Inside Edge: Shiffrin returns to winning ways
Read this week's Inside Edge to find out what events are currently scheduled to be held at Schweitzer this winter.
(Photo courtesy of SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT)
Schweitzer is finally getting more snow. With snow in the forecast all this week and into next, management is hoping to open more terrain as the holidays approach.
Shiffrin returns to winning ways — The ladies were in Courchevel for giant slalom this week. Mikaela Shiffrin was fourth in the first race and took gold in the second race to claim her 67th World Cup win. Nina O'Brien was 18th in the first race and A.J. Hurt was 18th on the second run.
The men went to Val d’Isere for speed competition this week. Travis Ganong was the top U.S. finisher in super-G, just missing the podium in fourth place. The men put three racers in the points for downhill, led by Ryan Cochran-Siegle in 13th. Ganong placed 23rd and Bryce Bennett was 24th.
2020-21 Events Calendar (all these events are subject to change)
December
18: NASTAR Opens (maybe) — Citizen racing Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at 11 a.m.
23: Watch for Santa skiing! — Come make some turns with the big man. 1-4 p.m.
24: Santa’s Balloon Parade — 1-5 p.m.
January
8: Independence Youth Race Series Kick-off – Four Friday nights of racing for kids age 6-16. Free coaching, prizes and shirts for only $45. This day includes a special learn-to-race session. It’s filling fast, so call Shep Snow at 208-290-6370 for details or pick up a registration form at Sandpoint Sports or the Alpine Shop.
15: Independence Youth Race Series Day 2 — Meet at 5:30 p.m. by gear check.
16: Northern Lights at Schweitzer — Laser light show viewed from the Village
21-22: SARS hosts Youth Ski League Races — Two USSA Giant Slalom races for kids 12 and under. Contact Jamie Landwehr at 208-946-7859
22: Independence Youth Race Series Day 3 — Meet at 5:30 p.m. at gear check.
22: Toyota Ski Free Day — Free lift ticket for the driver of any Toyota driven up to the mountain.
29: Independence Junior Race Series final night — Awards and ice cream feast immediately after competition.
25-30: Western Region Junior Alpine Speed Series — The ultimate in viewing excitement. Watch the top rising 16 to 21-year-old skiers in the Pacific Northwest 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 208-946-7859 to volunteer.
February
14: Let it Glow Parade — Kid’s parade and fireworks show from 6-8 p.m.
March
6: Mega Demo Days — The largest demo day in the region. Come ride something new and exciting.
10-12: 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. Volunteers are greatly appreciated.
April
11: Tentative Closing Day
Independence Junior Race Series — Registration continues for the race series. Again, a reminder ... registration closes Jan. 1.
The race series has a plan, endorsed by the mountain, for circumventing any COVID-19 concerns. Do bear in mind that racers will need to wear face masks while waiting in lift lines and 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 of $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 — 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.