Whistler (BC), Canada – Some of Canada’s elite young ski racers are currently in Whistler preparing for an introduction to international level competition as Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA), the governing body of ski racing in Canada, concludes its 2009-10 season focused on developing future ski racing champions.nThe IRIS “Vision to the Top” ski camp takes place today through Wednesday in preparation for the 2010 Whistler Cup, bringing together the top K1 and K2 (11- to 14-year-olds) in Canada. The camp is considered a key benchmark for the next generation of Canadian ski racers, some of whom participated in last month’s President’s Choice Canadian K2 Championships in Collingwood, Ontario.

“The athletes invited to participate in Whistler have been identified as elite skiers nationally for their age. The IRIS ‘Vision to the Top’ ski camp focuses on having fun while building a team atmosphere within ski racers this age. The goal is to develop winning habits and provide a key introduction to the ski racer development process in Canada,” said ACA National Development Director, Benoit Lalande, the Canadian Whistler Cup team leader.

“These events also provide a unique opportunity for provincial level coaches to communicate and share ideas with each other, resulting in a stronger and more unified program nationally,” said Lalande.

The camp will include training and instruction, as well as time trials to determine the Canadian team at the Whistler Cup.

ACA will announce the Canadian team participating in the Whistler Cup next week. The Canadian team will be defending its overall title for the second time in three years when the 2010 Whistler Cup kicks off this Friday in Whistler.