Locals France, Smith win Cougar Gulch XC races

SANDPOINT — A host of Sandpoint cross country skiers fared well at the Cougar Gulch XC ski race at Schweitzer on Saturday.

Sandpoint’s Paula Lee won the women’s 5K race with a time of 29:29, as more than 30 racers from Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint and a few other states competed. Sandpoint’s Brady Lux, 16, won the men’s 10K under 18 division with a time of 37:35.

It was a clean sweep for Sandpoint in the women’s 30-plus 10K skate race, with Jennifer MacDonald winning with a time of 35:49, followed by Katie Cox with a 37:30 and Arlene Cook with a 41:48.

Greg Smith of Sandpoint clocked a 33:56 to win the men’s 10K 30-59 year-old division, with Sagle’s Kip Shields finishing third in 34:46. Sandpoint’s Bill McPherson, 66, dominated the 60-plus division with a 38:27, followed by Sandpoint’s Richard Beber in third with 59:36.

Sandpoint’s Jared France, 55, won the men’s open division with a time of 31:43, followed by Svein Nostdahl at 33:10 and Rick Price at 37:25.

In the women’s open class, Sandpoint’s Vicki Longhini, 54, finished second overall with a time of 34:55.

n Free XC skiing day offered at Schweitzer

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Nordic Club, Sandpoint Sports and Schweitzer Mountain Resort will be hosting a free Learn to XC Ski Day on Saturday, Jan. 12. Session No. 1 will start at 10 a.m., with a fitting session from 9-10, and session No. 2 will start at 1 p.m., with a fitting from noon to 1 p.m. at the Roundabout on the road up to Schweitzer.

They have teamed up to offer free cross country skiing demos and lessons on specifically groomed beginner trails.  Free rentals are available as well, on a reservation basis, and Schweitzer ski instructors will be on hand offering free Classic Skiing and Skate Skiing lessons.

Free hot chocolate and snacks will be on hand to keep everyone warm and fueled up. Plus, everyone who takes a lesson gets a coupon for a free Nordic Trail Pass to use at Schweitzer at a later date.

If you find you want more XC skiing after participating in the Nordic Clubs’ Free XC Ski Day, call the Parks and Recreation office at 263-3613.