Ski Press Releases and News Flashes

Beaver Creek, CO (November 30, 2000) - The second day of men's downhill training for the Ernst & Young Birds of Prey World Cup was canceled Thursday due to high winds and poor visibility on the course.

Winds on the hill were blowing at a steady 50 mph with gusts up to 60 mph in the morning. Light fog also enveloped the start area and top section of the Birds of Prey course, making it dangerous for competitors to ski. The Colorado sky was also overcast during the morning, providing for a lot of flat light on the hill.

The missed run will not be made up. The men have one final training run Friday at 12:15 p.m. MST.

In the opening day of training Wednesday, Austrian powerhouse Hermann Maier had the fastest time of the day on the difficult course (1:42.35). He has won six races on Birds of Prey, including three last season.

Chad Fleischer (Vail, CO) was the top American finisher in eighth with a time of 1:43.50. Fleischer is coming off a fifth place downhill finish last weekend in Lake Louise, Alberta.

The Ernst & Young Birds of Prey World Cup races begin Saturday with a downhill (12:15 MST) and conclude Sunday with a super G (12:15 MST).

HALTMEYER UPSETS KOSTNER AT LAKE LOUISE

Lake Louise (AB), Canada (November 30, 2000) - Petra Haltmeyer of Germany upset Italy's Isolde Kostner by one-tenth of a second Thursday to earn her first World Cup victory in the opening women's World Cup downhill. U.S. women had their own reason to howl as Megan Gerety (Anchorage, AK) led three Americans into the top-15.

Haltmayer covered the 2.7-km course in 1:34.71 with Isolde - who won here last season and who led the three training runs at Lake Louise Ski Area - overcame flat light to finish second in 1:34.81. Third place went to Renate Goetschl of Austria, the defending World Cup overall champion, in 1:34.98.

Gerety, who missed last season with leg problems and who failed to finish the opening super G last weekend at the Chevy Truck Aspen Winternational in Colorado, finished sixth in 1:35.77. Jonna Mendes (Heavenly, CA) was 10th and Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME) was 14th in 1:36.12 with Alison Powers (Winter Park, CO) 50th.

"They talked about (wind) coming and going, but it wasn't something I was thinking about," Gerety said, adding the light may have been flat, but "It was consistent. It wasn't like you went into dark places, so it was fine."

"I wanted to get a top-10," she said. "I would've liked to get on the podium, but one step at a time. This is my first downhill in something like a year and a half, so....I've been fifth a lot...I'd really like to get better than that..."

Mendes, who picked up a tickert to the World Cup in 1997 when she finished 26th in a World Cup super G at Lake Louise, was understandably pleased with her run. "Yeah, Lake Louise has been good to me - my first World Cup top-30, my first World Cup top-20...and now my first top-10. That works for me."

She conceded that after three top-10 training runs, she lagged a bit Thursday, Mendes said. "I wasn't in as much control as I was the last two days. In training, I felt like I was on top of it all the time, and today I felt like I was following my skis a little bit."

Clark, who bagged the first World Cup top-10 of her career last season, survived a near-spill at the finish when her left inside edge caught as she headed to the finish. "I was trying to keep a flat ski in that flat light, but I caught it a bit, but I still made it. ...We get another chance [Saturday], so I'll just have to clean it up a little and see what happens."

She picked up some confidence from training Wednesday in flat light, Clark said, and there was no problem from perhaps four inches of snow overnight. "I knew the course was in great shape, so I just had to attack it. Lake Louise did a great job of getting the course prepared..."

Downhill Head Coach Jim Tracy had high praise for his quartet, noting their racing technique seems sharp and the key now is to keep a tight mental focus. "The girls are 'there' technically, and now it's a question of being mentally tough. Of staying focused. It's been a while since we'had three in the top 15, but they skied great...and even 'Powie' [Powers] is skiing well. She just has to stop trying too hard and ski as she can."

The women race a second downhill Friday and complete their North American swing Saturday with a super G. In the last SG in Aspen, Mendes led the Americans, finishing 12th - her best finish before Thursday.

1. Petra Haltmayer,Germany, 1:34.71
2. Isolde Kostner, Italy, 1:34.81
3. Renate Goetschl, Austria, 1:34.98
4. Regine Cavagnoud, France, 1:35.33
5. Brigitte Obermoser. Austria, 1:35.48
6. Megan Gerety, Anchorage, Alaska, 1:35.77
7. Melanie Turgeon, Canada, 1:35.81
8. Sylviane Berthod. Switzerland, 1:35.85
9. Mojca Suhadolc, Slovenia, 1:35.91
10. Jonna Mendes, Heavenly, Calif., 1:36.03
11. Ingrid Jacquemod, France, 1:36.08
12. Bibiana Perez, Italy, 1:36.10
13. Sibylle Brauner, Germany, 1:36.11
14. Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine, 1:36.12
15. Carole Montillet, France, 1:36.13
16. Emily Brydon, Canada, 1:36.20
17. Tanja Schneider, Austria, 1:36.21
18. Ingeborg Helen Marken, Norway, 1:36.23
19. Corinne Rey Bellet, Switzerland, 1:36.26
20. Warwara Zelenskaja, Russia, 1:36.34
21. Danielle Ceccarelli, Italy, 1:36.49
22. Hilde Gerg, Germany, 1:36.52 2
23. Patrizia Bassis, Italy, 1:36.53
24. Michaela Dorfmeister, Austria, 1:36.58
25. Merete Fjeldavlie, Norway, 1:36.66
26. Trude Gimle, Norway, 1:36.84
27. Anne Marie Lefrancois, Canada, 1:36.85
28. Corinne Imlig, Switzerland, 1:36.86
29. (tie) Veronika Thanner, Austria, and Spela Bracun, Slovenia, 1:36.95
-
50. Alison Powers, Winter Park, Colo., 1:38.42

1. Martina Ertl, Germany, 346 points
2. Janica Kostelic, Croatia, 239
3. Regine Cavagnoud, France, 194
4. Michaela Dorfmeister, Austria, 193
5. Brigitte Obermoser, Austria, 176
6. Sonja Nef, Switzerland, 166
7. Anja Paerson, Sweden, 165
8. Christel Saioni, France, 135
9. Petra Haltmayer, Germany, 122
10. Renate Goetschl, Austria, 121
11. Andrine Flemmen, Norway, 109
12. (tie) Isolde Kostner, Italy, and Corinne Rey Bellet, Switzerland, 106 each
14. Karen Putzer, Italy, 101
15. Kristina Koznick, Burnsville, Minn., 100

1. Haltmayer, 100 points
2. Kostner, 80
3. Goetschl, 60
4. Cavagnoud, 50
5. Obermoser, 45
6. Gerety, 40
7. Turgeon, 36
8. Berthod, 32
9. Suhadolc, 29
10. Mendes, 26
11. Jacquemod, 24
12. Perez , 22
13. Brauner, 20
14. Clark, 18
15. Montillet, 16

SNOWBOARD WORLD CUP RESUMES IN AUSTRIA

Ischgl, Austria (November 30, 2000) - Following a one-week break, the FIS Snowboard World Cup resumes Dec. 1-3 in Ischgl, Austria with a trio of alpine events.

The World Cup was originally scheduled for the same dates in Tandadalen, Sweden, but had to moved over to Austria due to poor snow conditions in Scandanavia. This weekend will feature a parallel slalom and two parallel giant slaloms. A halfpipe contest was originally supposed to be run in Tandadalen, but will be replaced with the second PGS in Ischgl.

Mathieu Bozzetto of France, last season's overall World Cup champion, is expected to be back in action for the head-to-head duals. Bozzetto missed the opening World Cup in Tignes, France after undergoing surgery in mid-October to repair a broken kneecap. Bozzetto's teammate and best friend Nicolas Huet and Austria's Felix Stadler join Bozzetto as favorites entering the event.

On the women's side, Austrian Manuela Riegler, last year's overall champion, hopes to claim the parallel title this season. She just missed it last year as it came down to the final race and she had to relinquish the parallel title to France's Isabelle Blanc.

For the U.S., Team riders Jeff Archibald (Salt Lake City), Jeff Greenwood (Hartford, CT), Pete Macomber (Breckenridge, CO) and Anton Pogue (Hood River, OR) are in Europe and expected to compete. Pogue is the lone rider to have competed World Cup this season as he rode snowboardcross and giant slalom two weeks ago in Tignes. He finished 25th in SBX and 31st in GS.

Sondra Van Ert (Ketchum, ID) also competed in GS (10th) and SBX (13th) in Tignes. She will be joined in Ischgl by teammates Lisa Kosglow (Boise, ID), Erin O'Malley (Mammoth Lakes, CA) and Lynn Ott (Bend, OR). Rosey Fletcher (Girdwood, AK), who was unable to finish her second run in Tignes, will be a threat in the parallel events.

The riders have been off from competition for a week as the World Cup in Kaprun, Austria was canceled last weekend after a cable car fire in early November claimed the lives of over 150 people.

The freestyle members of the U.S. Snowboard Team recently returned to Mammoth Mountain, Calif. to continue training before heading off to Breckenridge, Colo. on Dec. 6 for the season-opening Vans Triple Crown.

MOUNTAIN HIGH EXPERIENCES ITS GREATEST OPENING EVER

Wrightwood, CA (November 30, 2000) - Mountain High’s popularity continues to skyrocket as skiers and snowboarders flocked to the Southern California resort this November. In its opening month, over 65,000 guests visited the area, more than tripling its 15,000 to 20,000 person average. “This is the best November we’ve ever had,” cheered Karl Kapuscinski, General Manager. “We were the first local resort to open for the 4th year in row and kept the ball rolling with aggressive marketing and tons of man-made snow.”

Mountain High opened November 3rd this season, one of only 10 resorts in the country. For almost a week they monopolized the market, taking advantage of the pent-up demand and jump-starting winter business for many Southern California retailers. As Tim Turner from Powder & Sun pointed out, “Mountain High’s early opening boosted our pre-season sales and that sets the tone for the winter.”

Once open the resort benefited from ideal snowmaking conditions. One session lasted eleven straight days, taking the mountain from three trails to fifteen trails in the process. To date, only four inches of natural snow have fallen in the San Gabriel Mountains. Says John Heiber, Mountain High’s Snowmaking Manager, “This November we experienced the best continuous early-season snowmaking ever recorded and it shows.”

Mountain High drew even more attention by being the first in Southern California to offer terrain parks and a halfpipe. “Snowboarders and freestyle skiers represent 80% of our early-season visits so it’s key to have terrain features open as early as possible,” stated Brad Wilson, Director of Marketing.

CLOCK YOUR SPEED IN CRANMORE'S NEW TUBING PARK

N. Conway, NH (November 30, 2000) - The Wild Cherry Pepsi Grand Prix Tubing Center will be the place for family fun and excitement this winter at Cranmore Mountain Resort. The redesigned, seven-lane tubing center will have a "grand-prix" racing theme, while music plays as tubers slide down the lanes on bright red snow tubes.

With the use of radar guns, four lanes will be designated just for guests to clock their speed. With the purchase of a tubing pass, guests will be able to sign up for prizes that include hard-to-get tickets to a NASCAR Winston Cup Race at New Hampshire International Speedway in Louden, NH. Other prizes include lift tickets to Cranmore, free tubing at Cranmore, and a variety of cool prizes from Pepsi-Cola and Mountain Dew. Every month, there will be new prizes, so guests are encouraged to come back and tube often.

"The Tubing Center plays a big role in our winter experience at Cranmore, and this new park will add a new level of excitement," said Paul Giblin, Director of Marketing and Sales for Cranmore Mountain Resort. "We're thrilled to be joining forces with the folks at Pepsi on this project."

The new Wild Cherry Pepsi Grand Prix Tubing Center at Cranmore will open mid-December and will operate Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 9 PM, and Sudays from 10 AM to 4 PM. Holidays and vacation weeks, the Wild Cherry Pepsi Grand Prix will operate daily from 10 AM to 9 PM.

ELOFSSON, VARIS WIN X-C RACES IN BEITOSTOLEN

Beitostolen, Norway (November 29, 2000) - Per Elofsson of Sweden and Finland's Kaisa Varis were the World Cup winners Wednesday in freestyle cross country races that were moved to Beitostolen from snowless Lillehammer. No Americans competed.

Elofsson crushed the men's field in 10-km race, winning in 22:37.9 with Sami Repo of Finland second in 22:58.1. Fellow Norwegian Thomas Alsgaard took third place with a time of 23:01.3

In the women's race, Varis held off Stefania Belmondo to win in 12:34.2 - just .8 ahead of the diminutive Italian racer. Kristina Smigun of Estonia was third, another half-second off the pace.

The World Cup schedule resumes Dec. 8-10 in Santa Caterina, Italy. Nina Kemppel (Anchorage, AK) will join the tour at that point and be the lone U.S. skier racing.

BRUDERUS CROSS-COUNTRY WORLD CUP
Beitostolen, NOR - Nov. 29 (Moved from Lillehammer, NOR)
Men's 10-km FR

1. Per Elofsson, Sweden, 22:37.9
2. Sami Repo, Finland, 22:58.1
3. Thomas Alsgaard, Norway, 23:01.3
4. Fulvio Valbusa, Italy, 23:05.1
5. Magnus Ingesson, Sweden, 23:05.4
6. Karl Gunnar Skjoensfjell, Norway, 23:09.7
7. Vincent Vitoz, France, 23:11.8
8. Rene sommerfeldt, Germany, 23:14.6
9. Frode Estil, Norway, 23:15.1
10. Pietro Piller Cottrer, Italy, 23:16.0
(No North Americans competed)

1. Kaisa Varis, Finland, 12:34.2
2. Stefania Belmondo, Italy, 12:35.0
3. Kristina Smigun, Estonia, 12:35.5
4. (tie) Larissa Lazhutina and Julia Tchepalova, both Russia, 12:38.5 each
6. Katerina Neumannova, Czech Republic, 12:43.0
7. Nina Gavriljuk, Russia, 12:47.6
8. Olga Danilova, Russia, 12:48.6
9. Virpi Kuitinen, Finland, 12:49.7
10. Olga Zavjalova, Russia, 12:50.4

OLYMPIAN SWARTLEY SIDELINED FOR SEASON FOLLOWING SURGERY

Park City, UT (November 29, 2000) - Olympic aerialist Britt Swartley (Blue Bell, PA) underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season, the U.S. Ski Team said.

Swartley, 29, ruptured the ligament during a preseason training camp. Dr. Lonnie Paulos performed the surgery, reconstructing Swartley's ACL with a hamstring graft at The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital in Salt Lake City.

