Scott Downhill Race Series builds confidence in local riders

Fernie Alpine Resort is once again hosting the weekly Scott Downhill Race Series and Scott Development Race Series, as the programs continue to build skills and confidence for riders in [...]

Scott Downhill Race Series builds confidence in local riders Published 5:54 pm Friday, July 17, 2026 Fernie Alpine Resort is once again hosting the weekly Scott Downhill Race Series and Scott Development Race Series, as the programs continue to build skills and confidence for riders in the Elk Valley. Over the past 20-plus years, the race series has been a staple in the local downhill community. The development series is held every Tuesday throughout the summer and is designed for beginner and novice riders to hone their skills on blue and green runs in a fun, low-pressure environment (the series’ motto is “no pressure, no podiums”).

Thursday’s race series is for advanced riders, and tackles some of the more gnarly terrain on the mountain. Each week features a different trail, and racers earn points towards season standings. There are three categories for both male and female, and the overall winners from each will be announced after the final race on September 3rd.

Several of the participants in the Thursday race series also competed in last weekend’s Canada/BC Cup Race, that welcomes some of the best downhill racers in the world to Fernie. The goal of both series is progression, and on Thursday, July 16 two riders graduated from development and took part in their first race on steeper and more advanced terrain. Jan and Larry Hoffman, who will both turn 59-years-old in the fall, successfully navigated Will Power, a black run on the Elk Chair, and reached the finish line unscathed and smiling.

Larry took a fall during a practice run so completing the race in one piece was redemption. For Jan, it was about overcoming anxiety reaching a new milestone. “It was kind of nerve wracking, because it’s all the young kids and then the grandma and grandpa.

And it’s like, ‘oh my goodness,’ they are going so fast. I was so lucky to go last, so I didn’t hold anyone up,” Hoffman joked after the race. She credits the development series for giving the couple the confidence to make the jump to Thursday night competition.

“We went to all the (development) races last year except one. They get harder and harder and it just gives you more confidence and more flow. We ride with our boys.

One is 33 and the other is 20 and they ride all black runs, so they push us to ride. Getting that progression is so important.” Dylan Bartel and his two children, 14-year-old Raphaelle and 13-year-old Ezekiel, have been participating in the development series for the past four years.

They made the move to the downhill race series this season and Thursday was a humbling but proud moment for Dylan. For the first time, both Raphaelle and Ezekiel finished with a better time than dad. “It’s something indescribable to watch your kids start to ride a bike and then teach them and watch them get better and faster and more skilled,” said Bartel.

And then there’s this point when they can actually start riding the same runs as you and then there’s another point where they start doing the top of the mountain with you. And today is another milestone – where they surpass you.” The race series continues throughout the summer.

Entry is $8 and includes a timed run, a post-race beverage and draw prizes at Legends Mountain Eatery. Registration is available online and closes at 5:45 the day of each race. For more information visit www.skifernie.com.