Devin Mittertreiner, Fernie Alpine Ski Team (FAST) member, is one of three boys who qualified to represent Canada at a race held in Italy on Mar. 4-5. He was selected from the top under 16 year old (U16) athletes from Alberta and British Columba who competed at Panorama on the weekend of Jan. 23-24 for the Topolino Time Trials. The Trofeo Topolino race is considered to be one of the premiere youth International Ski Federation (FIS) events in the world along with the Whistler Cup.
Mittertreiner, 15, splits his time between Calgary and Fernie. He has been skiing and racing for the majority of his life.
“I’ve been skiing since I was two years old, and racing since I was seven,” said Mittertreiner. “I train at Fernie Alpine Resort and ski for FAST.”
The Trofeo Topolino race will be Devin’s first international competition outside of Canada. He represented the Kootenay team in the BC Winter Games in 2014 and won a gold medal in slalom. In 2015 he earned a spot representing TeamBC at the Canada Winter Games, winning a silver medal in men’s Ski-Cross.
The young skier has high hopes for his international debut and is looking to earn a spot on Team Canada for an upcoming race in Whistler.
“I am excited about having the chance in Topolino to test my skills and abilities against the top U16 racers in the world. I am aiming for a top 10 finish in slalom, which is my favourite race. Closer to home, I am aiming to win a race at the Can-Ams which are held in March at Panorama, and to earn a spot on Team Canada for [the] Whistler Cup,” said Mittertreiner.
The balancing act between skiing and schooling would not be possible without the help from the skiers’ school.
“I miss a lot of school for skiing. I’m lucky that my school is very flexible and supportive of my skiing and time away. I have an academic advisor who helps plan and organize school around my race and training schedule,” he said. “Along with the support given from my school, I have to do a lot to stay on top of all my work. I have to be disciplined when away as well as when I get back - in order to catch up on missed school work or get ahead.”
Along with the support from his school, his family and friends,who foster his passion for the sport.
“I am thrilled he has a sport that he is passionate about, and I appreciate the learning, growth and character building that comes from training and competing. I feel fortunate that we have one of the top clubs in Canada here in Fernie - FAST has given him many skills, both on and off hill, and many great friendships,” said Mittertreiner’s mother, Jan Donald.
Donald is definitely looking forward to the Italian race and has attended most of Devin’s races.
“Either my husband or I try to go to most races as chaperones, course workers, or cheering. Being with Devin up at the Canada Winter Games in Prince George last year was definitely a highlight. Prince George did a remarkable job putting on the games. And we will be there in Italy cheering him on as well,” she said.