Paulos said Swartley had been expected to undergo surgery in another week, but he had regained full range of motion with his knee and the surgery was moved up. He will begin his rehabilitation in Park City, Utah, and is expected to remain there for the next month.

The 1994 U.S. aerials champion, Swartley was in his seventh year on the U.S. Ski Team. He has won one World Cup in his career and finished fifth in the 1998 Olympic aerials contest in Nagano, Japan.

SPEED RACERS DESCEND ON BEAVER CREEK IN SEARCH OF PREY

Beaver Creek, CO (November 29, 2000) - While race crews and mountain operations experts finalize details, the strongest racers from 16 nations descend upon Beaver Creek in search of the top podium step. The resort will once again play host to the World Cup men’s Downhill and Super G races, taking place on the renowned Birds of Prey course this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2 and 3, 2000.

On the course, the field of potential conquerors is a familiar one, including names like Norway’s Lasse Kjus, Italy’s Kristian Ghedina, Californian Daron Rahlves and local hero Chad Fleischer. Each athlete has his eye on a win, though the eyes of the world may be on the men’s World Cup athlete who, for the past three winter seasons, has laid claim to the course and the trophy. He is Austria’s own Hermann Maier.

The “Hermannator” returns to Beaver Creek the defending World Cup champion, with no intention of relinquishing the title. He has his work cut out for him, however, as 80 athletes will be on hand this weekend, intent upon unseating this legend among men.

In addition to the action on the mountain, the Ernst & Young Birds of Prey World Cup weekend also marks the kick-off celebration of Beaver Creek’s 20th Anniversary season. In anticipation of this historic event look for festivities taking place in the village, and on the mountain, throughout the weekend.

Downhill training gets underway on Wed., Nov. 29, with the men’s downhill scheduled for Sat., Dec. 2. The World Cup men’s Super G is slated for Sunday, Dec. 3. Both races begin at 12:15 p.m. All 900-finish stadium seats are free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis. Spectators may also take in the action from the sidelines, as there are several prime viewing locations along the Bird’s of Prey course.

Visitors may park at the base of the resort in the East and West Day lots. Free shuttle service to the village is provided on a daily basis at five-minute intervals. The resort will also provide free spectator transportation to the Birds of Prey finish stadium, departing from the covered bridge in Beaver Creek Village.

In addition to the finish stadium, skiers and riders can view the races along the Birds of Prey course, with recommended locations at Pumphouse and above Red Tail Camp along the south-side fencing. Dally will be open during the event for skier access to the base of Beaver Creek.

Over one-third of Beaver Creek Mountain is currently open to the public, including six lifts accessing over 30 runs for a total of 600 acres of terrain. Spectators and visitors to Beaver Creek will enjoy powder and packed powder conditions this weekend, with a 30-inch summit base.

AFTER DELAYS, SCHWEITZER TO OPEN WEDNESDAY ... AND WHO'S STELLA, ANYWAY?

Sandpoint, ID (November 27, 2000) - After a delay wrought by unseasonably dry weather which failed to deliver adequate snowfall, Schweitzer plans to get things off the ground this Wednesday.

12 inches of new snow fell over the weekend, giving Schweitzer 36.5 inches at the summit and 24.5 inches in the village. Two chairlifts will operate on Wednesday, Chair One to Midway and Musical Chairs, along with other amenities: Kinderkamp, The Mountain Learning Center, The Mountain Express (Schweitzer's Park & Ride shuttle), The Source rental and retail shop and The Chimney Rock Grill, which will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

"We are excited to open, this is a good start and we hope to have more of the mountain open by this weekend," commented Tom Fortune, Schweitzer's General Manager. "Stella is ready, we just need a bit more snow and she'll do her magic."

Use a bit of imagination, and a bit more creative marketing, perhaps borne of the NSAA's contention that destination theme parks and cruise lines represent the true competition for skiers' dollars. Enter the world of Phineas J. Schweitzer, an inventor that knew in his soul he was destined to invent something grand, something that would give the world great pleasure. He has chosen Schweitzer to unveil his pride and joy, a most "state-of-the-art" 19th century uphill carriage system. As visitors enter Schweitzer's "Northwest Territory" to board Phineas' invention, a feeling of renewed adventure sets in. Upon entering an authentic North Idaho barn, visitors are provided with a glimpse of the fury behind the new lift's mechanical system. This powerful energy source turns the turbines and winds the wheels as it seeps out from the myriad of "pressurized" pipes that feed the one-of-a-kind machine.

"Schweitzer's new high-speed six passenger chairlift is more than just a lift ride," explained Fortune. "Stella will become a memorable part of our guest's visit. Stella and the new terrain in the 'Northwest Territory' will definitely accomplish this."

Along with the new lift adventure, there will also be an additional 150 acres of gladed and groomed terrain for the 2000-2001 season, and renovation of the Outback Lodge restaurant will soon follow.

Along with Stella and the new 150 acres of terrain in the Northwest Territory, there are lots of new and improved features at Schweitzer for this winter season: sleigh rides, a Rossignol Demo Center at the top of the Great Escape Quad, more racing programs, and new and improved menus at the Chimney Rock Grill and Taps.

NORTH TAHOE RESORTS OFFER FREE WEEKEND OF SKIING FOR FIRST TIMERS

North Lake Tahoe, CA (November 27, 2000) - Lake Tahoe ski resorts Alpine Meadows, Boreal, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley and Sugar Bowl will partner December 9 - 10 for the region's inaugural "Free for First-Timers" weekend. For two days, each resort will offer free ski and snowboard lesson packages to children and adults new to skiing and snowboarding. The lesson packages will include a beginner group lesson, use of rental equipment, and a beginner-access lift ticket. No purchase is required.

The purpose of "Free for First-Timers" is to introduce new skiers/snowboarders to the fun of each winter sport. The region's intention is also to demonstrate that lessons are a valuable tool in learning to ski and snowboard. Often, people new to skiing or snowboarding underestimate the value of a lesson and attempt to learn the sport on their own. The result is typically a frustrated person who chooses not to try skiing or snowboarding again. When taught by a professionally certified instructor, new skiers/snowboarders will learn skills at their own pace in a safe and comfortable environment.

"It is our intention as regional partners to introduce people back into skiing and foster excitement for winter sports," said Bobby Reader, Northstar's guest services director and co-founder of the "Free for First-Timers" program. Reader continued, "Our goal is to dispel any fears or misconceptions about skiing and snowboarding that people might have and give them the tools to enjoy winter recreation at its finest."

"Free for First-Timers" lessons will be offered at varied times throughout each day December 9 -10 at Alpine Meadows, Boreal, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley, and Sugar Bowl. Private lessons and full- and half-day children's ski school/day care programs are excluded from the "Free for First-Timers" weekend. For more information, please visit www.tahoefun.org or call one of the participating resorts: Alpine Meadows, 530/583-4232; Boreal, 530/426-3666; Northstar-at-Tahoe, 800/466-6784; Squaw Valley, 530/583-6985; Sugar Bowl, 530/426-9000.

KILDOW PODIUMS AGAIN AT ASPEN SUPER SERIES SG

Aspen, CO (November 27, 2000) - For the second day in a row, 16 year-old Lindsey C. Kildow (Vail, CO) picked up a podium finish as she was second Monday in a Chevy Truck Super Series super G at Aspen.

Spain’s Maria Jose Rienda Contreras won the race on Ruthie’s Run with a time of 1:31.09. Kildow, who won Sunday’s super G race, was second in 1:31.20 and Canadian Sara-Maude Boucher was third with a 1:31.95.

The course was similar to Sunday’s, very technical and turny with both steep and flat sections. The second steep pitch on the course was the difference in the race today as the under gate on the pitch was the toughest on the course to make.

“The gate that made the course was probably the under gate coming onto the second pitch – the big roundhouse turn,” said Kildow, who picked up a check for $1000 to add to her $1500 winnings from Sunday. “I really did not ski very well there.”

Kildow won Sunday’s race on the bottom section of the course. No other competitors figured out how to ski the section as efficiently as Kildow. Today’s bottom section was a bit more difficult.

“On the bottom, I don’t know what was different about it, but it was a lot harder (than Sunday),” said Kildow. “There’s a rut that was developed which slowed down people that had a late line. I didn’t ski it as well as I did yesterday. I had a little bit of trouble, but I hung in there and managed to throw myself down the hill again.”

The on-hill conditions differed from Sunday as the sky remained cloudy and light snow fell towards the end of the race. The racers had to deal with flat light conditions, but most weren’t bothered by it. There were eight racers out of 50 that did not finish the course.

U.S. Ski Team member Libby Ludlow (Bellevue, WA), who finished third Sunday, was the second-best American in sixth with a time of 1:32.31. Teammate Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO) was just behind in eighth with a 1:32.74.

The women take a break from Chevy Truck Super Series action until the tour stops at Snowbird, Utah March 8-11.

1. Maria Jose Rienda Contreras, Spain, 1:31.09
2. Lindsey C. Kildow, Vail, CO, 1:31.20
3. Sara-Maude Boucher, Canada, 1:31.95
4. Eveline Rohregger, Austria, 1:32.05
5. Carolina Waidhofer-Dummer, Austria, 1:32.11
6. Libby Ludlow, Bellevue, WA, 1:32.31
7. Anna Prchal, Canada, 1:32.65
8. Sarah Schleper, Vail, CO, 1:32.74
9. Christine Lathrop, North Conway, NH, 1:33.23
10. Stephanie Ouellet-Decoste, Canada, 1:33.87
11. Kristina Duvillard, France, 1:33.90
12. Alice Jones, Australia, 1:33.95
13. Christiane Mitterwallner, Austria, 1:34.62
14. Elisah Stephens, Park City, UT, 1:34.96
15. Rachel Roosevelt, Storrs, CT, 1:34.99

ATTITASH BEAR PEAK TO HOLD DEMO DAY SATURDAY

Bartlett, NH (November 27, 2000) - Attitash Bear Peak, New Hampshire will host their annual demo day this Saturday, December 2nd. Representatives will be on the snow from K2, Solomon, Marker, Volkl, Volant, Line and Rossignol with the latest equipment and product lines available. Interested can pay a $5 registration fee in the Attitash base lodge, beginning at 8 am, which will allow unlimited use at the demo area. Demos will be available until 2pm on Saturday afternoon, and all equipment must be returned to the appropriate representatives by 3 pm.

Demo programs allow guests to try the equipment they are interested in, on the snow, before they make an investment. Attitash Bear Peak offers guided demos all season long through the guided performance test center located in the Bear Peak base lodge.

MAIER WINS LAKE LOUISE SUPER-G

Lake Louise (AB), Canada (November 26, 2000) - Hermann Maier of Austria hung-up the 30th victory of his career Sunday at Lake Louise Ski Area, winning the first super G of the season. Daron Rahlves led a U.S. assault on the top 30, finishing 13th as three other Americans earned points, too.

Outdoor Life Network will televise coverage of the race tonight at 7 EST with a repeat at 10 p.m. Eastern time.

"We had a few in the top 30 - maybe not as high as they'd like to be, but still good to see a few guys in the points," commented U.S. downhill/super G Coach Dale Stephens, "but this was a good first race, a good showing. It gives us some momentum as we head to Beaver Creek," for the Ernst&Young Birds of Prey downhill and super G races Friday and Saturday.

Maier, a surprise 15th Saturday in the opening downhill, finished in 1:29.53 with Lasse Kjus of Norway second in 1:29.85. Then came four more Austrians in the 25-degree weather under a partly sunny sky over the Canadian Rockies.

Rahlves was mystified - "I'm shocked. I thought I skied well and would be at least top eight," he said - when he saw his time (1:31.02). He was followed by Chad Fleischer (Vail), who was 20th in 1:31.68 with Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) firing out of the No. 61 start to finish 22nd in 1:31.72 with Casey Puckett 29th in 1:32.07. Jake Fiala (Breckenridge, CO) was 31st, knocked out of the top 30 by a tenth of a second, and Brett Fischer (Winter Park, CO), in his second World Cup race, was 38th.

"It's a surprise. I'm feeling really confident on my skis right now...but this is crazy. The feelings I have right now are not where they have to be for me to be competitive. I still felt like I was in there. That's the shock - feeling like you're there and not being there," said Rahlves, who was eighth a year ago at Lake Louise.

"I've had the good feeling, but I definitely didn't bring it out this weekend," he said. "This is definitely getting me angry and fired-up for another shot at Beaver Creek."

"It's going okay. The guys are doing a good job and our equipment's doing well, too. I'm pleased. It bodes well," added men's Head Coach Bill Egan. "Daron and Chad and Paul Casey were a little disappointed today, but they're fighting and they're competitive and in there, and that's good."

He gave high marks to Miller, Fiala and Fischer for battling their way through what had become a badly rutted course. "Only five guys moved forward, so I'm pleased with those guys. It's good to get those first races out of the way. I'm looking forward."

There will be the inevitable distractions at Beaver Creek from family and friends, Egan said, "and we'll have to deal better with them. Any distractions in Vail are nothing compared to what we'll face next season [at the Olympics] and we have to learn how to do with them."

As the men moved on to the Ernst&Young races at Beaver Creek, the U.S. women - and those of more than a dozen other nations - were checking in to the luxurious Chateau Lake Louise in a World Cup tag-team process. The women compete in the second phase of the Winterstart World Cup, running downhills Thursday and Friday with a super G Saturday.

