It was an awesome four days of racing at the GMC Cup FIS Series at Mount Norquay. We saw athletes from all across Canada compete. The first 2 days were slalom with some great racing in cold conditions and Alberta athletes finishing on the podium. On the first day Taras Dets (DINOS) placed 2^nd and Jesse Kertesz-Knight (AST) placed 3^rd. On the women’s side, Avery Lebsack (AST) landed on the podium in 1^st place, Polly Lang (NATC) in 2^nd and Eva Vogel (NATC) in 3^rd. The second day of slalom was cold with a fast track. In the women’s race Eva Vogel (NATC) won 1^st place, with Julia Culig (PANO) coming in 2^nd and Nikki Finoro (DINOS) 3^rd. On the men’s side Jesse Kertesz-Knight (AST) came in 2^nd and Devin Mittertreiner (DINOS) 3^rd.

The first day of the GS races there was a lot of fresh snow on the course. With everyone pitching into clearing the track, the races started with only a short delay. The GS track was run starting from the new Silver Legacy GS start and the first time in more than a decade for a GS to run on this track. Huge thank you to both Mount Norquay and BAR for making this happen. It is a great GS track that all found challenging and fun to race on. The GS races were broken into 2-day gender races with the women running on the first day. Once again, Albertans made it onto the podium, with Katrina van Soest (BAR) placing 1^st in the first race of the day, Eva Vogel (NATC) placing 2^nd and Zoe Gray (PANO) 3^rd. In the second race of the day Katrina Van Soest (BAR) placed 1^st, Zoe Gray (PANO) 2^nd and Kendra Giesbrecht (BAR) 3^rd.

In the men’s race, the day started off on a hard and fast track with Jesse Kertesz-Knight (AST) in 2^nd place in the first race of the day. In the second race of the day, Taras Dets (DINOS) placed 3^rd.

AASA wants to thank BAR, the ROC, all the volunteers and Mount Norquay for putting on such a great event. We would also like to thank the GMC Dealers of Alberta for their support of the GMC Cup FIS Race Series and their support of the Alberta Ski Team. Along with the support of the local GMC dealer Wolfe Chevrolet GMC Buick Canmore, their local support and community spirit is first class.

Dear Members,

As Covid19 continues to change and evolve, AHS has been updating its protocols and restrictions to meet the new challenges. The below link covers changes to the protocols/restrictions as well as the isolation requirements.

AHS Protocols
https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

AASA requires all members to follow the AHS Covid19 current protocols, along with the Covid19 protocols that both your local ski resort as well, any ski resorts that you plan to visit this season have in place. Ski resorts may have enhanced protocols that go beyond what AHS has put in place, and this need be followed.

AASA strongly recommends that everyone who is eligible, to get their double dose of the vaccination. It is very important that all coaches, officials, and volunteers are vaccinated not only to protect the community but also to ensure their jobs can be done.

Covid19 Protocols for Alberta Alpine sanctioned races.

For all U14, U16, FIS and Masters Alberta Alpine sanctioned races, all participants (coaches, officials, athletes, volunteers, and spectators inside the fence) must be fully vaccinated or show proof in written or printed copy that indicates the individual has tested negative for Covid19 on a Health Canada approved rapid PCR or lab-based PCR test approved by Health Canada or the lab accreditation body of jurisdiction to attend the event. Participants must have received at least 2 doses of a Government of Canada -accepted Covid19 vaccine or mix of 2 accepted vaccines or at least 1 dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine. The second dose of vaccine must have been given 14 full days prior to the event/race.

Each ROC will manage this program and AASA strongly suggests that each ROC has a Covid19 Officer assigned to the race. There is no need to hold any personal information of any of the participants. The Alberta Government Covid19 scan app will verify if the participant is fully vaccinated.

For U12 and younger Alberta Alpine sanctioned races. All coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators must be fully vaccinated or proof in written or printed copy that indicates the individual has tested negative for Covid19 on a Health Canada approved rapid PCR or lab-based PCR test approved by Health Canada or the lab accreditation body of jurisdiction to attend the event.

All U12 and younger athletes will follow all AHS protocols at all race events inside the fence, this would include but only be social distancing, masks, and cohorts. Outside the fence U12 and younger athletes must follow the ski resort protocols.

Accepted Covid19 Vaccines in Canada.
• Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2)
• Moderna (Spikevax, mRNA-1273)
• AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1-S, Vaxzevria, AZD1222)
• Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S)

The Covid19 pandemic has shown us all that it is always changing, and protocols will need to change with it.

We all want to have a safe and successful race season this year. Thank you to everyone who is making this season look like it will be a great one.

If you have any questions, please give me a call.

Best regards,
Patrick Gillespie
President of Alberta Alpine Ski Association

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The search for Canada’s most invested ski community returns. Mackenzie Top Peak is a national competition and a rallying cry for ski communities to show how invested they are, on and off the hill. Register your team, compete in weekly challenges, and earn points. The winning top peak, selected by a panel of judges, will receive $50,000 to invest in their ski community.

Last year Club Mont St-Marie, which is located just outside of Ottawa Ontario, was the inaugural winner of Mackenzie Top Peak. The $50,000 grand prize went towards building the region’s only FIS Giant Slalom run, enhancing the safety and usability of the hill, in partnership with the Dustin Cook Training Centre. This new run will lengthen the ski season for all alpine enthusiasts and enhance training for young aspiring athletes.

Register now.

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We are extremely excited for our athletes who are getting their first World Cup starts this month!  

• Alberta Ski Team alumni, Liam Wallace (Sunshine) had his first World Cup start delayed after unfavourable conditions in Zagreb, Croatia.
• Kiki Alexander (Sunshine) is getting her first World Cup start at Flachau, Austria on Jan 11^th
• Our Ski Cross team athletes are getting ready for their potential first World Cup starts at Nakiska on Jan 14^th & 15^th. More to come!