It was a week or so ago now, but the X Wing Rally seemed like a pretty wacky competition, so thought you all ought to know what went down at Fernie, BC...

On March 2nd 2007 the brave (and those whose flights could make it out of the storm of the year in Eastern Canada) made their way to Fernie BC for the first Annual Salomon X Wing Rally.

Fernie Alpine Resort is where 20 teams of 3 embarked on a 7 hour adventure/ scavenger hunt type mission. Every region in Canada was represented by hungry participants vying for the title and the grand prize; the trip of a lifetime to the Transalp X-Wing Rally. Seven resorts in seven days; a skiing and driving experience through the Alps.

The eager contenders were required to explore the entire mountain to find a series of strategically placed checkpoints. The skiers were equipped with the ultimate all-mountain weapon: the Salomon X-Wing Ski.

Blood, sweat, tears dignity and morals were shed before the last checkpoint of the day at 4:05pm.

Saturday night the Rally Officers presented the winning team with a giant boarding pass to Europe with 3 names on it. Chris Center (Vancouver, BC), Paul Player (Vancouver, BC) and Carlos Strachan (Whistler, BC) will be representing Canada at the Saab Salomon Trans-Alp X Wing Rally in late March 2007.

The second place team from Fernie, BC, with Kirk Gutzman, Shawn Clarke, and Justin Beohm at the helm will be receiving a pair of 2008 X Wing skis of their choice.

Tied for third place from Fernie Sports were Karen Galbraith, Jason Howlett, and Chris Little and The JRT Cowboys from Fernie and Jasper; Tom Clarke, Scott Gilmet, Dave Gilmet. Each team member took home a Suunto S6 wristop computer.

The after party with The Mad Bomber Society, a six piece Ska band from Edmonton kicked the party and celebrations into full force at the Griz Bar.

On Saturday March 3rd Salomon asked a selected group of skiers to embrace adventure and exploration, judging by the smiles and bails everyone had a great day at Fernie Alpine Resort.

Stay tuned for information on the 2008 Salomon X Wing Rally at www.xwingrally.com.