Mel Pemble
Special to the Record
Crisp, sparkling snow with a soft breeze and warming sun. These were the conditions for the “Building Our Best” camp and races Jan. 16-19 on Silver Star Mountain.
This was my first race competing as not only a Vancouver Island Adaptive Racer but also a BC Para-Alpine Prospect Racer. As we entered Vernon the fog had covered most of it. The drive up the mountain was swift and when we arrived on the top it was apparent that Silver Star had got the sun and down below was fog.
At the race there was about 20-25 racers and many teams were competing. Some were VASS from Grouse, SSASS from Silver Star, the Alberta Para Alpine Ski Team and the BC Para Alpine Ski Team.
After inspecting the course it was soon time to race. The atmosphere at the top was buzzing, for some this was their first race. I was the sixth to go and I got into line. As the countdown began I knew I was ready. The course felt rhythmic with a few offset gates but crossing the finish was thrilling. That thrill only got bigger when I won the gold!.
Slalom started lower on the course and inspecting it I noticed two hairpins, two delays and one of the delays went into a royal flush. It defiantly proved to be a test of skills. This race went faster than the day before as many teams had to hit the roads.
The awards were in the Silver Star village and there I got my first gold for a slalom race!. As the teams said their farewells everyone was still glowing from the experience and some were also tired and ready to go home.
Mel Pemble is a Grade 8 student at the Podium of Life Ski Academy at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.