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.
In partnership with Alpine Canada, BC Alpine is excited to share a national survey that serves to better understand the value of skiing and ski racing across Canada. The survey explores the behaviour, travel patterns, and spend of skiers, ski racers, and their families at ski resorts and clubs, and will support data-driven decision-making to address challenges, inform opportunities, and strengthen collaboration across the sport.
By sharing your input, you will help to shape the future of ski racing in Canada and improve programs and partnerships in British Columbia. The survey takes 15-20 minutes, and all responses are anonymous and confidential.
Your feedback is critical to shaping the future of skiing in Canada. Thank you for participating!
Access to all RCR Areas: Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberley and Nakiska
CWSAA has just been informed that RCR will be issuing a season pass again to all CWSAA Competitor Passholders for the 2025/26 season. Please notify all ski clubs and athletes / parents that have been issued 2025/26 CWSAA Competitor Pass of the direct lift to access process.
Steps:
Athlete & Coach to fill out on-line waiver (link is below).
After completing the waiver, they will enter their ‘Pass Release Agreement ID” that is generated at the end of the waiver process.
Step Two – enter in personal information including CWSAA Pass Number.
RCR will approve and send email confirmation they have been approved. Please allow 3 to 4 days for this process to be completed.
They can go to any one of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies ski resorts and pick up their season pass.
The seasons pass issued with this application is valid only for the person whose photograph appears on it. Should any other person attempt to use this pass it will be confiscated without rebate and that person will be prosecuted under the Criminal Code of Canada.
In the event of misconduct or non-observation of the ski area safety regulations (or Skiers Responsibility Code) on the part of the pass holder, he/she will be prohibited use of the lifts as determined by the management.
The holder of this pass assumes all risk of personal injury or loss or damage to property.
The season pass is nontransferable.
If lost or stolen, there is a $20 charge for a replacement pass.
Passholders without their pass may receive a lift ticket on the first occurrence. On additional days the pass-holder will be required to purchase a replacement pass.
This pass remains the property of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc and affiliated companies and resorts.
Fraudulent Use of Pass The Season Pass / Membership is non-transferable and is not available for resale. A $500 penalty will apply in the event that the Season Pass / Membership is used by another individual or family member. This penalty will apply regardless if the Member is aware of the misuse or not.
The Member is liable for any misuse of the Season Pass / Membership when not in the possession of the Member, unless the Season Pass / Membership has already been reported as lost or stolen.
In addition to the penalty for misuse of a Season Pass / Membership, the Member will lose all lift access privileges at all Resorts of the Canadian Rockies resorts.
Members are reminded that Season Pass / Memberships are valuable, and should be kept in a safe place at all times.
Conditions of use are subject to change without notice.
Alpine Canada is hosting a 3-day Training Centre Ski Cross (SX) Development Camp at Nakiska from January 2–4. This camp is designed for FIS-alpine athletes who are curious about ski cross and want a safe, supportive environment to develop SX fundamentals.
Athletes will have the chance to work with professional SX coaches on skills such as rollers, basic features, gliding, starts, and tactical movement. The goal is to help athletes experience SX in a development-focused environment where they can build confidence and learn transferable skills.
There will also be opportunity for Officials to learn more about officiating at ski cross event, as well as the opportunity to take a Level 2 SX Officials Course.See the link below to register.
Clubs: If three or more athletes register, we ask that a coach attend with them.
SX Coach Module on January 2, 2025.
SX Officials Level 2 on January 3, 2025.
This is a great opportunity for athletes to broaden their experience, gain exposure to ski cross, and develop new skills that support overall athletic growth.
The following story was submitted by the Canada West Ski Areas Association. BC Alpine thanks them for this outstanding awareness and learning opportunity.
Ski racers thrive on speed—but part of being an athlete is knowing where and when to use it. On the race course, speed belongs. On public runs, especially in congested areas, it can put others at risk. Younger skiers look up to racers—and coaches and patrol are watching. Remind your athlete that skiing in control and respecting the Alpine Responsibility Code protects their season, their reputation, and everyone on the hill.
Speed belongs on the race course
Ski areas across Canada are rolling out a new national initiative focused on speed and collision safety. The goal is to reduce injuries and strengthen the culture of safety on our slopes. For ski racers, this message is especially important—your skills make you stand out, but they also put you in the spotlight as role models.
On the race course is where athletes are meant to push their limits. But to access those courses, racers travel on public runs shared with beginners, families, and young kids learning to ski. What feels slow to a racer can be overwhelming—and dangerous—for others. Being able to adjust your speed and skiing style in these areas is a mark of a true athlete.
Positive ambassadors for the sport
Younger kids often look up to racers as examples of what they aspire to be. How you conduct yourself on the mountain—whether showing patience in lift lines, skiing in control through merge zones, or respecting others on the trail—shapes how others see the sport.
Coaches and ski patrol across the country are also paying close attention to speed. A pass pulled or, worse, a preventable injury could cut a season short.How you conduct yourself on the slopes – whether showing patience in lift lines, skiing in control through merge zones, or respecting others on the trail – helps shape how others see the sport and the community around it.
Reinforcing the Alpine Responsibility Code
The Alpine Responsibility Code (ARC) applies to every skier, no matter how experienced. For racers, key reminders include:
Always stay in control.
People ahead of you have the right of way.
Stop only where you are visible from above and not obstructing a trail.
Respecting these principles keeps everyone safe and demonstrates leadership beyond competition.
This season, ski areas are putting speed and collision safety front and centre. By skiing with awareness and leading by example, racers can help ensure the slopes are safe and welcoming for all—while keeping their focus where speed truly belongs: on the race course.
