At the opening Keurig Cup ENL Slalom on Cascade at Mount Norquay this past weekend, Salmon Arm’s Mitch Smith established himself upon joining the provincial FIS or Federation International Ski series.
At 16, Smith just moved up to the FIS age group this year.
FIS is the sport’s governing body for all international races including world cup, Nor-Am, Olympics and FIS races.
Smith is now racing in a class that has no age classes and he is pitted against racers 16 and older. At Norquay, the race had mostly younger racers, 16 to 21, attending.
Compared to Saturday’s -25 to -35C temperatures, Sunday’s racing was slightly warmer under sunny skies.
Smith, who skis with the Revelstoke Ski Club, took top spot in the Men’s Slalom.
He had no handicap and drew bib number 33, which means a rougher course so it is therefore more difficult to do well.
Because of his bib number, he won Most Improved honours in the under- 18 age class.
The Keurig Cup will resume Dec. 18 to 23 at Panorama Mountain Resort.