1. Hermann Maier, Austria, 1:29.53
2. Lasse Kjus, Norway, 1:29.85
3. Andreas Schifferer, Austria, 1:29.95
4. Josef Strobl, Austria, 1:30.11
5. Stefan Eberharter, Austria, 1:30.16
6. Christoph Gruber, Austria, 1:30.39
7. Didier Cuche, Switzerland, 1:30.48
8. Werner Franz, Austria, 1:30.53
9. Fredrik Nyberg, Sweden, 1:30.55
10. Kjetil Andre Aamodt, Norway, 1:30.61
11. Hans Knauss, Austria, 1:30.80
12. Marco Buechel, Liechtenstein, 1:30.91
13. Daron Rahlves, Sugar Bowl, Calif., 1:31.02
14. Hannes Trinkl, Austria, 1:31.15
15. Silvano Beltrametti, Switzerland, 1:31.25
16. (tie), Steve Locher, Switzerland, and Fritz Strobl, Austria, 1:31.29 each
18. Patrick Wirth, Austria, 1:31.30
19. Patrice Emanuel, France, 1:31.65
20. Chad Fleischer, Vail, Colo., 1:31.68
21. Paul Accola, Switzerland, 1:31.71
22. Bode Miller, Francnoia, N.H., 1:31.72
23. Ivan Bormolini, Italy, 1:31.81
24. (tie) Claude Cretier, France, and Bruno Kernen, Switzerland, 1:31.82 each
26. Franco Cavegn, Switzerland, 1:31.99
27. (tie) Darin McBeath, Canada, and Christophe Saioni, France, 1:32.05 each
29. Casey Puckett, Aspen, Colo., 1:32.07
30. Ozbi Oslak, Slovenia, 1:32.09
-
31. Jake Fiala, Breckenridge, Colo., 1:32.19
38. Brett Fischer, Winter Park, Colo., 1:32.68

1. Maier, 276 points
2. Kjus, 246
3. Eberharter, 240
4. Michael Von Gruenigen, Switzerland, 168
5. Heinz Schilchegger, Austria, 152
6. Andreas Schifferer, Austria, 140
7. Nyberg, 135
8. Aamodt, 131
9. Josef Strobl, 114
10. Christian Mayer, Austria, 103
11. Cuche, 101
12. Beltrametti, 96
13. Buechel, 82
14. Mario Matt, Austria, 80
15. Accola, 71
-
16. Erik Schlopy, Park City, Utah, 60
18. Fleischer, 56
32. Miller, 35
36. Rahlves, 30
45. Casey Puckett, 20
61. Dane Spencer, Boise, Idaho, 11
64. Chris Puckett, Boulder, Colo., 8

1. Maier, 100
2. Kjus, 80
3. Schifferer, 60
4. J. Strobl, 50
5. Eberharter, 45
6. Gruber, 40
7. Cuche, 36
8. Franz, 32
9. Nyberg, 29
10. Aamodt, 26
11. Knauss, 24
12. Buechel, 22
13. Rahlves, 20
14. Trinkl, 18
15. Beltrametti, 16
-
20. Fleischer, 11
22. Miller, 9
29. Casey Puckett, 2

KILDOW WINS SUPER SERIES SUPER-G AT ASPEN

Aspen, CO (November 26, 2000) - Some people don't have faith in superstitions, but belief really paid off for U.S. Ski Team member Lindsey C. Kildow (Vail, CO) Sunday as she won a Chevy Truck Super Series super G race on Ajax Mountain.

Kildow mastered the bottom section of Ruthie's Run, a feat no other racer could accomplish, to win with a time of 1:40.02. Canadian Anna Prchal was second in 1:40.06 and U.S. skier Libby Ludlow (Bellevue, WA) took third in 1:40.15.

Kildow makes it a point to read her horoscope prior to racing, but she didn't get around to doing it Saturday before a World Cup slalom race at the Chevy Truck Aspen Winternational. Her result - she skied off course and failed to finish the race, also held on Ruthie's Run.

There was no way Kildow wasn't going to check out her horoscope going into today's race. It read "Discovery is a good thing if you work for it." Her result - the first Super Series victory of her career and a winner's check for $1500.

"I discovered that I'm an awesome super G skier and I worked really hard for it," said the 16 year-old Kildow. Kildow, who started 15th out of 53 racers, sat in the stands after her run and watched as racer after racer came down and posted second intermediate times that had them in the lead. However, nobody could match Kildow's performance on the bottom section.

"I went pretty straight (on the bottom section)," said Kildow. "I just let my skis run but I held my edge and I just linked all my turns up together."

"I think she (Kildow) spent a lot of time doing a really good inspection," said U.S. Team coach Frank Kelble. "She knew where she was going and I think one thing that helped out quite a bit was that she was really smart right before the finish. She straightened the line out in the last couple of gates and a lot of girls didn't do that."

The course featured a little bit of everything, including many technical turns, steeps and flats.

"It (the course) was awesome," said Ludlow, whose third place finish was also the best Super Series finish of her career. "It was really turny, especially compared to the World Cup, but it was in great condition and it was my style so I liked it a lot."

"The course was turny and technical and steep and flat - it was all of the above," said Kildow. "The top was really turny and if you set up and had a good line, you carried speed onto the flats. Coming onto the second pitch, which is really steep, there's a big under gate and it's really hard."

In addition to a medal and the winner's check, Kildow also received a new ski rack. It will come in handy soon as she plans to put her winnings towards a new car.

The top-three finishers were followed by a trio of Austrians who all crossed the finish line within .05 seconds of each other. The next American was Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO), who finished 11th with a time of 1:40.83. Schleper was coming off a 12th place finish in Saturday's World Cup slalom.

The Chevy Truck Super Series at Aspen concludes Monday with another super G scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Ajax.

BLUE MT. OFFERS $10 LIFT TICKETS THROUGH DEC. 10

Collingwood (ON), Canada (November 26, 2000) - The cold temperatures and new fallen snow in Southwestern Ontario have given the 2000-2001 winter season a kick-start, allowing Blue Mountain to open earlier than usual this weekend. To celebrate, this Intrawest resort will offer a $10 dollar lift ticket for all ages for all open terrain until December 10^th.

Visitors to Ontario’s largest mountain resort can expect limited terrain with a 30 cm base of machine groomed snow. The Silver Bullet Express Quad and the Easy Street Double lifts will service the Easy Street and Smart Alec trails. As winter temperatures continue, the Blue Mountain snowmaking team will be working hard to get all 34 trails open as the season progresses.

This season Blue Mountain has invested $5 million in upgrades and improvements including the addition of another 6-person high-speed detachable chair lift in the South end, dubbed Southern Comfort. The installation of this new chair will now allow skiers and boarders to access a high-speed lift from anywhere across the mountain. Also new this season is the expansion of night skiing on weekends and holidays. Night skiing is slated to open on December 21^st and in addition to the regular trails offered midweek, the mountain will open additional terrain from Memory Lane to Big Baby for night skiing on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays

Blue Mountain Resort is located two hours north of Toronto bordering the southern shores of Georgian Bay.

OKEMO OPENS THE FIRST SUPER PIPE IN THE NORTHEAST

Ludlow, VT (November 26, 2000) - It measures a whopping 440'L X 55'W X 17'H and promises some wild and high-flying action at Okemo Mountain Resort this season. Okemo's new Super Pipe opened today, the first Super Pipe to open in the East.

The Super Pipe is 30% larger than a traditional halfpipe with larger walls and a greater transition. The enormous size of the Super Pipe requires a specialized piece of grooming equipment called a Super Dragon manufactured by Pipedragon. The Super Dragon grooms the massive structure to perfection with a uniform shape and smooth transitions. Okemo is one of just a handful of resorts with a Super Dragon and the first pipe to open in the East.

"Riders prefer the Super Pipe as it allows them to go bigger and throw down more electrifying maneuvers than they are able to do in a smaller structure," commented Ethan Mueller, Okemo's Pipe/Park Director. "The Super Pipe has much larger and more forgiving transitions than a regular-sized pipe."

On December 15-17, 2000 some of the finest snowboard athletes in the world will compete at the Chevy Truck US Snowboard Grand Prix at Okemo Mountain Resort. This exciting week long snowboard competition will kick-off as the competitors begin arriving in the Ludlow region to train for the week's events starting on December 11th. World-class snowboarders will compete for top-honors in Giant Slalom, Halfpipe and Slopestyle Exhibition Snowboard events. Also adding excitement to this season's USSA Grand Prix is the fact that all four venues will feature Super Pipes.

SCHWEITZER OFFERS FREE INDOOR SKI LESSONS IN SPOKANE

Spokane, WA (November 26, 2000) - Schweitzer Mountain is offering free beginner ski lessons at Magic Mountain, an indoor ski simulator located in LouLou's sport shop in Spokane. Each lesson will last approximately ½ hour and will be taught by experienced Schweitzer ski instructors.

"The indoor ski ramp is a comfortable environment for your first day on skis, and with Schweitzer's great instructors, new skiers are bound to become committed to the sport," commented Tom Kingsland, Director of the Mountain Learning Center.

LouLou's sports shop is located in Spokane at 428 E. Pacific Ave. Appointments are recommended but not required, call LouLou's at (509) 624-2422 to schedule. All equipment will be provided, however, it is recommended to bring your own ski boots if you have them.

Schweitzer staff will also be taking reservations for the EZ-123 Learn to ski/ride package, which includes 3 visits to the resort with lift tickets, rentals and two lessons for only $69.99. Also, for all of the established skiers and snowboarders on your holiday gift list, Schweitzer staff will be on-hand selling gift certificates and pre-season discounted lift tickets-just $28 valid through Dec. 25, 2000. Schweitzer discounted lift tickets are available for purchase only at this LouLou's location and only during the times listed above.

For more information, call Schweitzer Mountain at 208.263.9555, or find them on the Internet at www.schweitzer.com.

EVOLUTION LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION 2002 WINTER GAMES SNOWBOARDS

Salt Lake City, UT (November 26, 2000) - Evolution USA, the official ski and snowboard Licensee for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, has launched its new line of limited edition EVO snowboards for the 2002 Winter Games.

The graphical designs for each of the boards were created to reflect the beautiful landscapes and culture of Utah, while capturing the Olympic spirit. The following is a brief description of the various models:

For more information about Evolution's limited edition Olympic Collection snowboards, check out Evolution online at www.evoski.com, or call its headquarters at 801.484.5811.

JACKSON HOLE TAKES PROACTIVE ROLE AND PARTNERS WITH BOERI FOR KIDS' HELMET SAFETY PROGRAM

Jackson Hole, WY (November 26, 2000) - Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) has announced a new Kids Safety Helmet Program in partnership with Boeri Helmets for the winter season. In association with the highly successful 5th and 6th Grade Passport Program, which offers free lift tickets, lessons and equipment at JHMR to all 5th and 6th graders in Teton County, officials from Boeri and the Resort will introduce a pilot program offering reduced price helmets to these kids.

The program will be launched at an official Boeri Helmet day at Colter Elementary School on December 1st from 3.00 to 6.00pm, the day before the winter season starts at JHMR. Parents are encouraged to attend and purchase a helmet on the day and kids will be able to meet official Boeri and JHMR ski and snowboard athletes such as Olympic Gold Medalist Tommy Moe, World Extreme Champion, AJ Cargill and renowned freerider Jeremy Jones, to sign their helmets.

"After two years of operating the Passport program we were keen to expand on the great opportunity it provides for over 400 local kids," commented Jerry Blann, President JHMR. "We take safety very seriously at the Resort and if we can provide further support mechanisms for parents so their children can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in a safer environment we wanted to pursue this. Boeri have modeled the idea on a successful bike helmet scheme and I commend our Resort partner on this bold idea. We have received many letters from the Board of Education, Pete Carparelli, Superintendent of Schools, parents, teachers and kids in support of the Passport program, one in particular commented on how the program provided wholesome activities for young people on a larger community scale.

"This is precisely why JHMR has spearheaded the Passport program in Wyoming and with financial support from Jackson State Bank, Jacobsen Construction and Jackson Hole Realty made it a reality," continued Blann.

Robyn Hasson, Marketing Director Boeri, added, "We’ve seen great success with the passport programs and their success in getting children interested and involved with skiing and snowboarding and are very excited to partner with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to make the program in Jackson even stronger."

FLEISCHER 5TH AT SEASON-OPENING LAKE LOUISE DOWNHILL

Lake Louise, Canada (November 25, 2000) - A day after he'd told reporters his favorite event was giant slalom, Stefan Eberharter of Austria overcame a devilish tailwind Saturday at Lake Louise Ski Area, then nailed the bottom of the course and won the first World Cup downhill of the season. Chad Fleischer (Vail, CO) led three U.S. skiers into the top 25, finishing fifth after surviving a new-spill in the final run to the finish.

Eberharter, the gold medalist in super-G and combined at the '91 World Championships and giant slalom silver medalist at the '98 Olympics, raced under an overcast sky was timed in 1:40.79. Second place went to Swiss racer Silvano Beltrametti, who had won the first training run Wednesday, with Lasse Kjus of Norway third. Defending World Cup DH champ Hermann Maier also caught an edge at the bottom and was 15th.

Fleischer, starting 30th as he returns from a rotator cuff injury that ended his '00 season last December, ate-up ground at the bottom and finished in 1:41.34. He caught his right ski's inner edge in the final tuck - at almost the same spot as Maier, but righted himself and finished in 1:41.34. Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA) was 21st in 1:42.24 with Chris Puckett (Boulder, CO) tied 23rd in 1:42.38. Jake Fiala (Breckenridge, CO) finished 40th with Brett Fischer (Winter Park, CO) 47th in his World Cup debut.

"I was just flying," Fleischer said, giving credit to waxing wizard Edi Waldburger for his outstanding skis and to Norwegian Coach Atle Skardaal who gave him a tip about the bottom of the run. "I was kinda joking around, but I said, 'You got any pointers for me? He said, 'Just let 'em go down the hill. No matter what your line is, just keep the ski arcing and going down the hill.' I did that but my skis also were really fast today. I felt like they were pulling me along and I was trying to keep up with them."

He added, "The only place I only made a mistake - I probably lost two-tenths, at least, or three - was this flat at the bottom. I tried to hold my tuck off the bottom. I've been really fast down here and I just lost my focus because when I came around that corner the only thought in my mind was to win the bottom, because I knew if I won the bottom that would bump up another couple of places.

"It was close, man, because when you're going 75, 80 miles an hour right there and when the shovel of your ski gets up and catches the wind, it's like sticking an arm that's six feet long out a car window...like throwing a parachute up for two seconds and then you're down again; it doesn't look like anything, but in ski racing it's everything.

"When I hit that finish line," Fleischer said, "I knew I'd made it. I knew I was fast. I had fast skis and I stayed over 'em. I just let 'em run."

Rahlves said he was happy to be racing and looked to do better Sunday in the super G. A year ago, he was 15th in the downhill at Lake Louise and came back the next day to finish eighth in super G.

"It's pretty much a struggle in that middle section," he said. "I was going a lot faster in certain sections [than in training] ... It's fun to race, though, get that feeling back and just get after it."

Puckett, greeted at the finish by his wife Wendy and month-old son, Cole, said Fleischer gave him an outstanding course report that took him through some tough spots.

"I knew Chad had gotten fifth and I was ahead of him in training [Friday], so that gave me the confidence. ...I just trusted what he said," Puckett explained, "and knew if he was that good that I should be able to punch in there, too. It was like he said - a little faster, some pretty sharp holes on a couple gates where I almost fell. ...I knew the part I own on the bottom was still there, and I have the fastest skis in the world - these Volkls are fast! - so I just laid 'em flat and kept trying to make-up time...and I did it."

