North Okanagan NGSL Zone Race hosted by Revelstoke Ski Club, February 3

by Kathy Stahr | Feb 4, 2019 | Member News

Over 130 Nancy Greene League skiers from all over the North Okanagan zone raced in Revelstoke on Sunday. Cold temperatures made for a great racing surface and didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s excitement. Skiers from Harper, Sun Peaks, Vernon, Nakusp and Revelstoke raced down a panelled glalom course set on Snow Rodeo by Revelstoke U12 head coach, Eric Schwenck.

The race was finished in good time thanks to our amazing team of volunteers and the fact that groups were allowed to race in whatever order they arrived – this meant more ski time throughout the day and less waiting around.

Unfortunately, there was a technical problem with the results file, so the club was unable to host the awards at the end of the day. We want to thank all of the teams who traveled to ski with us and who gave it their all in the race! And thanks to Chris Vile for the great action photos. Report submitted by Revelstoke Program Director Katie Findlay

Thanks as well to our sponsors for helping to make the event possible: Revelstoke Mountain Resort, The Sutton Place Hotel, Mackenzie Common Tavern, Skookum Cycle & Ski, Speers Construction, Zala’s Restaurant, Eagle Pass Heli-Skiing, The Regent Hotel, Revelstoke Community Forest Corporation, Jordan Cochrane Construction, Re/Max Revelstoke, Sure-Haul Transportation, Everything Revelstoke, Selkirk Tangiers Heli-Skiing, Grizzly Auto

RESULTS PAGE
2018/19 NGSL PHOTOS ON FLICKR

JOB POSTING – Alpine Ontario seeking Executive Director, Collingwood office

by Kathy Stahr | Jan 30, 2019 | Member News

POSITION TITLE: Executive Director

ABOUT ALPINE ONTARIO ALPIN:

Alpine Ontario is the Provincial Sport Organization recognized by Alpine Canada Alpin, Canadian Snowsports Association, Ontario Winter Games, Canada Winter Games and the Ontario Government under the umbrella of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.  It has a critical role in leading, fostering, and encouraging interest and participation in alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing, amongst Ontario skiers of all ages and abilities and promoting excellence in high performance.

The mission statement of Alpine Ontario is to provide leadership and structure for high quality, sustainable and affordable programming, and communicate the competitive, recreational and lifestyle benefits of ski racing to the community.

Alpine Ontario has over 30,000 members and 41-member ski clubs, which include athletes, parents, coaches, volunteers, officials, and corporate partners.  Alpine Ontario generates critical funding through sponsorship, government funding, donations, and membership fees. These funds are used to develop the following:

• Sport branding and promotion.
• Hosting of hundreds of races across the four Ontario Divisions:  National Capital Division (NCD), Lake Superior Division (LSDA), Northern Ontario Division (NOD) and Southern Ontario Division (SOD) 
• Organizing skills camps for all racers between the ages of 8 to 16
• Managing the U16 High-Performance Program (U16HPP)
• Managing the Ontario Ski Team (OST) and the Southern Ontario Division Ski Team (SODST)**
• Overseeing the organization of the Entry & Development Level Coaches Courses as provided by Alpine Canada Alpin
• Hosting an annual fall coaching conference and a wrap-up spring coaches meetings
• Athlete safety through policies and procedures, rules and regulations as stipulated by our governing bodies of Alpine Canada Alpin and FIS
• Implementing policies, procedures and action toward Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action #’s 87 to 91

     **as per the AOA/ SOD management services agreement

Alpine Ontario headquarters are based in Collingwood, ON with eight full-time office staff dedicated to operations, administration, communications, and athletic and technical development, as well as a staff of highly qualified coaches operating the Ontario Ski Team. The organization as a whole is governed by an elected independent Board of Directors.

Alpine Ontario Membership Benefits:

• Athlete development through program design, race series, and pathways
• Race support through the Officials Program design, certification
• Communications via the website, social media, newsletters, and meetings
• Coaching and education pathways, certification
• Officials training
• Coordinating bursaries and grants
• Insurance programs to cover skier and the sport insurance as a whole
• Member benefits & discounts including the 10% Sporting Life discount card

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Position: Executive Director

Type: Full Time

Reports to: Board of Directors

Location: Collingwood, ON

Executive Director of Alpine Ontario:

The Executive Director is an open-minded strategic and creative thinker, advocating for the sport of alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing in Ontario. The creation, development and stewardship of relationships with members of Alpine Ontario (including member clubs), external stakeholders such as Alpine Canada Alpin, Sponsors and Partners is paramount to its success. As Executive Director, you will be responsible for driving and delivering the strategic and operational priorities of Alpine Ontario as agreed upon with the Board of Directors.

