Hope’s own Stephanie Blue and Jessica Kyle competed in last weekend’s Cascade Cup together with 34 other keen Nordic skiers.
Stephanie Blue came second in the 15-kilometre female 18 plus category with a final time of 1:48:32, with Jessica Kyle a close third in the same group with a final time of 1:51:53.
The Nordic race took place at Manning Park Resort’s Lightning Lake Feb. 13. It was a classic Nordic “loppet”, a long distance cross-country skiing event.
Organizer Jo Hughes said the weather was not great, but snow conditions were consistent allowing for a smooth ride for the 36 participants. People came from across the Lower Mainland, with some from as far away as Kamloops, to compete.
One female para-athlete, 55-year-old North Vancouver resident Maya Jonas, completed a 15-kilometre stretch with a final time of 2:09:23.
“Takes some gumption I’d have to say, to ski down those hills without being able to see them. So she wears a headset and her guide has a microphone and basically skis with her and talks her through it as they go,” Hughes said. “Definitely no slouch in the skiing department, she beat lots of people.
Community members from East Gate and Hope volunteered their time to make sure skiers got through the 15- and 30- kilometre events safely.
