The Inside Edge - Plenty of ski racing options available for all ages and levels

Snow, snow, snow. Schweitzer opens this Saturday with limited operations of the Basin Express and Musical Chairs. They’ll close mid-week Nov. 20-23, then reopen Friday, Nov 24. They close again for midweek, then open Friday, Dec. 1 for full, seven-day operations and a great La Nina season. If you haven’t yet, better wax those skis.

n Shiffrin leads World Cup — Mikaela Shiffrin was second in the Slalom in Levi Finland last weekend. After winning the first run, she was just edged out of the lead in the second. This finish, plus her fifth at Solden, put her in the Overall womens’ lead. The only other racer in the points was Resi Steigler, in 21st. The men didn’t fare as well, with David Chodounsky in 23rd.

n Why aren’t you racing? — Each year the Edge asks the same question… 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. We’ve updated the information below, hoping 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.

n 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 are registered 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 (SARS) is the largest team in the region — we’ll address it in sections. SARS has served Schweitzer families on a continuous basis for over 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 coaching staff and more than 100 members from the Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene, and Spokane areas. The Youth Program (age 13 years and under) meets 1-3 days per week. The Junior program (14 years and older) meets 3-5 days per week, depending on the needs and commitment level of the athlete. Jamie Landewehr serves as SARS head coach and program director. 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 10-20 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 290-6370 or visit www.independenceracing.com for further information.

?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; its also 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.

?Sandpoint Nordic Club — The local Nordic community is growing by leaps and bounds (or is it strides and skates). The club offers training and organized competition for athletes of all ages, from 6 years-old to adult. Nordic racing is a great way to stay fit during the ski season. It is also provides some great camaraderie with other Nordic enthusiasts. There are many different race formats for all ages and abilities. One can race as a skater or a strider (classic). There are short races of a few kilometers, and quite long ones, like 24 hours. The team also offers a USSA Juniors program, to include travel to Junior Olympic Qualifiers. The club trains at Schweitzer Mountain, and snowpack permitting on the University of Idaho Extension site off Boyer Ave. Last year they also cleared trails at the Western Pleasure Ranch. For further information contact Ross Longhini at ross.longhini@gmail.com or visit www.sandpointnordic.com.

n Want 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 1300 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 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Brandon Peterson at 263-9555 for details.

?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 we already have 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. 6) will be a coached, “learn to race” clinic followed by timed runs through the NASTAR course. The following three Friday evenings (Jan. 13, 20 and 27) 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.

?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.

n Pre-season training — The full-fledged training season begins soon for our local teams. The Schweitzer Alpine Racing School (SARS) heads to Panorama, B.C. this weekend for their annual Fall training camp. Independence Racing hosts their training locally.

n Potpourri — Watch next week for our 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. Negative feedback should be sent to someone else.