Whistler Cup 2014 by Pacific Coastal Publications LP

OFFICIAL PROGRAM

2014

WHISTLER CUP IS WHERE SPEED AND SPIRIT MEET THE FUTURE OF RACING

APRIL 4-6, 2014

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Marielle Thompson

from Whistler Cup to

O LY M P I C G O L D

Proven. Insight. Picking winners since 1982.

www.pifinancial.com Whistler Cup • Coupe Whistler 2014 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS 6.

A Message from Whistler Cup Chairman, Wayne Holm

A Message from Executive Director of Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Nigel Loring A Message from Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden

10.

A Message From Our Title Sponsor, Rio Tinto Alcan A Message from Doug Forseth, on behalf of Whistler Blackcomb

12.

Schedule of Events

13.

Course Map

14.

Whistler Cup Family Music Festival

15.

Where’s the Scoreboard? Tales from the Volunteer trenches

18.

From Whistler Cup to the podium at Sochi

20.

Some Interesting facts about Whistler Cup

22.

Sponsors

THIS GUIDE IS LAYARED Use your smartphone or tablet to scan where you see the logo. For more information on layar visit whistlerquestion.com/layar

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COASTPHOTO.COM PROGRAM PRODUCED AND PRINTED BY GLACIER MEDIA GROUP

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PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE ATHLETES FOR WHISTLER CUP HUGE SELECTION OF

ASK FOR THE RACER DISCOUNT CLOCKTOWER HOTEL IN MOUNTAIN SQUARE

Whistler Cup • Coupe Whistler 2014 5

a message from

WAYNE HOLM Whistler Cup Chairman

WHISTLER CUP: A SNEAK PREVIEW OF FUTURE OLYMPICS RIGHT HERE IN WHISTLER 22 years young, the Whistler Cup is the highlight of the competitive ski season for many young racers around the world. The event was conceived by Max Meier, the parent of a young Whistler ski racer. He and the Whistler Mountain Ski Club Program Director at the time, Joze Sparovec, were inspired to bring an international juvenile ski race to Canada after attending the famed “Trofeo Topolino” in Italy. With the help of the third founder, Jim Yeates, the inaugural Whistler Cup was held in 1993 and has grown in stature and influence. 6 Whistler Cup • Coupe Whistler 2014

During the Sochi Olympics, I was reminded of how closely the events of the Whistler Cup are echoed on the world stage when American Mikaela Shiffrin brought home a gold medal in the women’s slalom. Shiffrin was a star of the 2009 Whistler Cup, giving us an Olympic preview only five years ago - right here in Whistler. And none of this would be possible without the hundreds of Whistler Cup volunteers and the dedicated Corporate Partners. It is such a joy to see it come together every year. I cannot thank you enough for all that you contribute.

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB PROUD TO SUPPORT WHISTLER CUP

p: Coast Mountain Photography

WELCOME WHISTLER CUP ATHLETES Moving into its 22nd year, Whistler Cup has grown to become one of the largest and most important ski races in North America, as well as internationally, for young athletes. We are excited to welcome back over 400 athletes, 150 coaches, and 300 volunteers. Thank you to the coaches and volunteers for your continued support and good luck to this year’s athletes!

1.800.766.0449 whistlerblackcomb.com

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a message from

NIGEL LORING Executive Director Whistler Mountain Ski Club Whistler Cup is a special event for many different reasons. It is the proving ground of future World Cup and Olympic Champions. Hirscher, Maze, Innerhofer, Fenninger, Hudec, Vonn, and many more all raced these slopes. So many talented young racers find that it is here in Whistler, they will truly experience the atmosphere and excitement of international competition. Yet in this diversity of individuals, of language and culture we seem to find an easy way to connect with each other through the spirit of this healthy competition. Whistler Cup is a wonderful celebration of children's alpine ski racing, made possible by our generous sponsors and

hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers. We are grateful to all who have come together and worked hard to make this event special each and every year. This year is particularly joyous for the Whistler Mountain Ski Club and the community as we welcome home Whistler Cup alumni and local girl Marielle Thompson to celebrate her gold medal win in ladies Ski Cross in Sochi, Russia. I wish to all the racers and their coaches the best of luck and best wishes to all our visitors from around the world for a wonderful and memorable experience at Whistler Cup 2014.

a message from

Mayor NANCY WILHELM-MORDEN On behalf of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, welcome to the 22nd Whistler Cup. A special welcome to the young athletes here to compete from across the globe. Our community is proud to host the Whistler Cup, the largest ski race in the world for athletes aged 12 to 15 years. Skiing is a core part of our mountain culture and it is an honour to host some of the best young skiers in the world. 8 Whistler Cup • Coupe Whistler 2014

Whistler sends race day cheers to everyone involved in the event! We wish you a successful event amongst the beauty and excitement of our mountain playground and the friendly people who make our mountain resort community unique. We hope you and your families have time to experience much of what Whistler has to offer — from the great variety of ski terrain and cross-country trails, to skating and sliding sports, as well as the variety of spas, restaurants, pubs, shops and entertainment around the Village. Best of luck on the course. Have a wonderful visit, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.

