Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Sprite Park Rider Series kicks off with rail jam

The seven event Sprite Park Rider Series gets underway this Sunday, Dec. 12, with a free-for-all Rail Jam on Blackcomb.

The seven event Sprite Park Rider Series gets underway this Sunday, Dec. 12, with a free-for-all Rail Jam on Blackcomb.

Anyone can participate in a Park Rider Series event, although parental permission is required for skiers and snowboarders under the age of 18. The cost is $20 in advance, with registration available at Whistler-Blackcomb Guest Relations and Ski School Sales desks, or $25 on the day of the event with registration in the Rendezvous Lodge until 9:45 a.m. As well as saving $5 bucks, competitors are encouraged to register in advance to ensure that they get a spot as events do sell out.

The format is a jam, which means competitors in each age category will get a set amount of time to hit the rails and boxes while judges keep score. Top scores at the end of that time will determine the final rankings.

For snowboarders, the age categories are Men and Women 17 and Over, Open 14-16 and Open 13 and Under. For skiers, it’s the same but with separate boys and girls 13 and Under categories.

Pre-registered riders can pick up their bibs at the Rendezvous before 10:00 a.m. and the first groups will start jibbing at 10:30 a.m.

Helmets are mandatory for all events, and mouthguards are strongly recommended.

All participants are eligible to win big ticket draw prizes at every competition, including a pair of Atomic skis and an Atomic snowboard, and various prizes from Nintendo, Showcase Snowboards and the Glacier Shop.

The awards take place at a time to be announced at 18 Below at Blackcomb Base II.

Sharpen your edges for Kokanee Series

Racing experience isn’t a pre-requisite, but sharp edges are a must when the Kokanee Valley Race Series returns on Thursday with a giant slalom on Whistler Mountain.

There are nine events on the calendar this year, culminating with a Dual Slalom Finals on Blackcomb on March 17. The races are open to all skiers, snowboarders, and telemarkers, and include video footage and an after party at the Crab Shack.

There are pro categories for the top skiers and boarders with cash on the line, while the top racers in the amateur categories can win prizes for their performances. Everyone who participates is eligible to win a draw prize of Atomic skis, as well as various prizes from Kokanee, Whistler-Blackcomb and Goretex.

The cost is $20 to take part, and pre-registration is available at Whistler-Blackcomb Guest Relations and Ski School Sales locations. You must be 19 or older to take part.

A $140 pass is available for competitors who intend to take part in most of the races, a savings of $40 over nine events.

You can also register on the day of the race at the Dave Murray Video Centre at the top of the Garbanzo Chair from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The first runs start at 10:30 a.m., and seconds runs at 12:30 a.m.

Locals put the mustard on Hot Dog party

Local skiers and snowboarders will get their big screen props this Friday as Doglotion.com hosts its Hot Dog season opener party at GLC.

Dress up 80’s for the Hot Dog: The Movie theme, and come early to get good seats for the premier of a locally produced short film called "The Girls Movie, as well as the Whistler premiere of Teton Gravity Research’s new movie, Soul Purpose.

The Girls Movie, produced, directed and edited by Heather Roberts, features footage of local skiers like Sara Oakden, Cara Dolan, Holly Walker, Jessica Grunewald, Victoria Cole, Karla Rizutto, and Roberts herself.

Soul Purpose is a little more worldly, but still has some solid Whistler content in the form of Jonny Law, Victoria Jealouse, and various others.

Whistler isn’t a featured site for film crews, but footage from B.C. includes Mica Creek and Telsequah backcountry areas. Other filming locations include Bulgaria, Italy, Russia, Wyoming, Oregon, Utah and Alaska.

In addition to the movies, the Hot Dog party will have door prizes, give-aways, and a chance to win a heli-ski vacation for two in Alaska. For people who dress up for the Hot Dog theme, awards will be given to the people with the best stretch pants and retro 80’s gear.

The doors open at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10, and the shows will get underway at around 9 p.m. For more information visit www.doglotion.com.