You will oversee the strategic direction, growth and day-to-day management of Alpine Ontario, by continuing to deliver the following elements of our strategic plan and our business:

• Promote the introduction to and participation of skiing across Ontario, encouraging all Canadians (including Indigenous and New Canadians) to enjoy our sport
• Develop and execute a retention model that keeps our athletes participating in alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing
• Increase pipeline of accredited coaches and officials
• Have the highest level of provincial participation on the national alpine ski team
• Be recognized and valued by the various Ontario alpine ski communities for the services we provide as an organization
• Create long-term financial and organizational sustainability to ensure consistent year-over-year programming
• Continue to focus on the establishment and adherence to robust governance in Management and Board practices

Key Capabilities:

• A strong and effective leader who is able to inspire and positively influence people
• A strategic thinker with the ability to create and articulate the vision, with the capacity to plan and prioritize at the strategic level
• Lead and innovate across the organization, thinking “outside the box”
• Ability to identify and capitalize on new sponsorship and fundraising opportunities
• Excellent commercial, organizational and financial skills to develop budgets and execute operational goals
• Approachable, with excellent people skills and the ability to engage and develop lasting positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Continue to build and support a positive culture of accountability within the organization and with staff
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and strong presentation skills
• Critical thinker, strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High level of integrity, professionalism and accountability

Proven Experience:

• Building corporate partnerships, securing sponsors and growing new income streams, proven success in the development and delivery of a successful fundraising model
• Development and implementation of a strategy and model of excellence in sport
• Engaging the community at various levels of sport
• Maintaining strong and positive relationship with stakeholders
• Developing, reviewing and implementing operational plans and goals
• Marketing, public relations and social media
• Understanding of the structural corporate governance and capable of developing and implementing systems, processes and procedures, including working with data and building data bases to facilitate communication
• Addressing and managing challenges faced by organizations, building relationships with key stakeholders.

Responsibilities of the Executive Director:

Leadership:

• Responsible for communicating, supporting and attaining the organization’s Vision, Mission, Strategic, and annual Operational Plans to external and internal stakeholders.
• With the Board, establish financial and non-financial performance targets and appropriate measures, leading the organization to achieve these targets
• Represent the organization and its values and goals with members, customers, suppliers, government and regulatory bodies, which includes all stakeholders and the broader sport community
• Be a positive voice and spokesperson
• Support the high-performing staff environment by motivating, retaining, mentoring and holding all individuals accountable throughout the organization

Strategic Planning:

• Through active engagement with key stakeholders, report semi-annually a rolling Strategic Plan to maximize value
• Engage the Board of Directors for input, review, and approval of the plan, including a quarterly review of actionable items
• Continue to implement the Strategic Plan and report to the Board of Directors on its progress and agreed strategic, key performance indicators
• Review trends and opportunities in the greater ski racing community and create delivery models that recognize these opportunities to encourage membership and participation growth
• Identify new services and products, events, and initiatives that will capture new members and create greater participation

Operational Management:

• Develop an annual Operations Plan and Budget that aligns to the Strategic Plan, seeking Board of Directors input, review, and approval
• Implement the annual Operations Plan and report to the Board of Directors on its progress
• Provide supervision, management, and leadership of the day-to-day affairs of the organization within policies established and agreed to by the Board of Directors
• Oversee the AOA Athletic Committee with a focus on governance and transparency
• Ensure that the appropriate systems are in place to effectively and efficiently manage the business of the organization, consistent with its objectives
• Ensure organizational commitments are within delegated approval authorities

