Vonn closes out with a World Championship podium – Lindsey Vonn ended her storied career this week at the World Championships in Are, Sweden.

After 18 years on the circuit, and a women’s record 82 victories, she’s hanging up her skis.

Her final race was downhill and she skied to the Bronze medal. She’ll be missed.

In other action, Bryce Bennett finished 9th and Ryan Cochran-Siegle was 12th in the World Championship downhill. It was an unusual race with 1.2 inches of powder obscuring the course markings.

Steve Nyman was the top US finisher in the Super G, with a career best 8th place.

He was followed by Ryan Cochran Siegle in 11th. Bryce Bennett closed to 23rd from a 50th starting position.

Northwest Cup, No. 2 – USSA Competition for U16s and above continued last weekend at Mount Spokane.

Only two local athletes participated. Addison McNamara had a great weekend, placing ninth in Giant Slalom, and eighth and fourth in the last two slaloms, respectively.

He lowered his point profile in both events. Quincy Evans placed 19th in Giant Slalom, and 26 and 27th in the two Slaloms.

These athletes will next compete in the Sun Cup speed events at Mount Bachelor later this month.

Starlight –They were back at it on a frigid Friday night.

The fastest racers in the track, by category, were: Sean Mirus and Kelly Farmin (Alpine); Ezra Stafford and Dig Chrismer (Telemark); Shawn Taylor and Dani Demmons (snowboard).

Incredibly, there was also a monoski in the field that placed really well. Nate Demmons was the rider. Hmmm, what does one call a mono skier? Rider, skier, occupant, passenger?

However the two fastest individuals after handicaps for age, gender, means of conveyance, etc. were Shawn Taylor and Melinda Rossman.

The first week team standings put “Fabulous” in first place, followed very closely by “Pucci’s Totchi Libras” and “TOTE.”

The coveted Best Name award this week goes to the “The Hulk Hoagies.”

Nice Turns Free Trial – The Learning Center is offer a free trial day with a Nice Turns group on Sunday, Feb. 17.

Let it Glow – As part of this season’s Winter Festival, Schweitzer will host a children’s torchlight parade followed by a light show on Sunday.

Potpourri - Powder at last!

Any comments, recommendations or contributions to this column may be sent to Shep Snow by e-mail at shep@thesnowschool.com. Negative feedback should be sent to someone else.