Big Sky Ski Team

OHG Race Rescheduled

The Over the Hill Gang races (SL/GS/Dual) have been moved to March 27-29, 2009, at Bridger Bowl Montana.  See the Northern Division website for more information.  The current competition schedule for YSL and Juniors can be found on the BSSEF calendar.

Vonn's Slalom Win

Lindsey Vonn, a speed event specialist, throws her skis sideways midway through her second run and still manages to win the first slalom race of the World Cup season.  Check it out:

Sterling Pursuit at Mt. Spokane

Nordic skiers, mark your calendars for the Sterling Pursuit to be held at Mt. Spokane, Washington on January 10-11, 2009.  For more information, download the race brochure.

Refunds of Northern Division Race Fees

Here's a policy update from our friends at USSA Northern Division:

[W]ith regard to Northern Division race entries, entry fees will only be refundable (except in the case of injury, illness, or family emergency) if the athlete is pulled from the Northern event by 5 p.m. the previous day.

New YSL Racing Format Possible

The Northern Division has authorized host clubs of Youth Ski League (J4 and younger) Alpine races to experiment with a new format this season.  Under the optional race format, morning and afternoon runs would be treated as separate races for J5 and younger racers.  The times for the two runs would still be combined for the J4 racers.

The logic for the experimental format for the youngest racers is twofold:

• It gives kids twice as many chances to be acknowledged for their successes.
• Although the morning race would be mandatory, the afternoon race, in effect, would be optional.  For the youngest racers, a one run commitment might make it easier for them to try racing.  Furthermore, it would allow families who travel to races to ski together in the afternoons.

Apparently, the one run format for J5 and younger racers for GS and SL races is increasingly common across the U.S.  The Northern Division clubs are uncertain about the merits of the approach, which is why the 2008/2009 season will be a year of experimentation on a race by race basis.  For more information, see the Northern Division race calendar.

Updated Alpine Competition Schedule Posted

An updated schedule of Alpine race competitions has been posted to the calendar.  BSSEF will be hosting the following races:

• 1/26 - 2/1: Devo Speed Series (FIS) - 2 DH/2 SG
• 2/14 - 2/17: Big Sky Qualifier (Juniors) - 3 SG
• 3/13 - 3/15: YSL Championships - SL/GS/SC

The schedule is subject to change.

Northern Division Team Forms Due

In order to be eligible for Northern Division team selection boards, each athlete must do the following:

• Download and complete the Medical Release, Team Agreement, and Financial Agreement forms.
• Send the completed forms to Sherri Hale at the Northern Division office.

This requirement pertains to older, Alpine racers who wish to represent the USSA Northern Division in regional competitions.  If you have any question about whether you need to submit the Northern Division forms, please contact your coach.

Kelleher Fast in South America

Former BSSEF athlete Keely Kelleher notched a win and a third place, and U.S. Development Team athlete Alice McKennis tied World Cup veteran Chemmy Alcott of Great Britain for a win in South American Cup super G action on Tuesday in La Parva, Chile.   More...

(Very) Tentative 2008/2009 Alpine Race Schedule

A preliminary alpine race schedule has been posted to the online calendar.  Big Sky is currently on tap to host three sets of races:

• FIS SG/DH (1/26/09 - 2/1/09)
• Junior SG Qualifier (2/14/09 - 2/16/09)
• YSL Championships (3/13/09 - 3/15/09)

Please note that this schedule is likely to change as the season approaches.  The official Northern Division race calendar can be found here.

One Run Option for YSL Races

The Northern Division board is considering a proposal to limit YSL races (J4 and younger) to a single run.  Click here for more information.