Calgary, Alta. (July 24, 2017) – Alpine Canada has partnered with The Nik Zoricic (NZ) Foundation to recognize and award Panorama Mountain Resort and Club de Ski Mont-Tremblant for their contributions to Canadian ski racing. Both resorts hosted world-class domestic events in 2017, including Nor-Am Cup and National Championship alpine events that are critical ‘stepping stone’ races for Canadian Ski Team and Provincial Team athletes. 

"The NZ Foundation is excited about this partnership that puts athlete safety at the forefront of these events,” said Silvia Zoricic, President, The Nik Zoricic Foundation. “Together with Alpine Canada, we strive to ensure all race and training environments are safe for all athletes."

Mont-Tremblant and Club de Ski Mont-Tremblant hosted the successful 2017 Sports Experts Canadian Championships, while Panorama Mountain Resort supported numerous events, including the international Nor-Am Cup series, U16 Rising Stars camp and a FIS speed camp. The NZ Foundation, in partnership with Alpine Canada, is pleased to award both organizations $7,500 worth of B-netting in advance of the 2017-2018 season for the resorts’ ongoing commitment to developing Canadian ski racing. 

“Club de Ski Mont-Tremblant is very proud to have been chosen to host the 2017 Sports Experts National Championships – an event that required over 170 rolls of B-net!” said Josée Gagnon, Director, Club de Ski Mont-Tremblant. “The safe installation of B-netting is an everyday practice that is part of the training requirement at our club. From U12 to FIS-level competition, we always put safety first.  B-nets are expensive and need constant maintenance, and the extra B-net from this program means no waiting for B-net in repair when training, which translates into more training for the next generation of World Cup stars!  Thank you NZ Foundation and Alpine Canada for selecting our club for this amazing support.”

“Panorama Mountain Resort is honoured to be the recipient of the Alpine Canada and The NZ Foundation B-net award this year,” said Patrick Gillespie, Director of Retail, Rentals & Racing, Panorama Resort. “Panorama has a long history in hosting alpine events from Nancy Greene to World Cup events and the importance of safety is in the forefront of every event. This donation of B-net will help to continue to have safe events and we thank the NZ Foundation for all their hard work in promoting safety in our sport. We do have to share this award with our local ski teams (Team Panorama & Windermere Valley ski Club) that train and race here at Panorama as well as all the volunteers that work so hard in making the races a fun and safe event for the athletes.”

As part of this partnership, The NZ Foundation will be named an official sponsor of the Canadian Nor-Am Cup tour. The Nor-Am Cup tour fosters next generation talent, helping to position Canada as a world-leading nation on the World Cup, World Championship and Olympic levels. This partnership demonstrates Alpine Canada’s continued commitment to the next generation of ski racing development and The NZ Foundation’s tireless dedication to raising the bar for safety at ski racing events in Canada.

“Alpine Canada is proud to partner with The NZ Foundation in support of their commitment to providing exemplary safety at all ski races,” said Nick Bass, Chief Operation Officer, Alpine Canada. “The clubs and race organizing committees that host our Nor-Am Cup races, and other major domestic events, are key partners in Canadian ski racing. We are hoping this partnership will help recognize the great work these clubs are doing.” 

ABOUT NIK ZORICIC FOUNDATION

The Nik Zoricic (NZ) Foundation strives to minimize constraints faced by skier athletes on their quest for success. It aims to minimize risk of serious accidents and injury due to lack of safe training and unsafe conditions through safety equipment grants and net and padding loan programs. NZ also supports the growth of skiing through funds for needing and deserving athletes and by providing training camps and other unique development opportunities. The Foundation supports the continuous advocacy of the importance and implementation of safety initiatives in sport and helps athletes achieve long-term success by providing education on the opportunities available to athletes through sport.

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA

Alpine Canada is the national governing body for alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing in Canada. With the support of valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium and the Canadian Olympic Committee, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship and World Cup medallists to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community.