This past week, Calabogie Peaks Resort and Calabogie Snowcross Academy, in partnership with Alpine Ontario Alpin (AOA) and World Snowsports Event Group, hosted the inaugural Ski Cross Development Camp. Welcoming track builders/resort operators, officials and coaches from December 12th – December 17th. The six-day event, of which was to network and to raise the skill and knowledge base of all who attended, started with the snow guns on, and finished on a bitter -20C on Sunday, with some athletes running the track. Given that ski cross will be added to this seasons AOA calendar (for the first time ever), AOA felt it was important to bring the participants together!
The builder’s sessions had 14 participants from all over the province, who braved early mornings and late evenings inside and outside of groomers, to produce a track that was welcoming for skiers of any ability, yet still challenging for U16 and FIS athletes. The creation of these types of environments was the goal, and should be the goal, for anyone building a club track.
During the level 1 officials course, the 19 participants drank from a skicross/FIS fire hose of knowledge, and were treated to an inspection and runs down the track, to tangibly apply some of what was learned inside.
The 15 coaches who participated in the on-snow module Sunday had multiple inspections of the track. They were also provided the opportunity to run sections, full length runs, and were also able to work with some Calabogie Peaks athletes and coaches to solidify the course content. It was a fantastic learning opportunity for all!
Ski cross/terrain racing has been added to the SOD U12 calendar in certain brackets for the 2017/18 season, as part of a five-year plan that will eventually see ski cross included in the U14 and U16 calendars province-wide. With these events added to the calendar, it has never been more important and relevant to use terrain as tool for skill development, and to prepare for upcoming events.
Calabogie has made it a priority at the start of each season moving forward to have a ‘cross track’ built for camps and training. This is a remarkably bold and forward-thinking plan, which will embrace and foster ski cross as well as border cross development and the development of all of its participants for years to come.
Testimonials:
Pat B. raved – “this is the greatest learning opportunity i’ve ever been a part of”
A friend of the resort noted, “it was a pleasure to host so many passionate people in a really fun environment”
Special thanks go out to those who helped make the camp a huge success: Jim Hemlin and Paul Murphy of Calabogie, Steve Morrison of White Industries, Paul Plotz FIS TD (and originally from the area), and Jenn Stielow and Greg Frechette from Alpine Canada.
Stay tuned for announcements about the next ski cross courses, skills camps and clinics!