North Zone Race Report
The North Zone was busy with events for their younger athletes these past couple of weekends, and Snow Valley Racing ran them both. Hosting 4 races this winter, this is the busiest ROC season the Snow Valley Ski Club has had in a long time. Here are some highlights:
U12 North Zone SL/GS Series
Canyon Ski Resort, AB – On March 14-15, Snow Valley Racing hosted the North Zone U12 SL and GS at Canyon Ski Resort in Red Deer. 79 young athletes from Red Deer, Edmonton, Grand Prairie, Fort McMurray and Cold Lake took part in the weekend series which, now more than half-way through the season, was an excellent opportunity for these racers to show the progress they’ve made in their skills and technique in the gates.
The weather was fantastic – certainly less challenging than at the previous weekend’s U14 event at the same venue – and spirits were high, everyone enjoying the beautiful views of the Red Deer River in addition to the action on the slopes. Athletes had 3 single-run races each day and, for many, this was the first cross-blocking slalom event – and they crushed it!
Every ski race is always a big commitment from the race organizing committee, and this weekend was no exception. SVR is grateful of the incredible support of friends from the Canyon Ski Resort, the Red Deer Ski Club, and all the North Zone teams, volunteers, coaches and parents who make this type of event successful. And big thanks to Boston Pizza for generously keeping the workforce very well fed!
SVR Program Director Chad Mansell’s amazing disco helmet, shining light and good vibes on the entire event at Canyon Ski Resort March 14-15.
U8/U10 North Zone Sundance Cup
Edmonton, AB – On March 21, Snow Valley Racing hosted 165 athletes at the North Zone U8/U10 Dual SL Sundance Cup event at Snow Valley Ski Club in Edmonton. It was a fun, welcoming alpine racing experience, emphasizing participation and skill development and reinforcing the core values of the Nancy Greene Ski League (NGSL) program. Clubs from Red Deer, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray and Cold Lake came to challenge each other, and the race itself consisted of (2) two-run races (best of AM and PM) off the triple chair.
After a couple days of rain and snow, conditions were challenging but beautifully warm, spring weather came out for race day and, with the help of our Snow Valley Ski Club sponsors Wolfe Automotive Group, Boston Pizza, Sundance Ski Shop and Swix, we had a fun-filled event for athletes and spectators with giveaways, draws and lots of excitement. Sundance Ski Shop and Mitch from Swix provided incredible draw prizes and did tuning demos, even waxing some athletes’ skis. Boston Pizza provided the athlete lunches, and the Wolfe team brought hot chocolate and coffee to warm-up bellies and provided even more draw prizes. Organizers also had music playing for a fun, party atmosphere in the finish for athletes and spectators!
Event results can be found here.