Ski Press Releases and News Flashes

Davos, Switzerland (Dec. 20, 2000) - Three time Olympian Nina Kemppel (Anchorage, AK) gave herself an early Christmas present Wednesday, hanging-up the best U.S. woman's cross country World Cup result since 1989 as she finished 16th in a 15-km classic race won by Julia Tchepalova of Russia.

Chepalova won in 42.49.9 with defending World Cup champion Bente Skari Martinsen of Norway second in 42:53.1. Third place went to Kristina Smigun of Estonia (43:59.1).

Kemppel, who was 21st in a 10-km freestyle race a week earlier in Italy and whose best previous result had been a pair to 20ths, finished in 45:20.0.

"I'll take it. I was aiming for top-15," she said, "but I'll take it. Sixteenth is close enough."

Kemppel said she was concerned about starting the race too fast, but she may have started too slowly. She picked up speed as she went along and kept moving up "from 20th to 18th, then 17th, finally 16th. It's good to be able to ski with the Red Group [the top 30 skiers]."

She flies home Thursday and will head to McCall, Idaho, Dec. 28 to prepare for the Chevy Truck U.S. Cross Country Championships, which run Jan. 3-6, and the three World Cup races Jan. 10-14 at Utah's Soldier Hollow, the 2002 Olympic venue.

"This is a nice way to wrap-up the pre-Christmas part of the schedule," she said. "Now I'm going to grab some time at home, then start to pick it up again for nationals and the World Cups. I'm excited about these next few weeks."

Kemppel, a 13-time U.S. champion, had the best showing by an American woman in a World Cup race since Nancy Fiddler celebrated her 33rd birthday by finishing 15th in the 15-km CL race at the 1989 World Championships in Lahti, Finland. Coincidentally, the '01 Worlds will be held Feb. 15-26 in Lahti.

In the men's 30-km race, Mika Myllylae of Finland captured his first win of the season in 1:19.33.9 with Russian Mikhail Ivanov 31 seconds out. Odd-Bjoern Hjelmeset of Norway took third in 1:20.30.7.

BUDERUS CROSS COUNTRY WORLD CUP
Davos, SUI - Dec. 20
Women's 15-km CL
1. Julia Tchepalova, Russia, 42.49.9
2. Bente Skari Martinsen, Norway, 42:53.1
3. Kristina Smigun, Estonia, 43:59.1
4. Larissa Lazhutina, Russia, 44:00.5
5. Katerina Neumannova, Czech Republic, 44:12.7
6. Stefania Belmondo, Italy, 44:16.1
7. Olga Danilova, Russia, 44:19.6
8. Virpi Kuitunen, Finland, 44.24.0
9. Ljubov Egorova, Russia, 44:28.1
10. Svetlana Nagejkina, Russia, 44:32.1
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16. Nina Kemppel, Anchorage, Alaska, 45:20.0

Men's 30-km CL
1. Mika Myllylae, Finland, 1:19.33.9
2. Mikhail Ivanov, Russia, 1:20.04.9
3. Odd-Bjorn Hjelmeset, Norway, 1:20.30.7
4. Frode Estil, Norway, 1:20.37.7
5. Per Elofsson, Sweden, 1:20.46.1
6. Mathias Fredriksson, Sweden, 1:20.47.8
7. Kristen Skjeldal, Norway, 1:20.53.9
8. Giorgio DiCenta, Italy, 1:20.59.9
9. Johann Muehlegg, Spain, 1:21.01.5
10. Anders Aukland, Norway, 1:21.14.3
(No U.S. racers)

Buderus Cross Country World Cup
Women (6 races)
1. Chepalova, 382 2. Skari-Martinsen, 355
3. Belmondo, 304
4. Neumannova, 292
5. Lazhutina, 260
6. Smigun, 248
7. Danilova, 216
8. Kaisa Varis, Finland, 180
9. Pirjo Manninen, Finland, 150
10. Kuitunen, 147
-
Kemppel, 25

Men (6 races)
1. Elofsson, 345
2. Thomas Alsgaard, Norway, 273
3. Hjelmeset, 186
4. Skjeldal, 184
5. Muehlegg, 183
6. Vincent Vittoz, France, 176
7. Estil, 170
8. Fulvio Valbusa, Italy, 157
9. Myllylae,147
10. Sami Repo, Finland, 131

KOSTELIC WINS SESTRIERE SLALOM, KOZNICK FINISHES THIRD

Sestriere, Italy (Dec. 20, 2000) - Croatian uber-teen Janica Kostelic, who's been bulletproof in slalom despite coming back from knee surgery, ignored back problems to collect her fourth World Cup SL win of the season Wednesday. Kristina Koznick (Burnsville, MN) earned her second podium of winter, finishing third.

