It was a win-win weekend for Big White’s Halli Jenkins at the 2015 Western Canadian Open Ski Cross Series.
Despite less than ideal conditions, Jenkins raced to her way to gold medals on both Saturday and Sunday in the girls U14 division. Big White teammate Amy Jorgenson took the silver medal in both events.
It was also a solid weekend for Jenelle Giebelhaus as the Big Whiter Racer grabbed gold in Saturday’s U12 girls race, then added a silver on Sunday. Kiera Swift won a bronze on Sunday.
In U16 girls, Brooke Lukinuk won bronze on Saturday.
Over on the boys side, Zander Torres won silver at Saturday in the U14 category, while Luke McMillan earned bronze medals on both days.
It was a challenging weekend for skiers and organizers alike, as Saturday’s rain gave way to clear skies and warm temperatures on Sunday.
A hard track Sunday morning made for some stellar photo finishes in the early heats, but the softening snow was too much for the track and the older racers. The eight final heats that would determine the winners for U16/18 men’s and the U16 ladies were in jeopardy.
Race organizers struggled with the decision, but racer safety prevailed and the race was cancelled.
There were over 100 volunteer shifts during the two-day event, and everyone gave all they had to preserve the race, but Mother Nature won out in the end.
Regarded as one of the top ski cross tracks in Western Canada, Big White Resort staff also contributed to the preparation and execution of the race located in Telus Park. Next stop in the series is Fernie on Feb. 7 and 8.
