The Snowboard Cross World Cup returns to Blue Mtn in beautiful Collingwood, Ontario, Canada for a second year.

The course will once again be descending down the front face of Blue Mtn on Smart Alec finishing in the village. Riders can look forward to more spectators then the previous year because this year, the event will be taking place on a Saturday instead of a weekday. And don't forget, this venue is ideal for spectators given its location which is close to Toronto, the largest city in Canada.

Blue Mtn makes for a great snowboard cross venue not only for slope characteristics but also for snow. One of the main elements that a snowboard cross venue requires is snow and there is no shortage of snow at Blue Mtn although tit was raining over the past days. 

Blue Mountain has the bragging rights for having the largest snowmaking system in North America. Utilizing an automated gate valve system Blue Mtn can start their snowmaking system at a moment’s notice pumping an astounding 12,000 gallons of water per minute uphill.

 Taking the successes from the event last year and always looking to modify and improve there will be some noticeable changes on course this year.

Operationally the course will be run with a four man format this year instead of a six man format.

With the course being primarily for snowboard cross this year the start straight will be more technical than last year. The course will maintain it`s open straights up top with some minor alignment changes which should help open up the course.

The rollers through the flats before the escarpment jump will be toned down this year as well the corner before the escarpment jump will be opened up slightly due to some summer brushing.

On the face of Smart Alec (The Twins) which were the two large jumps on the upper portion of the run last year will be moved downhill to where the slope gradients are less.

This will allow for the upper section of Smart Alec to resemble an oversized banked slalom that flows from corner to corner. With the increased flow we will also see an increase in passing opportunities.

Having the larger jumps on a lesser gradient will allow the athletes to approach the landing zones from a lower elevation. This will allow the jumps to be made with more of a step over feel once again adding to the increased flow of the course.

The finish area alignment will be also changed. This will add more length to the course and additionally help to accommodate the crowds expected on a busy Saturday at the popular Blue Mountain Resort.

Blue Mountain is a great setting for a World Cup Snowboard Ccross that has scenic views of Georgian Bay from the top of the course. Having been a great host to past events the Snowboard Cross World Cup is excited to be back for yet another season. The racing should be spectacular for those watching on hill as well for those catching the action worldwide.

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