COLD LAKE - The Kinosoo Blizzard ski team made a strong showing at the Jasper Junior Olympics (JJO), held March 1 and 2 at Marmot Basin.
Competing against top racers from across northern Alberta, the young athletes raced the clock in individual competitions, delivering impressive performances and securing standout finishes.
The Jasper Junior Olympics is the biggest race of the season for the Alberta North Zone Ski Racing Society, attracting around 400 racers each year.
"Alberta North Zone includes ski clubs from Red Deer, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, and Cold Lake," said Jason Mawson, a volunteer coach for the team.
A Volunteer run club
The Kinosoo Blizzard ski team, based at the Kinosoo Ridge Resort, has been operating for over 20 years.
"It was started by the Holoboff family out of Cold Lake," said a Mawson. "The Blizzards are a unique club since it is run by volunteers - and that includes the coaches."
Racers register in September and start dry-land training in the fall, focusing on endurance, balance, and strength before transitioning to on-snow training when the ski hill opens.
Jasper
The Kinosoo Blizzard team, which includes nearly 30 racers from the Bonnyville-Cold Lake area, competed in various age categories at the junior Olympics.
"The ski team is not a team event. Racers are competing in their age category and race the clock to beat their opponent's time. Just like Olympic ski racing would be competed," Mawson explained.
Among the standout performances, club member Emily finished in first place in the ladies’ 10-year-old category, winning by just 0.5 seconds.
Another club member, Lola, received a Rising Star Award for being the most consistent racer.
Two Blizzard racers also placed 4th and 5th in the male seven-year-old category.
"For the racers to finish top 10 at a big event like JJO is a big accomplishment for them," Mawson said.
Beyond racing, the event promotes sportsmanship, camaraderie, and friendly competition, allowing racers to gain experience and build friendships with competitors, Mawson added.
After their appearance at the Jasper Junior Olympics, members were planning to attend an event at Rabbit Hill in Edmonton and then head to Jasper for finals at the end of March.
For more information on the Kinosoo Blizzard ski team, contact [email protected]
