Just in time for our first edition, Mother Nature dishes the snow. Seeing the top of Schweitzer blanketed in white sure gets the pulse going. This promises to be a great season, with La Niña pushing moisture against the cold Canadian trough. Get those skis waxed.

n World Cup opener at Solden — The ladies World Cup season kicked off in Austria with Giant Slalom competition. Mikaela Shiffrin was the only American in the points, finishing fifth amongst a tight group at the top. Lindsey Vonn also started, but was well out of the points. She was mainly looking to get back in the flow, coming back from injury last year. The next stop for the ladies will be Slalom at Levi, Finland. The mens’ Giant Slalom was canceled the following day due to snow and wind.

n Ski Swap — SARS will be hosting the annual Ski Swap at the Bonner County Fairgrounds on Nov. 11 so come find that great deals. Equipment turn in for sale will be in the afternoon on Friday, Nov. 10. Sales will be Saturday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Entry costs $2 per person, or $5 for a family. Watch for more details next week.

n A Sandpoint Classic - Warren Miller returns. It’s not winter until the Warren Miller say so. This year’s show, brought to you by the Alpine Shop, will be Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. Get ready to celebrate winter with Warren Miller’s Line of Descent, which takes filmgoers on an action-packed journey with the world’s best skiers and snowboarders. Experience the immense energy on some of North Americas deepest lines in Jackson Hole, Silverton, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows and Steamboat. And travel to some the world’s most exotic winter playgrounds of the French Alps, New Zealand, British Columbia and Norway. Once again, winter begins with Warren Miller. The event will include prize drawings during intermission, a silent auction, and drawings for the Independence Racing Team Super Outdoors Raffle, which is currently underway. The raffle features six major prizes, including a Schweitzer unlimited season pass, Mountain Gear camping package, six course golfing package for two, Ronix wakeboard, cruiser bike from Greasy Fingers, and a week stay at Holiday Shores. So bring a few extra bucks and win big! Advance show tickets are available at the Alpine Shop for $12. This show always sells out, so buy tickets early.

n Junior Race Series sign-up — This popular series features free coaching, lots of prizes, lots of kids and lots of fun. There’s been no change in the cost for 13 years, show me something else like that. Racers meet four Friday evenings in January from 5:30 to 7 p.m. No excuses, come join the fun. Historically we get an 80 percent participant return rate, so you better register now. Entry forms can be found at the Alpine Shop and Sandpoint Sports.

n Potpourri — The Edge will appear every Thursdays until April, with all your ski racing news. Any comments, recommendations or contributions to this column may be sent to Shep Snow by email at [email protected].