Ski Cross (SX) Program Update
By Bennett Carter
The new AOA Athletic Committee now extends to Ski Cross as represented by Craigleith Coach, Bennett Carter. What follows is a pre-season update on the SX Program in Ontario and Canada.
1. ACA LTSD FOR SX: The 2017/2018 season has been promised an updated LTSD (AIM2WIN, ) document from Alpine Canada, which will have many amendments including an updated heading/section for Ski Cross. Thank you to ACA for undertaking this important initiative!
2. SX ON THE AOA CALENDAR: Given the ongoing success of ski cross at the national level, as well as the World Cup finals hosted by Blue Mountain last season, AOA is taking a more active interest in the development of the discipline starting this year. Alpine Ontario, along with certain clubs, will be hosting AOA events for the U12 age category during the 2017/2018 season. These events will be titled ‘terrain’ due to the format of the races. Racers will complete individually, and will be timed, following a normal alpine race format for technical events. In addition to calendared races, AOA will be hosting skills camps aimed at U12 racers and coaches interested in advancing their skills and knowledge of the discipline.
3. WORLD CUP UPDATE: AOA will continue to partner with Snowboard Ontario (SO) for events for racers aged U14 and older, and although the only Canadian World Cup race will be hosted by Nakiska this season, Ontario will play host to a Nor-Am event at Calabogie Peaks (National Capital Division) and a FIS race at Sir Sam’s (Peterborough), and plans to see the World Cup return to Blue Mountain during the 2018/2019 season.
Stay tuned for more information about SX initiatives!