"Today was Race Day and I'm glad I got the experience," said Fischer - the reigning Nor Am downhill champion. "I tried to rise to the occasion...got bounced around a little bit, but made it down okay. I was pushing - gotta go on the edge. That's what everyone tells me, anyway: 'If you're not close to the nets you're going too slow.'"

The men conclude their weekend in the Canadian Rockies with a super-G before heading to the Ernst&Young Birds of Prey races at Beaver Creek, Colo. They'll swap places - Colorado and Canada - with the U.S. women, who completed two days of racing Saturday and will run two downhills and super G at Lake Louise from Thursday through Saturday.

1. Stefan Eberharter, Austria, 1:40.79
2. Silvano Beltrametti, Switzerland, 1:41.03
3. Lasse Kjus, Norway, 1:41.21
4. Josef Strobl, Austria, 1:41.33
5. Chad Fleischer, Vail, Colo., 1:41.34
6. Andreas Schifferer, Austria, 1:41.38
7. Hans Knauss, Austria, 1:41.52
8. Maz Ruaffer, Germany, 1:41.60
9. Didier Cuche, Switzerland, 1:41.61
10. Fritz Strobl, Austria, 1:41.65
11. Didier Defago, Switzerland, 1:41.70
12. Pierre-Emmanuel Dalcin, France, 1:41.82
13. Fredrik Nyberg, Sweden, 1:41.90
14. Audun Groenvold, Norway, 1:41.93
15. Hermann Maier, Austria, 1:42.01
16. Paul Accola, Switzerland, 1:42.05
17. Kenneth Sivertsen, Norway, 1:42.06
18. Bruno Kernen, Switzerland, 1:42.10
19. Werner Franz, Austria, 1:42.17
20. Claude Cretier, France, 1:42.18
21. Daron Rahlves, Sugar Bowl, Calif., 1:42.24
22. Franco Cavegn, Switzerland, 1:42.28
23. (tie) Chris Puckett, Boulder, Colo., and Christoph Gruber, Austria, 1:42.38 each
25. Alessandro Fattori, Italy, 1:42.42
26. Marco Buechel, Liechtenstein, 1:42.46
27. Luca Cattaneo, Italy, 1:42.59
28. (tie) Ed Podivinsky, Canada, and Ivan Bormolini, Italy, 1:42.62 each
30. Kjetil Andre Aamodt, Norway, 1:42.71

Cafe de Colombia World Cup Overall (4 races)
1. Stefan Eberharter, Austria, 195 points
2. Hermann Maier, Austria, 176
3. Michael Von Gruenigen, Switzerland, 168
4. Lasse Kjus, Norway, 166
5. Heinz Schichegger, Austria, 152
6. Fredrik Nyberg, Sweden, 106
7. Kjetil Andre Aamodt, Norway, 105
8. Christian Mayer, Austria, 103
9. (tie) Mario Matt and Andreas Schifferer, both Austria, and Silvano Beltrametti, Switzerland, 80 each
12. Didier Cuche. Switzerland, 65
13. Josef Strobl, Austria, 64
14. Paul Accola, Switzerland, 61
15.(tie) Erik Schlopy, Park City, Utah, and Marco Buechel, Liechtenstein, 60 each
--
19. Chad Fleischer, Vail, Colo., 45 33.
Bode Miller, Franconia, 26
42. Casey Puckett, Aspen, Colo., 18
54. Dane Spencer, Boise, Idaho, 11
57. Daron Rahlves, Sugar Bowl, Calif., 10
60. Chris Puckett, Boulder, Colo., 8
--
Downhill (1 race)
1. Stefan Eberharter, Austria, 100
2. Silvano Beltrametti, Switzerland, 80
3. Lasse Kjus, Norway, 60
4. Josef Strobl, Austria, 50
5. Chad Fleischer, Vail, Colo., 45
6. Andreas Schifferer, Austria, 40
7. Hans Knauss, Austria, 36
8. Max Rauffer, Germany, 32
9. Didier Cuche, Switzerland, 29
10. Fritz Strobl, Austria, 26
11. Dider Defago, Switzerland, 24
12. Pierre-Emmanuel Dalcin, France, 22
13. Fredrik Nyberg, Sweden, 20
14. Audun Groenvold, Norway, 18
15. Hermann Maier, Austria, 16
-
21. Daron Rahlves, Sugar Bowl, Calif., 10
23. Chris Puckett, Boulder, Colo., 8

KOZNICK 3RD, SCHLEPER 12TH AT ASPEN WORLD CUP SLALOM

Aspen, CO (November 25, 2000) - For the fourth time this season, Kristina Koznick (Burnsville, MN) was the top American finisher in a World Cup race as she took third Saturday in a slalom at the Chevy Truck Aspen Winternational. U.S. Ski Team member Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO) also got a second run and finished 12th.

Croatian Janica Kostelic won the race with a time of 1:23.19. German Martina Ertl was second in 1:24.03 and Koznick followed with a time of 1:24.12.

Kostelic and Ertl have had a solid start to the season. The Croatian won the season-opening slalom Nov. 18 in Park City, Utah, while Ertl, the overall World Cup points leader, won the season's first giant slalom in Soelden, Austria Oct. 28.

It hasn't shown that this season is a comeback year for Kostelic, who tore four ligaments in her right knee during a training accident last December. The injury put her out of action for the remainder of the season after she had won the first two World Cup slaloms of the year. She had registered five top-10 finishes and had the lead on the World Cup points list prior to the crash.

"I don't really have any goals for this year, just to stay healthy," said Kostelic.

Kostelic led after the first run with a time of 40.44 and was the lone skier to post a time under 41 seconds. She held a .53 advantage over Slovenia's Spela Pretnar, who was second after the opening run with a time of 41.17. Kostelic's second run time of 42.75 was fourth-best, but it was good enough for the win as nobody could close the gap she opened in the first run.

Koznick was third after the first run as she recorded a time of 41.22. She has been the top American finisher in every World Cup she has competed in this season. Saturday's finish was a confidence boost for Koznick, who has been racing on new skis and still trying to get a feel for them. She has four World Cup slalom victories, including two at the end of last season.

"Now that my skis are figured out and I have a podium under my belt, I'm definitely gonna be trying to win," said Koznick.

As with Koznick, it was also Schleper's best World Cup result of the season. She was in first after her first run with a 42.01. The 12th place finish was the third best of her World Cup career and second-best in slalom. She posted a seventh last season in slalom in Maribor, Slovenia and had an 11th in giant slalom in Berchtesgaden, Germany in '00.

"The course was really straight and fast," said Schleper. "I think I could have let it run a little better, but I just wanted to get down to the finish today and have some points under my belt."

Three other Americans skied off course in their first runs. Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO), Lindsey C. Kildow (Vail, CO) and Julia Mancuso (Tahoe City, CA) all fell victim to Ruthie's Run on Ajax Mountain.

Lalive, who had a career-best super G finish (19th) Friday, had one of her skis came out from under her, causing her to do a 360 and land hard on her back. She lay on the course for over a minute but suffered no injuries.

"They (Kildow and Mancuso) definitely got a pretty good taste of World Cup racing these past two weekends," said U.S. head coach Marjan Cernigoj. "Going into the Europa Cup, they should feel a little bit more confident."

Although the Aspen World Cup is over, action continues on Ajax Sunday and Monday with the Chevy Tuck Super Series. A women's super G is scheduled for each day.

CHEVY TRUCK ASPEN WINTERNATIONAL WORLD CUP
Aspen, Colo. Nov. 25, 2000
Women's Slalom

1. Janica Kostelic, Croatia, 1:23.19
2. Martina Ertl, Germany, 1:24.03
3. Kristina Koznick, Burnsville, MN, 1:24.12
4. Sonja Nef, Switzerland, 1:24.15
5. Trine Bakke, Norway, 1:24.36
6. Vanessa Vidal, France, 1:24.40
7. Elisabetta Biavaschi, Italy, 1:24.46
8. Anja Paerson, Sweden, 1:24.54
9. Spela Pretnar, Slovenia, 1:24.63
10. Christel Saioni, France, 1:24.69
11. Allison Forsyth, Canada, 1:25.16
12. Sarah Schleper, Vail, CO, 1:25.22
13. Henna Raita, Finland, 1:25.27
14. Zali Steggall, Australia, 1:25.48
14 . Renate Goetschl, Austria, 1:25.48
16. Ylva Nowen, Sweden, 1:25.60
17. Anita Wachter, Austria, 1:25.61
18. Monika Bergmann, Germany, 1:25.67
19. Laure Pequegnot, France, 1:25.68
20. Stephanie Guy-Clement, France, 1:25.70
21. Urska Hrovat, Slovenia, 1:25.76
22. Corina Gruenenfelder, Switzerland, 1:25.83
23. Tanja Poutiainen, Finland, 1:25.92
24. Carolina Waidhofer-Dummer, Austria, 1:26.29
25. Karin Truppe, Austria, 1:26.35
25. Natasa Bokal, Slovenia, 1:26.35
27. Helene Richard, France, 1:26.71
--
Other Americans:
DNF Caroline Lalive, Steamboat Springs, CO
DNF Lindsey C. Kildow, Vail, CO
DNF Julia Mancuso, Tahoe City, CA

PICABO STREET NAMED CHARLES SCHWAB NASTAR SPOKESMAN

Aspen, CO (November 25, 2000) - The more than 30-year old recreational ski racing program, Nastar, will get a facelift and a new spokesperson this year. Olympic champion Picabo Street was announced yesterday as the new spokesperson for the new-look Charles Schwab Nastar. The announcement was made in Aspen during the Chevy Truck Aspen Winternational World Cup races.

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., one of the nation's largest financial services firms and a major U.S. Ski Team sponsor, announced a two-year marketing agreement with skier Picabo Street. Street will serve as a national spokesperson for new Schwab educational and athletic programs and will appear in Schwab print and broadcast advertising campaigns.

"I'm very excited about this partnership with Schwab," she told a press conference of international journalists in Aspen. "For a while, now, I've been looking for a way to give back to the sport which is my life. This is perfect -- introducing kids to Nastar!"

The new alliance is an extension of Schwab's relationship with the U.S. Ski Team. Schwab has served as the Official Investment Firm of the U.S. Ski Team since 1997, providing Ski Team athletes with 401(k) retirement plan services and paid internship programs in Schwab branch offices.

Street will help focus public attention on two new Schwab athletic and educational programs: Charles Schwab Nastar and the Schwab Saving for a Snowy Day program.

Schwab is the new title sponsor of Nastar, the largest public recreational ski racing program in the world and a recognized feeder program for the U.S. Ski Team. Several Nastar athletes, including Street, have gone on to join the U.S. Ski team. "The first time I was ever in gates was on a Nastar course," said Street. "The experience added confidence to my skiing."

"Nastar is one of our most important initiatives," said Bill Marolt, president and CEO of the U.S. Ski Team. "With Schwab's support we hope it will become one of our largest suppliers of U.S. Ski, Snowboard, and Disabled Team athletes. Having Picabo involved is significant as well. She will help Nastar get the visibility the program deserves."

Street will serve as national spokesperson and pacesetter for Charles Schwab Nastar. As pacesetter, she will set an official Nastar course time that will serve as a handicap system benchmark for all Nastar racers during the 2000-2001 season. Street will also be featured on "Picabo's Street," a page on the redesigned nastar.com Web site devoted to her racing activities.

Schwab's Saving for a Snowy Day program is a national education program for student skiers eight- to 20-years-old. Street will help promote the program to kids and their parents in interviews. "Snowy Day" information kits will be available after Thanksgiving by visiting nastar.com or by visiting selected Schwab offices. Each kit includes a letter from Street describing her role in the program and sharing some of her thoughts on the value of money and the difference between saving and investing.

"We believe that we have a corporate responsibility to promote education on many levels," said David Pottruck, president and co-CEO of Schwab. "The classroom is only one venue to learn. 'Saving for a Snowy Day' is intended to be an educational resource for young people and their parents that they can use to form responsible financial habits at an early age."

Street also announced that she will be back in World Cup action Dec. 6 with the women's super G in Val d'Isere, France.

PICABO STREET AIMS FOR DEC. 6 RETURN IN FRANCE

Aspen, CO (November 25, 2000) - Olympic champion Picabo Street has targetted Wed. Dec. 6 for her return to World Cup racing. Street, speaking at a press conference in Aspen Friday just 10 days following minor knee surgery, indicated that she is ready to go for a return in the Val d'Isere, France women's World Cup super G.

"I really feel like I could ski right now," said Street, "but I want to look ahead to Val d'Isere for my return." Street last skied on the World Cup nearly three years ago in March, 1998 when she was seriously injured in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Street was in Aspen to cheer on her teammates and to announce her new role as a spokesperson for Charles Schwab Nastar, a recreational ski racing program designed to introduce young skiers to the sport of ski racing.

Street has been off skis for about two weeks, but expected to be back on snow during the weekend's races on Aspen Mountain, and again when she returns to her home Park City Mountain Resort in Utah next week.

"I'm seeing my physical therapist tonight, but I'm expecting to get back on skis this weekend," she said.

Street received a final medical clearance to train earlier this summer, and has been actively training with the U.S. Ski Team since June. Her training times have been encouraging, she said. She has some slight knee pain during the final on-snow camp in Beaver Creek, Colo., and decided to have a small 'tune-up' surgery with Dr. Richard Steadman on Nov. 14.

Street said that she expected to compete in the full World Cup circuit, including some giant slaloms. "My giant slalom is very good right now," she said. "I almost qualified for the Park City race in GS. Dr. Steadman has said I can ski everything but slalom this year, so expect to see me on the full circuit."

The Aspen races were the first stop for the women in the famous resort town in over a decade. Austrian Micheala Dorfmeister won Friday's super G, which came as no surprise to Street.

"She was my pick for the win," said Street. "And I know I can ski with her from my training with her this summer."

STREET WINS CONTINENTAL CUP 10KM AT SILVER STAR THURSDAY

Silver Star, B.C. (November 25, 2000) - Justin Freeman (Boulder, CO) won the men's 10-km classic race Thursday at Silver Star resort, which opened the Nor Am/Continental Cup schedule, with Marcus Nash (Fryeburg, ME) eight seconds further back. U.S. skiers filled eight of the first 10 places.