Governance

• Communicate in a timely and open way with the Board on material matters affecting the organization and particularly matters reserved for the Board
• Communicate regularly with the Chair and other board members and ensure the Board is being provided with the information necessary to fulfil its legal duties and responsibilities and to make good decisions
• Review with the Board of Directors on a monthly basis the cash position, as well as forecasted cash flow over the remaining months of the season
• Ensure that the Organization continues to review its governance policies and have them regularly reviewed by the Board
• With the Board, ensure effective succession plans are in place for the position of Executive Director and all senior staff
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, integrity, and disclosure of the organization’s financial statements through appropriate policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Utilize the skills, experience and backgrounds of the Board to the best value for the Organization

Marketing, Communications, and Commercialization:

• Oversee all Marketing, PR, Publicity, Social Media, and Communication initiatives, ensuring the organization and services are consistently presented in a strong, vibrant, and positive way to all stakeholders and the greater community

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and representative for the organization, working in conjunction with the Chair and Board members as appropriate
• Continue to identify and secure funding opportunities from Provincial and Federal government, foundations, and other institutions. 

• The Executive Director must have a proven track record of maintaining current sponsors and garnering new opportunities 
• The Executive Director will be required to lead and develop business cases to continuously generate and increase sponsorship funding, while working in conjunction with the Events and Partnerships Manager

Stakeholder Management:

• Effectively manage the relationships between Alpine Ontario and key stakeholders, seeking input on key issues as appropriate
• Ensure that communication between Alpine Ontario and key stakeholders is both timely and appropriate
• Regularly engage with representatives of Member Clubs, Officials, Coaching Representatives, Major Event organizations, and ski resort operators to develop close and supportive working relationships
• Ensure an appropriate level of transparency amongst key stakeholders impacted by Alpine Ontario policies and decisions

Indigenous Affairs:

• Demonstrate leadership, action, and results in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action
• Ensure the stories and history of Indigenous athletes are included whenever possible, whether it be in print media, marketing efforts, or training sessions to encourage the participation of Indigenous youth (Call to Action #87)
• Ensure to publicly support and promote the North American Indigenous Games including participation in the Games in whatever way is feasible and affordable.  (Call to Action #88)
• Ensure barriers to participation by Indigenous athletes are identified and reduced to ensure skiing is truly inclusive of all (Call to Action #89)
• Work in unison with other key partners to establish, promote, or take part in skiing programs that reflect the diverse cultures and traditional skiing activities of Indigenous peoples (Call to Action #90)
• Work with key partners to develop, establish, and/or maintain an elite skiing program specifically for Indigenous athletes (Call to Action #90
• Ensure programming is culturally relevant for Indigenous peoples (Call to Action #90) by ensuring all coaches, trainers and sports officials receive Indigenous Cultural Sensitivity and/or Safety Training as part of required coaching education.  This training should be relevant and localized to the Indigenous nations/territories within which these personnel will be operating, to reflect the diversity and differences amongst Indigenous nations
• Ensure all engagement and/or events respect Indigenous territorial protocols (Call to Action #91)
• Ensure local Indigenous communities are active participants in all aspects of planning and participating in events in their territories from the onset.  Indigenous communities should not be asked to comment on work already completed/commenced but rather be in on the development of that work (Call to Action #91)
• With representatives from local Indigenous communities, formalize protocols for informing their membership of AOA activities occurring in their traditional territories.  Inquire as to the appropriateness of incorporating local Indigenous practices, protocols, or ceremonies into these events and activities.
• Ensure engagement in any area includes engagement with Indigenous communities, agencies, and/or Indigenous urban populations

Social, Environmental, and Ethical Practices:

• Follow and adhere to all Safe Sport initiatives as set by the Canadian Olympic Committee and Alpine Canada Alpin
• Foster ethical and responsible decision-making by management and staff
• Set the ethical tone for the organization
• Implement a safe and respectful environment for our athletes, coaches, staff and volunteers
• Lead the organization in its corporate social responsibility
• Be a community leader and ensure the organization contributes to the well-being of the community in which it functions, with special consideration paid to any Indigenous nations on whose land an event may be happening
  • In line with traditional practices, ensure benefit for the Indigenous community as a routine and appropriate show of gratitude for the use of the land on which the event will be held
• Network with other sport organizations, community leaders and organizations, including Indigenous, in an effort to gain exposure for Alpine Ontario and enhance further Sport development

Selection Criteria:

