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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

There’s a blizzard of local activities for different ages

Lisa Gerber The Spokesman-Review

Now that I have nothing to complain about, I hardly know what to do with myself. Actually, there is so much going on this weekend, I don’t know where to begin.

Can there be any reason not to be in the mountains this weekend? If the 3 feet of snow we’ve had in the last week coupled with a favorable forecast for more snow isn’t enough, the races, parties and demo days should certainly entice. This weekend marks the local race season opener for the Masters, the Youth Ski League, the Telemarkers and the young freeride athletes. A pair of mountain celebrations will take place, and demo days at most of the mountains provide an opportunity to test the latest gear before you buy it.

The Miller Cup at Lookout Pass promises some brisk competition and a lot of fun. The race takes place Saturday (giant slalom) and Sunday (slalom) with registration opening at 8 a.m. The event is organized by the Lookout Outlaw Ski Team, a regional masters adult race and training group who share a goal for excellence in alpine racing. Ken Miller, the event’s namesake, is an “Outlaw” member and a longtime local icon of the ski area. Erik Kadzejs is “Head Outlaw” and team leader of an elite group that boasts three national champions including local skier Dennis Wilhelmson, of Hayden, Idaho, who is No. 1 in the world in FIS masters slalom. This weekend’s race is open to anyone 21 and older.

Schweitzer will host The Youth Ski League (YSL) Giant Slalom Competition for athletes 5 to 12 years old on Sunday. YSL head coach Karin Harjo is passionate about coaching the youth. She speaks for programs across the region when she explains that YSL is all about introducing athletes to racing, showing them the basic skills and having fun skiing all over the mountain. For information on joining your local YSL program, call your ski resort. This weekend’s race is open to athletes between 5 and 12 years of all abilities.

The 2006 Inland Northwest 4X4 Telemark Race Series kicks off Saturday at 49 Degrees North and is followed by events at Silver Mountain, Mt. Spokane and Lookout Pass into February. Each race is open to all levels of racers. Competitors are invited to participate in a free ski clinic hosted by U.S. Telemark Ski Team member Carole Hill.

For the all-mountain freeriding young athlete, Schweitzer and Kids Sports Illustrated will host the third annual Next Snow Search Saturday for kids age 9-13. The competition is a search for the next great generation of all mountain athletes.

The weekend wouldn’t be complete without a party. Jackass Day at Silver Mountain celebrates the 36th year for the mountain formerly known as Jackass Mountain. Your purchased day lift ticket for Saturday is redeemable for one free day lift ticket in March (midweek). There will be drink specials, cake, prizes and live music.

Schweitzer will toast the grand opening of the Idyle-Our T-Bar, which opens access to 400 new acres of terrain off Little Blue Ridge with an “Into the Blue Celebration.” A bonfire and toast at the T-bar will be followed by a party at Taps with live music, Blue Light drink specials and blue prizes.

Try before you buy. This Saturday Demo Days will take place at 49 Degrees North, Schweitzer Mountain and Lookout Pass. Silver Mountain will host a Demo Day on Sunday with the latest from Atomic Skis and Snowboards.

To find more information on any of these events, start at www. skiinlandnorthwest.com for event information and links to all five mountains.