Fernie Alpine Resort got a good amount of fresh snow prior to the race weekend. Friday night as we arrived at the hill, snow was coming down and my excitement for the long course the next day was growing! I did a mini ski to shake out the legs from the drive and practice some transitions.

Individual Race

Saturday was the Individual Race. Due to the snow and avalanche danger rating we were not able to do the course that was planned out by patrol. We did two laps up Falling Star similar to last year.

It can be a challenge to see the red pin flags at times when you are tired from the climb and getting your legs used to skiing downhill again!

After the final skin rip at the top we got to descend into Currie Bowl.

Great snow made for a wicked fun descent after the Stag Leap bootpack!

This was my first long course race of the season due to illness earlier in January. I was happy with my race and I made a break through in eating and drinking the most I have ever done in a long course. I did not feel the energy bonk in the last climb and was able to push hard in the bootpack.

I finished 5th, 3 minutes off third place and 6 minutes off my Canadian Team mate in second place. Goes to show you that every second counts in these races. Being efficient in all transitions, knowing your descent route and pushing to the limit on the climbs is key. I look forward to improving on this and getting back on that podium!

Sprint Race

I really like Sprint racing! It is so much fun to watch all the heats.

After an exciting pre-race event of my ski becoming a run-away-ski down the hill, getting charged at by a moose in distress and then finding my ski with a crack in it, I was able to put down a good time in qualifiers.

In the finals I was able to get a good lead and push through to fast transitions and a controlled descent around the gates.

Happy to cross the finish line in first for my first skimo first!

Next Sprint race is the biggest of the season – Lake Louise for the North American and Canadian Championships!