Alpine ski athletes had to face a few extra twists, turns and bumps at this year’s BC Winter Games, but it did not stop Smithers skier Corbin Weinstein from bring home a gold medal.
Twelve and 13-year-old ski athletes from around B.C. had been gearing up to compete against other U14 skiers in the 2024 BC Winter Games, which took place in Lhtako Quesnel from Feb. 22 -25. Unfortunately, just two weeks before the games were to kick off, skiers received the news that there was not enough snow on Troll Mountain in Quesnel to host the alpine event, due to record-low snow levels.
Thankfully for the athletes, coaches and families, the event was moved to another location, about 700 km away in the Okanagan-Similkameen region.
Claire Challen, U14 coach for Zone 7, broke the exciting news that all alpine athletes who were set to compete at the BC Winter Games had been invited to Apex Mountain, near Penticton, to compete together. Challen said that it was an exciting opportunity for the athletes to be exposed to higher-caliber racing.
The BC Games afford the opportunity for athletes to meet others from different zones across the province, forming new friendships along the way. In a similar spirit, Zone 7 and Zone 8 worked together to organize their trip to Apex Mountain, setting up meals and sharing accommodation.
Zone 7 Athletes includes the regional districts of Bulkley-Nechako, Kitimat-Stikine and Skeena-Queen Charlotte, and Zone 8 includes the regional districts of Cariboo, Fort Nelson-Liard, Fraser-Fort George and Peace River.
Athlete Davynn Hicks-Lundy from Smithers travelled through Quesnel on her way to Apex Mountain, and recalled seeing buses of athletes of other sports arriving to attend the games at their original location.
Once everyone finally arrived in Penticton, the athletes came together to watch the opening ceremonies remotely. Although separated by distance, they were still a part of the BC Winter Games celebrations.
On Friday, athletes were able to train and acclimatize themselves to Apex Mountain, fine-tuning their technique before a weekend of slalom racing.
The full roster of athletes from Zone 7, represented by Smithers Ski & Snowboard Club, and Zone 8, represented by Prince George and Lightning Creek ski clubs, who participated in the alpine events were: Corbin Weinstein, Ian Sear, Cooper McDonald, Kaede Kurihara, Addison MacNeil, Davynn Hicks-Lundy, Katie Lo, Briar Henderson, Logan Dinsdale, Milo Sanchez, Markus Kadenbach, Cooper Seabourne, Jack Scallion, Brooklyn Backer, Camille Boudreau, Bee Savard and Emma Lebourdais.
Challen said there was a lot of growth and learning within a short time for the athletes.
“What a trip, we sure packed a lot during these past six days,” Challen said. “Loved having the zones together – our team of 17 held their own out there. [Zone 8 Coach Chris Campbell] and I saw some really good skiing from each and every athlete in challenging conditions.”
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