After weeks of cold, hard and sunny race conditions, the first Kokanee Valley Race Series event of the season on Dec. 17 took place on an epic powder day with a soft and challenging course on Gandy Dancer.
The turnout was lower than usual for the race with only 40 participants, although probably about par for a day with over 30 cm of fresh snow to enjoy.
The series continues in January with three events, on Jan. 7, Jan. 14 and Jan. 21, before breaking for the Olympics. The final two events are March 11 and March 18.
Early registration is available at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations for $26 and day of event registration is available on-mountain for $30 until 9:45 a.m.
The Jan. 7 race is another giant slalom on Whistler. Day of race registration is at the trailer at the top of the Garbanzo Chair.
Dec. 17 Giant Slalom on Gandy Dancer
Women 30 to 39
1. Heike Stippler - 1:58.46
2. Kristi Hirsh - 2:03.60
Women 19 to 29
1. Lindsay Wilson - 2:21.29
Women Pro
1. Kauako Shirane - 1:55.10
Women Snowboard
1. Regina Van Der Werf - 2:41.63
2. Stephanie Johnston - 2:45.83
Men 80-Plus
1. Gar Robinson - 2:56.68
Men 70 to 79
1. Bob Switzer - 1:56.69
2. David Trussler - 1:57.39
Men 60 to 69
1. Paul Psutka - 1:47.45
2. Jules Lajoie - 1:54.57
3. Butch White - 2:00.53
Men 50 to 59
1. Peter Lyall - 1:49.77
2. Paul Rattenbury - 2:01.75
3. Thomas Cole - 2:05.21
Men 40 to 49
1. Geoff Gerhart - 1:46.58
2. Tenney Wilkins - 1:47.02
3. Chris Wetaski - 1:50.52
Men 30 to 39
1. David Dubcak - 1:49.20
2. Paul Hothersall - 1:58.13
Men 19 to 29
1. Tom Francis - 1:48.07
2. Roger Zogg - 1:49.48
3. Ian Stirk - 1:50.66
