Written by AOA Executive Director Scott Barrett. 
Day 2 of racing and the perfect cold, icy, steep pitch looked perfect. After looking at the results there is no denying the boys were challenged with 26 athletes not making it through to the 2nd run. Many downhill skis took the brunt of a tricky red gate – we can’t say it enough “get on that downhill ski and stay on it!” Again let’s remember boys you were on a FIS homologated slope, recently used in the FIS Slalom for the Anne Heggtveit Cup!

Aside from amazing talent on the slopes and the excitement of the Top 30 flip I am happy we stuck to a format of letting the DNF and or DSQ racers get a second run. It allows these kids to race pressure-free and test their skill a second time. What amazes me still about racing are the wave of volunteers who follow the sport around – many on the hill were also with us in Searchmont including the Calabogie army! Program Director Pat Biggs had many of his Camp Fortune parents gate-keeping, CAST alumni/now Jozo Head Coach Rob Crossan was side slipping as a volunteer parent and many many more hard working individuals were there to ensure the day was a success.

While we wrapped up the GS by 4pm the day was again a long one as parents were treated to some National Capital Division hospitality with a parents social and athlete banquet complete with some St. Paddy’s Day fun and award presentations for SuperG & GS.

Congrats to the following GS Podium winners:
WOMEN
1 Foote, Tessa – Devil’s Glen/SOD 40.74 (1) 38.99 (1) 1:19.73
2 Kiss, Cadence – Alpine Ski Club/SOD 40.90 (3) 39.03 (2) 1:19.93
3 Basil, Sydney – Alpine Ski Club/SOD 41.01 (4) 39.68 (4) 1:20.69

MEN
1 Valadka, Aleksas – Georgian Peaks/SOD 39.11 (2) 36.93 (1) 1:16.04
2 Villeneuve, Kaiden – Camp Fortune/NCD 39.28 (3) 37.06 (2) 1:16.34
3 Nella, Aidan – Georgian Peaks/SOD 39.42 (4) 37.47 (5) 1:16.89