After a hearty day of competition, you deserve Whistler’s finest. Experience the Fairmont collection of dining options. From casual family dining in The Wildflower, meals on the go from Portobello, live entertainment in The Mallard Lounge to intimate fireside evenings in The Grill Room, dining at the landmark Fairmont Chateau Whistler will make your Whistler visit unforgettable. 4599 Chateau Boulevard, Whistler’s Upper Village fairmont.com/whistler

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a message from our title sponsor

RIO TINTO ALCAN – RICHARD PROKOPANKO

Director of Government Affairs No less than 10 Whistler Cup alumni were medal winners at the Sochi Winter Olympic Games. Another 235 Whistler Cup alumni have gone on to the World Cup circuit. This is fitting testimony of the important role Whistler Cup plays in fostering young skiers at the international level. Rio Tinto Alcan is proud once again to be the Title Sponsor of the Whistler Cup. As a leading global mining and metals company with deep roots in British Columbia, we are honoured to support this truly international showcase of youth athleticism. This year's Whistler Cup is an opportunity for you to witness athletes from 18 nations spanning five continents represent their countries with pride.

We extend a very warm welcome to our international ski family, including competing athletes, their families, coaches, FIS and participating ski federations, volunteers, sponsors, event partners and guests from across Canada and around the world. Together, we share a strong commitment to the future of alpine skiing. Best wishes for an exciting and enjoyable 2014 Whistler Cup and thank you for your participation.

a message from

DOUG FORSETH on behalf of Whistler Blackcomb Whistler Blackcomb is proud to be a supporter and host venue for the Whistler Cup for over 20 years. The Whistler Cup is the largest and most important ski race of its kind in North America for athletes aged 12-15, and attracts hundreds of young skiers from more than 20 different countries across the globe. Seeing these young, talented skiers on our slopes year after year makes us so happy, because it

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is an example of how we are continuing to push and grow the sport of skiing all over the world. Our dream is to see these young athletes, who may be getting their first taste of international competition right here at Whistler Blackcomb, one day grow to represent their countries at the Olympic Games, and for the Whistler Cup to continue inspiring champions for another 20 years to come.

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS WHISTLER CUP 2014 PRESENTED BY RIO TINTO ALCAN

DATE FRIDAY April 4

TIME

EVENT

LOCATION

9:30am 3pm

Kinder U14 Parallel Slalom

Upper Dave Murray, Whistler Mountain

Kinder U16 Super G

Raven & Ptarmigan, Whistler Mountain

Parade

Throughout Whistler Village

Opening Ceremony & Awards

Village Square

Kinder U14 & U16 Women Giant Slalom

Raven & Ptarmigan, Whistler Mountain

Kinder U14 & U16 Men Slalom

Upper Dave Murray, Whistler Mountain

7pm

Awards Banquet

Whistler Conference Centre

9:30am 3pm

Kinder U14 & U16 Men Giant Slalom

Raven & Ptarmigan, Whistler Mountain

Kinder U14 & U16 Women Slalom

Upper Dave Murray, Whistler Mountain

Awards Ceremony

Village Square

5pm

SATURDAY April 5

SUNDAY April 6

9:30am 3pm

5pm 12 Whistler Cup • Coupe Whistler 2014

COURSE MAP

WHISTLER CUP 2014 PRESENTED BY RIO TINTO ALCAN

Y6 ON RM HA

S ES PR EX

Slalom & Parallel Start

U16 Super G Start Spectator Area

U16/14 GS Start

Slalom & Parallel Finish Spectator Area

Spectator Area

Spectator Area SG/GS Finish

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THE WHISTLER CUP 2014

FAMILY MUSIC FESTIVAL come hear our local musicians

THE VILLAGE STAGE WILL BE ALIVE WITH MUSIC FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2013 2pm – 2:45pm

Stephen Vogler and Friends

3pm – 3:45pm

Rachel Thom

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2014 2pm – 2:45pm

John Shrier

3pm – 3:45pm

Dawn Walsh Duo

4pm – 5pm LB Productions - Janel, Takaya, Erica, Kristina, Carli, Hannah & Sheri Marie

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2014 2pm – 2:45pm

Susan Holden & Sean Rose – Poor Dirty Sylvia

3pm – 3:45pm

The K Band

4pm – 4:45pm

The Rutherford Trio

OUR LOCAL TALENT: JON SHRIER - From rock to contemporary. STEPHEN VOGLER - From blues, to reggae. Bring your dancing shoes! THE K BAND - A Family Band; Kaede, Sakura, Mom & Dad. POOR DIRTY SYLVIA - Susan Holden & Sean Rose explore old country and blues. LB PRODUCTIONS - Presents Sea to Sky's emerging young artists. DAWN WALSH DUO - A lively blend of folk, rock, and country. RACHEL THOM - Our own local celebrity. THE RUTHERFORD CREEK TRIO - This trio will inject a little energy into your day.

