Calgary, Alta. (March 7, 2017) – Alpine Canada, in conjunction with Alpine Ontario Alpin (AOA) and the Lake Superior Division Alpine (LSDA), set the standard high with an action packed week of U16 alpine ski racing.

Loch Lomond in Thunder Bay, ON, played host to over 150 talented U16 athletes from across the country, vying for the top spot on the podium. Athletes from across Canada and the US raced in a super-G, alpine combined, giant slalom, slalom and the coveted team event to claim national titles and bragging rights.

Weather challenges were presented early in the week however with the dedication, tireless hours and incredible support of the local community, volunteers, coaches and race organizing committee, schedules were kept and athletes continued to race.

Athletes raced a two run super-G on a brand-new run at Loch Lomond. “I was invited last fall to visit the host resort and provide expertise in how the resort can move ahead with the appropriate clearing and track management, so they could host the U16 event. I could not be more pleased with the outcome. The track was safe, challenging and a great addition to the resort,” stated Alpine Canada’s Director of Domestic Sport, Dusan Grasic. 

In addition to the super-G race, athletes battled it out in alpine combined, giant slalom and slalom, of which the giant and slalom events were qualifying races for the 2017 Alpecimbra (formerly Topolino) FIS CHI event in Folgaria (ITA).

Closing out the week, 16 teams of six athletes (three ladies’ and three men) battled it out in the team event. Athletes qualified for teams and raced head to head for the coveted title of team champion. In a tight competition, Team Alberta 1 took home the team champion title. 

Not only were the athletes presented with an incredible on-hill experience, they were immersed in the local culture at evening events with cultural dances, drum sessions and messages from Members of the Fort William First Nation. 

“Overall I believe that athletes were presented with a well-rounded event both on and off-hill. They were challenged, supported, provided opportunities to learn and grow from fellow athletes and built new friendships. All elements that a young ski racer needs in order to continue their career. I look forward to the future of U16 Canadian National Alpine Ski Championships,” said Dusan Grasic, Director Sport Domestic with Alpine Canada.

2016 Canadian National Alpine Ski Championships Results

MEN SUPER-G

1st. Poitras, Pierre-Elliot (Quebec)

2nd Lessard, Raphael (Quebec)

3rd Puskas, Aaron (Ontario)

LADIES’ SUPER-G

1st Gray, Cassidy (Alberta)

2nd Hoshizaki, Tora (Alberta)

3rd Alexander, Kiara (Alberta)

MEN ALPINE COMBINED 

1st Romanin, Nathan (British Columbia)

2nd Mazellier, Etienne (Quebec)

3rd Poitrasm Pierre-Elliot (Quebec)

LADIES’ ALPINE COMBINED 

1st Hoshizaki, Tora (Alberta)

2nd Bonneville, Jade (Quebec)

3rd Hill, Alyssa (Alberta)

MEN GIANT SLALOM

1st Lessard, Raphael (Quebec)

2nd Romanin, Nathan (British Columbia)

3rd Laniel, Jeremy (Quebec)

LADIES GIANT SLALOM

1st Hill, Alyssa (Alberta)

2nd Hoshizaki, Tora (Alberta)

3rd Gray, Cassidy (Alberta)

MEN SLALOM

1st Laniel, Jeremy (Quebec)

2nd Puskas, Aaron (Ontario)

3rd Weil, Anthony (Quebec)

LADIES’ SLALOM

1st Gray, Cassidy (Alberta)

2nd Marchessault, Alice (Quebec)

3rd Lebsack, Avery (Alberta)