Winter's here - it's tie to ski race

• Pre-season training — The full-fledged training season begins this week for our local teams. The Schweitzer Alpine Racing School heads to Panorama, British Columiba, this weekend for their annual fall training camp. Independence Racing will leave Sunday for a race camp at Apex, B.C. A number of SARS and Independence alumni now racing at college have been on snow since October.

• So why aren’t you racing? — OK, time to get off the dime and decide… are you going to waste your days smearing snow around the mountain like a spatula, or are you going to slice it up with powerful carves while feeling the wind in your face? There are many forms of racing available to both recreational and serious racers of all ages. So make up your mind and come join the fun! Each year The Edge updates and republishes this information, casting the net to draw more folks of all ages into this great sport.  If you aren’t already hooked, we hope this is the year you give it a try.

• Try some USSA Racing — The United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) is the governing agency for organized racing in the US, and is the feeder system for the US Ski and Snowboarding Team. Clubs register with USSA, coaches are trained at USSA clinics and races are sanctioned by the USSA. Beginning at age five, racers can compete in their age groups either independently or as members of a club. All organized clubs are members of the organization and compete under a uniform set of rules. Youth and Junior racers eventually progress to national and international competition through this pipeline. There are two USSA teams in the Sandpoint area.

 • The Schweitzer Alpine Racing School is the largest team in the area — so big that I’ll have to address it in sections. SARS has served Schweitzer families on a continuous basis for more than 40 years. There are a number of programs available to suit almost anyone’s needs ranging from once per week to full time, five day per week training. SARS is best known for its successful youth and junior level alpine racing programs. They boast a large, professional coaching staff and more than 100 members from the Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene and Spokane areas.

• The Youth Program (age 11 years and under) meets 1-3 days per week. The Junior program (12 years and older) meets 3-5 days per week, depending on the needs and commitment level of the athlete. SARS head coach/program director, Jamie Landwehr, grew up ski racing as a member of the SARS program and is passionate about skiing and ski racing. He raced Division I in college and has been in the coaching business for 15-plus years. For additional information about SARS programs, contact Jamie at (208) 946-7859 or visit the web site at www.sars.net.

• The Independence Racing Team is a USSA team comprised of 15-20 young athletes from the Sandpoint area. The program is insured through USSA and all coaches are certified through the agency. The program is entirely free and offers children, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, a chance to compete. Members and families are expected to contribute to team success through volunteer work both on and off the hill. You might have seen these kids washing cars every weekend this summer to fund their racing expenses. Club membership is limited due to a small, volunteer staff. Call Shep Snow at 263-3552 or visit www.independenceracing.com for further information.

• Independence Junior Race Series — Whether you are experienced or have never raced before, this series is for you. Last year’s program was a huge success and already more than 70 percent of the kids returning. The racers will be organized into seven, mathematically equal, teams based upon NASTAR handicaps. Each team will have two coaches. The first day (Friday, Jan. 3) will be a coached, “learn to race” clinic followed by timed runs through the NASTAR course. The following three Friday evenings (Jan. 10, 17 and 24) will center on the race course, with some coaching on the side. Each member of the winning team receives medals and everyone gets a neat T-shirt at the final party. The goal is having fun and making friends. A great deal at a very low price ($39), registration is limited to 80 kids, so act now. Registration forms are available at local ski shops or contact Shep Snow at 290-6370.

How about something a little more low-key?  There are also a number of other racing opportunities that don’t require travel and special memberships.

• NASTAR — The National Standardized Racing Program, also known as citizen racing, is geared toward the recreational skier as well as the competitive racer. The 2011 NASTAR National Championships drew more than 1,300 competitors. NASTAR is citizen racing at its best — simple, convenient and measurable, with the chance for a tangible reward after each run. Area pacesetters earn handicaps based upon their time relative to that of the National pacesetter. A computer program interpolates any racer’s time as it might compare against the National pacesetter and medals are presented based upon age and gender. It sounds complicated, but it’s simple, inexpensive, and lots of fun. Schweitzer runs the best NASTAR program in the Northwest. The course is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Brandon Peterson at 263-9555 for details.

• SARS Masters Program — Racing doesn’t end when one “gets a real job” or doesn’t make the cut for the Olympics. Some of the toughest competitors silently lurk in the ranks of the USSA Masters racing circuit. USSA sanctioned Masters Races are held throughout the US. There are also National and International Masters championships. Similar to junior racers, Masters have the option of competing independently or as members of a club. Schweitzer has a very active Masters program operating under the auspices of the Schweitzer Alpine Racing School. The Schweitzer Masters have been active for a number of years. Masters racing is for competitors over 21 years-old. This program not only provides training for competitive adult racers, but is an excellent means of advancing ones ski skills. Many of the most diligent trainers do not participate in sanctioned races. The Masters program offers a number of flexible programs designed to fit into the varied time and financial constraints of its members. Training is provided by USSA and PSIA licensed coaches. Again, you can call Jamie for more details.

• Twilight Race Series — This one’s for the adults! Teams of five (at least one must be female) race on the NASTAR course on Friday evenings throughout February.  At an informal, post-race, party the evening’s winners receive prizes donated by sponsors. There are also prizes and awards for the team that wins the overall series. But the most important prize is bragging rights! Contact Brandon Peterson at 263-9555.

 Schweitzer will also host a number of special events this season that are targeted at telemark skiers, snowboarders and even Dummies. Look for the full line-up in The Edge next week.

• Potpourri — Watch next week for or special, “refrigerator worthy” calendar of Winter events at Schweitzer.

Any comments, recommendations or contributions to this column may be sent to Shep Snow by e-mail at shep@thesnowschool.com.  

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