.
Whistler skiers Tait Jordan and Nathan Romanin are joined by Gerrit Van Soest, of Vernon, B.C. to join Team Canada at the event.
TAIT JORDAN Club: Whistler Mountain Ski Club Age: 19
Tait Jordan follows in the steps of his brother Asher, who has been representing Canada on the international stage since 2018 as a member of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team. Tait finished a career-high 6th place super-G finish in the Nor-Am Cup race in December 2021.
“Representing Canada on home soil is very exciting,” said Jordan, 19. “I feel like I have the speed to really compete”.
NATHAN ROMANIN Club: Whistler Mountain Ski Club Age: 19
Nathan Romanin has had a breakout season in 2021-22 with five wins on the FIS (International Ski Federation) circuit to go along with two top-15 finishes on the Nor Am tour, the highest level of racing in North America.
“Extremely honoured to represent Canada at our home WJC. It’s been a dream of mine for many years and I’m counting down the days to show what I’ve got,” said Romanin.
GERRIT VAN SOEST Club: Vernon Ski Club Age: 20
Vernon skier Gerrit Van Soest has been a consistend performer for the BC Ski Team in 2022, and will get his first chance to represent Canada at the World Juniors.
“I’m stoked to represent Canada on home turf. I’ve never been more excited to go fast.”
On the weekend of February 19 & 20, 2022, the Prince George Ski Club welcomed 108 U6, U8, U10 and U12 racers from North Zone clubs, including Lightning Creek Ski Club, Powder King Ski Club and Smithers Ski and Snowboard Club. In the words of the organizers, it was “snowy, chilly and fun”, a “festival” in every sense of the word! On Saturday the racers tackled a one-run stubby slalom course and enjoyed two runs in the speed trap. Sunday’s busy schedule offered two runs down a Kombi track and two super-fun jumps!
“We pulled off two events per day and there were so many smiling eyes and laughs to share among friends. Thank you to Sporting Life and all the volunteers who made this weekend a big success!”
