FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2023

BIG WHITE’S KAEL OBERLANDER QUALIFIES FOR YOUTH OLYMPICS

Big White Ski Club alumni and now first year racer of the Okanagan Ski Team (OST), Kael Oberlander, recently took Women’s Double Gold at the FIS Ski Cross races at Nakiska Ski Resort. This qualified her to compete at the Youth Olympic Games for Ski Cross in Gangwon, South Korea in January 19 to February 1, 2024. 

Finley Cashin, a third year OST racer, who also began his ski racing career with the Big White Ski Club, finished 12th on Saturday and 10th  on Sunday in the Men’s Nor-AM category.

Kael and Finley both grew up skiing at Big White Ski Resort with their families and as members of the Big White Ski Club. Kael began skiing at the age of three taking lessons from the Big White Mountain Resort Ski School.  When Kael was in grade two, the Oberlander family moved to the resort and Kael began training with the Big White Ski Club. Last March, Kael was double Gold Winner at the Big White U16 Ski Cross Race.  In 2022, Finley won double Gold at the first FIS race hosted by Big White Ski Club and Big White Ski Resort. 

The Ski Club with the generous support of Big White Ski Resort will be hosting the U14-FIS Ski Cross Provincial Finals March 7 to 10, 2024.   

The Ski Cross team representing Canada at the 2024 Youth Olympics for the women are Kael Oberlander (Okanagan Ski Team) and Anne-Marie Joncas (Whistler Ski Club), and for the men Cole Merrett and Kael Johnston from Alberta. 

Above: Kael Oberlander wins double Gold at the Nakiska FIS Ski Cross event.

About the Big White Ski Club: The Big White Ski Club is a non-profit organization that for over 70 years has provided world-class alpine ski training.  We take pride in developing strong skiers and athletes beginning at age six through our specialized programs including Ski Cross training.  The club has coached and trained Kelowna area skiers to the potential of the World Cup Alpine Level. Notable club members include 2018 Olympic Gold and 2014 Olympic Silver medalist Kelsey Serwa, as well as National team alumni Olympian Gary Athans, Wade Christie (recent BWSC coach), Derek Trussler (current OST coach), Dr. Ryan Oughtred and Rick Ito.  

Learn More about the Big White Ski Club: www.bigwhiteskiclub.com 

Download More Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11UXJz4sO96b6uBdUoucLJaJpzK_QFWoE?usp=sharing

Contact: Andre Thomas
Email: sxcoordinator@bigwhiteskiclub.com