Peter Graham and Robyn Selby Smith won the top prizes at the Alberta Open Telemark Championships on Sunday (March 30) at Mount Norquay.
The event, which acted as a fundraiser for Right to Play, attracted 38 athletes of varying ability who all got a chance to win a provincial championship.
After two powder-filled runs, Canmore’s Graham took the men’s title over Erik Bakke of Calgary and Lincoln Smith. Graham is a FIS-level telemark skier and was the class of the field on the day on a course designed by retired Canadian coach Bruce Henry.
Australian Smith won the women’s title over Elana Butler and Alison Thompson, both of Calgary.
For the first year, the event featured a junior category. Eli Fischbuch of Cochrane won the top prize, followed by Lucas Hornyansky of Canmore. Wendy Kadar won the women’s master’s race, while Angie Keller and Carol Vorster grabbed the silver and bronze medal, respectively.
Earl Badger was crowned winner of the master men’s race, followed by Bill Brooks and Mark Hornyansky, both of Canmore.
“We had a very good response and were very happy with the turnout,” said organizer Mike Schragge.
Athletes had the option of taking a clinic before the race in order to gain more experience in the growing sport.
“We had a bit of snow, which was good for the clinics. The snow was very forgiving, especially for the advanced group which was on steeps and bumps,” Schragge said.
The event raised more than $1,000 for Right To Play and Schragge said it was a great end of the year event at Mount Norquay.
“Norquay made the event possible and I think a lot of people appreciated the fundraising aspect. It’s an important cause and the event also helps us identify talent for people who want to ski at a higher level,” Schragge said.
