Canada Cup Coming to Calabogie
BY VICTORIA KLASSEN
There are bumps ahead in 2020—large mogul bumps—as Calabogie Peaks Resort, Freestyle Ontario, and Calabogie Peaks Freestyle Club prepare to host the Canada Cup from Jan. 17-19. This is the second time Calabogie has hosted this national level mogul skiing competition in the past three years.
“This type of event helps to grow awareness for mogul and freestyle skiing, which ultimately helps the club to grow. Typically, we see enrolment grow after hosting these types of events,” said Jeff Jarvis, president of Calabogie Freestyle.
Calabogie Freestyle has two dedicated skiers competing in the Canada Cup this year. Drew Hansen and Nick McDermid have been part of the Calabogie Freestyle competitive team for many years and they are looking forward to competing at their home hill.
“I’m really excited to watch all the other amazing skiers and to have the opportunity to ski against them,” shared Nick. “It’s amazing that I get to compete in a Canada Cup and it means a lot to me.”
Between the event planning, getting the mogul course built and the execution of the event, thousands of volunteer hours will go into making this event a success.
“We have built a great volunteer network to support these events. We also have a resort that is totally supportive of our growth,” said Jeff. “These types of competitions allow our local athletes to see what it takes to move to the next level and to use a facility that allows them to progress their skills.”
Spectators are encouraged to come watch these talented young skiers compete over the weekend at Calabogie Peaks. Calabogie Freestyle’s athletes, from ages six to 18 years old, are looking forward to watching the competition.
Drew and Nick will also be able to count on lots of local support at their first Canada Cup experience.
“I’m most excited about competing at that level of competition, seeing all of the other athletes’ skills and tricks, and meeting new people,” said Drew. “It will be nice to show people from around this area our sport and what we do—and hopefully more people will be inspired to start mogul skiing!”