Freeman's winning time was 30:07.7 with Nash finishing in 30:15.5. Donald Farley of Canada took third place with a time of 30:25, 10 secods ahead of Kris Freeman (Andover, NH) with David Chamberlain (Bethel, ME) in fifth place with a 30:42.0 clocking.

Canadian Beckie Scott won the women's 5-km CL race in 16:18.6 with Nina Kemppel (Anchorage, AK) runnerup in 17:.09.7 and Wendy Wagner (Park City, UT) third with a time of 17:19.0. Rounding out the top five: Amanda Fortier of Canada fourth (17:20.8) and Estonian Katrin Smigun fifth (17:27.9).

1. Justin Freeman, Boulder, Colo., 30:07.7
2. Marcus Nash, Fryeburg, Maine, 30:15.5
3. Donald Farley, Canada, 30:25.7
4. Kris Freeman, Andover, N.H., 30:35.7
5. David Chamberlain, Bethel, Maine, 30:42.0
6. Carl Swenson, Boulder, Colo., 30:45.7
7. Robin McKeever, Canada, 30:46.0
8. Rob Whitney, Anchorage, Alaska, 30:57.3
9. Patrick Weaver, Lenox, Mass., 31:02.4
10. Scott Loomis, Park City, Utah, 31:17.6

1. Beckie Scott, Canada, 16:18.6
2. Nina Kemppel, Anchorage, Alaska, 17:09.7
3. Wendy Wagner, Park City, Utah, 17:19.0
4. Amanda Fortier, Canada, 17:20.8
5. Katrin Smigun, Estonia, 17:27.9
6. Sara Renner, Canada, 17:33.3
7. Jaime Fortier, Canada, 17:36.5
8. Barbara Jones, Bozeman, Mont., 18:24.6
9. Christa Case, Grass Valley, Calif., 18:32.8
10. Tessa Benoit, South Pomfret, Vt., 18:32.0

MENDES, LALIVE TOP-20 AT CHEVY TRUCK ASPEN WINTERNATIONAL WORLD CUP SG

Aspen, CO (November 25, 2000) - In the first speed race of the 2001 Alpine World Cup season, two Americans finished in the top-20 as Jonna Mendes (Heavenly, CA) tied for 13th and Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO) was 19th in super G at the Chevy Truck Aspen Winternational Friday.

ESPN will broadcast coverage of the women's super G Sun., Nov. 26 at 6:00 p.m. EST.

Under blue skies and perfect race conditions, Austrian Michaela Dorfmeister won the race with a time of 1:21.01 on Ruthie's Run, part of Ajax Mountain. France's Regine Cavagnoud was second with a time of 1:21.30 and Switzerland's Corinne Rey Bellet was just behind in third with a 1:21.31.

"This is a very strong course," said Dorfmeister. "It was a great race today. Conditions were very good."

Mendes came in with a time of 1:22.23 out of the 42nd start position to tie Spain's Carolina Ruiz Castillo. The tie came as a surprise as Ruiz Castillo started 64th, the final competitor out of the gate.

For Mendes, it was her best career super G result and second-best finish in any World Cup race. She placed 12th in a downhill last season in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Her previous best super G finish was a 19th last year in Igls, Austria.

"This is my first time ever in Aspen and, gosh, the course was great" said Mendes. "The conditions were just perfect for me to come from kind of back in the pack and get right in there. It couldn't have been a better course - the terrain's fun, it's steep, it's challenging and the snow conditions were just great."

It was a career day for Lalive as well. She came down in 1:22.91 and the 19th place finish was her best in a World Cup super G race. She had a 23rd in '99 in Cortina, Italy.

"It was a real technical course," said Lalive, a four-event skier. "I knew that that's one of my strengths, so I felt like I just needed to ski it technically strong. It was really exciting. Right out of the start I had a really good feel in my skis, which to me is really important mentally, and so then I felt like I could charge."

"They (Mendes and Lalive) both posted their best personal results in super G," said U.S. head coach Marjan Cernigoj. "The other two that went out (Gerety and Clark) were fast, so I'm really excited about this group going to the next race in Lake Louise."

Three other Americans started the race. Megan Gerety (Anchorage, AK) was the first U.S. skier out of the gate in 31st position, but she skied off course in the mid-section, as did Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME). Alison Powers (Winter Park, CO) had problems on the bottom section of the course and finished 49th.

Clark's early exit was the most disappointing as she started 41st and was just .02 behind Dorfmeister's time at the first intermediate and .08 out at the second.

"I knew I was having a good run," said Clark. "I knew I was clean up there on the top. I had clean turns and I didn't throw snow at all up there."

Like Mendes, most of the competitors had never skied the Ruthie's Run course and didn't know what to expect.

"Not many people know this hill," said Cernigoj. "It was quite technical, maybe not such a monster as we thought at the beginning of the inspection. It was a very good set by the Austrian coach. It is not that far (in comparison) from Cortina."

Cavagnoud paid the course a huge complement as she also compared the challenging terrain to Cortina's.

The Chevy Truck Aspen Winternational concludes Saturday with women's slalom. Scheduled to start for the U.S. is Lindsey Kildow (Vail, CO), Kristina Koznick (Burnsville, MN), Lalive, Julia Mancuso (Tahoe City, CA) and Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO) The first run is slated for 10:00 a.m. with the second run scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Ajax.

The Chevy Truck Super Series follows the Winternational with two women's super G races Nov. 26-27 at Aspen.

1. Michaela Dorfmeister, Austria, 1:21.01
2. Regine Cavagnoud, France, 1:21.30
3. Corinne Rey Bellet, Switzerland, 1:21.31
4. Martina Ertl, Germany, 1:21.44
5. Carole Montillet, France, 1:21.51
6. Melanie Suchet, France, 1:21.57
7. Tanja Schneider, Austria, 1:21.69
8. Renate Goetschl, Austria, 1:21.74
9. Emily Brydon, Canada, 1:21.99
10. Isolde Kostner, Italy, 1:22.15
11. Karen Putzer, Italy, 1:22.16
12. Selina Heregger, Austria, 1:22.18
13. Carolina Ruiz Castillo, Spain, 1:22.23
13. Jonna Mendes, Heavenly, Calif., 1:22.23
15. Petra Haltmayer, Germany, 1:22.34
16. Daniela Ceccarelli, Italy, 1:22.57
17. Ingrid Jacquemod, France, 1:22.75
18. Janette Hargin, Sweden, 1:22.86
19. Caroline Lalive, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 1:22.91
20. Stefanie Schuster, Austria, 1:22.99
21. Elena Tagliabue, Italy, 1:23.00
21. Alessandra Merlin, Italy, 1:23.00
23. Nadia Styger, Switzerland, 1:23.08
24. Janica Kostelic, Croatia, 1:23.28
25. Silvia Berger, Austria, 1:23.38
25. Brigitte Obermoser, Austria, 1:23.38
27. Warwara Zelenskaja, Russia, 1:23.54
28. Karin Blaser, Austria, 1:23.58
29. Gro Kvinlog, Norway, 1:23.59
30. Eveline Rohregger, Austria, 1:23.60

Other Americans not in the top-30:
49. Alison Powers, Winter Park, Colo., 1:25. 96

Other Americans that did not finish:
DNF Megan Gerety, Anchorage, Alaska
DNF Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine

OKEMO TO HOLD FOOD DRIVE DAY DEC. 3

Ludlow, VT (November 25, 2000) - Okemo Mountain Resort will reward skiers and riders who share this holiday season. Okemo will kick off the holiday season on Sunday, December 3, 2000 with their annual Toys & Turkeys Food Drive. This special food, clothing and toy drive brings holiday cheer and assistance to needy families and local food shelters in the Okemo/Ludlow region during the holiday season.

Simply bring at least three non-perishable fixin's (food items) for a turkey dinner, a new child's toy or new article of clothing to the Toys & Turkeys Tent, located next to the ticket windows on Sunday, December 3, 2000 and donors can ski or ride the entire day for just $20. That's a $36 savings over a regular price weekend lift ticket.

Toys and Turkeys is part of an annual holiday cheer program to benefit local residents in need. Every holiday season, Okemo Mountain employees donate the essential items for a turkey dinner to local food shelves during the holiday season so they can distribute to needy families (that's over 1,200 lbs. of turkey).

Okemo Mountain employees organize this event each season and donate food, money and clothing to assist those in need. It's a great deal - ski or ride for just $20, and feel good knowing you've helped to make a difference this holiday season. For more information call (802)228-4041 or visit the Okemo website at www.okemo.com.

SCHLEPER WINS THIRD CHEVY TRUCK SUPER SERIES RACE

Winter Park, CO (November 21, 2000) - Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO), making adjustments after a bitterly disappointing race a day earlier, came from third place in the first run Tuesday to win a Chevy Truck Super Series giant slalom at Winter Park Resort, her third Super Series victory in four races.

Schleper had a combined time of 2:22.41 with Norwegian Stina Hofgard Nilsen placing second in 2:22.62. Japan's Kumiko Kashiwagi was third in 2:23.18.

Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO), who - like Schleper - skied out Monday in the first GS at Winter Park, was 10th Tuesday with a time of 2:25.14 and Tatum Skoglund (Bellevue, WA), another U.S. Ski Team racer, was 11th in 2:25.35. Lindsey C. Kildow (Vail, CO) was 15th with a time of 2:25.70.

"(Monday) was a disaster. I came down the hill crying," Schleper, who also had failed to finish two World Cup races Thursday and Saturday in Park City, Utah. "It was like I was a mental head case, like I couldn't finish the course."

She conferred with Coaches Georg Capaul and Lon Brettell, fixed her boots, and collected another $1,500 for winning Tuesday.

"I thought it could be something to do with my boots," she said. "In the start, I tried to focus on myself, to focus on just skiing and not thinking about winning ... I thought I was slow on the second run, but I guess not."

The Chevy Truck Super Series resumes with back-to-back super Gs Sunday and Monday in Aspen following the Chevy Truck Aspen Winternational World Cup race Friday-Saturday.

1. Sarah Schleper, Vail, Colo., 2:22.41
2. Stina Hofgard Nilsen, Norway, 2:22.62
3. Kumiko Kashiwagi, Japan, 2:23.18
4. Tanja Poutiainen, Finland, 2:23.42
5. Carole Montillet, France, 2:24.05
6. Selina Heregger, Austria, 2:24.23
7. Henna Raita, Finland, 2:24.53
8. Noriyo Hiroi, Japan, 2:24.57
9. Britt Janyk, Canada, 2:25.00
10. Caroline Lalive, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 2:25.14
11. Tatum Skoglund, Bellevue, Wash., 2:25.35
12. Eva Kurfuerstova, Czech Republic, 2:25.44
13. Floriane Paturel, France, 2:25.58
14. Ruth Kuendig, Switzerland, 2:25.59
15. Lindsey C. Kildow, Vail, Colo., 2:25.70
--
Other U.S. skiers in the top 30:
26. Julia Mancuso, Tahoe City, Calif., 2:28.00
28. Libby Ludlow, Bellevue, Wash., 2:28.86
30. Elisha Stevens, Park City, Utah, 2:31.23

FIN WINS SUPER SERIES AT PARK CITY

Park City, UT (November 21, 2000) - Finland's Sami Uotila led both giant slalom runs Tuesday to win a Chevy Truck Super Series race on Park City Mountain Resort's CB's Run.

Under sunny skies and perfect racing conditions, Uotila won with a time of 2:25.19 over two runs. U.S. Ski Team racers took the remaining two podium spots as Bode Miller (Franconia, NH), who won Monday's GS on the same hill, was second in 2:25.47 and Erik Schlopy (Park City, UT) was third in 2:25.60.

Miller, who seems to have found his edge after skiing off course in slalom during Sunday's World Cup race at Park City, was third after the first run behind Uotila and Schlopy. He went all out on his second run and laid down a time of 1:14.11, just .19 better than Schlopy's final run but enough to overtake him.

"I skied solid runs," said Miller. "I'm just trying to get some experience on this hill. The second set wasn't very well suited for me and when it came time to put down the hammer to make some time, I really didn't have an opportunity to do it."

Follwing the first run, Schlopy was just .02 behind Uotila's time of 1:11.28. Schlopy is no stranger to the course as he recorded a career-best fourth place finish Friday in a World Cup GS on CB's Run, which will serve as the 2002 Olympic GS course.

"It (the course) was pretty similar (to the World Cup set)," said Schlopy. "You really have to ski the hill more than the course. It was just good to get out here and ski the hill one more time and not worry about the result but worry more about finding the speed for the Olympics next year."

Uotila may have had the biggest cheering section in the finish area as upwards of 10 fans from his homeland brought him across the finish line.

Dane Spencer (Boise, ID) was fourth after the first run, but had speed problems on his second run. Spencer, who placed second in Monday's race, wound up in sixth with a time of 2:27.24.

The Chevy Truck Super Series makes its next stop at Beaver Creek, Colo. Dec. 4-6 with a super G and a pair of GS races.

BRUNDAGE ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF THREE NEW DEPARTMENT MANAGERS

McCall, ID (November 21, 2000) - Brundage Mountain General Manager, Larry Shake, has announced the appointment of three new department managers at the resort.

Marty Rood has accepted the position of Ski School Director. An instructor at Brundage since 1992, he leaves the job of Assistant Ski School Director, a position he held for 5 years. Marty Rood has an impressive history as a professional snow sports instructor and currently serves as Education Vice-President and Board Member of the Northern Intermountain region of the Professional Ski Instructors of America.

Jenny Stone is the new Communications Coordinator. She is responsible for snow reporting, media information, and some web page administration. She is also Supervisor of the Customer Service office, the heart of the communications operation. Jenny comes to Brundage from Bogus Basin Ski Resort, near Boise. In the years prior, she was the producer of a morning news radio show in Walla Walla, and co-anchored an evening news cast for Blue Mountain Television in College Place, Washington.

Greg Wyatt comes from Mammoth, California and will manage the Brundage Mountain Rental Shop. A master at ski tuning and service, Greg has been working hard in preparation for the season. Customers will notice some changes in the Rental Shop layout and procedure. New this year is a separate Performance Center where skiers and snowboarders can try performance equipment or leave their own equipment to be expertly waxed and tuned.

AUSTRIAN WINS WOMEN'S SUPER SERIES GS

Winter Park, CO (November 20, 2000) - It was an international top-10 Monday as no Americans finished higher than 13th at a Chevy Truck Super Series giant slalom at Winter Park.

