The official’s update for Alberta will be presented on November 6, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  This course is open to officials of all levels.  In order to maintain your official accreditation, you must attend an update once every two years or take the next level course during that same 2 year time period.

Homework PDF
Agenda PDF

2021 Agenda

I have the honours of kicking off this year’s round of athlete/coach journals! The last 4 weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind for the teams, and I have the pleasure of leading the Alberta Ski Cross Team this year.

The Alberta Ski Cross Team (ASXT) has just returned from 4 weeks overseas training in Stelvio Italy, Hintertux Austria, and Saas-Fee Switzerland, and it was a great opportunity to get back on snow, refresh the fundamentals, work into some Alpine GS and finally get onto the ski cross track at Saas-Fee with National Teams. We are all looking forward to our next block on snow, and the preparation towards competition again after a year off. The team has made serious gains in the gym over the summer, and this translated to a quick progression on snow. There is also an increased understanding with the team and the correlation between the type of lifting that we are doing with CSI and how those movements benefit their skiing.

The ASXT is a new group for me to work with, and I am very excited about the progress we have made, the team environment we are creating and the plans we are discussing regarding competition, additional training opportunities, and TRAVEL now that we are able to again.

The memory of the trip that sticks with me the best, was our days at Saas-Fee when we got up to the top of the Ski Cross track. The weather was always blue bird, the track was in amazing shape, and just to feel the buzz, excitement and energy from everyone there (The Swiss, Canadian, French, Australian, Swedish, Chinese, Great Britain, Italian, and Austrian National Ski Cross Teams) it just made the training environment so positive, and then when the heats started to run, WOW talk about a training environment!  

Camp recap

Stelvio

The ASXT was fortunate to get the opportunity to start the camp with the alpine teams. Our focus was to get the fundamentals back as the team had been off snow since May, and we worked through technical free skiing drills and exercises to get the body and mind realigned after a long period of time off snow. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate as much as we would have liked at Stelvio, but we made the best of it, then off to Hintertux!

Hintertux

We were greeted on our first day at Hintertux with 40cm of fresh snow, and even though we were on GS skis we ripped up as much of it as we could! This brought many smiles and a few hoots and hollers and Europeans looking on with amazement. It was nice to let loose and have some fun. We then maximized our time at Hintertux with GS sessions, working into line, aerodynamics, changing where to pressure the ski in varying snow conditions, and to get comfortable at higher speeds.

Saas-Fee

The training venue at Saas-Fee is a playground, with the ability to utilize 2 different starts, multiple features, tracks and features that can be changed/utilized differently daily, and training partners that are the best in the world, it was an amazing opportunity for the team. The ability to watch, train on the same track and run heats with current Crystal Globe winners, Olympic medallists and World Cup medallists help to elevate the training environment, and help our athletes maximize their training sessions.

During our travel days, and off days we had the chance to also see a bit of Europe and got to wander around Innsbruck, Liechtenstein, Lucerne, and Munich. For the athletes, understanding the history in the areas they are in, is becoming part of their training as well. It will help with travel, movement from competition to competition and the ability to relax, refocus and recharge during long trips in the future. 

The ASXT is very fortunate this year as Nakiska and ACA are working to build a world class Ski Cross track and training venue at Nakiska this year, which will become our primary training centre. This will allow for increased time on track, the balance of school and life, and being able to be in their own bed after training will help us maximize this opportunity. A big Thank you to Nakiska and ACA for putting this together to help to continue to develop Ski Cross in Alberta and Canada.

Thank you to the Team sponsors Nakiska, Sporting Life, Karbon and Silvertip for coming together and continuing to support Alpine sports in Alberta. Also, a big thank you to the parents and personal sponsors who help the athletes get back on snow in Europe and push forward with their training and preparations for competition. We look forward to showing how this training translates to results!

Finally, a big thank you to the office staff at Alberta Alpine (Pat, Alied, Josh and Sanne) for helping the teams get back to travelling for training and laying the groundwork for our return to competition.

