The Chat ski team is showing promise against stiff competition on the North Shore.
So far, Chat has competed in three races at Whistler/Blackcomb.
The latest race was Jan. 21 at the Pontiac Races Centre on Blackcomb.
According to coach Jamie Mani, conditions were great with the new snowfall.
"Barret Wylie, a Grade 10 racer, went on to place 13th out of 59 racers. The snowboarders on the team also put forth an excellent effort," Mani said. "Josh Hlagi, another Grade 10 racer, placed 12th out of 53 racers and Kerry Bates placed 18th. Newcomer to the team Jared Hlagi, a Grade 8 racer, made an impressive improvement by moving up to 25th spot, despite racing against students much older than himself."
Chat's team is made up of nine snowboarders and four skiers.
"I am pleased that the team has grown this year and we now have three female members racing for Chat," added Mani. "In her first race, Aliza Jacobs, a Grade 10 racer, placed fourth in her category.
I'm really encouraged by the enthusiasm and the youth of our team. I'm hoping that in the next couple of years we'll be able to send a team to the provincials. This team has that potential."
When the team isn't competing, they're training in the weight room at Chat.
"During our race days the racers practice on a demo course as well as participating in lessons, which focus on racing skills," Mani said. "It's quite a good package where they get lessons and racing specific experience. Logistically, it's a challenge to get to Whistler to race and compete, but the team is committed to training and improving."
Chat is in Whistler this weekend for their last North Shore League race. The zone finals are set for Feb. 17 at Blackcomb.
