Okanagan Ski Team (FIS)
What happens as athletes age out of BWSC?
At age 16, athletes have a number of avenues to continue skiing. Those wishing to move to the FIS level, can do so by joining the Okanagan Ski Team (OST). BWSC works in cooperation with the 5 alpine ski clubs in the Okanagan (Apex, Big White, Revelstoke, Vernon and Sun Peaks) to support OST. This team allows 16+ age racers who wish to train and compete at the FIS level to do together as a group representing the Okanagan. The OST Team participates at a higher level of competition and training by applying for a FIS (International Ski Federation) competitor card. FIS cards allow racers to accrue FIS points after each FIS race finish.
Note - BWSC now has a U19 team (ages 16-18), who would like to continue to train and compete at the National level (National Competitor Card) rather than FIS (International level).
All Area Passes can be applied for by these athletes to ski, race or train at any hill at no extra charge with just one season pass (at a low cost special rate). Along with generous subsidies from BC Alpine, the Okanagan Alpine Zone Association and the 4 home clubs it provides more affordable yearly fees.
The FIS racing circuit allows our athletes to compete with athletes from around the province as well as from other provinces at each event. Making the decision to join the OST FIS team involves a commitment to additional off-season dryland and on-snow training and the opportunity to train more day’s on-snow than in the past.
Racing on our OST team is an awesome experience of athletic excellence that can lead to university scholarships and is the pathway to the BC Development Team and the Canadian Alpine Ski Team.
- Ages 16+
For more info on the FIS Alpine program, visit their website at http://www.fis-ski.com/alpine-skiing/
