by Jessica Peters
Black Press
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Unfavourable slope conditions from steadily falling snow has put an end to the alpine events for the day at Hemlock Resort, where 150 skiers are competing in the BC Winter Games.
The ladies competed this morning, making it through their first run of the two-part giant slalom. However, at some point through the course of the second runs, a decision was made to stop the event due to changing conditions. The final results for the ladies giant slalom will be based on their times in their first run.
(*No official results are available for the slopestyle event.)
In the girls’ first giant slalom run of the day, Ella Renzoni from Whistler placed first with 44:63. Kaysa Panke from Red Mountain finished with 45:70 and Meg Swaffield from Whistler finished with 45:91, placing them in the top three spots for medals. Renzoni and Panke also placed first and second on Friday in the slalom.
The men will not compete at all today. They were slated to do their giant slalom run after the ladies. Instead, all of the 100 alpine skiers at Hemlock will train for their event tomorrow, the ski cross. It’s possible the men will hold their GS runs on Sunday, but a decision will be made later today.
Jan Wengelin, coach for the Smithers team, said it’s unfortunate that the weather couldn’t hold out for the day, but that his team would focus on training for the next day’s events.
“The girls are done for the day,” he said. “And the boys won’t compete at all.”
Overall, he said they’re enjoying the Games and doing their best in a large field encompassing more established ski clubs.
“They are doing well for their ability,” Wengelin said. “They came down to skill their best at their level, and do their best, to make friends.
“That’s what it’s about, and that, they’re accomplishing,” he said.
Meanwhile, the freestyle skiers are making their way through their slopestyle competition despite the snowfall.
