OCTOBER 2022 SPORT ORGANIZATION HIGHLIGHT

on the Fort McMurray Ski Team

WHO: Who can get involved in your club? Who can people contact about the organization?

The Fort McMurray Ski Team takes registration starting in August each year and closes in late November with our training season starting end of November, when Vista Ridge Opens. Participants are usually skiers who have completed ski instruction through Vista Ridge, or other ski instruction programs if they have moved to Fort McMurray recently, or are competent skiers through skiing with their parents etc, and want to expand on those skills by trying out competitive downhill racing. We have skiers ranging from 5 - 18 years who enjoy the benefit of an excellent coaching team to help them along in their development journey. As well, our parent population is encouraged to be active with the team by becoming coaches, officials, and/or volunteering in a variety of ways.

More information can be found at www.fortmcmurrayskiteam.com; email info@fortmcmurrayskiteam.com or 'like us' on Facebook @fortmcmurrayskiteam

WHAT: What is Fort McMurray Ski Club all about? What do you do when you sign up? What would be the cost involved in joining?

The Fort McMurray Ski Team is a downhill racing club, under the Provincial Sport organization of Alberta Alpine. Like many youth sporting activities, there are recreational levels and competitive levels. The Fort McMurray Ski Team is a competitive version of skiing, with a focus on Slalom and Giant Slalom disciplines. Once registered, the season unfolds for the athlete depending on their age and skiing ability - which the coaches assess on our first weekend of lessons. Parent engagement is the backbone of any organization, and ours is no different with volunteering and fundraising part of the season commitment.

Costs vary depending on the age of the athlete. Our club fees are posted on the website ranging from ~ $950 - $1500 per season. There are incremental costs that should be anticipated by interested families, which are unique to each racer for a Vista Ridge Seasons pass, selected travel to races, and ski racing equipment (determined by the level of ski racing/age).

WHEN: When would you practice and when would you compete?

The Ski Team trains each Saturday and Sunday at Vista Ridge from 10 am - 3 pm. We realize that not all families can commit to 2 full days of training, but most find substantial benefit from the focused time. A lot of fun is planned during those times, especially for our younger racers! Race events are optional - but encouraged and they are also a lot of fun too. All races are out of town and participation depends on the skier's age. The under-12 groups have 2 races/season and the over-12 have ~ 4. Both have signature season finale races in Jasper on their respective age group weekends.

WHERE: Where do you run your programs?

At Vista Ridge - the best non-mountain destination in Alberta of course!

WHY: Why did you start up this organization? Why should people sign up?

This organization was formed in 1985 to bring the love of ski racing to the Wood Buffalo Region and build a passion for something that can be enjoyed for the long term, well after athletes have moved on past the racing environment. If you are a parent who enjoys the thrill of skiing and have children with the same energy around this sport, consider the Fort McMurray Ski Team as your winter sport of choice. See you slope side!

📸 Photos Credits: http://www.fortmcmurrayskiteam.com/ 📸