The Summit Lake Racers are gearing up for another exciting season this winter at the Summit Lake Ski Hill and other ski hills around the province.
The Racers are actually made up of two clubs, the Nancy Greene Racers and the Nakusp Secondary School (NSS) Ski and Snowboard Club. Nancy Greene Racers are kids ages four to 12, while the NSS Ski and Snowboard Club is for those aged 13-18.
The Ski Racers Club has been running for over 25 years with the help of the community.
“There have been all kinds of amazing and dedicated individuals who have kept the club thriving through the years,” said Troy Clark, the ski club’s president and club coordinator. “It’s a great community club.”
Both teams started practising for upcoming races two weeks ago and recently took part in an out-of-town race at Red Mountain in Rossland. Unfortunately, unlike other ski hills in the Kootenays such as Red Mountain, Phoenix Ski Club in Grand Forks, and Whitewater near Nelson, there will be no zone races at Summit Lake, only their club race, which determines who will participate in the more challenging races throughout the season.
“It [a zone race] hasn’t been held in the last two years because of snow and sort of lack of experience,” said Clark. “This year we weren’t able to coordinate all the bodies involved to put on a zone race. It’s very resource heavy.”
Though there won’t be any zone races at home, Clark said club organizers just want the racers to have fun.
“We want to keep it fun for them and we want them to build some skills,” he said. “A lot of our practises are focused on them having a good time, and getting some time on snow. It’s a fun environment, and safe, and they’re building those skills through teamwork.”
The Nancy Greene team will be participating in races at the various clubs until their zone final on March 5 at Whitewater, while the NSS Ski and Snowboard Club will be focusing on the highschool championships in Whistler, which also takes place in March.
