This year Burnside High School had 10 students competing at Mt Hutt Ski field in the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Ski & Snowboard Championships on Thursday 13 August.

Competitors have to carve their way down a course dodging slalom gates at up to 80km/hr.

They get two timed attempts each and weight can be a big advantage. Many crash out and, in the past, there have been some bad injuries. Luckily the course conditions were not too dangerously icy.

Although they were up against apparent semi-professionals from schools that wear Lycra onesies and skis developed in wind-tunnel testing, they all held their own! The most notable performer was Beck Faloon-Cavander, a rising star who, despite being Year 9 and almost half the weight of many other competitors, still managed to come 2nd overall in the Snowboard event.

The weather held out just long enough for the competition to finish before the clouds rolled in bringing the day to a halt at lunchtime. A great day was had by all, well worth taking the time away from classes. Thanks to Miss Lewis for helping me on the day also!

Mr Addison

SISS Ski & Snowboard Championships, 19 September

This year only three students attended this event at Cardrona Ski Field in Wanaka, the Morrison brothers - Liam, Harrison and Brayden. Thanks to their dad, Mike, who transported and managed them for their two-day trip.