Inside Edge: Get out and ski with Sandpoint Nordic Club
The Sandpoint Nordic Club is offering ski instruction, training and organized competition for athletes of all ages, from 6 years old to adult, but spots are filling up fast.
(Photo courtesy of SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT)
Those of you with season passes have been receiving frequent updates from CEO Tom Chasse about ski operations at Schweitzer. Like every other business, he is trying to strike the balance between meeting regulatory requirements, ownership concerns and running a fun ski resort.
Nothing is perfect in these times, but a substantial number of clients haven’t been supporting the program, putting management in the position of limiting access. Perhaps you forgot or aren’t aware that Tom Chasse worked hard to keep our mountain open last March when all others nationwide were closing.
He did this for us and for the sake of his employees. Now I’m no fan of masks, however, if we want a ski season we need to support management, smile and be thankful for what we have.
World Cup — Tommy Ford is coming off a tough summer recovering from injuries and being limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Perhaps less training is the key because he’s having the best start of his World Cup career.
This past weekend, he was sixth in the giant slalom, followed by Ted Ligety in 19th. On Sunday, he took the silver medal by placing second. He was joined in the points by Ryan Cochran-Siegle in 28th.
The men leave Santa Caterina Valfurva and have two weeks "off" before racing at Val Gardena. The ladies were snowed out in St. Moritz last week and head to Courchevel for giant slalom this weekend.
Nordic News — Last weeks summary of racing opportunities wasn’t fully accurate as it pertains to Nordic racing. Fortunately, Allison France provided the following.
Sandpoint Nordic Club — Registration is live and spots are filling up fast for youth and adult ski opportunities. The club offers ski instruction, training and organized competition for athletes of all ages, from 6 years old to adult. Whether your preference is recreational Nordic skiing or racing, XC skiing is an excellent way to stay fit during the winter season.
It also provides some great camaraderie with other Nordic enthusiasts. There are many different programs and formats for all ages and abilities. The Sandpoint Nordic Club kicked off a new school program last year where classrooms can ski or snowshoe with a guide on the trails at Pine Street Woods, at no cost to the school. The club is eager to welcome 20 different classrooms from six different schools this upcoming season.
The after-school ski team program begins Jan. 4 and registration is filling up fast. Kids can choose to skate ski or stride or both.
The recreation team is focused on fun, and entry level skiing, while the new development team, led by former Olympian Rebecca Dussault, is a program that is focused on developing future ski racers.
The Sandpoint Nordic race team is back in force with several returning racers. While the U.S. Ski sanctioned events all look a bit different this year due to the pandemic, the race team will be competing in Junior Olympic Qualifiers, as well as a new race series called the Montana Nordic Cup.
This season, the Sandpoint Nordic Club also has programs for new adult skiers to masters, check out the offerings at their website, www.sandpointnordic.com.
All youth and adult programs are held at Pine Street Woods where the Sandpoint Nordic Club grooms close to 7K of trails. The race team also trains on Schweitzer Mountain Nordic trails.
Independence Junior Race Series — Registration continues for the race series. Again, a reminder ... registration closes Jan. 1. We have a plan endorsed by the mountain for circumventing your COVID-19 concerns. Do bear in mind that racers will need face masks for times in the lift lines or riding the lifts.
The first day (Friday, Jan. 8) will be a coached, "learn to race" clinic followed by timed runs through the NASTAR course. The following three Friday evenings (Jan. 15, 22 and 29) will center on the race course, with coaching both in the gates and between runs. 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 ($45). Registration is limited to 80 kids, so act now. Registration forms are available at local ski shops or contact Shep Snow at 208-290-6370.
Potpourri — Watch next week for our refrigerator quality season calendar. 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.