Two of Whistler’s favourite ski-racing sons are continuing their quest to support up-and-coming B.C. athletes by staging the third edition of their annual Cowboys Camp in Whistler this spring.
Mike Janyk and Manuel Osborne-Paradis have announced that this year’s edition of the racing camp will run from April 28 to May 1, and skiers entering their first or second year of FIS racing should apply by March 20 in hopes of securing one of the 10 spots.
“We’re looking for enthusiasm, determination, commitment and the love of skiing,” states the announcement from the World Cup medal-winning skiers.
The national team members want to support “those who find that the finances of ski racing prove to be a challenge,” so the participants need only to pay for their transportation to and from Whistler and bring their equipment for training, while Mike and Manny cover their other costs for the four-day camp.
Applicants should send 400-word pitches on why they should be chosen, along with a coach’s letter of support, to cowboyscamp@live.com. For more information, check out the Cowboys Camp page at manuelracing.com.
Peak to Valley team spots open
After February’s hiatus, Whistler Blackcomb’s on-mountain events are back in gear. The ever-popular Showcase Showdown, which was initially scheduled for March 6, has been moved to April 3, but those who are raring to race should take note: The Kokanee Valley Race Series returns today (March 11), with a giant slalom event on Blackcomb.
Next Thursday (March 18) will mark the end of the KVRS season with the dual GS and team relay on Blackcomb.
The legendary Appleton Rum Peak to Valley Race still has room for a few four-person teams looking to take up the challenge of racing tip to toe on Whistler Mountain. Set for March 26 and 27 this year, the Peak to Valley race is a prime draw, but some of the previously registered teams have had to withdraw, and some team spots are available.
Any teams that have been longing to tackle the long-standing race with a course more than five kilometres long, through a vertical drop of 1,443 metres and 180 gates, should not miss this opportunity to enter. Call WB Guest Relations at 1-800-766-0449 to snap up the spots.
Nordics note
The cross-country ski trails at Lost Lake have closed for the season, but the Whistler Olympic/Paralympic Park and Callaghan Country are still open daily, even through the Paralympics. All access goes through the Callaghan Country base.