Austrian Anita Wachter, who was seventh following the first run, laid down a 1:09.61 in her second run, over a half second faster than anyone else, to claim the victory with a total time of 2:18.33. Japan's Kumiko Kashiwagi was second (2:18.86) and Canadian Britt Janyk was third (2:18.94).

Wachter has strung together some impressive results as of late. She finished eighth in GS and 12th in slalom this past week in Park City at the Chevy Truck America's Opening World Cup.

The top American was 18 year-old Jessica Kelley (Starksboro, Vt.), who placed 13th with a time of 2:21.41. Just behind her in 15th was U.S. Ski Team member Jonna Mendes (Heavenly, CA), who posted a time of 2:21.57. Tatum Skoglund (Bellevue, WA) was 16th (2:21.58) and Libby Ludlow (Bellevue, WA) was 19th (2:22.29).

U.S. Team skiers Brett Buckles (Steamboat Springs, CO), Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO), Julia Mancuso (Tahoe City, CA), Hilary McCloy (Waitsfield, Vt.) and Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO) did not finish their first runs. Lindsey Kildow (Vail, CO) skied off course in her second run.

The Chevy Truck Super Series concludes Tuesday at Winter Park with a second women's GS event before moving on to Aspen, Colo. Nov. 26-27.

MILLER, SPENCER 1-2 AT SUPER SERIES

Park City, CO (November 20, 2000) - U.S. teammates Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) and Dane Spencer (Boise, ID) finished 1-2 Monday in Chevy Truck Super Series giant slalom action at Park City Mountain Resort.

Miller and Spencer held the same 1-2 positions after the first run and skied solid second runs to hold onto the top two podium spots. Miller won with a two run time of 2:23.75, followed by Spencer with a 2:24.49. Canadian Jean-Philippe Roy was third in 2:25.04.

Also finishing among the top-10 was American Thomas Vonn (Newburgh, NY) in eighth with a time of 2:26.92.

The win continued an up and down week of racing for Miller, who finished 10th in GS Friday at the Chevy Truck America's Opening World Cup, also at Park City. He followed that finish up by skiing off course Sunday in a World Cup slalom.

"This whole rhythm was different today (compared to Friday's course)," said Miller. "I've never seen it set like this on this hill. It was much more open, much more down the hill."

The steep pitches on the course were set very tight during the World Cup, which forced racers to make turns over the pitch. Monday's gate set was much more wide open. If skiers chose, they could arc around the gates instead of hugging them tightly, enabling the racer to pick up valuable speed. However, it was a risky maneuver as Miller almost lost his edge with too much speed through the arc.

"I tried to arc the whole thing, and didn't do it that well, but you make up so much speed in one turn that it's worth it to try," said Miller. "I made some bad mistakes in that run (second run) and still pulled off a win."

"This course was much more down the fall line," said Spencer. "It was fun. It was fast and you just linked the turns right down the hill and charged the whole way."

The Chevy Truck Super Series concludes Tuesday with another men's GS race. Start time for the first run is slated for 10 a.m. on CB's Run, the site of the 2002 Winter Olympic giant slalom. The tour then moves on to Beaver Creek, Colo. Dec. 4-6.

ATTITASH BEAR PEAK TO OFFER FREE SKIING & RIDING WEDNESDAY

Bartlett, NH (November 20, 2000) - Attitash Bear Peak, New Hampshire will open this Wednesday, November 22nd 2000. As a special treat to dedicated skiers and riders, the resort is not charging for lift tickets that day. All guests will be required to stop by the ticket booth at the Attitash base lodge to pick up their free ticket.

The resort will open for the season beginning Wednesday November 20th at 9:00 am. Lifts will run from 9 am to 3:30 pm Wednesday through Friday. For the holiday weekend, Saturday and Sunday, lifts will operate from 8am to 3:30 pm.

"We are excited about the product we have this year and want people to have a chance to try it, with our compliments," said Tom Chasse, Managing Director of Attitash Bear Peak. "We have been making snow around the clock for the last several days and have had cold temperatures on our side. Things look great for a fantastic holiday weekend."

The intermediate trails Moat and Lower Grandstand with access off the Flying Yankee high-speed quad will be the first to open. The Snowbelt surface lift will also be open for beginner skiers and riders on Wednesday. By the holiday weekend, trails off the summit including intermediate Upper Saco and advanced Tightrope will also be open. The latest conditions and trail counts are available 24-hours a day on line at attitash.com or on the snow phone at 603-374-0946.

AUSTRIAN WINS FIRST CAREER WORLD CUP EVENT AT CHEVY TRUCK AMERICA'S OPENING

Park City, UT (November 20, 2000) - Fourth after the first run, Austrian Heinz Schilchegger took a tough slalom course by storm in his second run to win Sunday at the Chevy Truck America's Opening World Cup at Park City Mountain Resort.

Austrians took the top two podium spots as Schilchegger won with a two-run time of 1:46.88 and was followed by Mario Matt in 1:47.37. Norwegian Kjetil Andre Aamodt was third in 1:48.15.

American Erik Schlopy (Park City, UT), the lone U.S. skier to qualify for a second run, finished in a tie for 21st with a time of 1:49.75, the same as Alain Baxter from Great Britain. Schlopy started from the 44th position on the opening run.

In the first run, times were determined by the top section of the course. Course workers injected the run with water Saturday night to harden the snow. The first run course was icy and it didn't take long for deep ruts to start claiming racers on the steep top section. Twenty competitors did not finish their first run.

The second run, for the most part, was a complete 180. Racer's times were either made or broken by the bottom section of the course, which was much flatter than the top and middle parts. Several times, it appeared racers were having an outstanding run and a majority would actually jump into the lead at the intermediate checkpoint. However, once across the finish line, their times reflected the fact that the bottom section was indeed adding substantial amounts of time to their run.

In fact, Schlopy, who was in 18th after the first run and started 13th in the second, was .15 in the lead at his intermediate point.

"The guys were losing a lot of time down there," said Jesse Hunt, U.S. Ski Team men's SL/GS coach. "I think it just deteriorated to a point where it was difficult for those guys to hold a clean and as tight a line as the earlier racers."

"It (the course) was icy and it was rough," said Schlopy, who had a career-best fourth place finish Friday in the giant slalom. "First run, it was really soft conditions. I had a couple of big mistakes, but I skied well on the bottom of the course."

Schlopy has recorded a career week as he won a pair of Chevy Truck Super Series slaloms last weekend at Loveland, Colo. in addition to the fourth place finish Friday at Park City.

The win was a first for 27 year-old Schilchegger, whose previous best World Cup finish was third, a feat he accomplished three times, most recently in a GS last season in Bormio, Italy. Schilchegger's best previous World Cup slalom finish was an eighth at Kitzbuehel, Austria in '98.

"I made good turns in the first part and pushed in the flat section," said Schilchegger. "I had a good first run and if I did good on the second run, I knew anything was possible."

Matt held the top position after the first run with a time of 52.97, over a second faster than second place finisher Christian Ole Furuseth of Norway. In fourth, Schilchegger was 1.48 seconds behind Matt following the first run. Furuseth had major problems in his second run and ended up in 19th.

Ironically, the first, second and third starters in the first run (Matt, Furuseth and Aamodt) finished in that order after the run.

Chip Knight (New Canaan, CT) was the only other American to finish his first run, but he finished in 32nd position, just two spots away from qualifying for a second run. Sacha Gros (Vail, CO), Bode Miller (Franconia, NH), Brad Hogan (Holmes, NY) and Tom Rothrock (Cashmere, WA) all skied off-course in their first runs. Rothrock's exit was the most disappointing as his outside ski popped off while rounding a gate.

The slalom race concluded the World Cup weekend, but action will continue at Park City Mountain Resort as the Chevy Truck Super Series visits the area with men's giant slalom races Monday and Tuesday.

WHITEFACE TO OPEN EARLY

Lake Placid, NY (November 20, 2000) - The sudden appearance of winter over the weekend with accompanying snow and cold weather has allowed Whiteface Mountain, New York to move its opening date from Friday, Nov. 24 to Wednesday, Nov. 22. After a two-inch snowfall Friday night in the northern Adirondacks, another six inches dropped onto Little Whiteface Saturday night. Together with a consistent snowmaking attack that began last week, mountain management decided to start the 2000-01 skiing and riding season this Wednesday.

The current plan is to open Excelsior, marking the earliest opening in the history of this intermediate run. Upper and Lower Valley as well as the Mixing Bowl will also be groomed and ready. The Cloudsplitter gondola will be in operation.

“Excelsior will be well-covered and the conditions will be very good up there,” said Whiteface manager Jay Rand. “Crews are on a 24-hour snowmaking schedule. That snowfall, the cold temperatures and the recent upgrade to our snowmaking system accelerated our opening time table. The entire staff is excited to be open for Thanksgiving. We’re off to a good start.”

Local weather forecasters are anticipating additional snow showers during the week. Whiteface will begin the season with a $35 lift ticket for adults, seniors and teens. The junior price is $19. There is a $33.50 on-line special at www.whiteface.com, available for a limited time only, which can be used over the Thanksgiving holiday period.

WORLD'S BEST TO COMPETE IN PARK CITY SUPER SERIES

Park City, UT (November 20, 2000) - Hometown favorite Erik Schlopy (Park City, UT) - looking to maintain the momentum of his first World Cup top-5 - and many of the world's top men's giant slalom skiers will compete today and tomorrow on the 2002 Olympic run at Park City Mountain Resort for the second round of Chevy Truck Super Series races.

Schlopy also will be looking to remain unbeaten in Super Series races this season. He won both slaloms (tying Austrian Kilian Albrecht in the first) Nov. 11-12 at Colorado's Loveland Valley Ski Area.

Racers will find the same outstanding snow conditions on CB's Run, which helped create a superb stage for the start of continuous World Cup racing through the weekend. The course, with its double-pitch terrain, drew high marks from World Cup competitors for its challenging layout.

Sarah Bergstrom, Super Series manager, said U.S. Ski Team racers will be going against many who competed Friday in GS at the Chevy Truck America's Opening at PCMR. First-run time each day will be 10 a.m. with second run scheduled for 1 p.m. on CB's Run.

"We're looking for a World Cup-level field each day," Bergstrom said. "The Canadians and many of the Europeans will be racing, and it should be exciting. Everyone wants to get more time on what's going to be the Olympic GS course in 2002."

KOSTELIC WINS CHEVY TRUCK AMERICA'S OPENING WORLD CUP SLALOM

Park City, UT (November 18, 2000) - Croatian Janica Kostelic took another giant step forward in her comeback from a knee injury Saturday as she won the slalom event at the Chevy Truck America's Opening World Cup at Park City Mountain Resort.

Kostelic was the leader after the first run under sunny skies on Park City's Picabo's Run. She threw down an amazing second run on a tough set and won with a combined time of 1:29.24, 1.73 seconds better than second place finisher Martina Ertl of Germany (1:30.97). France's Christel Saioni, second after the first run, took third with a time of 1:31.02. The win served as a huge confidence builder for Kostelic during her comeback season. She was the overall World Cup points leader last season before blowing her knee out, which forced her to miss the second half of the season.

Three American racers qualified for the second run, but just one finished. Kristina Koznick (Burnsville, MN) tied for 12th with Austrian Anita Wachter as both posted times of 1:32.60. Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO), who was the top American in 10th after the opening run, did not finish her second run as she hooked a ski tip on one of the last few gates of the course. Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO), 12th after the first run, slid off the course after the sixth gate at the top of the course.

Koznick, who was also the top U.S. finisher in Thursday's giant slalom (18th), started fifth and was tied for 13th with Sweden's Anna Ottosson after the first run. She had minor problems on the top section of the second run as she bobbled around a gate and scrubbed some time.

"I was really conservative (in the) first run because I have brand new skis," said Koznick. "So second run, I was just like, well, I'm gonna go as hard as I can."

It was an extremely disappointing day for Schleper as she was coming off a pair of Chevy Truck Super Series wins last weekend in Colorado. She couldn't carry that success over to the World Cup as she also skied off course in Thursday's GS.

A high point for the U.S. Team was the skiing of 16 year-old Lindsey C. Kildow (Vail, CO). In her World Cup debut, Kildow was 29th after skiing a 45.62 in her first run. She was bumped to 30th and held that spot with just three skiers remaining. However, thoughts of a second run drifted away as Slovakian Veronika Zuzulova, coming out of the 64th start spot, recorded a 45.15, good for 23rd place and good for bumping Kildow out of the top-30.

The Chevy Truck America's Opening World Cup concludes Sunday with men's slalom. U.S. competitors include Sacha Gros (Vail, CO), Brad Hogan (Holmes, NY), Chip Knight (Stowe, Vt.), Bode Miller (Franconia, NH), Tom Rothrock (Cashmere, WA) and Erik Schlopy (Park City, UT). Schlopy finished a career-best fourth in Friday's giant slalom.

GET THOSE BULLWHEELS TURNIN'!

(November 18, 2000) - As we approach the final weekend before the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, more and more resorts are coming online.

In the East, the return of colder air has allowed many resorts to resume their snowmaking effort. Opening day for the 2000/2001-winter season is just a day away for Okemo, Vermont skiers and riders. Okemo plans to open for the season on Sunday, November 19, 2000. Snowmaking operations have been concentrated on Upper World Cup, Buckhorn, Drop Off and Count Down and additional trails will be added throughout the week in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday.

For Sunday, November 19th, Okemo ticket prices will be $29 for adults (ages 19-64), $24 for young adults & seniors (ages 13-18 & 65-69) and $19 for junior & super seniors (ages 7-12 and 70+). All rates include VT sales tax and the lifts will operate on Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Okemo's Annual Ski & Snowboard Swap/Sale is going on at the resort through Sunday, November 19th.

Still in Vermont, Stowe and Sugarbush have both postponed their season openings until Monday, November 20, as did Mt. Snow. Finally in the East, Hunter Mountain, New York plans to get things underway tomorrow. Sugarloaf, Maine opened today, and for this weekend, bring 3 cans to help local food banks prepare for the winter, and your lift ticket is just $15!

In the Midwest, Ski Brule and Afton Alps have joined Wild Mountain as your only options this weekend, and 7 trails are available at Wild Mt. on which to try out new ski and snowboard equipment from many manufacturers during their Demo Days.

Thanks to over five feet of natural snowfall in November and cold snowmaking temperatures, the Steamboat Ski Area in Colorado opened today with the best opening day conditions in more than 15 years.

“With all the snow so far this season, Steamboat is in ideal shape to usher in the 2000/2001 season and is well on its way to a three-wire winter,” said Chris Diamond, president of the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “There have been very few years where the resort has opened with top-to-bottom skiing and riding or more than 3,400 vertical feet. All indicators point to a very snowy season in Steamboat Springs, Colorado,” added Diamond.

