National Ski Day
There are a lot of questionable named days on the calendar: we’re looking at you International Backup Day. But on February 21 there is one we will be observing: National Ski and Snowboard Day. Organized by the Canadian Ski Council, it’s an opportunity for “all Canadians to get outside and enjoy the majestic landscapes where Canadian ski and snowboard resorts are found.” See you on Friday!
Ja-pow to the extreme
Japan is so famous for its seemingly endless, super light powder that the phenomenon has its own name: Ja-pow. But even in a land known for mega snowfalls it can snow too much. That’s what happened last week, when more than a metre of snow accumulated in 12 hours in some parts of Hokkaido, the north island. That’s a record, even for Ja-pow!
Take me back to high school
There isn’t much we miss about high school, but if we had to do it over again we’d want to go to Colorado’s Summit High School. One of their class options is ski design. Throughout the semester students learn about all the aspects of ski design and then they build their own ski. The final exam is actually taking the ski out on the hill for a test run.
Ski upgrade advice
We think this is one of the best times of the year to buy new skis. With demo days going on, it’s easy to demo skis before buying them. You’re in skiing shape, so better able to feel the differences between models . And shops are starting to put this year’s gear on sale. If you’re looking for advice on what to buy, we have a series of videos up on our YouTube channel highlighting our top picks in several ski categories.
World Championship disappointment
Canadian ski racers went into the biannual World Championships with big ambitions. On the men’s side Jack Crawford won his last downhill race, the famed Kitzbuhel. His teammate Cam Alexander finished third and Brodie Seger has also had a good season in the speed events. Plus, Crawford was the defending super-G World Champion. On the women’s side Val Grenier is the defending World Champion in slalom and the women have been skiing really well. But, when the last gate was bashed in Saalback-Hinterglemm, Austria, Canadian athletes’s best result was a couple 10th place finishes.
Ski cross domination
Reece Howden won his third FIS Ski Cross competition of the season and Marielle Thompson claimed her third win on the women’s side. The two victories take Canada’s all time, Ski Cross World Cup tally to 101 wins. Howden now sits third in the season standings and Thompson is first, followed by another Canadian, India Sherret, in second.
