Big names in the world of ski cross are in North Bay this weekend
A major ski cross event is taking place in North Bay this weekend.
While the competition at Laurentian Ski Hill is for young skiers many members of the National Team and former Olympians are on hand.
About 70 youth athletes from across both Ontario and Quebec have made the trek to North Bay for the Live Like Miki Fundraiser.
"It's absolutely unbelievable this has never happened in northern Ontario, that I know of,” said coach Jason Sullivan.
“To have 10 World Cup athletes on a small hill, in North Bay, Ont. is pretty amazing. I'm just so ‘tickled pink’ that these guys are here, the athletes are in heaven."
Two of the A-list athletes have strong connections to the area – Olympic skiers Hannah and Jared Schmidt’s parents grew up in North Bay.
"We're here just to help out the younger athletes and watch them kind of grow threw out the weekend,” said Hannah.
“I think having the technical and that kind of background, hearing that from us is pretty cool for them and I think they really enjoy it."
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Jared told CTV News it was ‘cool’ to be here in the winter and see the ski hill city has to offer.
"Out west, it's pretty strong, the ski cross community – but to have this happening in the east, from where we're from, where my families from it's super special to see here,” said Jared.
The Schmidts say they are hoping that this event will inspire more young skiers to work towards bigger goals like the Olympics or the National Team.
"It's really cool to watch all these athletes rip down this track, ski down and progress even through the first few runs and make those changes and come at it with different approaches,” said Jared.
“It's really cool to see the younger and even the older athletes in the 15-16 age group, develop and ski faster."
The event will wrap up on Sunday.
For more information on the event, visit the Laurentian Ski Hill’s Facebook page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Northern B.C., Alberta and all of Ontario under 'high' to 'extreme' wildfire risk: What to know
There's a heightened risk of wildfires across the country during what has been one of the earliest fire seasons on record. From British Columbia to Nova Scotia, here's where the risk is highest.

'Tragedies occur far too often': Canada Safety Council shares swimming safety tips
With the summer swimming season fast approaching, the Canada Safety Council is reminding people to be careful and take measures to prevent drowning, especially after three children died just days apart.
Provinces must seek anti-smoking measures in Big Tobacco settlement: health groups
Three national health organizations want Canada's premiers to push for initiatives to reduce smoking during settlement negotiations with major tobacco companies, years after provinces sued to recoup health-care costs.
WATCH | Dashcam video shows out-of-control Nova Scotia wildfire
Dashcam footage shows the extent of the Tantallon wildfire as it raged in Hammonds Plains, N.S.
Body of 12-year-old Winnipeg boy who fell into Sturgeon Falls found
The body of a 12-year-old boy from Winnipeg who fell into Sturgeon Falls on Saturday has been found.
Giraffe at Calgary zoo died from a broken neck, investigation reveals
Officials with the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo have released more information about the death of Emara, a 12-year-old Masai giraffe, earlier this month.
Halifax-area wildfire still out of control, 'many' structures destroyed
Officials say a wildfire that began in the Upper Tantallon, N.S., area Sunday afternoon is ongoing and still not under control.
OBITUARY | Quebec actor Michel Cote, known for film and theatre roles, dead at 72
Quebec actor Michel Cote, who captivated audiences with his roles in the theatre piece 'Broue' and films such as 'Cruising Bar' and C.R.A.Z.Y.,' has died at 72.
Albertans head to polls in what's expected to be very close election between UCP, NDP
In Alberta today, the United Conservative Party is looking to win a second consecutive majority government while the NDP is fighting to regain the office it lost in 2019.