In addition to demonstrating relevant experience identified in this Position Overview, candidates applying for the Executive Director role will require a range of personal and professional skills, including:

• A demonstrable passion for sport and a genuine understanding and respect for the opportunities and health, social and other benefits that alpine ski racing presents to the Alpine Ontario community
• A proactive approach to increasing Indigenous participation in competitive alpine ski sports that illustrates a thorough understanding of Canadian history and the resulting challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous people
• A strong, energetic, inclusive and down-to-earth management style with the ability to identify and harness the specialist knowledge of the alpine ski racing community for the benefit of the sport and Alpine Ontario athletes, coaches, volunteers and members
• The ability to influence and work collaboratively with a range of interest groups including officials and volunteers, members and supporters, coaches, employees, local communities including local Indigenous communities, and other provincial and national sporting agencies and sponsors
• Proven ability to identify and develop commercial and sponsorship opportunities, delivering a stable and diverse revenue stream
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal presentation skills, with the ability to act confidently as the public spokesperson for Alpine Ontario
• A strong understanding of the workings and demands of a multi-level sport and/or member-based organization
• A strong understanding of the complexities of Alpine Ontario and it’s respective Divisions
• Solid financial acumen, including the capacity to interpret and report on financial statements and experience in the management of an operating budget of approximately $3.5 million

Key Relationships:

As Executive Director you will work with and carefully manage a number of key relationships including:

• Alpine Ontario Chairperson
• Alpine Ontario Board Members (Including various committees)
• Member Associations/Clubs of Alpine Ontario
• Local communities including Indigenous communities and their designated leadership
• Alpine Ontario Management and Staff
• Athletes, Coaches and Officials
• Sponsors and Supporters
• Legacy Club Members
• Alumni of Alpine Ontario
• Alpine Canada Alpin
• Alpine Provincial Sports Organizations across Canada
• Government of Ontario
• Canadian Snowsports Association
• Ontario Ski Team Parents

Commitment to Role:

The Executive Director of Alpine Ontario is required to live in Collingwood, Ontario where the office is located.  Due to the nature of the position and the sport of alpine ski racing, the Executive Director will be expected to spend significant time outside the office, building and fostering external stakeholder relationships, both on the ski hill and in corporate settings. The position will necessarily involve weekend and evening work. This is a full-time role.

Remuneration:

An attractive compensation package will be offered, commensurate with the experience and skills of the successful candidate and the nature of our sport organization.

How to Apply:

Should you be interested in pursuing this leadership opportunity, all applicants are invited to submit** their cover letter and resume for consideration today to:  opportunities@alpineontario.ca

Please include in the subject line of your application: AOA Executive Director Search

**Applications will be received directly by the Hiring Committee. AOA staff will not be privy to this email account.

This role posting will close on March 8^th at 11:59pm EST.

Alpine Ontario is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment within an exciting and challenging work environment.

It’s been a while, but so worth the wait – here’s another installment of Pridy’s Blog

by Kathy Stahr | Jan 24, 2019 | Member News

About damn time for another BC Ski Team update… It’s been a long few months since I touched base with my 5 avid readers so here goes:

It’s not been for a lack of trying, but it’s hard to write in-season updates and not get pulled towards a results-based look at everything. Where did we place? Did we hit the box? How far out? How far ahead? Who beat whom? All valid questions for the athletes and for the fans (parents and creepy old European men on Facebook…), but I don’t want to be a part of the problem. Live timing and FIS can provide all the results you could want; I will instead try to continue documenting the day-to-day journey of the BCST and, perhaps, throw props on occasion.

There’s been a lot of goings on so let me give y’all the real condensed version of events up until now. Pretty much, we will cover two months in 300 words or less. Ready…. go!

Bright eyed and bushy tailed, November 15^th.

Trucks packed, crew piled in. No snow in sight on the Creekside ski out. Turn the wheel and point it direction: Sun Peaks for our official start of the race season. Arrive at the foot of Mount Nancy Greene, brush the dust off the boots and get to it. Not bad is becoming okay, and okay is starting to look like half decent. A little more training and we might be seeing some pretty good.

Squirrel races come and go. From a coach’s perspective it’s nice when “tune up” races don’t end up as “getting tuned up” races. The crew is beginning to show some pace, now lets pack up and hit the road. This time we are Alberta bound, a place where we can idle the trucks and blast country on the way to the hill.

