The Phoenix Mountain Racers shone at the Nancy Greene Zone Race hosted by Phoenix Ski Hill on Feb. 26.
Snow, sunshine and smiles were plentiful as racers from Red Mountain, Whitewater, Summit Lake and Salmo competed with Phoenix on a dual slalom course.
Seamus Carlyle placed fourth and Sean Phelps was fifth in races in the E2 division while Ella Churchill came in an impressive first overall in the E1 category.
“Our whole club is performing incredibly well and the race results are proof these kids are capable, strong and fast,” said Coach Astrid Kihl.
“The Phoenix Mountain racers – from an entirely community supported ski hill, with an all-volunteer coaching staff – are competing quite favourably against some very strong Kootenay teams like Red Mountain and Whitewater.”
The 10-week ski program introduces kids to proper ski-race technique and hones their overall skiing skills.
“My daughter has made remarkable progress since she started with the club in January,” commented Rob Chornenki.
“She came in pretty much as a complete beginner and is now doing beautiful parallel turns. All the kids are thriving. It’s a lot of fun and very affordable – about half what some of the other hills are charging.”
After the zone race, prizes were awarded to winners of the raffle draw.
Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to all those who bought tickets.
Thanks go out as well to all the volunteers who made the race such a great success.
Lots of positive feedback was given from visiting teams, as Phoenix provided a festive, friendly atmosphere with good food, music and a wide variety of ski runs enjoyed after the race.
-submitted by Nancy Garielse