Red Mountain/Red Mountain Racers Honoured At BC Alpine Awards
By Contributor
Steve Hilts, a previous recipient of Volunteer of the Year award, won the MOIR JAATTEENMAKI AWARD for continued dedication to the sport of ski racing by being a committed BC Alpine Official over several seasons. Hilts has many years of experience in race timing, chief of gates, and head starter. “I’m just a sports fan and in particular a ski racing fan.” says Hilts. “I thought it would be interesting and cool to be part of ski racing from the inside, even prior to my kid’s involvement. And now that the kids have moved on, I think it is important that quality ski race management continues at Red.”
Brian Fry, president of Red Mountain Racers recognizes the significance of Hilt’s ongoing commitment: “Steve just loves the sport of ski racing,” says Fry, “He supports our racing schedule without boundaries.” Fry adds, “His ongoing support is even more special knowing that his children are no longer in the racing program.”
The accolades continued at the BC Alpine Awards Banquet. The K2 Provincial Championships, held at Red Mountain in March, were awarded the Race of the Year.
This award shows the rest of the ski race community that Red Mountain and the volunteers from Red Mountain Racers are amongst the best in staging ski races. “It says, we can deliver and do it well.” cites Fry. “It has a whole lot to do with the unswerving support of our volunteers in all capacities. We’ve got a long history with ski racing.” Fry laughs, “Red Mountain has been staging races since 1896. I’m proud that
Red Mountain and the Red Mountain Racers Club are being recognized for their commitment to ski racing.”
Alar Ruutopold, Event Chair for K2 Provincials was effusive in his praise for the grooming crew at Red Mountain. “I remember the epic snowfall we had leading up to the event. We had to move one of the courses to Back Trail because it was just too soft.” says Ruutopold. “The Resort made available extra grooming equipment to ensure the new course was ready for racing. We are so lucky to have such dedicated commitment, from all levels of Red Mountain Resort.”
In other Red Mountain Racer news, Steve Hilts has been invited by VANOC to be part of the timing crew for the alpine events at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and Whistler next year. “It is a huge commitment, but a huge honour as well to be asked to volunteer for the olympics.” says Hilts, “I will be able to bring that experience back and make our racing program and our races even better than they already are.”
For more information on Red Mountain, Red Mountain Racers, or Red Mountain Ski Academy, contact redresort.com or redmountainracers.com