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WHERE'S THE SCOREBOARD? TALES FROM THE

VOLUNTEER TRENCHES

NO MATTER WHAT

GETS THROWN IN THE WAY OF THE INTREPID VOLUNTEERS,

THE RACE GOES ON. MOTHER NATURE TRIES TO STOP IT BUT CAN’T. They arrive at an hour when most of us are unconscious and inert in our beds. They wear headlamps and dazed expressions, grateful that everyone else is not yet capable of speech. They schlep rakes, dye packs, banners and lunch, prepared by other volunteer hands. It is always cold, sometimes snowing. These are the “early load” volunteers without whom the Whistler Cup could not take place. For the most part, they make it look easy but, oh, the tales these hills could tell. Did you hear the one about the time that wild winds blew over all the B-nets carefully set to guard the course? Or about the time that three drills were brought down the hill but the battery packs were nowhere to be found? How about the first-time scorekeeper whose scoreboard took flight off the lift and

couldn’t be rescued? Then there was the start referee who couldn’t find her skis and had to “hitchhike” to the start on the back of a ski patroller’s skidoo? But no matter what gets thrown in the way of the intrepid volunteers, the race goes on. Mother Nature tries to stop it but can’t. Slippers groom the course, manual timers stand shivering, making sure that there is a back-up to electronic systems, and gate judges try not to blink when the racers speed by. The volunteers are the almost-invisible glue that holds everything together. Thank-you to Manulife for sponsoring and honouring the volunteers of Whistler Cup.

a lookback at

WHISTLER CUP 2013

photos courtesy of coastphoto.com

Scan this page with your Layar app for more photos of last year's event.

Whistler Cup • Coupe Whistler 2014 17

FROM WHISTLER CUP TO THE

PODIUM AT SOCHI 10 WHISTLER CUP ALUMNI REACHED THEIR HIGHEST GOAL – A PODIUM AT THE SOCHI OLYMPICS. OUR CANADIAN WINNERS: Marielle Thompson - Gold in Ski Cross Kelsey Serwa - Silver in Ski Cross Jan Hudec - Bronze in Super-G

FROM AUSTRIA Nicole Hosp - Silver in Combined & Bronze in Super-G Anna Fenninger - Gold in Super-G and Silver in Giant Slalom Matthias Mayer - Gold in Downhill

FROM SLOVENIA Tina Maze - Gold in Downhill & Gold in Giant Slalom In 2012, we welcomed Tina Maze back to help celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Whistler Cup. Her presence was an inspiration to the young racers.

FROM ITALY Christof Innerhofer - Silver in Downhill and Bronze in Combined

FROM THE UNITED STATES Julia Mancuso - Bronze in Combined Mikaela Shiffrin - Gold in Slalom There were many more Whistler Cup Alumni who participated at the Sochi Olympics and we congratulate them in achieving the highest honour to represent their country. We look forward to seeing what this year’s Whistler Cup racers can achieve, Good Luck to All!

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Welcome

Whistler Cup Competitors

15% off for all competitors, coaches and their families

Welcome Families Good Luck Racers! WHISTLER Westin Hotel

The only grocery store in Upper Village! 4580 CHATEAU BLVD.

OPEN 7 DAYS

604.932.0230 WWW.UPPERVILLAGEMARKET.COM

604.938.4565

Across from the Fairmont Hotel

Whistler Cup CAPTURED!

COAST MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY THE OFFICIAL PHOTO SUPPLIER & PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 2014 WHISTLER CUP. VIEW RACE & PORTRAITS PHOTOS HERE: • SAT., April 5 - Conference Centre, 6-9pm • SUN., April 6 – Village Square, 4-7pm Look for us in Yellow Uniforms – all over Whistler/Blackcomb! Private Photo & Video Bookings available. CALL: 604-938-1480 See more at www.coastphoto.com

Coastphoto 2.1875x7.5.indd 1

Whistler Cup • Coupe Whistler 2014 19

2014-03-20 5:46 PM

Some Interesting

FACTS ABOUT WHISTLER CUP

112,400 the amount of times that Course Slippers have snowplowed the course to smooth out the ruts

24,104

Holes drilled into the snow to secure the gates for the skiers

5,035

Young racers, male and female, have raced in Whistler Cup

325

Volunteers are required each year to run Whistler Cup in a given year

290

Races have been run

235

Whistler Cup alumni went on to the World Cup skiing circuit

Countries that have been represented at Whistler Cup

3 Founding Members came up with the idea in 1993 to organize ‘Whistler Cup’

1 Country will win the coveted Whistler Cup this year

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General, Welcome Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry / 604.932.3677 Whistler Cup 2014! whistlerdental.com / Whistler’s Marketplace

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Whistler Cup • Coupe Whistler 2014 21