Inside Edge: With opening day set, it's time to take a peak at this season's events calendar

Opening day on the horizon — Schweitzer is planning on a Friday, Nov. 29 opening. The snow is slowly building up, plus snowmaking is augmenting when practical. Although the build-up is slower than past years, the snow is denser and wetter than normal which should yield a more durable base.

Local racers hit the slopes — Racers at the national level started their seasons last month. Now it’s time for the dedicated racers in the pipeline to get underway.

This week both Independence Racing and the Schweitzer Alpine Racing Team will be sending athletes to Canada for pre-season training on hard snow. Yes, racers spend good money on snow others term as ice (New Englanders still call it “Packed Powder”).

2019-2020 Competition (and other fun stuff) Line-up — Schweitzer has loads of racing and special events in store again this year. Between USSA, Masters, NASTAR, USASA, charity, specialty and nordic events, there isn’t a dull moment.

Here’s the famous, all-inclusive, refrigerator compatible, totally accurate (we hope) schedule, with a brief description and the person to contact for additional information. Clip this one out and tape it up where it can’t be missed!

SCHWEITZER EVENTS CALENDAR

December

8: Nice Turns Free Trial — 1-3 p.m.

13: Community $10 Day Fundraiser — 100 percent of proceeds to benefit local non-profits

14: Nice Turns Free Trial — 9-11 a.m.

14: NASTAR Opens (maybe) — Citizen racing Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 11 a.m.

22: Nice Turns Free Trial — 1-3 p.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.

31: New Years Eve Celebrations at Schweitzer

January

3: 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 290-6370 for details or pick up a registration form at Sandpoint Sports or the Alpine Shop.

10: Independence Youth Race Series Day 2 — Meet at 5:30 p.m. by gear check.

11-12: SARS hosts Youth Ski League Races — Two USSA Giant Slalom races for the under 12 crowd. Contact Jamie Landewehr at 946-7859

17: Independence Youth Race Series Day 3 — Meet at 5:30 p.m. at gear check.

18: Northern Lights at Schweitzer — Laser light show viewed from the Village

24: Toyota Ski Free Day — Free lift ticket for the driver of any Toyota driven up to the mountain.

25: Independence Junior Race Series final night — Awards and ice cream feast immediately after competition.

25: Winter Trails Day — Free access to Nordic Trails at Schweitzer. Contact Activity Center at 208-255-3081.

25-30: Western Region Junior Alpine Speed Series — The ultimate in viewing excitement. Watch the top rising 16-21 year old talent in the West 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 946-7859 to volunteer.

February

1-2: College Daze — Special discounts for starving college students with valid ID

1-2: IFSA Junior Freeride Regional — Schweitzer hosts this regional competition. Contact the Schweitzer Activity Center at 208-255-3081.

7-23: Starlight Races Kick-off — Friday nights: skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers run dual Giant slalom on the NASTAR course in five person teams. Handicaps for age, gender and gear. Join us for weekly post race parties in TAPS. Must be 21 or over to participate. Contact the Schweitzer Activity Center at 208-255-3081.

16: Let it Glow Parade — Kid’s parade and fireworks show. 6-8 p.m.

16: Nice Turns Free Trial

17: Nice Turns Free Trial

23: She Jumps at Schweitzer — Get the girls out to do some jumping!

29: Mega Demo Days — The largest demo day in the region. Come ride something new and exciting.

March

1: Wild Skills Junior Ski Patrol — Get the Girls out presents an intro to ski patrolling for young girls.

5-8: 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. The public is welcome at all races. Volunteers greatly appreciated.

11-13: Western Region U-16 Championships — Come see some of the top rising talent in the West compete in Super G, Giant Slalom and Slalom. Volunteers always appreciated. Contact Jamie Landwehr at 946-7859 for further information.

14-15: Stomp Games Banked Slalom — Banks, and jumps combined with gates – what a hoot! Contact Activity Center at 208-255-3081.

16: Vertical Express for MS — Popular fundraiser for MS research. Contact Activity Center at 208-255-3081.

28: 2400 feet for Hank — The annual fundraiser for Cystinosis research. Race top to bottom in team and individual competition. Visit 24hoursforhank.com for details.

April

4-5: Spring Finale — Spring fun for everyone as we bring the season to an end. Dummy Downhill, pond skimming, live music, lots of games for all ages. Come join the fun!

12: Easter Celebrations — Sunrise Easter Service at the summit

12: Closing Day

Junior Race Series sign-up – Fliers for the January Independence Junior Race Series are at the local ski shops. This popular series features free coaching, lots of prizes, lots of kids and lots of fun!

Racers meet four Friday evenings in January from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. No excuses — come join the fun! Historically we get an 80 percent participant return rate, so you better register now. Forms are at the Alpine Shop and Sandpoint Sports, or can be downloaded at www.independenceracing.com.

Potpourri — *The World Cup resumes in North America with Ladies Speed at Lake Louise Nov. 27. Any comments, recommendations or contributions to this column may be sent to Shep Snow by e-mail at [email protected]. Negative feedback should be sent to someone else.