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Full slate of events for skiers, boarders

Kokanee Valley Race Series, Sprite Park Rider Sessions, King and Queen of the Rail scheduled

By Andrew Mitchell

For people who aren’t content to make ‘S’ turns from top to bottom all winter, there is a full slate of races and contests on the events calendar this season. Most of the events fall into the amateur recreational category, although some will appeal to former, current, and future high performance athletes. Also, most events are open to both skiers and boarders, of all ages.

As usual the Whistler-Blackcomb events department is responsible for hosting the events, with staff and volunteers providing timing, judging, course setting, course maintenance, and all other technical aspects of the events. All you have to do is show up at the right place at the right time.

The cost of participating starts at about $20 for most events, to encourage participation, and sponsors have once again come forward to sweeten the deal with prizes for the top athletes, draw prizes, free refreshments and other forms of support.

Check the Whistler-Blackcomb events calendar at www.whistlerblackcomb.com regularly for updates on events, and the Pique sports sections. Here’s a quick overview of events on the 2006-07 calendar:

 

Kokanee Valley Race Series

The Kokanee Valley Race Series is one of Whistler’s longest running competitions, with skiers and snowboarders taking on slalom, giant slalom and super giant slalom courses on both mountains over the course of the season.

The first event on the calendar is a Giant Slalom on Thursday, Dec. 14, followed by a GS on Jan. 11, a Super G on Jan. 18, a GS on Jan. 25, a Slalom on Feb. 15, a GS on Feb. 22, a Super G on March 1 and the dual slalom/team event in the finals on March 15.

The price will remain the same at $20 per event, although there will be a $5 surcharge this year for people who register on the event day to encourage people to register early.

The cost of entry includes timing, video, the apres ski party, and a chance to win draw prizes include a pair of Atomic skis, and other gear and clothing donated by race sponsors.

Because it’s a series points will be awarded after every race, and overall series champions will be crowned after the final race of the season. You have to be 19 or older to race, and helmets are recommended for all events, and mandatory for some races.

To register in advance, drop by any Whistler-Blackcomb Guest Relations or Ski School Sales location before the race. Always check the Whistler-Blackcomb website to find out where and when events are taking place, and to learn about any cancellations or rescheduling.

 

Park Rider Sessions

If you’re more into the terrain park side of skiing and riding, Whistler-Blackcomb is bringing back the Park Rider Sessions this year. Several pro skiers and snowboarders got their start in the Park Rider Sessions, while some Park Sessions events have also served as qualifiers for pro contests.

The first event, a rail jam, will take place on Sunday, Dec. 17. There will be a slopestyle on Jan. 7, a halfpipe on Feb. 11, a slopestyle on March18, a halfpipe on April 8, and a pair of rail jams on May 6 and 13.

The Park Rider events are open to all ages, male and female, for $20 in advance. Day of race registration will be available for a surcharge, but advance registration is recommended at Guest Relations and Ski School Sales as some age categories have sold out in the past.

All participants will be eligible to win prizes from terrain park sponsors, including Atomic and Nintendo. Helmets are mandatory for all events and mouthguards are strongly recommended. Parents will also need to sign waivers for all skiers and riders 17 and under.

Check the Whistler-Blackcomb website for details about events.

 

Atomic King/Queen of the Rail

The King/Queen of the Rail events regularly attract fields of over 100 riders and skiers, and at least as many spectators, as they take place under the lights at the base of Blackcomb. Participants will need just $2 to register with a valid Night Moves lift ticket. The top juniors and male and female earn the crowns each week, with the athletes themselves casting votes for the top performer after a 90-minute jam.

All participants are eligible for draw prizes, while the winners take home a share of the prize pot.

Helmets are required, mouthguards recommended, and parents must be on hand to sign waivers for kids 17 and under.

Rail contests are on Jan. 6, Jan. 20, Feb. 10 (Queen of the Rail only), Feb. 17, and March 10.

 

Masters Race Series

A Saturday racing series for adults 19 and older, starting with a giant slalom on Jan. 28, followed by a slalom on Feb. 18, and another GS on March 11. Racers will be separated into two categories — a racer division, where skiers and riders compete for the lowest combined time, and a sport division, where only the best times count.

The cost is $20 to register, with an additional charge for event day registration.

 

Ski and Snowboard Cross Events

Whistler-Blackcomb is hosting two Ski and Snowboard Cross events this winter, one from Jan. 20 to 21, followed by Atomic Ski and Snowboard Cross on March 24 and 25. The Saturday is always the training and qualification day, with the races taking place on Sunday.

Details are still being finalized, but helmets are mandatory and body armour and mouthguards are recommended. Check the website for details.

 

Special Events

 

Next Snow Search Super Qualifier — Jan. 13-14

One of a dozen events held around North America to test what young skiers and riders have the right stuff. Participants do everything from a race course, to big mountain, to terrain park, with judges giving marks for skill as well as attitude and sportsmanship. The top athletes will win a chance to go to the Sports Illustrated for Kids Next Snow Search in Keystone, Colorado to compete against the top kids from other Snow Search events. This is the third year for this event, and a huge turnout of skiers and riders is expected.

More information will be posted online as it becomes available.

 

Telus Mobility Winter Classic – Jan. 26-27

This annual fundraiser event pits teams of four against each other in three different races — giant slalom, banked slalom, and ski bikes. All of the proceeds from the weekend’s events, including a gala dinner and auction, go towards the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation and back into local non profit organizations.

 

Appleton Rum Peak to Valley Race — Feb. 2-3

This annual event sold out in July, but teams are always looking for last-minute additions. The Peak to Valley is one of the longest GS races in the world with skiers starting at the top of The Saddle and skiing to the base of Creekside, conditions permitting.

 

Showcase Showdown — Feb. 23-24

Always looking to do something different, the crew at Showcase created an entirely new type of event last year called Pipestyle, which is basically a modified halfpipe contest with hip jumps, boxes, and a gap jump to rail thrown in for good measure. No word on this year’s event, but there’s a good chance there will be another open qualifier for snowboarders.

 

Pontiac GMC Canadian Alpine Ski Championships — March 20-28

The top skiers from across Canada will be in Whistler to compete for national alpine titles in slalom, giant slalom, super G and downhill.

 

Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup — April 6-8

Juvenile skiers from more than a dozen countries take part in the Whistler Cup races, which feature the top athletes aged 11 to 14 from participating nations, as well as the top racers from clubs across Canada.

 

Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival — April 13-22

Last year the snowboard and ski events were combined for the first time. Last year’s events were the superpipe, a big air contest, a rail jam, and a park style event.