The "Family" That Skis Together

Story, video and photos by Bridget Chavez

Link to Raw Interview here

Link to Story here

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. -- When it was over, the people involved called it a memorable year.

The Cleveland Metro Ski Council held its final race of the season at Bristol Mountain on March 4 and 5.  The group primarily races in New York and Ohio during the skiing and snowboarding season. 

The Council is made up of 24 ski clubs and more than 8,000 skiers and snowboarders, but regardless of the large size, members said everyone is close with one another.

"We found our people,"skier Keri Cavanaugh said. "We pretty much call it a family," She and friend Emily Paris met through the group. The two raced alongside wearing matching inflatable unicorn costumes just for added fun, they said.

"So many people don't understand," Paris said.

Competition at your own level 

In addition to the fun and spunk the group brings, members compete with one another for the best time out of three races. Racers are divided into classes based on ability, and Race Committee Chair Becky Bertuzzi said all ages are welcome to compete.

"It doesn't matter what your ability level is, you'll be racing with people of the same ability," Bertuzzi said. 

Something special

Larry Steele has been skiing since the 1970s and still hasn't grown tired of the sport and said it's his "good genes" that allow the 70-year-old to continue to ski competitively.

"I like to ski," Steele said. "I just do. It's fun and I just like being outside in the winter."

Although they all come from different backgrounds, the one thing each member has in common is their love for the sport and the outdoors.

"Skiing is unlike anything else," Cavanaugh said. "There's a moment where you have quality time by yourself as well as quality time with other people doing the same sport."

Here's a look at the weekend in photos. Click on any picture to start slide show.