Beginning October 31st, a series of storms rolled through Steamboat and the resort is currently reporting a 30 inch base at mid-mountain and a 35 inch base at the summit. With 914 acres, 9 lifts, 53 trails and tree skiing and riding so early in the season, guests will be hard pressed to find better conditions. Forecasts continue to call for snow in the Steamboat Springs area as another storm front is predicted over the weekend.

Special early season pricing are available for opening weekend. Lift tickets will be $29 for adults/teens, $19 for youths (6-12) and seniors (65-69), and $29 for Steamboat Card members.

Elsewhere in the West, The Canyons, Utah and Heavenly, which straddles the California/Nevada border, both opened for their seasons yesterday. Aspen, Colorado opened for their season today, while neighboring Snowmass reopened today for their daily schedule throughout the rest of the winter.

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN INITIATES CAMPAIGN TO HONOR AUSTRIAN DISASTER VICTIMS

Mammoth Mt., CA (November 18, 2000) - In response to last Saturday's horrific ski train disaster at Kaprun, Austria, California's Mammoth Mountain Resort is inviting skiers and resort staff everywhere to wear yellow ribbons this Saturday, November 18.

"The victims of this tragedy were in that train because they loved snow, mountains, and skiing," says Keith Carlsen, editor of POWDER Magazine. "POWDER Magazine, Mammoth Mountain, and our extended family of skiers throughout the world would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the victims' families, and to the nation of Austria."

Joani Saari, Mammoth marketing representative, concurs: "Skiers are part of a special global community and the loss of 155 is heartbreaking. We invite resort staff worldwide to join us in honoring the victims at Kaprun by wearing yellow ribbons in memory of the victims."

KOZNICK, CLARK SCORE IN PARK CITY GS

Park City, UT (November 17, 2000) - Swiss skier Sonja Nef tore through the second run Thursday to overtake Austrian Brigitte Obermoser and win the giant slalom that opened the Chevy Truck America's Opening at sun-drenched Park City Mountain Resort. Kristina Koznick (Burnsville, MN) - in 18th place - and Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME), coming out of No. 64 start to finish 26th, were the two Americans getting a second run.

Nef, fourth after the first run, won the fifth World Cup race of her career - and about $28,000 - in 2:40.17 and Obermoser, who held a 1.29-second lead after the first run, was second in 2:40. Koznick, who last winter added GS to her slalom brilliance (four wins in three seasons), was 18th in 2:42.65. Clark, earning her first World Cup points in giant slalom since Zwiesel, Germany, in '97, finished in 2:43.29.

"I would've liked a top-15," Koznick said in the finish area, "but this is okay. Two races, two results [i.e., a top-30 finish], so it's coming."

Clark: "...difficult, demanding course..."

Clark, who has focused on downhill and super G in recent seasons, was 23rd after the first run and made certain to get her finish. "It's definitely a difficult, demanding course. You have the flats on top...things always coming at you...

"Today, they iced that second pitch, so that threw in another little variable where it was hard, hard snow. It wasn't grippy like the rest of the course, but you've just got to keep that ski on edge and it'll bite through the ice. I mean, things are coming at you all the time."

Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO) failed to reach the second run while Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO) and Julia Mancuso (Tahoe City, CO) skied out in the first run.

"We're disappointed, no question, but the effort was definitely better than in Soelden," according to Marjan Cernigoj, U.S. women's head coach, who said his racers "didn't show up" for the season opener in Austria Oct. 28. Koznick was the lone U.S. skier to score points in the opener, finishing 26th.

Cernigoj: "Definitely not happy"

"We were definitely not happy with the outcome...we just have to bring the better mental game to the race than we're doing now," Cernigoj said.

The men race GS today with the women returning Saturday for slalom. The Chevy Truck America's Opening - which was scrubbed a year because of no snow, but which is being run over more than two feet of natural and machinemade snow - concludes Sunday with men's SL.

Today, eight U.S. men will compete in giant slalom - Erik Schlopy (Park City), Thomas Vonn (Newburgh, NY), Chip Knight (New Canaan, CT), Bode Miller (Franconia, NH), Casey Puckett (Aspen, CO), Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA), Dane Spencer (Boise, ID), and Jake Fiala (Breckenridge, CO).

CAFE de COLOMBIA ALPINE WORLD CUP CHEVY TRUCK AMERICA'S OPENING
Park City, Utah - Nov. 16
Women's GS

1. Sonja Nef, Switzerland, 2:40.17
2. Brigitte Obermoser, Austria, 2:40.49
3. Anja Paerson, Sweden, 2:40.68
4. Michaela Dorfmeister, Austria, 2:41.50
5. Karen Putzer, Italy, 2:41.60
6. Ylva Nowen, Sweden, 2:41.62
7. Martina Ertl, Germany, 2:41.88
8. Anita Wachter, Austria, 2:41.91
9. Andrine Flemmen, Norway, 2:41.94
10. Eveline Rohregger, Austria, 2:42.03
11. Tanja Poutiainen, Finland, 2:42.06
12. Maria Rienda Contreras, Spain, 2:42.07
13. Christel Saioni, France, 2:42.17
14. Selina Heregger, Austria, 2:42.25
15. Stina Hofgard, Norway, 2:42.26
16. Carolina Ruiz Castillo, Spain, 2:42.43
17. Regine Cavagnoud, France, 2:42.55
18. Kristina Koznick, Burnsville, Minn., 2:42.65
19. Corinne Rey Bellet, Switzerland, 2:42.69
20. Mojca Suhadolc, Slovenia, 2:42.74
21. Janica Kostelic, Croatia, 2:42.79
22. Silvia Berger, Austria, 2:42.82
23. Trine Bakke, Norway, 2:42.83
24. Karine Koellerer, Austria, 2:42.90
25. Nadia Styger, Switzerland, 2:42.91
26. Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine, 2:43.29
27. Karin Roten Meier, Switzerland, 2:44.16
28. Lilian Kummer, Switzerland, 2:46.41
-
Failed to qualify for 2nd run: Caroline Lalive, Steamboat Springs, Colo.
Did not finish 1st run: Sarah Schleper, Vail, Colo.; Julia Mancuso, Tahoe City, Calif.
--
Cafe de Colombia World Cup
Overall - 2 races

1. Martina Ertl, Germany - 136
2. Brigitte Obermoser, Austria - 125
3. Anja Paerson, Sweden - 120
4. Sonja Nef, Switzerland - 116
5. Andrine Flemmen, Norway - 109
6. Michaela Dorfmeister, Austria - 86
7. Karen Putzer, Italy - 69
8. Regine Cavagnoud, France - 64
9. Ylva Nowen, Sweden - 55
10. Christel Saioni, France - 49
11. Anna Ottosson, Sweden - 40
12. Tanja Poutiainen, Finland - 39
13. Mojca Suhadolc, Slovenia - 37
14. Sonia Vierin, Italy - 36
15. (tie) Eveline Rohregger, Austria, and Corinne Rey Bellet, Switzerland - 34 each
17. (equal) Anita Wachter, Austria, and Janica Kostelic, Croatia - 32 each
19. Maria Rienda Contreras, Spain - 22
20. (tie) Kristina Koznick, Burnsville, Minn.; Selina Heregger, Austria; and Alenka Dovzan Slovenia - 18 each
-
36. Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine - 5

CRESTED BUTTE LANDS 2001 U.S. TELEMARK NATIONALS

Mt. Crested Butte, CO (November 17, 2000) - Resort officials announced today that Crested Butte Mountain Resort will host the 2001 U.S. Telemark National Championships, February 28 - March 4. The event marks the return of national free-heel competition to Crested Butte, credited by many with the reintroduction of the telemark turn to U.S. skiers in the mid-1970s. Crested Butte embraced the telemark renaissance in those early days and was home to several national telemark championships in the 1980s.

The National Championships are open to citizens, juniors, masters and licensed racers of the U.S. Telemark Ski Association (USTSA).

"Crested Butte is the home of the telemark turn," said Roark Kiklevich, Crested Butte Mountain Resort's mountain manager, also a former racer and free-heel aficionado. "People here are real excited to have this event come to Crested Butte, where it all began in the 70s."

"We wanted a place with a strong local telemark history, and also a place that could offer a great race for both competitors and spectators. The enthusiastic telemark community and racing history in Crested Butte make it a perfect venue site to host the 2001 National Championships," said Jimmy Ludlow, president of the U.S. Telemark Ski Association.

The U.S. Telemark National Championships is a four-day multi-event competition. It includes the traditional slalom and giant slalom courses of a standard U.S. Ski Team alpine race, but with two more events, longer and more complicated, of which a sanctioned telemark competition traditionally consists-- the classic and sprint classic events. The classic course puts both nordic and alpine abilities to the test, combining technical turns and distance jumping with cross-country skating on an uphill stretch and a "reipelykkje" turn (a banked 360-degree loop), all in a single run. The sprint classic on the final day is a shorter two-run version of the classic event.

Since the resurgence of telemark skiing three decades ago, Crested Butte has seen a flurry of free-heelers flock to its slopes. In fact, on any given day, you'll see almost as many telemarkers as snowboarders making those enviable swanlike swoops down the mountain. The resort's survey data last season reported 16% of its guests were of the free-heel variety vs. 21% snowboarders, with the remaining 63% on alpine gear.

Two of Crested Butte Mountain Resort's sponsored athletes are also world-renowned telemark skiers. Hang out in Crested Butte's infamous "Extreme Limits" terrain and you'll likely catch a glimpse of two-time national telemark champion and former World Cup team member Heather Paul and extreme telemark diva Kasha Rigby.

Some History

The telemark turn dates back to 1868, when a Norwegian ski jumper named Sondre Norheim-- who hailed from the province of Telemark-- unveiled the drop-knee position for landing at a competition in Oslo. The turn would predominate until the Arlberg technique, fixed-heel bindings and ski lifts rendered it nearly obsolete in the 1920s and 30s.

But the technique wasn't entirely lost. It was just hidden for a while, in the backcountry, where touring and mountaineering skiers were using it to explore up-and-down terrain that required lighter boots and unattached heels.

Rick Borkovec, a ski instructor and ski patroller in Crested Butte in the 70s and 80s, is one of a group of pioneers attributed with rediscovering the turn and bringing the tele gospel out of the backcountry and onto the slopes of lift-served ski resorts. The last decade has seen better technique and a new class of equipment emerge, and the sport of telemark continues to grow steadily.

Want to learn?

For alpine skiers hankering for a fresh challenge, telemarking opens up a wide variety of options for winter adventure. The United States Telemark Ski Association (USTSA) was created in 1994 to promote the sport of telemark through educational and competitive events. In addition to being the national governing body for competitive telemark events in the U.S., the USTSA provides educational newsletters and low cost insurance to event organizers. For more information, visit the USTSA website at http://www.ustsa.org.

THE SLIDE ZONE: FRESH SNOW AND WIND IN COLORADO MEANS POCKETS OF CONSIDERABLE AVALANCHE DANGER

(November 17, 2000) - The snow keeps on piling up and the backcountry is looking tempting, with fat, untracked li nes throughout the High Country. Abundant coverage at higher elevations means good early season conditions for skiers and snowboarders at places like Vail, Loveland and Hoosier passes.

Lift-served skiers at Colorado resorts who are thinking about heading out-of-bounds should also be aware of the potential avalanche danger that lurks just beyond the ski area boundary!

The southern mountains have received the most snow in the past few weeks. According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), the snowpack in the Western San Juans, around Red Mountain Pass and Telluride, for example, stands at two to three feet. In the eastern San Juans, around Wolf Creek Pass, there are up to five feet of snow on the ground.

The bounty of early season snow means the avalanche danger is higher than might be expected for mid-November. With the deeper snowpack in the Southern mountains, avalanches have already taken on a dangerous dimension. The CAIC reported last week that several backcountry skiers were caught and injured in a slide near Red Mountain Pass. In the West San Juans near and above timberline, the danger is rated as "considerable" on all aspects, though the most suspect are northwest to east aspects. There are pockets of "high" danger in lee areas above timberline (see sidebar for rating explanation).

In the northern and central mountains, including Summit and Eagle counties, the avalanche danger is rated as "moderate," with pockets of "considerable", especially on lee slopes and in cross-loaded gullies on northwest to southeast aspects, where steady winds have deposited layers of slab. Below treeline, the danger is rated as low, but look out for rocks and stumps!

Illustrating the tender nature of the snowpack, the CAIC reported several avalanches releasing naturally on the slopes of Baldy Mountain, east of Breckenridge earlier this past week. Ski patrollers working at Aspen Highlands said they triggered a slide when they dropped a two-pound charge into a starting zone – before it exploded.

Cold temperatures have inhibited stabilization of the snowpack and snowpits show unstable layers throughout Colorado’s mountains. Some of the new snow of recent days has been transported by the wind and deposited as slab, resting on a melt-freeze crust. The CAIC also reports layers of surface hoar – feathery, non-cohesive crystals that don’t bond well with adjacent layers – from some areas.

Backcountry travelers should use extra caution where windslab is present and slopes exceed 30 degrees. Travel one at a time through potential avalanche slopes. Learn how to recognize avalanche terrain. Carry – and know how to use avalanche search and rescue gear.

Widespread FOIA Request
Not Unprecedented

Along with the survey Colorado Wild sent to individual ski resorts, the group – along with several other regional conservation groups - has also requested a wealth of ski area information from U.S. Forest Service ranger districts across the region.

One of the ideas the group has been discussing is to ask the Forest Service to do a far-reaching environmental analysis of ski industry impacts across the region – not just on a site-by-site basis.

The Forest Service is still deciding how it will respond to the request, says Ed Ryberg, Forest Service winter sports program coordinator for the Rocky Mountain region.

Such a programmatic Environmental Impact Statement could help put the impacts of individual projects into a broader context, and could also help provide baseline data by which to gage future impacts, environmental groups say.

Conservation groups have undertaken similar information-gathering missions in relation to the Forest Service roadless initiative and to analyze impacts of logging. But so far, efforts to look at the ski industry through a wider lens have failed.

The Environmental Protection Agency formally asked the Forest Service to do a programmatic EIS in connection with a master plan update at Alta a couple of years ago, according to Ryberg. That bid was ultimately denied, but the recent FOIA request could help the conservation community start building a stronger case for such a request.

