Inside Edge: The dancing worked ... enjoy the slopes

Schweitzer reopened Tuesday with Midway open to the public. They are making snow and anticipate remaining open from this point forward and will be adding more lifts and terrain as conditions allow. For more information, visit their website.

World Cup — Lake Louise served up an interesting mix of varied and challenging weather. Italy’s Sofia Goggia continued her dominance on the venue, winning both downhills. U.S. racer Breezy Johnson was also consistent and took second both days, something to build upon. Jacqueline Wiles secured 23rd and 26th, Mikaela Shiffrin was 26th the first day and Isabella Wright placed 27th and 29th the two days.

Goggia pulled the hat trick with a win in super-G. Shiffrin was sixth, followed by Johnson in 11th, Keely Cashman in 29th and Wiles in 30th.

The men were at Birds of Prey in Beaver Creek, Colorado, where Ryan Cochran-Siegle was the top U.S. downhill finisher in sixth. He was followed by a recovering Steven Nyman in 18th, Bryce Bennett in 22nd and Travis Ganong in 24th.

There were also two super-G’s, with Cochran-Siegle placing 19th in the first event, followed by Ganong in 22nd. Ganong posted his best ever super-G finish in the second event, taking the bronze. The tour now heads back to Europe for the remainder of the season.

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 expect more than 70% of the kids to return.

The racers will be organized into teams. Each team will have two coaches. The first day (Friday, Jan. 7) will be a coached, "learn to race" clinic followed by timed runs through the NASTAR course.

The following three Friday evenings (Jan. 14, 21 and 28) will center on the race course, with some coaching on the side. Awards are based upon percent improvement. Each member of the winning team receives medals and everyone gets a neat T-shirt at the final party. The goal is to have fun and make friends.

A great deal at a very low price ($45). Registration is limited to 80 kids, so act now! Registration forms are available at the Alpine Shop, online at www.independenceracing.com, or contact Shep Snow at 208-290-6370 for additional information.

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.