The annual Ski School Challenge will not be held at Whistler-Blackcomb this year, but instead will be replaced by the first Canadian Technical Championships. This event is open to the public and the stakes are high – the list of prizes already includes three trips to Mike Weigele’s World Powder 8 Competition, as well as cash prizes for the top-10 athletes.
Competitors will be required to demonstrate manoeuvres that skiers use each day in four different tests – a run with big turns, a run with short turns, a bump run and a GS race.
You can enter either as an individual or as part of a team of two. The top prizes will go to the top women’s and men’s teams and the next-highest scoring nation not represented by the previous two winners. For example, if the top male and female teams are from Canada and the U.S., the next award would go to the best team from New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Austria, or France.
Teams must enter the open category, and individuals can compete either in the International Level Ski Instructor, non-ISIA, Master (50-plus), or Kids (15 and Under) categories.
Judging will be based on speed, degree of difficulty, and ski performance.
The cost of registering is $40 for the open category, $30 for ISIA, and $20 for the general public.
The events will be held on April 9 and 10, with the post-competition celebration taking place at Dusty’s.
Mildly interested? Maybe this will help you to make up your mind – your registration includes free lift tickets for competition days and 50 per cent off pre- and post-competition days. In addition, the Delta Whistler Resort has arranged a deal on accommodation for competitors.
For more information, or to register, contact Tory Younger at tyounger@intrawest.com or 604-905-2237. You can also register at Whistler-Blackcomb by calling 604-932-3434 or 1-800-766-0449.
