The Telus Nancy Greene Alpine Classic returned to the slopes of Sun Peaks Resort for its 28th year on Saturday, Jan. 25, for a celebration of charity and friendly competition on the mountain.
Despite a rather cold morning at the village base, the energy was high as event volunteers, spectators and course officials gathered at the finish line just before 11a.m. Race participants had already breezed down the course in a slough of practice runs off the Sundance Lift and were preparing for the official start.
Due to an issue with the timing system on the course, the race was slow to begin, but soon the first flurry of teams descended down the hill, speeding across the line and awaiting their times at the scoreboard.
Thirty-five teams of four skiers and snowboarders registered for the event this year. Categories included Sport, with ages of 19 to 49, and Platinum, racers aged 50 and older.
This was the first year to utilize the brand new Powder Ventures Cross Course, constructed in 2024. The dirt-based course, which opened officially on Friday, Jan. 24, is a permanent addition to the mountain and was well-received by racers during Saturday’s event.
“The course is new and improved,” participant Todd Latta said. This was Latta’s third year participating in the Alpine Classic event.
“It’s a little longer. I think it’s a little faster. The location for the start is better and the finish is nicer. Overall, it’s much improved,” he said.
After all teams completed their runs, participants gathered for lunch and the concluding Celebration Gala, hosted at the Sun Peaks Grand. Festivities included an awards ceremony and silent auction. Proceeds of the event will go toward the Sun Peaks Education Society and the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation.
“It’s a fabulous cause,” Joan Wilson said of the event. Wilson, who has volunteered with the annual Alpine Classic for over ten years, was one of many faces collecting racer’s pinnies and timing chips at the finish.
“It’s wonderful to help out Nancy,” Wilson added.
As of publication, this year’s event raised over $860,000.
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