The third annual Junior Downhill Race returns to Sun Peaks

The third annual Junior Downhill Race returns to Sun Peaks from Aug. 28 and 29 with registration still open. 

Two days of practice lead into the Saturday race from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with riders competing for a Sun Peaks keepsake.

In addition to offering an opportunity to gain new skills, the race provides a “stepping stone for younger riders looking to aspire towards higher level competition,” Milly Driver, events supervisor at Sun Peaks Resort LLP said. 

With most downhill races starting at age 14 the Sun Peaks race gives riders from ages eight to 16 the opportunity to compete. 

“It’s a way for them to build confidence and gain experience before they actually take that next step to a higher competition downhill event,” Driver said. 

Riders competing in the race must be confident in accessing blue terrains and must have a helmet. A parent or guardian needs to sign a waiver/release of liability to attend the event as well as two practice sessions.

“This event itself is great in terms of bringing the community together,” Driver said. “But not only that… you see people from all over Canada and beyond who come into the resort just to be involved,” Driver said.

Registration is required and includes a fee of $50.

“All the spots are always full. It’s really popular, and [Sun Peaks Resort is] one of the only places that actually offer the age that we do,” Driver said. 

After the event tripled in participants since the inaugural year, “we just want to make it bigger and better than ever,” Driver said.

Starting junior downhill race competitions and how to volunteer

The Junior Downhill Race was started by former bike park manager Shawn Melnechuk who noticed how difficult it was for younger riders to get into the sport. 

“They were basically just thrown in at the deep end when it came to an actual [downhill] race,” Driver said. Melnechuk came up with the idea, brought it to the events team, “and it’s been a major hit ever since,” she added.

Volunteers are needed throughout the weekend to help see racers down the lower half of Stella Blue. 

“It just means that we can keep track of each child as we go through the race and make sure that everybody’s safe, everybody’s having fun,” Driver said.

Volunteers for the event will receive a Sun Peaks Alpine ticket for each shift worked, and tickets can be redeemed in the winter or summer. To learn more, visit the Sun Peaks Resort webpage for the event.