As an avid snowboarder, it shocked me to see a thriving ski hill in Drumheller Alberta; however, having learned on a river valley hill myself it should have came as no surprise such a small hill fosters such big dreams.
Having been opened for approximately 15 years, Drumheller Ski area faces constant challenges to keep the lift turning and the snow flying. One local is no stranger to facing challenges and is very glad the hill, like himself, rises to the occasion, giving him a place to train and ski. Jay Dekyser raced during the World Special Winter Games in Quebec last year.
"Fifth fastest in the country," exclaims Dekyser. He is proud of his accomplishments, as is the greater Drumheller community and his coach Martin McSwede -- Drumheller's lead torchbearer.
The hill, coincidentally, is located one hoodoo away from the cauldron site. "Having the flame come to this spot means a lot for our winter program and athletes such as Jay," said McSwede.
Without hills like the Drumheller ski area and their enduring spirit to provide the community with facilities and training programs, Alberta would be without many prominent Olympians and opportunities for athletes like Dekyser's love for skiing and the local hill are synonymous: it lets him "go real fast ... real fast." 
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