The Inside Edge: Competition line-up

n Shiffrin ties record — Mikaela Shiffrin had another big weekend, winning her 10th consecutive World Cup Slalom, thus tying Janica Kostelic’s record set 16 years ago. She also took fifth in the Giant Slalom. Both races were at Killington, Vermont, the first World Cups in the Eastern US for nearly 25 years. Close to 25,000 fans cheered the racers on. The only other US woman in the points was Resi Stiegler, who finished 17th in Slalom.

The men are having a slow start, after the cancellation of the speed weeks at Lake Louise and Beaver Creek. They headed back to Europe to resume racing at Val d’Isere, France this weekend. Meanwhile, the US women head to Lake Louise for their speed week, without Lindsay Vonn, who is recovering from a broken arm.

n 2016-2017 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.

DECEMBER

2 — Full time opening day!

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

17 — NASTAR Opens: Citizen racing Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

18 — Nice Turns Free Trial: Come see if this is for you. Learn, explore, make friends. Contact Ski School for more info.

23-24 — Holiday Celebrations: Carolers, Santa, hot chocolate and cookies in the village.

23-24 — Watch for Santa skiing.

JANUARY

6 — Independence Youth Race Series Kick-off: Four Friday nights of racing for kids age 6-16 years-old. Free coaching, prizes and shirts for only $39. 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.

7 — Winter Trails Day (complimentary Nordic trail fees and XC lessons).

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

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

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

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

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

27-28 — 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 — Western Region Speed Series: Continued.

3-24 — Starlight Races Kick-off on 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 255-3081.

4-5 — College Daze: Special discounts for starving college students.

4-5 — USASA Competition (Slopestyle, Rail Jam).

6-7 — Chad Engstrom Youth Ski League Speed: Two USSA sanctioned YSL (age 13 and under) Super Giant Slalom races, plus one Slalom. Contact Jamie Landewehr at 946-7859

10-11 — Stomp Games Banked Slalom.

19 — “Let it Glow” Night Parade and Fireworks: Free in the Village.

23-26 — 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. Contact Jamie Landwehr at 946-7859 for further information.

24 — Final Starlight Race Series Party: In Taps after competition.

25 — Smokin’ Aces: The Freestyle tour comes to Schweitzer.

MARCH

4 — Demo Days.

4-5 — Chad Engstrom Memorial Race: USSA Super G and Giant Slalom racing for the Youth Ski League.

11 — Vertical Express for MS: Popular fundraiser for MS research.

9-14 — Western Region Junior Alpine Championships: Watch the top rising talent in the West compete in all events. Winners eligible for US National Championships. SARS needs plenty of help pulling this one off. Call SARS at 946-7859 to volunteer.

24-25 — 24 Hours of Schweitzer: The fifth annual 24 hour endurance race fundraiser for Cystinosis research. Visit 24hoursforhank.com for details.

APRIL

8-9 — Spring Finale and Rotary Duck Derby: 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.

9 — Scheduled closing.

n 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. There’s been no change in the cost for 15 years. Racers meet four Friday evenings in January from 5:30-7 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.

n Potpourri — Pray for lots of snow. Any comments, recommendations or contributions to this column may be sent to Shep Snow by email at shep@thesnowschool.com. Negative feedback should be sent to someone else.

The Inside Edge runs every Thursday during ski season in the Daily Bee.