Listen to this article
Approximately 4 minutes
The audio version of this article was created using artificial intelligence technology. Pronunciation errors may occur. We work with our partners to continually analyze and improve results.
On Friday, atop a mountain from Vernon in British Columbia's interior, last-minute preparations were underway for the national Olympic cross-country skiing competition.
Just 10 days before the start of the race, the competition had to be postponed due to lack of snow. from Prince George to the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club reserve location.
Marcus Boyle, a volunteer and events co-ordinator at the club, said “everyone pulled together” as they prepared the mountain for the challenge, which begins on Sunday.
“Event this weekend [is] for the benefit of the athletes so they can best achieve their Olympic dreams,” Boyle said.
He said the Sovereign Lake club was disappointed with the Prince George's team. Caledonia Ski Centerknowing how much work went into preparation.
But he said Sovereign Lake was interested in taking over because more than 100 Olympic hopefuls were set to compete to represent Team Canada.
Boyle said the season has already been incredibly busy for the Sovereign Lake Volunteer team, with several high-profile cross-country and biathlon meets in the last few weeks.
But when the call came after the venue change, Boyle says all volunteer positions were filled within a day.
“I have never seen so much enthusiasm from our volunteers,” said the coordinator.
Hundreds of skiers will compete for a spot on Team Canada starting this Sunday. For the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy, there are four spots available for men and six for women. The venue was changed at the last minute to interior British Columbia, CBC correspondent Jacqueline Gelineau reports.
Boyle and a team of volunteers worked day and night preparing the trails for the national competition.
While Prince George didn't have enough snow for testing, Silverstar Mountain, where the Sovereign Lake trails are located, was getting a lot of snow.
“With so much snow, it's great, but it also makes it difficult to maintain,” Boyle said.
He said wet snow is great for making snowmen, but not ideal for racing or grooming because it is sticky.
Crews run groomers at 1 a.m. daily to make sure the racetrack is ready.
Athletes getting ready
The Olympic trials begin on Sunday, December 14th.and ends on December 16th.
More than 100 athletes are vying for a total of 10 spots on Canada's cross-country team at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics – four spots for men and six for women.
Team Yukon coach Jen McKeigan said she has prepared her athletes to remain calm in the face of uncertainty, such as a last-minute change of venue.
“We always tell them, worry about what's under your control and don't worry about what's not under your control,” the coach told CBC News as he waxed an athlete's skis.
While the trek from Prince George to Sovereign Lake may seem jarring, Vernon skier Tuski Klashka said the vast majority of athletes competing have spent time on the Sovereign Lake trails.
“Everyone here grew up for early snow camps. It doesn’t matter where you’re from in Canada, you … come to Sovereign Lake,” Klashka said.
He said his home club often holds competitions early in the season because they are located at a high altitude and receive reliable snowfall early in the season.
Klaska said over the years he has seen Sovereign Lake Nordic Club volunteers step up time and time again to support the ski community, from elite racers to beginners.
“We wouldn't be able to host if we didn't have such a good community here, and that's one thing I'm grateful for,” the athlete said.
Klashka said he was also grateful for the opportunity to sleep in his own bed before trying to make his first Olympic team.
:quality(85):upscale()/2025/12/10/015/n/49351757/93afa3c3693a00a4a70a62.85021094_.jpg?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1 "Popsugar Feel-Good Awards Sex Winners 2025")
