2013-14 competition schedule announced

• He’s Back — Returning from an injury shortened season, Bode Miller is back amongst the World’s elite. He’s already established himself as the top US Speed racer with several top 15 finishes, including 13th at the Birds of Prey this week, but then Sunday he stood the skiing world on its ear with a startling 2nd place in the Giant Slalom, only .22 off the World’s best GS racer, our own Ted Ligety. Miller is a big show performer and could very well be a huge factor at the 2014 Olympics, despite his “old” age of 36.

On the ladies side, Lindsey Vonn reentered the fray after her recovery year was interrupted by a scary crash and partial tear to her ACL. She was a cautious 40th in the first Lake Louise downhill, but was 11th in the second downhill. She then stepped it up to 5th in Super G. Most encouraging is the depth of the women’s speed squad the past two years. We had five women in the points at Lake Louise.

• Training up — Last Sunday The Edge was coaching beside a course set for the SARS FIS athletes coached by former SARS standout John Guthrie. SARS pulled a few of their rising athletes to train with the “big guys” and it brought back memories. I remember when ex-Independence and US Ski Team member Scott Snow “trained up” with senior SARS athletes when he was just 13 years-old. It was a huge experience for him, and without coaches uttering a word he learned just from sharing the lane with Olympian Will Brandenburg (then 18), Ryan Farmin and John Guthrie. From Farmin he learned mental preparation at the start, from Brandenburg he learned to be self-critical and from John he learned to hike any time he missed a gate — grim determination. These were all valuable lessons that paid dividends later in Scott’s career.

• SARS Christmas Camp — The Schweitzer Alpine Racing School continues a three decade long tradition with its Christmas camp Dec 27-31. Contact SARS at 946-7859.

• 2013-2014 Competition (and other stuff) Line-up!

Schweitzer has loads of racing and special events in store again this year. Between USSA, Masters, NASTAR, USASA, charity, specialty and nordic events, there isn’t a dull moment. Here’s the famous, all-inclusive, refrigerator compatible, totally accurate (we hope) schedule, with a brief description and the person to contact for additional information. Clip this one out and tape it up where it can’t be missed.

DECEMBER

13 Community $10 Day Fundraiser – 100 percent of proceeds to benefit local non-profits.

14 Founders Day - $19.63 lift tickets to celebrate the opening day.

14 NASTAR Opens! – Citizen racing Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

15 Nice Turns trial day – Snow Sports School.

21-23 Holiday Celebrations – Carolers, hot chocolate and cookies in the village.

23-24 Watch for Santa skiing!

29 Great Scott Cross Country Ski Race – 5K and 10K races with gender and equipment (classic or Skate) classes on Schweitzer’s beautifully maintained cross-country trails.  Contact the Schweitzer Activities Center at 255-3081.

JANUARY

2-5 Northwest Cup Giant Slalom and Two Super Gs – Top 16-18 year-old athletes from all over the Northwest compete for honors and points toward the season title. SARS hosts this event and can always use volunteers for a variety of jobs. Best seats in the house. Contact SARS at 946-7859.

3 Independence Youth Race Series Kick-off – Four Friday nights of racing for kids age 6-16. Free coaching, prizes and shirts for only $39. This day includes a special learn-to-race session. It’s filling fast, so call Susan Demko at 255-8843 for details or pick up a registration form at Sandpoint Sports or the Alpine Shop.

10  Independence Youth Race Series Day 2- Meet at 5:30 p.m. by gear check.

11 Winter Trails Day and learn to XC for free – Try Schweitzers beautiful cross country and snowshoe trails for free. Contact the Activity Center at 255-3081.

17  Independence Youth Race Series Day 3 – Meet at 5:30 p.m. at gear check.

18 Cougar Gulch Cross Country Race – 5 and 10 Km races.  Call the Schweitzer Activity Center at 255-3081.

18 Northern Lights and Fireworks– Torchlight parade, fireworks and concert in Taps.

24 Independence Youth Race Series Final Day – Meet at 5:30 p.m. After racing there will be an ice cream social and awards ceremony in the Lakeview Lodge.

20-26 N.I.C.E. North Idaho Carve Event – Hard-boot snowboarders tear it up.  More info at www.northidahocarvers.com.

21-26 WR Speed Series – The ultimate in viewing excitement. Watch the top rising talent in the West compete in Downhill and Super G for honors and eligibility for the National Junior Championships. SARS needs plenty of help pulling this one off. Call SARS at 946-7859 to volunteer.

31 Toyota Ski Free Day – Free lift ticket for the driver of any Toyota driven up to the mountain.

31-2 Feb Nordic Ski Clinics through the Snow Sports School.

31-Feb 2 Stomp Games, Grom Stomp and USASA Competitions for all ages – Snowboard alpine races, banked slalom and slopestyle competition. Ski banked slaloms and slopestyle competitions.

FEBRUARY

1,2 College Daze – Discounts for staving college students.

7-28 SMCA Starlight Races Kick-off – Friday nights: skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers run dual Giant slalom on the NASTAR course in five person teams. Handicaps for age, gender and gear. Join us for weekly post race parties in TAPS. Must be 21 or over to participate. Contact the Schweitzer Activity Center at 255-3081.

8-9 Chad Engstrom Memorial Race – Two USSA sanctioned YSL (age 13 and under) Giant Slalom races. Contact Jamie Landewehr at 946-7859.

20-23 USSA Masters Races – USSA Masters race clinics and competition hosted by SARS. Men and women alpine skiers, ages 21-88, will converge on Schweitzer Mountain Resort to compete for regional titles in Super G, Slalom and Giant Slalom events. The public is welcome at all races. Volunteers greatly appreciated. Contact Jamie Landwehr at 946-7859 for further information.

22-23 Masters Weekend – Clinics and PNSA Ski Races for the Masters racers. Hosted by SARS. Contact Jamie Landwehr at 946-7859 for further details.

22 Let it Glow – Winter Carnival finale with torchlight parade and fireworks.

23 Explore Schweitzer XC Event.

MARCH

8 Vertical Express for MS.

8 SMCA Pardi Gras sponsored by New Belgium Brewing

21-22 — 24 Hours of Schweitzer – The fifth annual 24 hour endurance race fundraiser for Cystinosis research. Visit 24hoursforhank.com for details.

APRIL

5-6 Tropical Daze – Spring fun for everyone as we bring the season to an end. Dummy Downhill, pond skimming, live music, lots of games for all ages. Come join the fun.

6  Downhill Dummy Race.

6 Scheduled Closing.

• Potpourri —Watch next week for updates on the Val d’Isere events, plus the remaining NORAM speed week in Copper Mountain, Colorado.

Any comments, recommendations or contributions to this column may be sent to Shep Snow by email at shep@thesnowschool.com. Negative feedback should be sent to someone else.

The Inside Edge runs every Thursday during ski season in the Daily Bee.