It is colder than Planet Hoth in most of Canada, and we’re in the dead of winter. Weather like this invite temptations of settling in beside the fire, relaxing with hot drinks, and enjoying the warmth of being inside. As ski racers, we have decided to ignore these temptations and jump head first into the cold winter weather!

There is without a shadow of a doubt, people on this mailing list who enjoyed the skiing yesterday, in -17-degree temperatures. That shows some incredible dedication to the sport! For the rest of us, we need a bit more motivation to get ourselves on the slopes when the mercury nose dives. The GDHL is that inspiration that gets us out on Saturdays and Sundays, when the skies are grey and the windchill can freeze the skin off your cheeks. This past weekend’s Super G race was a prime example of racing through some chilly and challenging weather. Below you’ll find a full review of our annual speed challenge! This coming weekend, the GDHL committee has put together something special to continue to motivate you to get outside following this cold snap, all the information you need is below. Finally, the standings are slowly forming, so it’s time to take a look at the top performers of the season so far!

Super G

Last weekend’s Super G was beautifully set! The course pushed most (if not all) racers to toe their personal threshold of speed/control. The day concluded successfully with no big crashes or injuries, and only smiles and deep breaths at the finish line. Cheryl McConachie came down as the early leader, about half way through the pack, with a time of 50.81. Jeff Sutherland was able to wedge himself in the leader box for quite a few racers before Scott McLorie overtook him.

In the end, the young guns prevailed with overall finishers Duff Isberg 1st (48.89), Ben Williams 2nd (49.22), and Alec Libert 3rd (49.33). The ladies finished strongly with Cheryl 1st, Mackenzie Irwin 2nd (50.95), and Sarah Latimer 3rd (53.38). Other notable finishes included: Brad McMullen - 13th overall and ranked 29th; Tom Squires – 19th overall and ranked 33rd; Jeff Craig – 28th overall and ranked 52nd; Brian Holland – 42nd overall and ranked 67th. Many more spectacular finishes were recorded. To see the rest of the results, click here.

Special mention to Ray Murakami who disqualified himself after missing a gate. He reported himself to the race hut, which is the honorable thing to do! No race points were earned by Ray on Sunday, but lots of karma and respect.

Event this coming weekend

This weekend we’re hosting the GDHL’s inaugural mid-season event! A dual slalom hosted on Comet, Saturday, February 2nd, starting at 1 30. For more information on the event, click here.

To be brief, the race will have 32 racers competing in a dual slalom bracket. Each head to head run will eliminate one contender until a winner is crowned. If you believe you are one of the 32 racers involved, please continue to check your email as this is how we are communicating details and confirming positions.

If you are not racing, we would LOVE to have you join us! The crowds and energy make racing that much more fun! Following the racing on the hill, about 3 30, the BYOB Après will begin in the North Lodge.

Please remember your own accessories, such as wine glasses, cork screws, and garnishes!

Standings Update

The standings are now posted! This is when you get to see how your race points stack up against your childhood rival, your best friend, your spouse, or kid! The standings currently show a disadvantage to all racers that haven’t completed three races. These standing will become more competitive as racers complete their minimum four races. Our next GDHL race is Sunday, February 10 - GS on Millennium at 1 pm.

We are so excited to host you this weekend. Please be liberal in your invites, and bring along as many friends and family members as you’d like!

Stay Warm!

-Doug Jarvis