National championships coming to Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

L’Anse-Saint-Jean, Que. (March 11, 2019) – At a news conference held on Monday, Mont-Édouard announced it was ready to host the 2019 National Alpine Championships presented by the RMC of Fjord-du-Saguenay, March 23-28.

The event will give fans and visitors to the region the opportunity to cheer on nearly 200 of the best under-18, under-21, and senior alpine ski racing athletes from across Canada. As part of the action, Quebec will host the first super-G races at this level in six years; those are scheduled to take place on March 23 and 24.

“Our organization is pleased to be able to once again host super-G races as part of this prestigious event, thanks to the La Desjardins run which, at 390 vertical metres, will provide a fun challenge for Canada’s elite racers,” said Daniel Paul Lavallée, executive director of Ski Quebec Alpin.

“We are gratefult o Mont-Édouard for hosting these National Championships, and we thank the organizing committee for all the passion and effort they put into preparing the venue for the arrival of Canada’s top athletes,” said Vania Grandi, president and CEO of Alpine Canada. “The races are an opportunity for our youngsters to compete with the veterans, and together, celebrate ski racing and inspire Canadians across the country.”

Canada’s most decorated alpine ski racer, Erik Guay, will be on-hand for the duration of the event.

“I’m proud to be the honourary patron of these National Championships; I have very fond memories of my experiences at Nationals during my racing career,” said Guay, who last appearance at the alpine national championships was in 2010 in Nakiska where he won gold in super-G, silver in giant slalom, and bronze in the downhill. “My role here will be to encourage my teammates and the up-and-coming Canadian racers. I’m going to fully enjoy the event as a fan, and I hope to provide the younger racers with hope and inspiration.”

To host an event of this magnitude is a special honour for the Saguenay region.

“I encourage everyone from across the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region to come out to watch and cheer for these elite athletes from Canada, the United States, and Europe,” said the mayor of L’Anse-Saint-Jean, his worship Lucien Martel, during the news conference.

About the National Alpine Championships

The National Alpine Championships welcome Canada’s elite FIS ski racers, including those from the World Cup and NorAm Cup circuits. The 2019 event will be hosted at Mont-Édouard and will feature races in four of the five alpine disciplines: slalom, giant slalom, super-G, and the combined. Quebec has not hosted a super-G at Nationals in six years.

About Mont-Édouard

Boasting Quebec’s fifth-highest elevation, Mont-Édouard ski resort began operations in 1989 as a result of the ambitious dream of members of the L’Anse-Saint-Jean in Saguen-ay-Lac-Saint-Jean community to create a unique ski area. With a rich history of volunteerism and passion, Mont- Édouard is recognized today for its dynamic offering and promising future. With 450 metres of skiable terrain, more than 30 runs, and a FIS-homologated super-G run, Mont-Édouard is a prized destination for ski enthusiasts from across the province.