Some of Canada’s best skiers not at the Olympics in South Korea are competing in Red Deer this weekend.
Canyon Ski Resort hosted Canada Cup Series single moguls events for men and women Saturday and will host dual mogul events Sunday.
“It’s not the biggest event we’ve had in terms of numbers, but in terms of the profile, with it being a national event, it’s the biggest,” said David Martel, Canyon Ski Resort general manager.
Martel said he’s very happy to have the Freestyle Canada event at the resort.
“We’re able to bring people here from all across Canada and we can wow them with what we have to offer,” he said.
Athletes from Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec skied in the competition, which was a test event for next year’s Canada Winter Games in Red Deer.
The level of competition is incredible, Martel added.
“There are some fantastic athletes out there. Kudos to them - the tricks they’re doing just amaze me every time,” he said.
Getting the course ready was a smooth process, said Martel.
“We started building the course earlier this week and everything came together for Thursday and the skiers started training on the course. We’ve heard nothing but good things from the athletes,” he said, adding he’s confident next year’s games will go smoothly too.
The resort brought in a special snow CAT earlier this week to push snow efficiently up the steep hill to the build jump tables and moguls. After that was complete there was a lot of hand shaping to get the course ready.
Susan Moffatt, Freestyle Alberta executive director, said the event has been going very well on the new course.
“These athletes are able to perform to their maximum levels because it’s a really good, safe, but difficult course.
“You’ll see some of these athletes back here next year for the games,” said Moffatt.
Moffatt said the weather was favourable.
“The sun is helping a bit and the temperature is only affecting the volunteers standing outside,” she said.
Three Red Deer skiers from the Central Alberta Freestyle Ski Club compete this weekend; Lewis Rice, Taye Neish and Sydney Sikora.
More details can be found at www.freestylecanada.ski.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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