BC Ski Team in USA - 2024 B-Tour Wrap Up
Jackson Hole, Wyoming & Sun Valley, Idaho
International Spring Series Results: International Spring Series | Zone4.ca
Monday, April 1st
On Monday we woke up bright and early, and very tired, for the 10km Interval Start Classic. It was a beautiful day, our first sunny race day of the trip, and the conditions were great. BC had some great results as we finally began to acclimatize, with Aidan Hay on the U20 podium and Eamon Wilson also in the U20 top 5 (see previous report for results). We headed back to Jackson for the afternoon (we were a little sunburnt), then enjoyed a delicious pizza dinner and a final trip to the hot tub with our new friends from Colorado.
Tuesday was another amazing bluebird morning as we headed out at 7:30 to Grand Teton National Park, where we crust-skied in the shadow of the massive mountains. Next, we drove back and finished packing before setting out towards Sun Valley, Idaho. Highlights of the drive included Arco, the world’s first town to be lit by atomic energy, and Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, where we stopped for a short break.
We were astonished when we pulled in to our mini-mansion in Ketchum, Sun Valley after four hours of driving. That night, the coaches organized an Easter egg hunt for the athletes. Our 100 inch TV was perfect for watching the Elvis movie, and we capped off the evening with a big game of cards against humanity?.
By Xavier Wallace (Overlander Ski Club)
Wednesday, April 3rd
After the exciting easter egg hunt the night before, the team awoke to the astonishing views of Sun Valley after they enjoyed a well-deserved sleep in. Raleigh sipped his tea and ate eggos as the sun shone on his face. “What a beautiful day for a ski” he remarked, as Finn stared across the golf course. And that is exactly what they did. The girls trekked up from their house and everyone piled in the van for the 30 minute ride. The quaint ski area featured a rustic cabin with good food, and loaner dogs in case you needed a buddy on your ski through the forest. Our team did some easy shakeout laps of the course and some sprints in preparation for the two-part pursuit happening the next day. If only they knew the pain that was to come... The team spent the afternoon exploring the town and doing a great job of cooking food, but a not so great job of cleaning up. That night we were treated to an epic lightning storm as we stayed up a little too late watching on the porch in awe.
Thursday, April 4th
We awoke at the crack of dawn, thrilled at the thought of upcoming back-to-back 5km races. Unfortunately, Sun Valley did not live up to its name today, and we watched snow pour down the windshield on the way to our race. The girls started with their classic time trial nice and early, as the boys chilled in the lodge playing crib and drinking hot chocolate. As the wet heavy snow continued to accumulate the quick 5km course became a slog. Some boys were certainly regretting the decision to use skate skis as they double poled along the slow course. After the classic race, the athletes keenly awaited results in the very packed lodge. With no wifi or cell service, results were shared the old fashioned way on paper, or whatever they used back in the ‘40s. Getting back into wet boots and gear, the team made their way back to the stadium for an exciting pursuit start. Athletes were in charge of starting themselves according to their finishing time in the classic race, with everyone racing the leader to the line. BC athletes fought hard to catch groups ahead as they flew along on expertly waxed skis.
We were happy to enjoy a chill afternoon at the house, watching the Elvis movie as snow fell outside. Many rounds of crib were played that night as Raleigh, the tea man, served up his delicious chamomile, and Eamon baked boxed cake for a snack.
Friday, April 5th
The air was electric as we awoke to the much-anticipated Team Sprint day. Today’s race was close to town – we were racing on a windy circuit just outside of Ketchum. The morning was spent on the qualifier, with the sum of both teammates times ranking them in the A, B, or C final. Conditions were challenging out on course as the chunky, chewed up ice was covered by a slick layer of fresh snow that continued to fall. Luckily the prowess and technical skill of BC Ski Team allowed them to rise above the competition and crush the qualifying rounds. After the quali, we packed up in record time to get home and recover. After drying our gear and grabbing some lunch, the team returned to the race site for some chaotic team sprint heats, with two teammates alternating 3 laps each in an epic duel of speed, recovery and action. Poles (and hearts) were broken with jumbles of skiers hunting for their partner in the tag zone. Despite the chaos, it is safe to say everyone had a blast in the team sprint, with an outstanding performance from team Ruby Red (Ruby Serrouya. That night, everyone converged on the boys house for a final potluck to socialize and eat up the odds and ends left over in our fridges. Some interesting meal combos were invented that night.
Saturday, April 6th
After an early start to finalize packing and leave the houses in tip-top shape, the team said goodbye to Sun Valley and drove to the final race site. With skis prepped and warmups (mostly) finished, the athletes headed to the line of the final race in spring series – the 10km mass start skate. A sea of racers flew out of the grid and headed out on their two laps of the very gradual 5km course. The crowds were electric as packs formed and racers skied the downhills, all vying for position. The race was a fabulous way to end the trip with just the right amount of suffering spread out over 10km, mixed with a delicious meal at the lodge and awards ceremony. After saying our goodbyes to our new American friends, the team packed into the cars and headed off to the airport.
By Eamon Wilson (Hollyburn Cross Country Ski Club)
Previous report: 2024 B-Tour Update for Jackson Hole, Wyoming (Mar 28-Apr 1) - https://www.crosscountrybc.ca/bc-highlights-invitational-spring-series
B-Tour Athletes
Anika Wallin (Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club)
Carly Ram (Strathcona Nordic Ski Club)
Eamon Wilson (Hollyburn Cross Country Ski Club)
Evan Edwards (Telemark Nordic Club)
Fred Albrechtson (Nickel Plate Cross Country Ski Club)
Gavin Chatterton (Strathcona Nordic Ski Club)
Louison Dubief (Fernie Nordic Ski Club)
Maya Abraham (Nelson Nordic Ski Club)
Maeve Macleod (Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club)
Ruby Serroya (Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club)
Wes Robinson-Shaw (Fernie Nordic Ski Club)
Xavier Wallace (Overlander Ski Club)
Coaches
Chris Manhard (CCBC Provincial Coach)
Zach Hill (Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club Head Coach)
Andrea Stapff (Bulkley Valley Cross Country Ski Club Head Coach)
