Ski Cross Development Continues Across Alberta
Alberta’s ski racing calendar continued with a strong focus on athlete development as Ski Cross events were hosted in both the North and South Zones, providing meaningful and accessible opportunities for young racers. With events at Sunridge Ski Area and Nakiska Ski Resort, U12 athletes were able to experience ski cross racing close to home, reinforcing Alberta Alpine’s commitment to pathway-wide skill development.
Ski cross plays an important role in the long-term development of alpine athletes, highlighting a wide range of foundational skills including balance, timing, terrain management, tactical decision-making, adaptability, and confidence. These events delivered an exciting and engaging environment where young athletes could apply and develop these skills in a fun, competitive setting.
Sunridge Ski Cross – North Zone
Sunridge Ski Area hosted a North Zone Ski Cross event that brought together U12 athletes for a dynamic and development-focused competition. The accessible location allowed northern athletes to participate without extensive travel, supporting strong participation and continued growth of ski cross in the region.
The course provided an excellent introduction to ski cross features, encouraging athletes to build comfort on varied terrain while reinforcing core racing skills that translate directly to alpine disciplines. The positive atmosphere, supported by dedicated volunteers and officials, created an engaging experience for athletes at an important stage of their development.
Full event details available here:
https://albertaalpine.ca/calendar/#5886
Nakiska Ski Cross – South Zone
In the South Zone, Nakiska hosted the U12 Ski Cross event that delivered another high-quality developmental opportunity for athletes. Racing on well-prepared terrain in a classic Alberta venue, athletes were challenged to apply technical skills, line choice, and tactical awareness in a fast-paced and exciting format.
Having ski cross opportunities in the south complements existing alpine programming and allows athletes to broaden their racing experiences while continuing to develop confidence and versatility on snow. The event was well supported by clubs, coaches, and volunteers, contributing to a positive and athlete-centered race environment.
Full event details available here:
https://albertaalpine.ca/calendar/#5880
Building Skills for the Future
By offering ski cross events in both the North and South Zones, Alberta Alpine continues to strengthen the development pathway and ensure equitable access to diverse racing opportunities. For U12 athletes, ski cross is not only fun and engaging, but also an effective tool for developing the skills that underpin future success in alpine racing.
Thank you to Sunridge Ski Area, Nakiska Ski Resort, organizing committees of Sunridge and NASA, officials, volunteers, coaches, and families for their continued support in delivering high-quality, development-focused events across the province.