Slightly haggard and frizzy tailed, December 10^th.

The fatigue, stress, and cabin fever have set in, compounded by the armpit effect that only Panorama in December can provide. Fortunately, the BCST learned all about grinding in the summer, and hopefully they are thinking the same thing I am: Being tired is just something other people feel.

Haggard AF and homebound, December 22^nd. Everyone got a little something to put in their back pocket from these last two months. Some are coming home with PB’s, some with confidence, some with second scores, and being young in this sport I believe they all are coming into the break knowing a few new ways how to not perform. In other words, the essential failures that lead to future successes. 

Alright, look at us go. We’re caught up! Now it’s time for me to take you on an adventure out east. Pack the truck… just kidding! Screw that, pack the plane instead and get ready for take off. The thought of going to the other half of our country doesn’t seem like much of a trip when you’re on a team that routinely hunts snow on other continents, but travel is travel and new is new. Ella, Nicole and I hopped on a Boeing 740whatever that would be landing in the 6ix, while Nick, Marcus, Myles, and Kyle took a very similar looking plane headed to Montreal.

Touchdown, deplane, wait for your luggage, stress because your luggage takes its sweet time, make a mental plan about how you will make do with whatever happens to be in the one bag that has shown up, then let out a big sigh of relief when the belt spits out the rest of the bags an hour later. Pick up the car, and then play Tetris with all the bags until they fit. Finally, the biggest question, where should the Women’s team ring in the New Year? Brampton Ontario of course! The definite highlight being some lovely Indian food, and all three of us having to pretend that “very mild” wasn’t actually lighting our mouths on fire.

Escarpments eh? I’m like 90 percent sure that they (Ontarionians… Ontarieites?) are not using that word correctly… I feel qualified to say that after spending 30 seconds looking up escarpments on Goggle, but that is neither here nor there. Dressing up a hill with a bigger word doesn’t add any vertical. With that said, this is exactly the Ontario I was hoping for.  Perfect race conditions everywhere; natural injection and cold temps to keep it in all-time shape from first runner to last. The Peaks was the ladies first race destination on this trip. “The best hill here” as the Peaks people would tell us, and they weren’t exactly wrong. Starting with a great side hill up top to keep you honest (luckily, we train pretty equal amounts of left footers and right footers, so it was a non-issue), then as you break over the pitch Georgian Bay lies before you.  If you weren’t looking at the course, you could see for days. The two days of GS here were great races, and even though it took some time to acclimatize to the conditions, there was a good effort from the team, and by the time we switched venues they were both looking comfortable on the ice.

Destination 2 was also at “The best hill here”, but this time it was coming from the folks at Alpine. What they lacked in steep, challenging terrain they made up for in a goliath 40-million-dollar lodge at the base, so that was pretty neat. This whole day was a new experience for our two women; a one-run-qually slalom with only the top 32 going on to race the duel that afternoon. The charge was there, but so were the mistakes that come with pushing to find speed, and on an unforgiving hill with a full field it was close, but no cigar. It’s all a build though, and they were ready to move on to mountain number 3.

Osler Bluff didn’t give us the runaround about it being the “best resort around”. I think because they only had a 39-million-dollar lodge (and it was still under construction) they felt a little self-conscious… They did, however, put on a hell of an event and gave our women another great opportunity to test their mettle against the top North Americans outside World Cup.

As I write this, I am reminded that it’s not always sunshine and best days, but that’s the point.  You never go to a race and plan to get beat, nor do you feel content with less than your best, but you also don’t move forward if you only look to win against little fish in little ponds.  From time to time, having your goose cooked in someone else’s back yard isn’t a bad thing. Train hard – find pace – beat people – get piped – train hard – find pace – beat people.

Back in the car (the best place for a nap unless you’re driving) en-route to mini France, more new mountains, and one more series to tip-up in. And hey, would you look at that, we are reunited with the Men’s team!

