By Andrew Mitchell
Rain, snow, low visibility and other obstacles kept the Whistler-Blackcomb events department busy last week, but they still managed to get off the first of eight Kokanee Valley Race Series events scheduled for this season.
The first event was a giant slalom on Gandy Dancer in soft-packed conditions. Although some skiers and snowboarders gave the race a pass to ride the alpine powder, over 50 people took part in the two-run race.
The next event is another giant slalom on Thursday, Jan. 11.
The cost is $20 when you register in advance at any Whistler-Blackcomb Guest Relations or Ski School Sales location, and $25 when you register on race day. All skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers are welcome to take part, and all participants are eligible to win draw prizes, including a pair of Atomic skis.
Results (Top-three, two runs)
Women 60-Plus
1. Grace Oaks — 1:44.14
Women 50 to 59
1. Randall Carpenter — 1:46.16
Women 40 to 49
1. Kary Fristbrook — 1:35.87
2. Terry Daly — 1:42.80
Women 30 to 39
1. Heike Stippler — 1:43.28
2. Karin Kafkova — 1:47.87
3. Stacy Dodson — 1:57.04
Women 19 to 29
1. Mayumi Ueno — 1:47.72
2. Melinda Good – 2:33.34
Men 70-Plus
1. David Trussler — 1:38.06
2. Werner Himmelsbach — 1:53.97
3. Doug Deeks – 1:55.93
Men 60 to 69
1. Bob Switzer — 1:37.97
2. Butch White — 1:40.38
3. Jules Lajoie — 1:42.53
Men 50 to 59
1. Alain Rey — 1:30.76
2. Ken Chaddock — 1:33.79
3. Peter Lyall — 1:36.81
Men 40 to 49
1. John Muzzillo — 1:30.52
2. Tenney Wilkins — 1:30.92
3. Geoff Gerhart — 1:33.75
Men 30 to 39
1. Mike Stewart — 1:37.01
Men 19 to 29
1. Fred Tremblay — 1:36.85
2. Paul Hothersall — 1:38.42
3. Jess LaFramboise — 1:41.87
Men Pro
1. Phil Beauregard — 1:29.86
2. Derek Burgen — 1:31.30
3. Steve Hainsworth — 1:39.71