Some teams withdraw due to snow conditions

The lack of snow isn’t just affecting recreational skiing and snowboarding in the province — it’s also having an impact on the upcoming BC Winter Games.

The BC Games Society says BC Alpine Ski, Freestyle BC, and BC Snowboard have withdrawn from the event due to what is being described as “unfavourable snow conditions in the host community.”

The Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games is set to take place from Feb. 22 to 25.

“A lack of snowpack on the mountain at Troll Ski Resort and the absence of heavy snowfall in the forecast influenced the final decision. Mountain-based sports, already facing a difficult and shortened winter season, require significant snowpack and technical venue builds to run safe and meaningful competition,” the BC Games Society said in a statement Thursday.

The society notes both Biathlon BC and Cross Country BC will attend the event “regardless of snow conditions,” adding they are “exploring modified scenarios for on-snow competition or dryland events.”

It says the Nordic Provincial Sport Organizations will connect with participants about updates before the Winter Games.

Indoor events at the 2024 games will not be affected by snow conditions, the BC Games Society says. It adds more than 1,200 participants from across the province are expected to take part in the three-day sporting event.