Evolve Ski & Snowboard Cross Club to be bigger, better in 2011/12

RICK MACDONNELL

The course will be open to all skiers and boarders with a valid lift ticket. Photo courtesy of Jason MacQueen.

LAKE LOUISE, AB — The progression of ski & snowboard cross (SSX) in this country is startling. Three years ago it was essentially an unknown sport before its inclusion in the 2010 Winter Olympics. Last year, Lake Louise Ski Area became the first resort in Alberta with a SSX course, and the Evolve SSX Club had 60 athletes participate across its programs.

This season, Canmore native Mike Robertson, silver medalist in SSX at the 2010 games, has joined the Evolve coaching team. And with Evolve already having 90 athletes signed up, with more on the way, Snowboard Program Director/Head Coach for Evolve Adam Robertson couldn't be more excited to get the season going.

"Last season was a really good year for us," said Adam Robertson. "For Evolve's first year we had great numbers. The course at Lake Louise was an absolutely huge hit. From the athletes, to the public, to the resort ... it was just a huge success. I was actually quite surprised at how excited people were about the concept."

Evolve offers training programs for both ski and snowboard cross, in a variety of disciplines. But it also provides training for non-cross as well. And most people entered in the program aren't even looking to compete.

For those looking to compete, though, there will be more competitions scheduled around Alberta and British Columbia this season.

The Western SBX Series is a combined effort between Evolve, BC Snowboard Association, and Alberta Snowboard Association. The series will include 5 weekend stops for a total of 9 races in the discipline of SBX. The goal is to provide an event series that will allow athletes from Western Canada to stay close to home and follow a bunch of races allowing them to gain experience in the sport.

There will be both FIS level category and NON FIS age categories. These events will be fun and do hope to have some prizing for the series and events.

Canada's favourite new winter sport is now for public use at Lake Louise Ski Area. Photo courtesy of Jason MacQueen.

Scheduled dates:

• January 21-22: Lake Louise x2 races
• February 11-12: Big White x2 races
• 3rd or 4th week February dates TBD for another event at Lake Louise
• March 3-4: Red MTN x2 races
• March 11: Big White 1 race

"Lake Louise was amazing and what they did for us was incredible. Having the course in all year is fantastic for training opportunities, which helped make the Open series of events such a huge success. We had 80-100 boarders at each event, and 40-60 skiers."

This season the program and events should be bigger and better than ever. With Mike Robertson coming aboard, it will be great exposure for the kids and athletes, getting to see him and be around him and learn from his experiences. The course at Lake Louise is currently being designed for the 2011/12 season, and according to Adam Robertson, it should be "slightly different."

For more on Evolve, visit its website.

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