Kostelic, who tore four ligaments in her right knee a year ago in St. Moritz, Switzerland, took the first run lead and never wavered to win in 1:43.47. Trine Bakke of Norway was second with a 1:43.88 clocking and Koznick - the only American to reach the second run - was third in 1:43.95. She also had been third behind Kostelic during the Chevy Truck Aspen Winternational over Thanksgiving Weekend.

"No one is unbeatable. There are a lot of good skiers here. They can beat me," Kostelic, who turns 19 in two weeks, told reporters between runs. But no one's been able to touch her in slalom during this first month of the season.

Koznick said Kostelic "is skiing with so much confidence now, you need almost to perfect runs to beat her. But, if I ski to my potential, I can beat her." She made a mistake at the top of her second run, she said, and that cost her time in the middle and across the flat at the bottom of the run.

The race, which was shifted (along with the GS Tuesday) from Jasna, Slovakia, because of Europe's snow drought, was a big turn-around from 10 days earlier in Sestriere. On Dec. 10, Kostelic surged on her second run after being 10th in the first run; right behind was Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO), who had been 11th on that same first run and finished with her first podium, taking second place.

Wednesday, Schleper was attacking again and had the fastest intermediate time before she skied out in the mid-section on the first run. Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO) also was DNF while Tasha Nelson (Mound, MN) was 48th.

With the temperature around 30 degrees after a cold night that helped the snow set-up, the Giovanni Agnelli course claimed six racers in the final run. However, conditions were so good in the first run, six who broke into the top 30 started at No. 46 or higher.

World Cup leader Martina Ertl of Germany - who had been 14th - was disqualified after the first run, officials said, because her skis were too narrow under the boot, fractionally less than the 6-cm minimum-width mandated by the International Ski Federaton.

The women have a short break for the holidays before the Cafe de Colombia World Cup schedule resumes Dec. 28 with the annual night slalom in Semmering, Austria, near Vienna.

CAFE de COLOMBIA WORLD CUP
Sestriere, ITA - Dec. 20
Women's Slalom (from Jasna, SVK)

1. Janica Kostelic, Croatia, 1:43.47
2. Trine Bakke, Norway, 1:43.88
3. Kristina Koznick, Burnsville, Minn., 1:43.95
4. Karin Koellerer, Austria, 1:44.02
5. Claudia Riegler, New Zealand, 1:44.30
6. (tie) Urska Hrovat, Slovenia, and Christel Saioni, France, 1:44.58 each
8. Sonja Nef, Switzerland, 1:44.83
9. Hedda Berntsen, Norway, 1:44.97
10. Tanja Poutiainen, Finland, 1:45.19
11. Anja Paerson, Sweden, 1:45.26
12. Vanessa Vidal, France, 1:45.31
13. Allison Forsyth, Canada, 1:45.37
14. Spela Pretnar, Slovenia, 1:45.44
15. Carina Raich, Austria, 1:45.79
16. Marlies Oester, Switzerland, 1:45.98
17. Noriyo Hiroi, 1:46.13
18. Laura Pequegnot, France, 1:46.42
19. Alenka Dovzan, Slovenia, 1:46.54
20. Zali Steggall, Australia, 1:46.70
21. Nicole Gius, Italy, 1:46.82
22. Christine Sponring, Austria, and Silke Bachmann, Italy, 1:46.97 each
24. Emily Brydon, Canada, 1:48.63
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Did not qualify for 2nd run: Tasha Nelson, Mound, Minn.
DNF-1: Sarah Schleper, Vail, Colo.; Caroline Lalive, Steamboat Springs, Colo.

Cafe de Colombia World Cup
Women's Overall (15 races)
1. Martina Ertl, Germany, 610 points
2. Regine Cavagnoud, France, 538
3. Michaela Dorfmeister, Austria, 523
4. Kostelic, 519
5. Renate Goetschl, Austria, 499
6. Isolde Kostner, Italy, 419
7. Brigitte Obermoser, Austria, 401
8. Paerson, 394
9. Nef, 364
10. Corinne Rey-Bellet, Switzerland, 320
11. Carole Montillet, France, 301
12. Petra Haltmayer, Germany, 247
13. Bakke, 215
14. Koznick, 206
15. Tanja Schneider, Austria, 191
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22. Jonna Mendes, Heavenly, Calif., 142
29. Schleper, 106
36. Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine, 90
49. Megan Gerety, Anchorage, Alaska, 56
53. Lalive, 49
56. Alison Powers, Winter Park, Colo., 46
99. Picabo Street, Park City, Utah, 7

