Mountain snow racing fans are in for a treat this weekend.
The two ski resorts in closest proximity to Prince George are each hosting major events.
Purden Ski Village, located 45 minutes east of the city off Highway 16, is the site of the Teck Resources Ltd./BC Alpine northern zone slalom ski races Saturday and Sunday.
Among the dozens of skiers blasting out of the start gate at Purden will be 30 nationally-carded athletes who range in age from 11-18. They will represent clubs based in Smithers, Quesnel, Mackenzie. Williams Lake, and Terrace, as well as the host Prince George Alpine Ski Club.
Tight turns, smooth approaches, quick reactions, as well as nerves of steel, are required to successfully negotiate the slalom course, which will be lined with closely-spaced poles that skiers will hit as they pass by in their rapid plunges down the hill, racing against each other and the clock.
Spectators are welcome, but will require lift tickets to access race viewing areas.
Meanwhile, at Tabor Mountain Ski Resort, a 20-minute drive east of downtown, more than 100 athletes from eight countries are entered in the two-day NorAm snowboardcross races.
The event features competitors from Canada, United States, Austria, England, Japan, Korea Australia and New Zealand. That will set the stage for an even larger international field expected for next week's NorAm snowboardcross races, Thursday and Friday at Tabor.
Spectators are also welcome and can hike up the hill for the best views of the course.
In snowboardcross, four racers take off at the same time down a course which includes wide-bermed corners, roller-coaster bumps and large jumps. The top two racers in each elimination heat advance to the next round.
