Hudson Bay Mountain will host its first Canadian ski cross championship this month after the event was cancelled at Tabor Mountain Ski Resort in Prince George.
Warm temperatures and a lack of snow at Tabor prompted organizers of the Canadian National Championships in ski cross, a major national event, to move the event to Smithers from March 17-19.
In an announcement circulated today, the Smithers Ski Club (SSC) described the event as a “unique and amazing opportunity” for the community.
“With the western Canadian ski resort industry struggling through a weak snow pack and warm temperature(s), Hudson Bay Mountain Resort is thriving with a snowfall of 450+cm and a base of 125 cm,” said a club spokesperson.
It will be the first time the local ski hill has hosted a Canadian championship event.
Renowned athletes, including multiple World Cup ski cross gold medallist Brady Leman and X Games ski cross champion Chris Del Bosco, will be among those racing.
SSC president Gary Huxtable was excited about the event coming to Smithers.
“We will be ready to race and look forward to showing Canada what we can accomplish in our small northwest B.C. community,” said club president Gary Huxtable.
“We look forward to seeing the community out and enjoying some world class ski cross racing.”
An awards and autograph session will also be held at Bovill Square on March 19.