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It started as a dream to create the best Race Training Centre possible for Paralympic Athletes. Kimberley Alpine Resort has a long history of supporting Race Training that dates back to the 60’s and 70’s with athletes like Gerry Sorenson.
Gerry Sorensen Lenihan began skiing at the age of 10 in Kimberley, BC where she was born in 1958. Sorensen was named Canada’s “Top Female Athlete”, Sport B.C.’s “Top Senior”, and “Top Overall Athlete” in 1982. Named #1 in the world for the Downhill Event for the 1982-83 season. In 1984, she won her 4th World Cup victory in 3 years in the Downhill Course at Puy St. Vincent, France.
Gerry set the tone for athletic excellence and both Kimberley’s community and Kimberley Alpine Resort have not looked back.
Continuing with athletic excellence and dedication to the sport, Annie and Jerry Johnston started Canada’s first disabled skiing program and so began the tradition of Kimberley becoming the destination for disabled training and racing. Jerry assumed duties as the President and Executive Director in of the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS) in 1976 and received Federal Charter as non-profit organization in 1979.
Significant Dates in the history of CADS & the development at Kimberley Alpine Resort
| 1976: Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS) established in April. Jerry Johnston assumes duties as President and Executive Director. |
| 1979: CADS receives Federal Charter as non-profit organization. |
| 1980: CADS assists with formation of Provincial Associations - (Divisions). There are 10 Divisions across Canada. |
| 1988: CADS Jerry Johnston heads the Disabled Skiing Exhibition at the Calgary Olympic Games which included both alpine and cross country skiing. |
| 1990: CIBC becomes the major sponsor of the Disabled Ski Championships Competitors from World Championships move to Kimberley BC for CIBC Disabled Ski Championships. CTV coverage of event continues. |
| 1997: Canadian Disabled Ski Festival & Championship held at Kimberley, BC and had competitors from, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, South Africa, Japan, USA and Canada. |
| In 2005, the concept of creating a centre of excellence for paralympic training began to take shape with the creation of the dedicated training run at Kimberley Alpine Resort on the Dreadnaught. That winter brought the world to Kimberley with the following event: |
Kimberley, BC – January 14, 2005
With two medals and two personal bests at the opening races for the World Cup season in Colorado this week, the Canadian Disabled Alpine Ski Team heads to the Kimberley Alpine Resort in south-eastern British Columbia Saturday, for the TELUS-IPC World Cup for the Disabled.
Featuring 80 athletes from 11 countries, the only Canadian stop on the international disabled Alpine World Cup circuit will feature four races and possible day of downhill training. Presented for the first time by TELUS as the Canadian title sponsor, the World Cup starts Monday with a Super G followed by another Super G Tuesday, two downhills Thursday and Friday.
Canada will field 15 athletes and 2 guides at the Kimberley races, including six from the Alpine Canada Alpin development team for disabled athletes.
Why is Kimberley Alpine Resort the Ideal Race Training Venue?
Kimberley Alpine Resort has runs and terrain suitable for all alpine disciplines. The Dreadnaught run offers fantastic training for all disciplines including DH training, Super G, Slalom and Giant Slalom. It has a variety of terrain offering a variety of course setting options for each discipline. It has a state of the art Finish Building and Start Building.
For more details or bookings, please call: groups@skikimberley.com
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