Ski races are more than going down the hill as fast as possible. It’s a team effort with lots of volunteers working crazy hours supporting the racers. 

In the winter of 2024 I got a chance to take photos at the NORAM race in Mont Ste Marie ski resort north of Ottawa. It’s an international ski race just one level down from the World Cup with many skiers going on to compete at the top international level.

Our family has been part of the ski community there for decades and I know how much effort goes into hosting an international event. 

Volunteers can work 12-18 hours a day timing the races, setting and resetting courses, filling in holes in the snow and even salting the hill to stabilize the melting ice. In 2024 the North American also included some athletes from Europe because of the lack of snow there.

These photos are about the skiers and the people who make it all happen.