Inside Edge: Schweitzer season passes being sent out

Well, they were looking white. A pineapple express wiped away all the nice stuff over the weekend, and we’re back to square one. I’m afraid God may have to get personally involved ...

Season Passes — Just a few tips for those of you who haven’t been paying attention. Schweitzer is switching to a new season pass system this year. Your pass can be in your sleeve or pocket and will automatically be scanned as you enter the lift line.

We’ve skied a number of areas with this system, and it works well. That said, the passes and printing equipment deliveries were delayed (what hasn’t been?) and passes are being prepared as you read this.

Schweitzer will mail you the pass, thus avoiding a 2,000-person line on opening day, provided you have a signed release and photo on file.

If you haven’t yet, log onto Schweitzer.com, click on “Plan Your Visit,” then scroll over to “Tickets and Passes” and select “Season Passes.” Follow the directions from there. If this is your first Schweitzer season pass, you need to either get a picture up there or upload one to ticket sales.

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 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 the Alpine Shop, online at www.independenceracing.com, or contact Shep Snow at 208-290-6370 for additional information.

Potpourri — The World Cup resumes competition at Levi, Finland on Nov. 20-21 with womens’ slalom. Watch here for full coverage. We’ll also be publishing our refrigerator appropriate annual ski calendar next week. 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.