See you on the slopes!

Shayne

Alpine Air Adventures, a mountain guiding company that operates out of Banff is offering discounted AST courses to all staff and members who are looking to undertake or advance their Avalanche Safety Training. 

They would like to offer these courses at their local discounted rate, the costs of which can be found below: 

AST 1
Cost=$175.00 + gst =$183.75

AST 2
Cost=$580.50 + gst =$609.50

When making bookings via their website, members can use the following codes for each course as given below:

AST 1 –  AST12021
AST 2 –  AST22021

They ask for our members to bring proof of Alberta Alpine/ Club Membership on the day of the course.

Lake Louise NorAm Downhill and Super-G race series

DECEMBER 6 – 10, 2021

Be a part of hosting the top and emerging athletes from Canada, USA and the world in Downhill and Super G action.

We are looking for volunteers to fill many different positions. Breakfasts, lunches and lift tickets will be provided and accommodations provided for those who are able to help for multiple days.

Please indicate:

· if you have experience on a speed track and are comfortable on steep, icy slopes

· dates you are available to help

· preferred job(s)

· Officials level (if any)

· any food allergies

Your safety is our priority. Full vaccination against COVID-19 is MANDATORY* for all volunteers, you must be fully vaccinated 14 days prior to your arrival.

For more information contact Lisa Thomson, Volunteer Services at noramvolunteer@gmail.com.

Basecamp in Canmore has given Alberta Alpine members a great deal for this winter. So if your club is training or racing in the Canmore, Banff, Nakiska and Lake Louise area you can save up to 25% off at the Basecamp properties.

Promo code: ALBERTAALPINE

• Valid from November 1 to April 30.
• Standard cancellation policy would apply, which is 72 hours prior to arrival. The credit card on file would be charged in full at this time.
• If they have availability then the promo code can be used, and no blackout dates would apply.
• Promo code would offer between 15% and 25% off our nightly rates as follows:
• Canmore properties (Basecamp Resorts, Basecamp Lodge, Lamphouse Hotel and Basecamp Suites)
  • 25% off all dates, apart from 15% on December 19 to January 1, February 18 to 20 and April 15 to 17
• Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke
  • 15% off all dates, apart from 25% from November 1 to 30

Rooms can be booked here: https://www.basecampresorts.com/

The official’s update for Alberta will be presented on November 6, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  This course is open to officials of all levels.  In order to maintain your official accreditation, you must attend an update once every two years or take the next level course during that same 2 year time period.  This is a great opportunity to share your knowledge with less experienced officials or learn from the experience of some of the more seasoned officials.  We will be doing some case studies, short answer questions and there will be a presentation on the new rules for the 2021-2022 ski racing season.  As always, there will be one or two timing calculations and penalty calculations in order to get everyone re-familiarized with these processes.  I know that everyone enjoys the timing calculations as much as Dave Bartle and I do.

In order to sign up for this course, please go to alpinepoints.ca and register through your officials account.  If you don’t have an account yet, please create one and then register.  All training of officials is now being tracked through alpinepoints.ca in order to maintain a National database of officials.  If you haven’t done so already, you can also make a legacy request to have your previous officials certification entered into the database.  Information on how to create an account and make a legacy request has been sent out to the clubs.  If you need some assistance, first try through the Alpine Chair at your club or have them contact myself and I will re-send them the information.   The Zoom link for this meeting will be sent out based on the list of registrants on Alpinepoints.ca.

I hope to see lots of people attending on November 6.

Don Boyce
Officials Chair

Further to the Notice circulated to the membership, the Alberta Alpine Ski Association Annual General Meeting will be held via Zoom. You will find the invitation link to join the meeting and passcode below.

Please ensure you have access to a registered Zoom account prior to the meeting on September 25, 2021; free accounts will be fine. Additionally, in order to assist with attendance, please ensure that your participant profile includes your first and last name, along with your club affiliation.

