Yukon ski team has home advantage in Haywood Ski Nationals
Canada's top Nordic skiers are competing this week; 40 of them are representing the Yukon
Yukon's ski team has doubled in size at the Haywood Ski Nationals. That's because it's the home team this week at Mt. McIntyre in Whitehorse.
Coach Alain Masson says hosting the nationals provides opportunities for younger skiers with less experience. Some of the athletes are as young as 13 and 14.
"We have a lot of our developing athletes from the younger group or squads that are able to participate," he said.
"I think it's great for parents, their family, their friends to see where they sit just in terms of their competitiveness."
"It's awesome, it's really exciting," said the 20-year-old. "I've never raced at home before, especially for nationals."
World Cup skiers
There will be some familiar faces on the circuit, and some of the word's top skiers to keep an eye on.
"Obviously the national ski team skiers, Emily Nishikawa, Knute Johnsgaard, Dahria Beatty," said Coach Masson.
"Those would be the ones to look for because they are national team members, so they will usually be competitive depending on their level of freshness after a long season."
The Haywoods run at Mt. McIntyre until March 26.