Mt Norquay nominated for Alpine Canada Resort of the Year!!
Alpine Canada Alpin has launched their awards for the 2019/2020 season. Last season Banff Alpine Racers were crowned Ski Racing Club of the Year! Which was very exciting to receive, and was followed up with Alberta Alpine Development Club of the year. We are now excited to have Mt Norquay nominated for “Resort of the Year”.
“The Helly Hansen Resort of the Year is awarded to one or more Canadian Ski Resorts who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Canadian ski racing, through support of local, provincial or national ski racing programs, including training, competition and related activities. Nominate a resort that exemplifies dedication to the sport of Canadian ski racing.”
Ski Clubs are not just a group of athletes being coached in alpine skiing, it’s a whole operation. Ski Clubs need a resort that understands and supports ski racing, show top athletic development with athletes reaching Provincial and World Cup ranks, volunteers to run races from NGSL to world class level races and committed sponsors. Clubs would be nowhere without every part of this puzzle.
Mt Norquay is such a great supporter and advocate to ski racing in Canada. Each season BAR/BVQ hosts up to 7 races at Mt Norquay, where the first slalom course was set back in 1929. General Manager Andre Quenneville, shows support for locals, tourists and ski racing. Andre himself participates in fundraiser Bozo Cup each year, giving BAR Executive Director Pete Bosinger a run for his money! Friday night skiing is accompanied by ‘Masters Cup – Beer League’ racing. Many skill levels join in for a night of racing under the lights and create a fun environment for past racers, CSIA Level 4 hopefuls, locals and city slickers. Before the season was cut short, BAR BVQ hosted two FIS races, U16 series, NGSL BVQ Invitational and World Transplant Winter Games. Unfortunately the Bozo Cup, Kinder Cup and Caribou were cancelled due to Covid-19.
At Norquay, coaches and ROC members work closely with different departments of the resort. Andre and his team at Norquay have been in the process of transforming ‘Silver Legacy’ a dedicated training run, to a homologated FIS GS and Slalom run. Longtime Cat driver Nick builds start ramps, adds terrain, and ensure the race runs are in tip top shape for race days. Lift ops assist with early lift spins, transport and resort operations. Snow makers work long hours overnight in preparation for pre season training and opening as much terrain early winter. Teha organizes race details, including racer lift tickets, volunteer lunches, and keeping all the personal informed. Ski patrol ensure we have onsite response teams, hazards marked, and neccesary avalanche control. Norquay is also known for its majestic views from all around the mountain, Mt Rundle, Cascade Mountain and the Bow Valley all featured from various view points on Mt Norquay.
February 2020, BAR hosted alpine events for World Transplant Winter Games with over 75 athletes from 17 countries around the globe. The bi-annual event hosts recipients of organ donations donors and family members. Athletes of all ages including some over 70 years of age arced under the Banff Alpine flags at Mt Norquay. Canadian Transplant Association thanked Mt Norquay and BAR staff: “Thank you again for the first class races you ran for us last week. Everyone was thrilled by your team’s professionalism. The care you took with everyone, your communication, the race organization and start to finish work ethic. It was simply awesome!”
BAR have developed many World Class athletes including Paul Stutz, Jan Hudec, Thomas Grandi, and currently Trevor Philp, Erik and Jeffrey Read and Claire Timmermann representing Canada. These athletes have become the athletes they are through BAR and Mt Norquay dedication. Trevor and Erik reached personal best results on the World Cup circuit, while gaining confidence and valuable experience to excel in the years to come. Jeffrey raced in NORAM and World Cup events, with podiums in slalom, super G and alpine combined. Alberta ski team member Claire Timmermann and BAR athlete Katrina Van Soest were selected for the World Juniors in Norway. Although the series were cut short, ladies gained valuable insight into competing at an international level. Erik, Trevor and Jeff are up for Athlete of the Year – vote now! https://alpinecanada.org/awards/vote-now
Thank you to our sponsors, who make the Club we are today. Tech Shop, Jack Carter Cadillac Calgary, Budget Rentals, Banff Lodging Company, Descente & Legree Agency, Nic Zoricic Foundation and of course Mt Norquay.
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- Morning views
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- North American Chair
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- Team Photo
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- Cookie Cup 4 lane team event
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- U12 Caribou Cup Team Event
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- Start gate on Rob’s Run
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- Executive Director & Norquay GM on the podium for Bozo
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- Start at Caribou cup team event
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- FIS athletes dominating at Club Cookie Cup
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- Erik Read training on Silver Legacy
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- Erik and Trevor getting a taste of Cookie Cup
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- Flying V to get race ready