Women's Slalom (4 races)
1. Kostelic, 400
2. Ertl, 210
3. Bakke, 185
4. Koznick, 166
5. Koellerer, 135
6. Vidal, 130
7. Saioni, 126
8. Pretnar, 115
9. Paerson, 114
10. Schleper, 102
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34. Lalive, 14

FORD DOWNHILL SERIES AT LOON JAN. 5-6

Lincoln, NH (Dec. 15, 2000) - The only stop in New England on a 5-mountain, winter schedule, Loon Mountain will host the prestigious, nationally-televised Ford Downhill Series January 5-6, 2001. The Ford Downhill Series is widely recognized as the richest downhill ski series in the world. Competitors will reach speeds close to 80 mph while trying to capture their country’s pride and a share of the $500,000 (US) prize purse.

The 2000/2001 season features the most impressive line-up of elite international skiers in its seven-year history, including headliners such as Olympic gold medalist Tommy Moe and former World Cup skier Kyle Rasmussen of the United States, Felix Belczyk and Brian Stemmle of Canada, Jean Luc Cretier and David Pretot of France, Pietro Vitalini and Alberto Senigagliesi of Italy, and Daniel Mahrer and William Besse of Switzerland.

Time trials will be all day on Friday, January 5 and racing gets underway Saturday morning, January 6. Spectators will be able to catch the action coming down Coolidge Street, in front of the Governor’s Lodge.

Highlights from the Ford Downhill Series at Loon Mountain will be aired on February 11, 2001 on CBS.

KOZ THIRD IN 1ST RUN AT SESTRIERE

Sestriere, Italy (Dec. 20, 2000) - Kristina Koznick (Burnsville, MN) was the lone U.S. racer to qualify for the second run in a World Cup slalom Wednesday as Croatian teen Janica Kostelic, unbeaten in SL this season, led the field in the 30-degree weather.

Kostelic, who has won all three slaloms this season in rebounding from torn ligaments in her right knee a year ago, was timed in 50.47. In a race rescheduled from snowless Jasna, Slovakia, Henna Raita of Finland was second in 50.82 with Koznick third at 50.85.

Completing the top five in the first run: Norwegian Trine Bakke in fourth place (50.94) and Karin Koellerer of Austria, fifth in 51.03.

Tasha Nelson (Mound, MN) was 48th in the first run while Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO) and Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO) were DNFs.

BIG MT. PARENT CONTINUES STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

Whitefish, MT (Dec. 20, 2000) - Winter Sports, Inc. (NASDAQ:WKSI), announced today that its Board of Directors has authorized the continuation of its stock repurchase program for an additional six months. Under this plan, the Board has authorized the repurchase of up to 40,000 of its outstanding shares of common stock. It is anticipated that the shares will be repurchased from time to time in the open market. The Board continues to believe that Winter Sports' common stock represents an excellent value and an appropriate investment opportunity for the Company's resources.

"Both the Board of Directors and management continues to feel our common stock is currently undervalued and that the extended repurchase agreement is a strong investment opportunity," stated Michael Collins, President and CEO of Winter Sports, Inc.

Winter Sports, Inc. owns and operates Big Mountain Ski & Summer Resort in Whitefish, Montana. The Company is directly involved in a large number of guest businesses at the resort on a year round basis. The Company is also directly involved with real estate development on all of the base area lands owned by the Company. To date, they have created a variety of real estate products including single family and townhome lots and condominiums.

MIDWAY AIRLINES INAUGURATES NONSTOP SERVICE TO STEAMBOAT

Raleigh-Durham, NC (Dec. 20, 2000) - Midway Airlines (Nasdaq: MDWY) yesterday inaugurated nonstop seasonal service between Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) at Steamboat Springs, Colo. The Yampa Valley Airport is located just 22 miles from Steamboat Resort, and it is the closest major airport to a ski area in either Colorado or Utah. Current fares begin at $158 each way.

"Midway Airlines is proud to offer our passengers the first-ever nonstop service to the mountains of Colorado from Raleigh-Durham," said Robert Ferguson, Midway Airlines' president and CEO. "Now that Midway offers nonstop flights to Steamboat Springs throughout the height of ski season, it will be easier than ever for passengers to travel West to ski."

Steamboat is one of North America's largest ski resorts, offering 142 ski trails on almost 3,000 acres. There are plenty of activities for everyone, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, dogsledding, ice- skating and night skiing.

As a full-service carrier, Midway Airlines and its commuter partner operate 254 daily non-stop flights to and from their hub at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Midway currently serves 29 destinations in 17 states. The Company recently took delivery of its 6th Boeing 737-700, creating a fleet of 35 aircraft, including eight Fokker F100s, six Boeing 737-700s and 23 Canadair Regional Jets. Midway flies one of the youngest all-jet fleets in the world, with an average age of less than three years.

