The Inside Edge: Unveiling the '18-19 ski season calendar

Shiffrin leads big USST weekend – The World Cup began its North American lag last week, and Mikaela Shiffrin kicked it off in fine form.

She had a big weekend at Killington, VT, placing fourth in the World Cup Giant Slalom and winning Sunday’s Slalom. She expanded her lead in the overall standing, and is only two wins away from logging the most slalom wins ever.

Killington featured a huge crowd of 35,000. Two other US women were in the slalom points, Paula Moltzan in 17th and 17-year-old Nina O’Brien in 23rd.

The men showed some depth at the Lake Louise Speed events. In the Downhill, Steve Nyman placed 11th, with Bryce Bennett close behind in 12th and Ryan Cochran-Seigle in 22nd. Cochran-Seigle continued a great weekend leading the U.S. 12th in Super G, followed by Travis Ganong in 17th.

This weekend the women will be at Lake Louise for speed, while the men move to Beaver Creek, CO for the Birds of Prey.

Junior Race Series sign-up – Fliers for the January Independence Junior Race Series are at the local ski shops. This popular series features free coaching, prizes, lots of kids and lots of fun!

Racers meet four Friday evenings in January from 5:30 until 7 p.m. Historically we get an 80 percent participant return rate, so you better register now.

Forms are at the Alpine Shop and Sandpoint Sports, or can be downloaded at www,independenceracing.com.

2018-2019 Competition (and other fun stuff) Line-up ­– Schweitzer has loads of racing and special events 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 event descriptions and contact information.Clip this one out and put it where it can’t be missed!

SCHWEITZER EVENTS CALENDAR

DECEMBER

2: Nice Turns Free Trial – 1-3 p.m.

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

15: Learn to Cross Country Day – The Sandpoint Nordic Club collaborates with Schweitzer to help you learn the ropes. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

15: Nice Turns Free Trial – 1-3 p.m.

15: NASTAR Opens (Maybe) – Citizen racing Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

23-24: Holiday Celebrations – Carolers, Santa, hot chocolate and cookies in the village

23: Watch for Santa skiing!

24: Santa’s Balloon Parade – 1-5 p.m.

JANUARY

4: 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 Shep Snow at 290-6370 for details or pick up a registration form at Sandpoint Sports or the Alpine Shop.

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

12-13: SARS Youth Ski League Races.

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

19: Northern Lights at Schweitzer – Laser light show viewed from the Village.

20: Winter Trails Day – Free access to Nordic Trails at Schweitzer. Contact Activity Center at (208) 255-3081.

20-21: Youth Ski League Races – Two USSA Giant Slalom races for the under-12 crowd. Contact Jamie Landewehr at 946-7859.

25: Independence Junior Race Series final night – Awards and ice cream feast immediately after competition.

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

26: Winter Trails Day – Free access to Schweitzer Nordic trails.

29: Western Region Junior Alpine Speed Series – The ultimate in viewing excitement. Watch the top rising 16-to-21-year-old talent in the West compete in Downhill, Super G and Giant Slalom 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.

FEBRUARY

1-3: Western Region Speed Series

2-23: 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 (208) 255-3081.

3-4: College Daze – Special discounts for staving college students.

17: Let it Glow Parade – Kid’s parade and fireworks show.

17: Nice Turns Free Trial.

22-25: 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.

23: Final Starlight Race Series Party – In Taps after competition.

24: She Jumps at Schweitzer – Get the girls out to do some jumping!

MARCH

2: Mega Demo Days.

9-10: Stomp Games Banked Slalom – Banks, and jumps combined with gates – what a hoot! Contact Activity Center at (208) 255-3081.

16: Vertical Express for MS – Popular fundraiser for MS research.

22-23: 24 Hours for Hank – The fifth annual 24-hour endurance race fundraiser for Cystinosis research. Visit 24hoursforhank.com for details.

APRIL

6-7: Spring Finale and Rotary Duck Derby – 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!

Potpourri ­– We need more snow! Get that dance going!

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.