Welcome to Mont Tremblant. A few days of training sounds great and it’s always good to get the team back together, even if it’s only for a short while. We decide on a nice place for dinner and decide that this is as good a time as any to introduce the team to raclette. Sounds harmless enough, its only cheese right? We sit down in a cozy little log cabin at the base of Tremblant. With guests we are nine, spread out around a long table. Everything is going well, conversation and laughter as everyone catches up. The server comes up and stations a racletter (cheese melter) at either end of the table, each with a half wheel of cheese. Still so far so good. Then he says, “Don’t worry. If you finish the wheel we will bring you another, but no one ever finishes them”. Well shit. Unanimously, the table has accepted this as a challenge and immediately splits into two groups, both dead-set on one thing: to eat the whole wheel of cheese before the other half of the table can finish theirs.  I’ll tell you right now, no one wins when you take part in an hour-long cheese-crushing marathon…

See ya later men’s team! Now that everyone is a few pounds heavier it’s once again time to move mountains and head into rural Quebec. Not like “deep woods” rural (“deep woods you’d better have the Fleur-De-Lis tattooed somewhere on you” comes later in the season. Foreshadowing! Go me!), but still rural enough. Val St Come and Mont Garceau would be our final venues of the trip. VSC was maybe the coolest SL track that the team will race on this year. A little bit of everything and a perfect length to set however you want. Here, the team made some great steps. Be it for a run or a section, they showed the giddy-up and pace needed to compete in slalom anywhere else we go this year. Garceau was a fun-looking GS, not built to create large field separation, which made for tight and exciting races both days, and gave the ladies some good pressure to practice with.

Next for the BC Ski Team is a mid-season tune up in Sun Peaks.  A small break from racing at last, and an opportunity to get dialed in by virtue of repetition over consecutive days. 

Fun Facts

• “You can pay on counter. Some food takes longer time, because it is different time to cook food.” – Quebec
• Georgian Peaks is known for its Kitzbuhel-like terrain
• There is always room for Chocolate fondue
• Gracias is NOT French
• The Alphorns Birthday song isn’t that catchy…

2018/19 BC Ski Team Athlete Bios:

Ella Renzoni

Frances MacDonald (injury status)

Nicole Mah

Marcus Athans

Kyle Alexander

Myles Kowalczyk

Teck Kootenay Zone U12/U14 GS races hosted by Kimberley Alpine Team

by Kathy Stahr | Jan 22, 2019 | Member News

Kootenay Zone U12/U14 Giant Slalom Race – Kimberley Alpine Resort
Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kimberley Alpine Team hosted the first Kootenay Zone Race of the season on Jan 19 and 20th. The event saw non-stop action with 2 days of GS racing and a night Dual Slalom on Saturday. The race had 133 entries from Red Mountain, Whitewater, Windermere Valley, Black Dogs, Golden, Fernie, Fortress, and Kimberley. 

It was exciting to see zone racing back on Kimberley’s infamous Dreadnaught run. For most racers this was their first introduction to the Dreadnaught. Many  of them will be back to race in Speed events as they get older. Despite battling a low snow year the course crew managed to set up an amazing venue for the weekend's events. Saturday's GS race saw a great turnout of volunteers who helped keep the track buff despite some fresh snow. The crew worked hard right until the end of the day, with the last racer completing the course just before lifts closed at 4pm. The track was a bit bumpy in the afternoon which made for some excitement. Despite a few DNF’s the entire pack finished the day happy, healthy and eager for the next day of racing. 

The Night Dual BBQ Extravaganza kicked off in the Kimberley Alpine Resort Plaza with an awards ceremony. Then all the athletes, coaches, and volunteers were treated to a BBQ, bonfire, s’mores, music, and beverages in the Kimberley Alpine Resort Plaza, a great spectator spot for the Night Dual. Athletes were racing under the lights on the final pitch of the ski hill and finishing right in the base area in front of an enthusiastic crowd. This was a no-award event focused on athletes racing with/against their friends, meeting kids from other clubs, checking out North America’s longest night skiing run, and most importantly HAVING FUN RACING!

Sunday’s cooler temperatures made for a firmer track and clear skies, resulting in an awesome day of racing. With the weather cooperating and volunteers working hard, the race ran like clockwork. The Kootenay Zone is looking strong and it made for exciting racing and tight results. The weekend ended with everyone gathering in the Plaza for one more round of awards. Thanks to Jeff Rees from Teck and Ted Funston from Kimberley Alpine Resort for supporting our athletes and handing out awards. 

