Apex Mountain to host "Run for Brayden" this weekend

Photo: Contributed

Brayden Kuroda, Penticton mogul skier, has passed away at age 19.

Brayden Kuroda, Penticton mogul skier who died suddenly at age 19 this week, will be honoured at Apex Mountain where he honed his skills through a meet-up this weekend open to all. 

Called a "Run for Brayden," friends, family and the public are welcome to attend on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the top of the mogul course at Apex at 1:30 p.m., to then ski or snowboard down as a group.

Apex general manager said Kuroda was an important part of the community. 

"He was just such a fantastic role model to all of our up-and-comers," Shalman said. "Not just for his skiing prowess, and he obviously did incredibly well with where he got to be in the rankings, but he was a great member of our Apex community."

Shalman remembers Kuroda's energy, charisma and "full of life" attitude.

"It's just incredibly sad, and he is going to be incredibly missed by the whole Apex community," he said. "We are a little bit smaller resort so you really do get to know everybody and you get to know them really well ... it's just incredibly sad."

All are welcome Saturday, and following the run, a group photo is planned at the bottom of the run to offer "supportive love to Kenni and Berva," Kuroda's parents.

"If you're not able to ski or snowboard, it's a ten minute walk from the village, and if you're not able to walk we will provide snowmobile transport," Shalman said. 

Anyone needing transport or directions can check in at the administrative office when they arrive.