Inside Edge: Keep up those snow dances, check out this season's events calendar

Schweitzer Mountain Resort opened last week and closed this week. The resort hopes to open again soon, but warm weather took its toll and forced management to close Monday through today.

Colder temps and snow have finally arrived and will continue in the coming days, and the staff will do whatever they can to reopen. Check their website for updates.

World Cup — The White Circus returned to North America for the first time in two years. The women skied tech events at Killington, Vermont. The giant slalom was canceled, but the feature event, slalom, was a battle.

Mikaela Shiffrin charged back from a .2 second deficit for her 46th slalom World Cup win, tying Ingemar Stenmark for the most wins in any single event. Paula Moltzan was seventh on Sunday.

The men were at Lake Louise for seed events and fell victim to the weather. One downhill and the super-G were canceled due to new snow.

In the downhill that was competed, Ryan Cochran-Siegle placed 10th, followed by Bryce Bennett and Travis Ganong, who tied for 26th. The women now move to Lake Louise for their speed week, and the men head to the exciting Birds of Prey track at Beaver Creek, Colorado for downhill and super-G.

2021-22 Schweitzer Events Calendar (events subject to change)

December

18 — NASTAR Opens (maybe): Citizen racing Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

23-24 — Watch for Santa skiing!: Come make some turns with the big man from 1-4 p.m.

24 — Santa’s Balloon Parade: 1-5 p.m.

January

7 — Independence Youth Race Series Kick-off: Four Friday nights of racing for kids ages 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 208-290-6370 for details or pick up a registration form at Sandpoint Sports or the Alpine Shop. Meeting time on the first night is 5 p.m.

8-9 — SARS hosts Youth Ski League Races: Two giant slalom races for the under 12 crowd. Contact Jamie Landwehr at 208-946-7859.

14 — Independence Youth Race Series Day 2: Meet at 5:30 p.m. by the clock tower.

15 — Northern Lights at Schweitzer: A fireworks show viewed from the Village.

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

22-23 — U14 Qualifiers: SARS will host slalom and giant slalom qualifying races for the U14 Regional Championships. Contact Jamie Landwehr at 208-946-7859.

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

27-28 — Western Region Tech Series U16-19: The ultimate in viewing excitement. Watch the top 16-20 year-old talent in the west compete for honors and eligibility for the National Junior Championships. Call SARS at 208-946-7859 to volunteer.

29 — Winter Trails Day: Free access to 32 km of trails on snowshoes or cross-country skis.

February

4 — Starlight Racing: Four weeks of team competition on the NASTAR course. Great competition, great prizes and great fun!

11 — Starlight Racing night No. 2

13-18 — SARS Western Regional Speed Series: SARS hosts the top U16 and above talent from the Western Region for downhill and super-G competition. SARS needs plenty of help pulling this one off. Call SARS at 208-946-7859 to volunteer.

18 — Starlight Racing night No. 3

20 — ‘Let it Glow’ Fireworks Show: Kid’s parade and fireworks show. 6-8 p.m.

24-27 — SARS Masters’ Race and Clinics: 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.

25 — Starlight Racing night No. 4: Finals costume night, awards ceremony/party and great fun.

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

March

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

26 — 2400 Feet of Schweitzer: This year 24 Hours for Hank presents its fourth 2,400 Feet of Schweitzer. The nation’s longest giant slalom race will start at the Sky House and finish at The Outback in what promises to inspire smiles and test your endurance. Participants get the thrill of a sunrise load and race before Schweitzer opens to public traffic. Teams of skiers, boarders & telemarkers will ride for prizes, bragging rights and most importantly fundraising for Cystinosis research and Hank’s future.

April

1-3 — Buddy Werner Championships: SARS hosts the Pacific Northwest U12 championships. Giant slalom, slalom and skills quest. Contact Jamie Landwehr at 208-946-7859.

2-3 — Schpring Finale 2022: It's time to celebrate at Schweitzer with all kinds of fun events to wrap up the season! The Ponderay Rotary will be on-hand with their duck derby and Schweitzer has other fun events planned for all ages.

10 — Tentative Closing Day

Independence Junior Race Series — Whether you are experienced or have never raced before, this series is for you. Last year’s program was a huge success and we expect more than 70% of the kids to return.

The racers will be organized into teams. Each team will have two coaches. The first day (Friday, Jan. 7) will be a coached, "learn to race" clinic followed by timed runs through the NASTAR course.

The following three Friday evenings (Jan. 14, 21 and 28) will center on the race course, with some coaching on the side. Awards are based upon percent improvement. Each member of the winning team receives medals and everyone gets a neat T-shirt at the final party. The goal is to have fun and make friends.

A great deal at a very low price ($45). Registration is limited to 80 kids, so act now! Registration forms are available at the Alpine Shop, online at www.independenceracing.com, or contact Shep Snow at 208-290-6370 for additional information.

Potpourri — 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.