The BC Alpine Ski Association finalized its Canada Winter Games selection last Friday, with two Fernie Alpine Ski Team (FAST) teens making their way to the top.
Competing against over 50 U16 category racers from around the province, Devin Mittertreiner and Ryan Finley, both from Calgary, dominated the Big White Resort slopes in the Ski X category.
“It feels pretty cool because there’s so many other skiers out there and it feels cool to be at the top,” Mittertreiner said.
Mittertreiner’s mother Jan Donald added, “I think it’s remarkable because the Canada games only happen every four years and it’s only for U16 athletes. It’s kind of great timing.”
The 16-year-old boys have both been skiing since they were just two, beginning their racing careers at the young age of six.
“I just like the challenge and the competition,” Mittertreiner said. “It’s just really fun, I’ve loved it my whole life.”
Ryan added, “It keeps me fit.”
The athletes travel to Fernie nearly every weekend to ski the powdery slopes of Fernie Alpine Resort (FAR).
“We’ve grown up skiing in Fernie,” said Mittertreiner.
In fact, Ryan’s mother Susan Finley said she and her husband have been coming to Fernie every weekend for the past 28 years.
“They’re here because we are,” she said of the boys. “When the kids were born, nothing changed. All our kids love skiing so we’re lucky.”
Susan went on to say, “It’s a holiday every weekend. It’s beautiful to be here.”
The next stop for these enthusiastic boys is Whistler, where the boys will compete in as many as four disciplines, including Super G, Giant Slalom, Slalom and Ski X. Opening Ceremonies for the Canada Winter Games are set for Feb. 13 in Prince George, B.C.