Schweitzer Mountain to host USTSA National Telemark Race

SANDPOINT — They weren't sure if they were going to be able to pull it off, but it looks like the weather has cooperated. Schweitzer Mountain Resort and The Outdoor Experience will once again, host the USTSA (United States Telemark Ski Association) Nationals from Feb. 24-27.

The best telemark racers in the country will meet at Schweitzer for this prestigious national competition, which is the only one of this caliber in the United States.

Open to all levels, novice to pro classes, the four-day race will include slalom, sprint classic, giant slalom and classic terrain competitions. The races will be held on Upper Ridge Run from the top of Chair One, and spectators are welcome.

Feb. 24th

Slalom: A very quick turning, visually exciting event, the telemark slalom courses are set to the same USSA and FIS standards as World Cup Alpine Racing.

Feb. 25th

Sprint classic: This is a shorter, two run version of the classic terrain event.

Feb. 26th

Giant slalom: This race consists of speed and longer radius turns, set to the same USSA and FIS World Cup standards with the addition of a jump. The jump, which is one meter high, has two sets of distance lines below it. One set for men and one set for women. The competitor must clear their set of lines and land in a Telemark stance to stay penalty free.

Feb. 27th

Classic terrain: This is the race that gives Telemark racing its individuality. This one run race combines the technical turning aspects of the giant slalom and distance jumping with the addition of cross country skating and a 360 degree (loop of rope) turn in a single run.

This event is a true test of ones Nordic and alpine ability, often taking over three minutes to complete

Pyramid Beer awards parties will be held each day at 4 p.m. Registration ranges from $25 for one event to $75 to race all four events.

"We are very proud to host the Telemark Nationals again this year," said Patrick Werry, Schweitzer's events manager. "We had great feedback from the racers last year and we're looking forward to making it an even better event this year. We're quite relieved that the snow conditions have remained as good as they have and that we are able to go ahead with the competition."

Schweitzer and The Outdoor Experience are no strangers to Telemark ski racing having hosted the Selkirk Classic, a two-day telemark event for the past 24 years.

The U.S. Telemark Ski Association (USTSA) is a nonprofit organization with the goal of promoting telemark skiing and ultimately establishing it as an Olympic sport.

For details, registration and lodging for the U.S. Telemark Nationals competition please call Kevin Nye at The Outdoor Experience in Sandpoint at (208) 263-6028 or visit www.outexp.com. Those interested in volunteering at the U.S. Telemark Nationals should contact Outdoor Experience.