Red Mountain Racer Soleil Patterson is well on her way to realizing her dream of joining the world’s elite downhill skiers following her podium finishes at the FIS Alpine races in Kimberley earlier this month.
In just her second season on the International Ski Federation (FIS) circuit, the Rossland native captured gold in the Super-G at the Kimberley Alpine Resort, and followed that up with two silver medals in Super-G and Downhill, and fourth and fifth place finishes in the downhill and slalom.
The results are impressive considering the 17-year-old skier competes against racers who spend all year race training on snow, while she spends most of her summers dry-land training.
“Up to now my days on snow during the off season have been limited to short camps at Mount Hood, unlike many of my peers who have been able to afford trips to places such as Chile, Europe, and Colorado,” says Patterson. “This summer with the BC team taught me a lot about heavy lifting and how to work hard in all of my dry-land. Although, even without the ideal amount of days on snow preseason, I have found success in racing.”
Patterson will compete in the U18 Canadian National Alpine Championships in Collingwood, Ont. Feb. 23-26. The Rossland native hopes to one day crack the line up of the Canadian Alpine ski team and follow in the footsteps of Nancy Greene, Lindsay Roberts, Kerrin Lee Gartner, and other Kootenay skiers.
“Someday I want to be on the Canadian Alpine Team and race the Cortina Downhill (in Italy),” said Patterson. “Red Mountain is my home. Growing up as a ski racer in this small town has taught me everything I know … I have been fortunate to make dozens of close friends in almost every province, and even other countries.”
Support Soleil in her training plan by helping her achieve her goals at www.gofundme.com/f42hymjn.