The Forest Service generally seems to believe that ski area impacts are best addressed on a site-specific basis, or within the context of a forest plan, but the EPA has started looking at impacts on a more regional level, claiming that federal environmental regulations require a harder look at cumulative impacts.

Ski area expansion and snowmaking projects can often be fraught with environmental costs, including impacts to wildlife habitat, water and air quality and wetlands. It’s important to assure the public that the public benefits balances or outweigh the environmental cost, the EPA says.

"If an individual ski terrain expansion or snowmaking expansion is likely to result in similar project approvals at other ski areas, the cumulative environmental losses become much bigger than the impact of the individual project," says Phil Strobel, who analyzes environmental studies for the EPA.

The Forest Service, on the other hand, must balance conservation with its multiple use mandate.

"Providing quality winter recreation is a key part of our mission," says Ryberg,. "Of course, we have to look at the other side of the equation and balance that with the environmental impacts. We have to sit down and do the analysis and figure out the trade-offs," he says.

"The EPA has a different agenda," he says. "I don’t know how relevant the precedent-setting effect is. You really have to look at these things individually."

GREEN GROUPS PLAN SKI AREA ENVIRONMENTAL SCORECARD

From First Tracks!! Online Contributing Writer Bob Berwyn

(November 17, 2000) - Just a few months after the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) unveiled its Sustainable Slopes environmental charter, a coalition of conservation groups say they will make their own independent assessment of the industry’s performance in the environmental arena.

Colorado Wild’s Ski Area Citizen’s Coalition says it plans to compile and publicize an environmental report card, rating individual ski areas with letter grades, in part to help skiing consumers make environmentally sound choices when it comes to choosing a spot for a winter vacation. The group recently mailed out surveys to ski area across the western U.S. asking for information on various environmental subjects. The scorecard will be released around Thanksgiving (For more info, go to http://www.coloradowild.org/alerts/scorecard.html.

The plan is already drawing criticism from some ski industry officials, who claim the results are pre-ordained. The survey is likely to place too much emphasis on ski area expansion plans, says Geraldine Hughes, the NSAA’s public policy director.

The latest war of words represents an intensification of the propaganda battle between the ski industry and its critics.

Hughes says she questions the sincerity of the effort and calls the report card a blatant attempt to undermine the environmental charter.

"They want to pre-empt it and put out some negative information," Hughes says. "For once, the ski industry is being pro-active. I think the charter is working and we’ve put them on the defensive."

But Colorado Wild’s Ben Doon says the effort to compile the report card represents a legitimate attempt to take an objective look at what the ski industry is doing on the environmental front.

Doon is helping to compile the information for the report card, which is coming in from two sources – an in-depth survey that was sent to individual ski areas across the West, and from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to U.S. Forest Service offices across the region. Besides compiling information for the report card, the group will use the survey and Forest Service information to establish a comprehensive database on current environmental conditions at resorts in the region.

The survey asks resorts to give information on a variety of subjects, and Doon admits that resort expansion plans will weigh heavily in the final reckoning. But he’s quick to point out that not all expansions have the same impacts Thus, the grading will reflect whether a given expansion project or proposal affects any sensitive habitat, like roadless areas, or old-growth forests, for example.

Other criteria for the grading include impacts from snowmaking. And Doon says the grading will also take into account whether resorts are being environmentally pro-active.

"Are they undertaking any positive steps, like closing roads or improving wildlife habitat?" Doon asks.

In all, the group sent out about 50 to 70 surveys and FOIA requests, he adds.

Doon and other Colorado Wild activists say that, to some degree, they are taking a bad rap, fielding accusations that they are attacking the ski industry. But he points out that nearly all the people involved with the Ski Area Citizen’s Coalition are skiers.

"We are by no means trying to take down the ski industry," he says.

The report card will simply help paint a clearer picture of where resorts stand when it comes to environmental issues.

"We want to kind of put the better resorts up there on a pedestal for the public to see," Doon concludes.

Documenting current environmental conditions will also help conservationists track the impacts of future projects, adds Colorado Wild executive director Jeff Berman/

"The ski industry is going to come under more scrutiny than ever before," Berman says, explaining that Vail’s recent Cat III/Blue Sky Basin expansion across Two Elk Creek into a de facto roadless area proved the need for heightened public awareness.

Berman says the report card will be an antidote to the ski industry’s effort to portray itself as environmentally progressive.

"There needs to be a coordinated response to the NSAA’s green-washing," he says, referring to the Sustainable Slopes environmental charter.

MORE RESORTS FIRE UP THEIR LIFTS FOR THE SEASON

(November 17, 2000) - The official start to the 2000-01 ski season is here for South Lake Tahoe skiers and riders. Heavenly Ski Resort will open Friday, November 17 with the best early season snow conditions since 1995. Thanks to recent snowfall and Heavenly's snowmaking efforts, the resort will offer skiing and snowboarding on numerous trails.

"We're off to a remarkable start. We haven't seen early season conditions like this in several years," commented Dennis Harmon, Heavenly's president. "Our snowmaking crews have been making snow an average of 16 hours a day for the past 16 days. It has been an incredible run. It's a good sign for a great season of skiing and snowboarding ahead."

Heavenly's snowmaking system has made enough snow just in the past two weeks to bury a football field (including end zones) 1,058 feet deep in snow. Dry air and below normal temperatures have provided the optimum snowmaking conditions. Heavenly's crews, to-date, have broken all snowmaking records for November, including the amount of water converted to snow and the total hours the system has operated.

Base depths are a foot deeper than last year at this time, ranging from 12" to 36". For opening day, Heavenly will offer skiing and snowboarding on the resort's upper California side with seven lifts in operation servicing ten trails. Saturday, the resort will open the upper Nevada side of the mountain, opening an additional lift and seven more trails. All services will be in operation on the resort's California side, including Perfect Turn Ski and Snowboard School for both adults and children, daycare, ski rentals and the Heavenly Sports ski shop. Prices have been specially reduced for the early season with adult lift ticket prices for opening day at $39, young adult at $35 and child and senior tickets are $20. Ticket for opening weekend will increase slightly with additional terrain opening. Beginning Saturday, ticket prices will be $45 for adults, $38 for young adults and $22 for children and seniors.

"The way things are shaping up out on the mountain, we should have significantly more terrain open for Thanksgiving, which will give us some of the best Thanksgiving holiday conditions since 1994." explained John Wagnon, the resort's vice president of marketing.

In Colorado, the Telluride Ski Area will open its lifts for Donation Day, Tuesday, Nov. 21, and all net lift ticket proceeds will go to Telluride’s ski and snowboard competitive youth programs including the Alpine Racing Team, the Freestyle Team and the Snowboard Team. The Telluride Mountain will have over 70 percent of its terrain open, accessed by ten out of 12 lifts for the first day of the season.

The Telluride Ski & Golf Company (Telski) is reporting a 28-inch settled base at the mid-mountain after the last two storms provided nearly 20 inches in new snowfall. Telski plans to open Lifts 1 (the chondola), 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 on Donation Day. Telluride’s Ski & Snowboard School for adults and children, the nursery and the Gorrono Ranch Restaurant will also be open. The gondola opens Nov. 20, and will be open for mountain access on Donation Day and throughout the season.

“The natural snow we received last weekend, combined with our snowmaking crew’s efforts, has made for a strong opening day and Thanksgiving weekend for us,” said Terry Fernald, vice president of mountain operations for Telski. “We plan to have ten lifts open, which includes the two legs of the gondola, and over 70 percent of the lift-served skiing terrain in the Lift 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10 pods. We’ve received enough snow to open our steepest trails, including the Plunge, Bushwacker, Mammoth and Joint Point.”

On Nov. 21 only, lift tickets are $20 for everyone except children five and under. All season pass and Telluride Card holders will be required to purchase a ticket and the proceeds go to the Telluride Ski and Snowboard Clubs.

Early season prices and Ski Free & More go into effect Nov. 22-Dec. 16. Full-day tickets are $40 for adults and $22 for children. Skiers staying at participating Telluride properties from Nov. 22-Dec. 16, 2000 and again from April 2-15, 2001 Ski Free & More by choosing from a free day of skiing, ski school clinic, lunch on the mountain or a half-day of child care for each night they stay.

Still in Colorado, Eldora in Nederland, east of Boulder, begins operations today.

Because cold air has only recently returned to the East, Sugarbush in Vermont has postponed their Opening Day to Monday, November 20. Snowmaking efforts were in progress yesterday on Jester and Allyn's Traverse, and Downspout and Organgrinder were also expected to be ready by Monday - all at the resort's Lincoln Peak area. Natural snow may supplement the mountain's snowmaking efforts between now and then.

Also in northern Vermont, Stowe is now gunning for Sunday after abandoning their Saturday plans. Killington, Vermont and Sunday River, Maine are the only open options in the East today, and starting tomorrow top-to-bottom skiing will be available on Killington Peak. In the Catskill Mountains of southern New York, Hunter is shooting for Sunday to start the chairs moving. If you get out there, be sure to post your own account to our No-Bull Ski Reports to keep your fellow readers informed, and for a chance to win free lift tickets!

SEASON OPENING UPDATE

(November 16, 2000) - Vail opened early for the 2000-2001 season yesterday, right as a major winter storm blanketed the area. My mid-morning, eight inches of fresh snow had fallen in five hours and was continuing to accumulate. Multiple winter storms had dumped nearly six feet of snow at the resort over the past month, allowing the ski area to have its biggest opening in several years with 658 acres of terrain and 38 trails accessed by seven lifts, including four high-speed quads and a gondola.

“The ski season has arrived in Vail in a big way,” said Bill Jensen, Vail chief operating officer. “The snow just continues to fall providing a great ski experience for skiers and snowboarders. With fresh powder on opening day, these are definitely the best early season conditions in years.”

Beaver Creek, Vail's sister resort further east along I-70, is shooting for tomorrow with nearly as much open terrain, serviced by four lifts. The most recent storm yesterday blessed the slopes with five new inches on top of a 30-inch settled base at mid-mountain.

“I can honestly say the skiing at Beaver Creek on opening day this Friday will be some of the best you’ve seen here in many years,” said John Garnsey, chief operating officer for Beaver Creek. “We expect to see a lot of smiling faces all over the mountain on Friday.”

Over in Summit County, the new snow has allowed Keystone to expand their terrain offerings. Starting today, the resort will open Mozart run, an intermediate trail on the backside of Keystone Mountain, serviced by the brand-new Ruby Express, a high-speed, six-person chairlift. The grand opening celebration of the Ruby Express is set for noon, Tuesday, Nov. 21.

Wednesday's snowfall propelled Snowmass, Colorado's November total to a tie for the most ever received during the month. November totals are nearly 70 inches on Snowmass, at only halfway through the month, and this matches the previous month-long November record at Snowmass in the 1996/1997 season. As of mid-day, November 15, Ajax is reporting 61 inches of snowfall at mountain top. Record November snowfall on Ajax is 68 inches (1992/93).

Moving west, Utah's park rats will finally have access to a halfpipe, as Park City Mountain Resort opens its Payday halfpipe on Friday. This is the first 'pipe to open in the state of Utah this season.

"We made a commitment it get our halfpipe and other terrain features open as early in the season as snow conditions would allow," said Jeff Frost, events and snowboard manager at the Resort. "With the recent favorable storm patterns, and more importantly, temperatures in the optimal range to make snow, we were able to build and open the 'pipe even earlier than we had dared hope."

In the southern Rockies, Angel Fire Resort in New Mexico has re-scheduled their opening day to Friday, November 24, 2000. The Resort has received several storms in recent weeks, which along with nightly snowmaking have allowed for the change in opening day. The ski area will remain open daily thereafter throughout the season. Present mid-mountain snow depths are reportedly between 14 and 30 inches.

The Midwestern ski season kicked off yesterday when Wild Mountain commenced 2000-2001 operations. Today, in addition to Sunshine, Wild Mountain will be adding Daisy, a beginner run. The resort is hoping to continue to add at least a run a day and have 3 to 6 slopes available by this weekend in time for their Demo Days.

Meanwhile back East, in the Catskills of New York, Hunter Mountain expects some marginal snowmaking weather this week, and hopes to have the resort open for skiing sometime this coming weekend.

MT. ABRAM SOLD AT AUCTION

Locke Mills, ME (November 16, 2000) - Had you been in a conference room yesterday in western Maine's Bethel Inn today with a spare $325,000 in your bank account, you could now be the proud, new owner of your very own ski resort - lock, stock and barrel. That very scenario played out for one very surprised ski area operator, who now owns Mount Abram Ski Area for a purchase price barely more than many houses.

"It was a big day for him," explained auctioneer Tom Saturley of Auction Properties, Ltd. of Portland. When contacted for comment last evening by First Tracks!! Online, Saturley explained that while as of yet unidentified, the buyer would make himself known to the snowsports world in a matter of days.

"He's putting together a team to do it right," assured Saturley, explaining that this unnamed buyer intends to operate Mt. Abram for skiers and snowboarders this season. The new owner wishes to have a management team and operating plan in place before revealing his identity and fielding the inevitable onslaught of questions from anxious winter sports enthusiasts and interested journalists.

"It was a great day," added Saturley, referring to the more than 100 people crammed into the Bethel Inn meeting room. A veteran of several ski resort property auctions, Saturley was impressed by the level of enthusiasm exhibited by participants, which he described as greater than for any other similar auction that he has been involved with.

Although the purchase price represents a considerable loss for Camden National Bank, Saturley assured that "the bank understood the circumstances." It is generally accepted that the timing of this auction, literally at the dawn of the pending ski season, kept the purchase bids low.

The ski area complex sold yesterday comprises nearly 600 acres spread over 1,030 vertical feet, and includes a 9,116 square foot main lodge, 2,016 square foot West Side Lodge, 1,500 square foot maintenance building, mountain top ski patrol building/warming hut, ticket booth, snowmaking pump house, 2 lift equipment buildings, additional storage buildings, 35 ski trails, a 600-foot snow tubing park, pond, two double chairlifts, three t-bars and a separate tubing lift. An adjacent 33-lot unbuilt subdivision was auctioned separately, and was purchased by the bank for $100,000. It is expected that the bank will move quickly to liquidate this retained asset.

It now appears incumbent upon the new owners to develop a successful marketing strategy to capitalize on its proximity to its neighbor, American Skiing Co. behemoth Sunday River. In any event, another mid-sized independent New England ski area has again escaped the axe.

Ed. Note - On November 17, the successful bidder was identified as Josh Burns of Portland, Maine.

November 16-30, 2000

INDEX

BEAVER CREEK DH TRAINING CANCELED