Alberta Alpine Ski Association Financial Statements – 2020-21

Agenda 
10:00am – Call to order
10:05am – Roll call
10:10am – Adoption of minutes of 2020 AGM
10:15am – Report from the AASA Board Chair
10:20am – Financial report
10:30am – President’s report
10:40am – Alpine Canada
10:50am – Athletics report
11:00am – Nominating Committee report
11:10am – Other business
11:25am – Concluding remarks

Detailed agenda can be downloaded here.

Zoom Meeting Info

New partnership between Karbon and Alberta Alpine equips alpine athletes in Karbon gear supporting their drive to win

Toronto, ON & Canmore, AB:

Karbon and Alberta Alpine confirm their mutual long-term commitment to supporting amateur sport through solidifiying their new partnership. Beginning this season, Karbon will become the exclusive apparel and race wear supplier for Alberta Alpine. Karbon is proud to continue a tradition of supporting amateur ski racing at every level of the sport, whether Olympic, national, provincial or grassroots. In addition to supporting the Alberta Ski Team, Karbon welcomes the opportunity to work with Alberta Alpine member clubs.

Alberta Alpine joins the othe provincial teams in BC Alpine and Ski Quebec Alpin as partners in the Karbon sponsorship program. Provincial athletes become global brand ambassadors promting ski racing and the Karbon brand

Of the new partnership, Peter Schure, VP of Teams and Resorts: “We are pleased to add Alberta Alpine to the Karbon family. Our partnership demonstrates our continuing commitment to sport at all levels. and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Alberta Alpine and its athletes.”

Patrick Gillespie, President, Alberta Alpine: We at Alberta Alpine are very excited about our new partnership with Karbon. Karbon has been a leader in snow sports for many decades, keeping athletes and coaches alike warm and comfortable. It is great to align with a Canadian company, we look forward to wearing the product with pride and confidence.

About Karbon: Karbon is designed and manufactured by Schure Sports – leaders in advancing quality products for winter sports since 1982. Schure Sports is a privately held, family-owned business based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. We are proud to support athletes at all levels of sport with apparel that delivers unparalleled performance and function. Karbon – Schure Sports, 345 Connie Crescent, Toronto, ON, L4K 5R2

About Alberta Alpine: Alberta Alpine is the provincial sport governing body for alpine ski racing, providing programs for 4,800+ athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials of the sport throughout the province. Alberta Alpine manages programs from introductory levels to masters including the athletes of the Alberta Ski and Ski Cross Teams. Alberta has had a rich legacy of success – 80 Albertans have represented Canada on the world stage. Alberta Alpine – Suite 100, 1995 Olympic Way, Canmore, AB T1W 2T6

Come out for a fun day of fitness testing, games, and physical education. Meet your Alberta ski team and ski cross team athletes and compete for the title of fittest athlete, and fittest club. Fun games and prizes galore.

Edmonton: September 19th, 2021 Kaskitayo Park Field #7
10:00 am to 2:00 pm (Age time slots below)

Calgary: September 26th, 2021 Glenmore Athletic Park Track
10:00 am to 2:00 pm (Age time slots below)

Registration link: https://zone4.ca/reg.asp?id=26672

Age time slots
FIS 10:00
U16 11:00
U14 12:00
U12 1:00

To: AASA Membership

Re: Covid19 Protocols for the 2021/22 Season

Dear Members,

Alberta Alpine has been working on a Covid19 protocol for this season. We have been in contact with clubs Program Directors to get a sense of what each club has in place. Alberta Alpine wants to make sure that what protocols are adopted allows all athletes in the province to train and race all season long in a safe manner. That coaches, staff, volunteers, and parents feel safe when at races.

With the Alberta Government and AHS announcing the Restrictions Exemption Program on Sept 15th, this has given a new direction from AHS. Alberta Alpine will review this new information, consulate with the professional and once we have gone through all the information, we will send out a Covid19 race protocol.

Right now, vaccines are the best method to protect oneself from the Covid19, please follow all provincial restrictions that AHS has in place.

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

Best regards,

Patrick Gillespie
President of Alberta Alpine Ski Association