For the first time in club history, the Whistler Nordics sent a team to the Haywood Ski Nationals, taking place in Canmore this week.
In the Free Technique race, Nicki Murdoch placed 25th out of 58 racers in Junior Girls. Jenya Nordin was 20th out of 75 in Juvenile Girls, with Lauren Doak in 33rd. Austin Reith was 50th out of 76 racers in Juvenile Boys.
In the classic race, Murdoch took a huge leap into 15th place. Nordin moved up to 17th in her group, and Doak moved up 10 spots to 23rd overall. Reith moved up to 33rd.
From the Callaghan Valley Training Centre, Thomsen D'Hont placed 26th out of 118 racers in Open Men. Geoffrey Richards was 41st.
Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt led the women's team in seventh place out of 87 skiers. Michaela Howie was 26th, Kasja Heyes 32nd and Adriene Underhill 37th.
Salomon biathlon returns this week
If you've ever wanted to experience the sport of biathlon, then Sunday is your last chance for 2010-2011.
The final Salomon Biathlon event of the season is taking place on Sunday, Mar. 20 at Ski Callaghan, and it's wide open to the public. Sign-on is at 1 p.m. and there's a mandatory rifle safety course at 1:15 p.m.
All participants will do four laps of the course, and visit the range three times. Missed shots mean laps at the penalty loop.
There's no timing, so it's first to the finish line.
The race is limited to 100 skiers, and you have to be 14 or older to take part. If you're 14 to 18, you must ski with an adult.
You also need a valid Ski Callaghan trail pass, and skate gear - the course is not set up for classic.
For more information visit www.salomonbiathlon.blogspot.com.
Lost Lake extended to April 10
With lots of snow in the valley, the Resort Municipality of Whistler is extending its season until April 10, making it the longest season for the trails going back several years.
"Our bylaw allows for cross-country up to (April) the 15th, but we need a couple of days to take down the signage so we'll wrap up after Sunday, April 10," said Roger Weetman, manager of recreation services for the RMOW. "After that point the snow will get pretty soft. Right now we've got a pretty good base, which is the main reason we decided to continue on. We're typically lucky to get through Spring Break, so to be able to get in mid-April is phenomenal."
As well as keeping the trails open and groomed, the municipality is also offering a special for the remainder of the season and through all of next season as well. From Mar. 17 to the end of the season you can buy a season pass for 2011-2012 at the early bird prices offered before the start of the 2010-2011 season. Given that passes will likely see an increase next season, it's a chance for existing pass holders to save money and for non-pass holders to enjoy almost a month of this season and all of next for a low introductory price. The early bird deal also applies to night passes and books of 10.
