Whitehorse Daily Star

Image title

Photo by Vince Fedoroff

HITS THE CORNER – Tori Vollmer carves through a bend in the course during the Giant Slalom race at Mount Sima on Saturday. Alpine Yukon hosted its two-day 2021 Yukon Cup over the weekend.

Image title

Photo by Vince Fedoroff

ON YOUR MARK – Noe Kwan-Teau gets a good view from the top of Mount Sima as he stares down the race course before taking off.

Image title

Photo by Vince Fedoroff

AROUND THE POLES – Above, Lowell Minifie skis in the Slalom race Sunday.

Image title

Photo by Vince Fedoroff

Mackenzie Jenner races in the Giant Slalom.

Image title

Photo by Vince Fedoroff

Emilien Roy.

Image title

Photo by Vince Fedoroff

Annie Heffner.

Image title

Photo by Vince Fedoroff

Anasstasiya Matlashevska.

Image title

Photo by Vince Fedoroff

Alexandros Wilson.

Image title

Photo by Vince Fedoroff

Sebastien de Jager.

Image title

Photo by Vince Fedoroff

Piper Wolsky.

Skiers speed toward the Yukon Cup

It was a busy weekend on the slopes at Mount Sima for Alpine Yukon.

By John Tonin on March 11, 2021

It was a busy weekend on the slopes at Mount Sima for Alpine Yukon.

Under sunny skies and mild temperatures, the club hosted its two-day event, the 2021 Yukon Cup, akin to a Yukon Championships.

The athletes involved competed in giant slalom and slalom. Alpine Yukon coach Urs Shirmer said along with the club's athletes, the Yukon Cup was also open to the public.

For the club athletes, it has been a difficult year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Shirmer said the skiers showed great improvement.

"The athletes all did amazing," said Shirmer. "We saw a big difference from the beginning to the end of the season. We couldn't compete in Outside competition, so it was sometimes hard to get them going in practice. But they were looking forward to this weekend."

Last year, Alpine Yukon coaches and athletes were preparing for the Arctic Winter Games which were cancelled on March 7.

"It was difficult for everyone," said Shirmer. "It was a bummer, especially for the older kids. But, all the kids came back and we had a great atmosphere and got more young kids coming out.

"It is amazing we have the hill. All the clubs worked together with the restrictions in place."

Because there was no Outside travel to competitions, Shirmer said the focus on the season was technique.

"They picked it up quick," said Schirmer. "They could really train it. We also implemented a new timing system this year. So, we were able to simulate races which motivated the athletes."

Alpine Yukon president Matt Jenner said it was an excellent weekend of competition.

"The 2021 Yukon Cup was a really fun skiing event and well attended," said Jenner. "Many athletes, volunteers, moms and dads, sponsors are calling this the Best Yukon Cup Ever. The perseverance and dedication by alpine skiing athletes and coaches is truly amazing.

"The level of skill and development of our athletes has been noticed by many clubs outside Yukon, especially over the last 12-months. Alpine Yukon kids are a high-powered, well-trained group of athletes ready to deliver some serious competition."

The athletes did two runs on each the slalom and giant slalom. To be eligible for the Yukon Cup, athletes had to race all four of their runs.

Giant Slalom results:

Since the athletes skied two runs, the final time presented is a cumulation of both their run times.

Tori Vollmer took the U16 female class speeding down the mountain in 1:32.24. Minifie Jordan and Annie Heffner placed second and third respectively.

The U16 male victor was Mackenzie Jenner, 1:44.84. He was followed by Alex Arsenault and Louis Mouchat.

Ellyann Dinn took the U14 female race in 1:37.93. Julia Florentin was second and Abigail Jackson third.

The U14 male champion was Alexandros Wilson, 1:43.61. Carson Nelson and Noe Kwan-Teau followed.

Grace Allaway took the U12 female title. Corbin Minifie and Molly Milner joined her on the podium.

Thomas Vollmer took the U12 male category in 1:40.57. Gregory Yurkiv and Paxton Nelson were the runner-ups.

The Open female winner was Ava Milner. Erin Kohler and Sara Burke-Forsyth also medalled.

Clayton Chapman was the top Open male skier. Brian Thompson and Taras Yurkiv weren't far off the winning pace.

Slalom results:

Tori Vollmer found herself on top of the podium again on the second day of competition taking her category in 1:28.21. Annie Heffner was only 1.71 seconds off first and Piper Wolsky was third.

Mackenize Jenner was the only U16 male athlete to compete, his time was 1:32.85.

Ellyann Dinn was a two-time winner on the weekend taking the U14 female race in 1:32.10. Abigail Jackson was second and Julia Florentin was third.

Carson Nelson took the U14 male race in 1:38.63. Alexandros Wilson was only 0.36 seconds behind.

Grace Allaway struck gold twice in the U12 female race. Corbin Minifie found herself on the podium again and Josephine de Jager earned third.

Thomas Vollmer stood atop the podium in first again in slalom winning the U12 male race. Paxton Nelson was second and Zachary Ball third.

Jamie Nickel was the Open female victor in 1:30.91. Josie Storey and Abby Hawes were second and third respectively.

Clayton Chapman took the Open male race with a total time of 1:18.22. Thomas de Jager was second and Ron Johnson placed third.

Be the first to comment

Add your comments or reply via Twitter @whitehorsestar

In order to encourage thoughtful and responsible discussion, website comments will not be visible until a moderator approves them. Please add comments judiciously and refrain from maligning any individual or institution. Read about our user comment and privacy policies.

Your name and email address are required before your comment is posted. Otherwise, your comment will not be posted.