Sun Peaks Sports School holds inaugural synchro shootout

Synchro skiing is making a come back in Sun Peaks

Last week saw the revival of a long-dormant skiing discipline on the slopes of Sun Peaks—-synchro skiing. 

Held on Thursday, April 1, the competition pitted teams of four skiers or snowboarders against one another in a judged synchronized skiing format. The winning squad was Team Madagascar, an all-female team, with members from Canada and Denmark.

Teams skied two competition runs, each with unique formations. Judging was based on how well the team members showed synchronization, how elaborate their formations were and an overall impression score. 

While synchro skiing isn’t a new event, it is the first time in many years it has been seen on the slopes of Sun Peaks.

Sun Peaks Sports School training coordinator Ron Betts said the event was a great fit for this year. 

“We were limited this season with ways to have our staff engage socially, outside of work,” he said, adding the goal is to make it an annual event.  

“A synchro competition was ideal. It allowed staff to get creative, be social in small groups and it promoted additional training.” 

Betts added the competition was able to run within all recommended social distancing rules and was enjoyable for participants, some of whom dressed up. 

“It replaced what would normally be an end of season party for staff and did so in a responsible way,” he said. 

The judging panel for the event consisted of Olympian Nancy Greene Raine, Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance hall of fame member, Cam Watson and long-time heli ski guide, Tim McLean. 

The event was supported by Northern Lights Estate Winery and Helly Hansen Canada.

Joel Barde is a reporter hired with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative, a federal program created to support “original civic journalism that covers the diverse needs of underserved communities across Canada.” His writing is focused on the tourism industry in the Thompson Okanagan from the resident perspective.