This was the first of many races to hit the slopes of Kimberley this year. Coming up next we have the Kimberley Nancy Greene Festival followed shortly by both the U16 and FIS Speed series.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Teck, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Dreadnaught Ski Racing, and all the hard working coaches and volunteers that helped make this a great event!

Report submitted by Ben Cohen, Program Director Kimberley Alpine Team – Race Photos by The Real McKenzie Photography and Lesley Chisholm Photography

2018/19 TECK RACE PHOTOS

SPAC hosts TECK U14 Okanagan Zone Slalom Racing at sunny Sun Peaks

by Kathy Stahr | Jan 21, 2019 | Member News

The busy Sun Peaks Alpine Club volunteers played host to Teck racing for the second weekend in a row January 19 & 20. This time it was the Okanagan Zone U14's competing for slalom glory. Approximately 111 athletes ranging in age from U12 to U16, and hailing from Big White, Apex, Revelstoke, Vernon and Sun Peaks, enjoyed two days of racing in perfect conditions – sunny skies and firm snow! Always a hit with the athletes and spectators, Nancy Greene Raine was on hand to present awards to the race winners. A BIG thank you to Teck for sponsoring junior ski racing in BC, and to Jaimie Dickson from Teck/Highland Valley Copper Mine for attending, showing support and assisting with the awards ceremony! 

TECK 2018/2019 PHOTOS ON FLICKR

COMPLETE RESULTS HERE

Congratulations to all competitors – here are the top-10 finishers in each race:

Photo by Rob Sidjak

Coast Zone U14’s kick off 2019 at Whistler Mountain Ski Club Teck Event

by Kathy Stahr | Jan 16, 2019 | Member News

TECK U14 Coast Zone Race – January 12, 13, 2019

Dave Murray National Training Center (Ptarmigan Run), Whistler Mountain

Hosted by the Whistler Mountain Ski Club, this event was the first chance for the Coast Zone U14 athletes to square off against each other in an official manner, bringing the WMSC athletes together with the Grouse/Tyee, Cypress, Seymour, Hemlock Valley Ski Racing Clubs, and from across the Salish Sea, the Mount Washington Ski Club.

The racers were faced with some challenging conditions on an equally challenging slope. The warm and soft conditions that racers faced on their Friday training session, turned hard and in places inconsistent with some ice balls on top of a hard, frozen base. However, that firm base held up so well that on both days the same courses that were set in the mornings were used for their 2^nd runs in the afternoons.

In Saturday's Giant Slalom race, on the ladies’ side Cypress Ski Club’s Gaia Fameli took home gold with a winning time of 2:14.25. WMSC’s Sarah-Elizabeth Whelan was second with Grouse Mountains Cordelia Hultman coming in 3^rd.

For the men, the local boys swept the podium with Jack Thomas taking the win in 2:05.35 while teammates Milan Novak and Alec Waldrum rounded out the podium positions. A local favorite Felix Shorter had a healthy lead after the first run but unfortunately had a ski pop off in one of the ruts in the second run just a few gates from the finish, knocking him out of Saturday’s race.

Sunday dawned clear and cold again with a better surface for the Slalom event. As always, slalom can make for some exciting action as the racers negotiate the quick, tight turns while knocking the gates out of their way. WMSC’s Erin Husken worked the magic of her small stature to take a commanding lead first run, which she easily held onto for a winning time of 1:43.18. Second place went to Cypress’s Sofia Blouin and Jacquie Smith of the WMSC took home Bronze.

In the men’s race Felix Shorter got his redemption (from the DNF in the GS) to take home a gold medal, winning the race in 1:40.75. Grouse Mountains Pearce Manning Avini, a 1^st year U14 took silver and Jack Thomas (WMSC) took home bronze, his second medal of the weekend.

Most improved awards went to Viveka Deck Stang for both the ladies GS and SL events, while JJ Gibbons was the most improved in men’s GS and Pearce Manning Avini moved up the most in the men’s’ Slalom.

As always, a huge thank you goes out to Whistler Blackcomb for fantastic grooming and snow conditions, to the many parents and volunteers who helped to make the race weekend the success it was, to the clubs many sponsors and supporters that make amateur sport possible and our title sponsor for junior racing in BC, Teck!