Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and the Nordic Ski Club of Golden hosted some great skiing action at the Second Annual Dawn Mountain Challenge last weekend. On November 28 and 29, the Dawn Mountain Challenge returned to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (KHMR) to kick off the winter season with two unique Nordic ski race events. Troy Hudson, Race Chief for the Challenge, explained that with the race in its second year and with great co-operation from KHMR, the Nordic Club was able to expand and grow the race. “We increased the length of the race and almost doubled the size of the loop, providing a safer, but action packed course for spectators.” The upgraded course also allowed competitors a passing opportunity, something that Hudson said was a big priority this year. Jordan Petrovics, events Manager for KHMR, said that the resort was excited to welcome back the Challenge. The Saturday Night Sprints were hosted under the lights in the spectator friendly KHMR plaza, on a freshly groomed custom course, complimented with live DJ and après dinner for all the participants at the Day Lodge. On Sunday the Classic Time Trials took place on the Dawn Mountain Nordic trails. “With the grants we received this year, the Nordic Club was able to construct a stadium that acts as our start and finish area,” said Hudson, adding, “We also have completed 800 metres of new trail to get our facility to where we wanted it this year.” Sanne van der Ros, volunteer Jack Rabbits coach for the Nordic Club and the club’s Events Co-ordinator, said, “A huge thank you to all of the great support for the Dawn Mountain Challenge. The cross-country ski races this weekend wouldn’t have been a success without the tireless help from all of the volunteers and the community support for this event and for our club was incredible.” The Golden Nordic Ski Club would like to thank Steve Paccagnan and Craig Bolt for the permission to host the dynamic and unique night sprint cross-country ski race venue at the base of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for the Saturday night sprints. “Cross-country ski racers from across the region attended the Dawn Mountain Challenge and they said how they loved the course at both the night sprints at KHMR and the Dawn Mountain Trails and were impressed with the amount of snow we have here in Golden. People came from as far away as Rossland, Salmon Arm, Nelson, Kimberley, Canmore, and Calgary to attend the race.” Check out the race results at www.zone4.ca.

Golden Star