The 2024 FIS World Criterium Masters Alpine Skiing is being held for the first time in Canada with the Dreadnaught Ski Racing at Kimberley Alpine Resort.

Competitors have come from all over the world, including Chile, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, the USA and Canada. Competitors range from 30 years old to well into their 80s.

Peter Krassel, from Austria, has a special reason for attending the World Masters.

He was a ski coach for North Star Mountain (now known as Kimberley Alpine Resort) in the winter of 1966 /1967.  Fellow Austrian Dieter Kindl, the Ski Director, then invited Krassel.

Kindl coached local heroes such as Lorne Coulter, who pioneered flips on 205 cm skis.

Krassel coached the youth racing team and took them to the local races.

He commented on the 1960s. “The young people I trained were very committed and talented. The ski area was smaller, with hardly any houses. Everything was simpler back then. The racetracks were not very well prepared. There was less equipment, no helmets, body protectors and racing suits. The poles were made of wood. The skis were old-style, long and skinny.

“Racers’ times were done by hand. The conditions in Canada were equivalent to those in Austria back then. I remember this time very fondly and enjoyed being in Kimberley. The locals warmly welcomed me and made me feel at home.”

Krassel, now in his 80s, has been racing this week at Kimberley despite mother nature dumping 87 cm of snow and airlines losing his and his teammate’s skis for the first few days.

The Austrian team had their skis delivered by a local volunteer who helped them track them down. The team is so grateful they have made a donation that will go to help young Kimberely ski racers.

Lead image: Peter Krassel and Eva-Maria. Photo by Jane Davies

e-KNOW

Article Share