Ski and snowboard competition series return

Gates, jumps, halfpipe, crosses and more

For all of the skiers and boarders out there who just don’t feel right on the slopes if they’re not wearing a bib over their jackets, Whistler-Blackcomb has a full slate of competitions on tap for winter and spring.

For the season’s first competition most of us are going to be on the sidelines, but we’re invited to cheer on our local snowboarders in World Cup snowcross, halfpipe, and parallel giant slalom events.

The popular Kokanee Valley Race Series has nine events on the calendar this year, starting with the first giant slalom on Whistler Mountain, Dec. 19. Skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers are welcome to come out and race some gates.

While this series does attract its share of retired and aspiring World Cup racers in the pro categories, there are age categories for everybody else. The emphasis is on fun and socializing.

The entry fee is $20 for each event, and you can register in advance at Guest Relations, or by calling 1-800-766-0449. On race days, you can register in the Rendezvous on Blackcomb or at Raven’s Nest on Whistler until 10 a.m.

Races start with first runs at 10:30 and second run is at 12:30. Super G’s, where competitors get just one run, start at 11 a.m.

After every race there is an awards ceremony at the Crab Shack featuring video playback of the race, draw prizes, and other race giveaways and specials.

Dec. 19 – GS on Whistler

Jan. 9 – GS on Blackcomb

Jan. 16 – GS on Whistler

Jan. 23 – Super G on Blackcomb*

Feb. 6 – Slalom on Whistler

Feb. 13 – Super G on Blackcomb*

Feb. 27 – GS on Blackcomb

Mar. 13 – GS on Blackcomb

Mar. 27 – Dual on Blackcomb

Back for a fifth year, the top freeskiers in the world will tackle some of the most dangerous slopes on Blackcomb Mountain, vying for the Canadian title and points for the International Free Skiers Association world championship series.

Last season, Whistler skiers Pierre-Yves Leblanc and two-time world champion Hugo Harrison were first and second in the men’s competition, while Jenn Aston and Aleisha Cline were first and third in the women’s.

The qualifiers are on Jan. 7 and 8, and the finals run on Jan. 9 or 10. Times and locations used will depend on weather and snow conditions, and will be announced just prior to the event.

In addition to the freeski contest, the Big Mountain Experience festival will include Canadian Avalanche Association workshops and a fundraiser, a Whistler Freeride Team open house with workshops on freeriding and telemark skiing, product launches and demo days, and various night functions to be announced.

For all of the high-flying boarders and skiers who put it on the line in the Terrain Park, the Sprite Park Riders Series will return with nine halfpipe, slopestyle and snowcross events.

The cost is $20 per rider, per contest. Helmets are mandatory for snowcross and slopestyle events, and are strongly recommended for the halfpipe as well, along with mouth guards. You can register at Guest Relations prior to event day or by calling 1-800-766-0449. On event days you can register at the Rendezvous on Blackcomb before 9:45 a.m.

There are a variety of different age categories available for participating boarders and skiers. All participants will be eligible for draw prizes at the award ceremonies.

For competitors with an eye on bigger things, you can join the B.C. Snowboard Association and have your points tracked.

Jan. 18 – Halfpipe on Blackcomb

Jan. 25 – Halfpipe on Blackcomb

Feb. 9 – Slopestyle on Blackcomb

Feb. 23 – Slopestyle on Blackcomb

Mar. 1 – Snowcross on Blackcomb

Mar. 15 – Snowcross on Blackcomb

Mar. 29 – Snowcross on Blackcomb

May 10 – Halfpipe on Whistler

May 11 – Slopestyle on Whistler

The 11 ^th annual Whistler Blackcomb Foundation’s Telus Mobility Winter Classic includes an opportunity to ski with a pro and a fun guess your time race. This is a social weekend, however, and the main events are a wine and cheese tasting, and the gala dinner and dance at the Roundhouse.

Team packages and tickets to the individual events can be booked through the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation at 604-938-7337.

The weekend race series is geared to locals and weekend visitors of all ages, from 19 to 99, and abilities. There will be a Racer Division for the more experienced competitors, and a Sport Division for everyone else. No race suits are allowed in the Sport Division, and they are optional for the Racer Division.

Race day registration in at either the Raven’s Nest or the Rendezvous, depending on whether it takes place on Whistler or Blackcomb. The cost is $20 per event.

The awards, featuring video playback of the race and draw prizes, take place at the Whistler Mountain Ski Club cabin on Rob Boyd Way in Creekside at 4 p.m. All races start at 10:30 a.m.

Jan. 26 – GS on Lower Franz’s, Whistler Mountain

Feb. 15 – GS on Ross’s Gold, Blackcomb Mountain

Feb. 16 – Slalom on Upper Dave Murray, Whistler

March 2 – GS on Ross’s Gold, Blackcomb

The annual Appleton Rum Peak to Valley race has a vertical drop of 1,443 metres, 180 gates, and a course over 5 km long. Skiers and boarders are totally winded and their muscles are burning by the time they reach the bottom.

So naturally the event is insanely popular and has already sold out for this year.

However, the Race Department is maintaining a wait list. Call 604-905-2034 for more information.

You will require a team of four to enter, and the combined age of competitors over the age of 19 will determine your racing class. Teams also have to include one member of the opposite sex.

The cost is $400 per team, including souvenirs, video playback, draw prizes and an awards dinner.

The Atomic Skier and Snowboarder Cross returns this season with three races on Blackcomb.

The first race is on Feb. 20. The cost is $25 for amateurs and $30 for pros. That includes a minimum of two cross runs, video coverage, and entry to the awards ceremony at the Crab Shack at 4 p.m. There will be prizes for the top three in each category, draw prizes, and other specials for racers.

There is a maximum capacity in every competitive category, so racers are urged to pre-register at Guest Relations or by calling 1-800-766-0449. You can also register on race day at the Rendezvous before 9:45 a.m.

Events are Feb. 20, March 6 and March 20.

In addition, there will be an Atomic Snowboard Pro Am Halfpipe competition on March 27 on Blackcomb.

The top skiers in Canada converge in Whistler after the World Cup season wraps up to battle for national titles in the downhill, super-G, giant slalom and slalom events. In addition to members of the national team, the race includes members of the national development team, provincial teams, and top racers at the club level from all across Canada who participated in the Pontiac GMC series.

The Whistler Cup, now in its 11 ^th season, is a premier juvenile race that attracts hundreds of young skiers from more than 20 countries around the world. More details to be announced closer to race day.

The annual dual mountain rally benefits B.C. Rehab. You’ll need a team of four and must hit all 24 checkpoints on Whistler and Blackcomb in the allotted time to succeed. Costumes are encouraged, and the price of entry includes an apres party at the Westin.

To enter, each participant must collect a minimum of $250 in pledge money. Income tax receipts for pledges will be available.

For more information, contact the B.C. Rehab Foundation at 604-737-6383.

Skiers and snowboarders are invited to participate in the annual Double Cross event. The cost is $60, including awards, draw prizes and an incredible after party at Garfinkel’s.

You can pre-register with Guest Relations or at Garfinkel’s leading up the races.

The festival includes the return of the Ripzone Snowboard Invitational, the Saab Crossmax Series, and the World Skiing Invitational. Other events include the return of the Pro Photographer Search and Showdown, the all night dance party, an outdoor concert series, demo days, the Whistler Dog Parade, and the North American Ski Patrol Challenge.

There is a passholder race, a restaurant race, and all kinds of side events revolving around wine and skiing/boarding. More information will be available closer to race days.

For more information on any of the events, visit Whistler-Blackcomb online at www.whistler-blackcomb.com and check out the Calendar of Events.