The best 11- to 14-year-old racers from ski clubs around British Columbia have completed a five-day training camp on the slopes of Sun Peaks Resort.

The 40 promising male and female athletes came from clubs in Whistler, Vancouver, Courtenay, Vernon, Kelowna, Fernie, Kimberley, Invermere, Revelstoke and Prince George.

Known as the B2B Program, the best skiers from clubs around the province are invited to train together under the supervision of top provincial coaches.

It was a special bonus for these young skiers to be in the presence of the Austrian national ski team and the Swiss women’s downhill team, which were also training at Sun Peaks in preparation for the World Cup season, which begins this weekend in Lake Louise (men’s races) and Aspen (women’s races).

The race training took place at the Nancy Greene International Race Centre, which is equipped with safety netting and a full snowmaking system. 

B.C. Alpine Ski Association head coach Joanna Magee was pleased with the high-quality training at camp.

“The slopes available to us at Sun Peaks were excellent and it was great for our athletes to see one of the world’s best ski teams in preparation for the World Cup season.”

Racer Rob Armstrong from Vernon was thrilled with the camp

“Excellent, extraordinary. The snow was hard and fast — perfect conditions for racing,” he said.

“It was fun to be with kids from all over B.C. You get to see where you stand and see what you need to improve on, and it’s great to get feedback from other coaches, too.”

Nancy Greene, the Olympic gold medallist and Sun Peaks’ director of skiing, said she was impressed with the calibre of the young racers.

“There is no question the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and Whistler is inspiring a very competitive spirit in alpine ski racing.”