A trio of freestyle skiers from B.C.’s northern capital are taking part in what is said to be a first for girls in the sport.
After a year of impressive performances on slopes across the province, Autumn Knudsen, Carla Van Zyl, and Ella Vonah, all members of the Northern B.C. Freestyle Club, have all signed up to take part in Girlstylerz, a camp for female athletes to harness their skills.
This is the first annual three-day event being held in Whistler, where the girls will be receiving specialized training for development in whichever form of freestyle they choose, ranging from slopestyle skiing, to moguls and aerials.
Girlstylerz ultimate goal is for the athletes to have a smooth transition from the fundamental level of competition to the provincial level and beyond, including helpful tips from Olympian coaches.
The three local skiers, ages 11 and 12, all earned several hardware this season, including a combined four medals from the Kootenay Freestyle Classic at Panorama Mountain Resort last month.
“The girls have a special bond that the sport of Freestyle has given them,” said Northern B.C. Freestyle spokesperson Jess Hudson in an email to PrinceGeorgeMatters. “They are all very excited to participate in this weekend’s training and festivities to learn, strengthen and empower girls in the sport of Freestyle skiing.”
Knudsen earned a silver in Under-14 ladies slopestyle, Van Zyl took home a silver as well in the Under-12 ladies category, and Vonah came out on top with a gold in the same division, along with a silver in Under-12 ladies moguls.
They are all five-year members of the club, which operates on Tabor Mountain during their season.
Girlstylerz takes place today through to Sunday (April 28).
