Four-race telemark series coming up

An Inland Northwest four-race telemark series for competitors of all skill levels has been scheduled for January and February, with the first event set for Saturday at Silver Mountain.

And if your racing skills aren’t up to snuff, organizers have hired a certified teacher and champion racer to teach free telemarking clinics at each event.

The 4x4 Telemark Races will be held at four different mountains, sponsored by Mountain Gear and Ski Inland Northwest to help locals sort out braggin’ rights for the region’s top downhill skier on nordic skis that do not lock down the skier’s boot heel.

“Even though some of the competitors are world-class athletes, the environment is almost non-competitive,” said Mountain Gear spokesman Rick Dethman. “You race against yourself.”

Each race has four divisions: open, novice, masters and juniors, with a men’s and women’s category in each.

The advanced registration entry fee is $30 ($20 for season pass holders) and includes race registration and lift ticket and a chance at prizes.

Skiers who want to improve their free-heel turning technique can sign up for clinics offered at each race by Carole Hill, a member of the U.S. Telemark Ski Team and certified tele instructor. Clinic sizes are limited, so pre-registration is encouraged.

The series kicks off Saturday with Noah’s Freeheel Classic at Silver Mountain. Register at the base of the gondola.

Other races include Teledaze at 49 Degrees North on Feb. 5, Tele-Stars at Mount Spokane on Feb. 11 and Freeheelers at Lookout Pass on Feb. 19.

The Mount Spokane race is under the lights starting at 6 p.m. All the other events start at 11 a.m. Each event has a meeting starting a half-hour before racing starts.

Info: Mountain Gear, 326-8180, extension 249 or www.mountaingear.com/retail.