A change in philosophy for the Smithers Ski and Snowboard Club’s Youth Program has paid off as the organization has grown exponentially since last season.
This year, the club is expecting enrolment to reach about 100 participants, between the ages of four and 18, compared to last year when they coached 66 skiers and snowboarders.
“We went from being more race oriented to focusing on teaching good skiing and snowboarding skills so they can ski anything around here with confidence,” youth program head coach Jan Wengelin said.
“That seems to have sparked a lot of interest.”
The Jan. 5 weekend was the kick-off for the club’s season that also saw a barbecue and meet and greet for the parents.
A new ski and snowboard cross tracked built by the club seems to be generating more interest as well.
“(Ski and snowboard cross) is just an unbelievably fun discipline,” Wengelin said. “It’s another factor that’s helping people decide to join the club so they can learn those skills.”
While the focus has shifted from racing, Wengelin said he feels the club is providing its members with the building blocks needed to continue on in whatever manner they choose, even if it does end up being racing.
“If you teach somebody great skills, then they can do gates and become very good at it or even other things like ski and snowboard cross,” he said.