The new flights to Steamboat Springs will continue to offer Midway's award-winning Carolina Class service throughout the plane, featuring assigned seating, leather seats, gourmet coffee, friendly flight attendants, and hot towel and mint services. Midway Airlines also boasts one of the best on-time arrival records in the industry.

SKI CHANTECLER TO DEBUT NEW QUAD

Sainte-Adèle (QC), Canada (Dec. 20, 2000) - On December 22nd, Ski Chantecler will inaugurate its new quadruple chairlift. Since the acquisition of Hôtel Le Chantecler and Ski Chantecler by Québec's largest hotel chain, Hôtels Gouverneur, it's an avalanche of new equipment that has fallen on the 24 slopes of Ski Chantecler. Thanks to this 1.5 million dollar investment in new equipment, 9,800 skiers per hour will now have access to Ski Chantecler's various slopes.

In addition to this new quad, the first to be installed in the Lower Laurentians in over 12 years, two new snowmaking machines and two new HKD groomers have been added to Ski Chantecler's fleet. A new glade skiing run has also been added to the existing 75 acres of ski trails. A daycare center has been established at Mountain 4, allowing parents to enjoy worry-free skiing.

"Ski Chantecler is off to a fresh start", said Mr. Désormeaux, the Ski Centre's General Manager. "We've registered a 25% increase in skier volume in 1999-2000, despite less than favorable weather conditions and we expect a further increase of 15% in the upcoming season. These positive statistics are the direct result of our decision to invest in and significantly revitalize our facilities. We can continue to offer skiers and their families a top quality product in an enchanting setting. The Laurentians are bustling with ski centres, each one more attractive than the other, but we believe Ski Chantecler to be a choice alternative for those who want to get away from it all only 45 minutes away from Montréal," concluded Mr. Désormeaux.

Ski Chantecler does not intend to let such a major revitalization go by unannounced. Within the next few weeks, a major advertising campaign will be launched. Television and radio ads have been orchestrated, and will be backed up by a direct marketing blitz. To round out the media campaign, print ads will be featured on billboards throughout the Laurentians' highways.

AUDI 24 HOURS OF ASPEN CONCLUDES DRAMATICALLY

Aspen, CO (Dec. 19, 2000) - After 24 hours of racing, it came down to 20 seconds. The young Swiss team, Arno Hoenicke and Robert Moze, took advantage of a midnight spill by the Canadians, then held off the more experienced racers to claim victory in the 12th Annual Audi 24 Hours of Aspen and earn the $25,000 first prize. The top three teams all completed 72 laps and skied a total of 235,224 vertical feet. The Swiss finished the race in 2:52:13 followed by the Canadian team, Rob Bosinger and Roman Torn, 20 seconds behind. In third place the team from down under, Australians Steven Lee and Shaun Turner finished in 2:52:33. In the women's division, the United State's women's team of Noel Lyons-McMenamy and Charlotte Moats, completed 71 laps in 3:08:11 to hold off the Aspen women's team and grab the $10,000 first prize.

Ten teams started the race on Monday at noon. All managed to beat the cold, darkness and fatigue as they skied through the night as the temperature plummeted to minus seven. Incredibly, all teams were still in the race until 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning when New Zealand racer Richard Hanson took a face first fall at 70 miles per hour and was forced to withdraw from the race. After a brief visit to the hospital, Hanson returned to the race to support his teammate. With just two hours left, after 22 long hours of racing, there were more dramatics to come.

After launching off a roller two-thirds of the way down the course, U.S. racer Christian Woll caught an edge and went down hard. He was taken to the hospital and preliminary reports are that he sustained a broken collarbone and a knee injury. His partner, Alan Beyer, the oldest competitor in the race at 40, finished the race alone.

Just moments later Italian racer Andrea Dezza lost a ski and was forced to navigate the rest of the course on one ski. Part way down he removed his skis and was sliding down on his boots when he was upended and face planted on the ice. Determined to finish the race, his partner, Francesco Bianchetti, shouldered Dezza and skied the remainder of the run with his teammate on his back. The crowds roared as the Italians crossed the finish line and loaded on the gondola to continue the race.

The event was a fundraiser for Challenge Aspen and the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club and raised over $400,000. Challenge Aspen is one of the premiere non-profit disabled programs in the United States and the Aspen Valley Ski/Snowboard Club is a non-profit the provides youths the opportunity to ski or snowboard regardless of their economic background.

NEF WINS, KOZNICK 20th IN SESTRIERE

Sestriere, Italy (Dec. 19, 2000) - Swiss racer Sonja Nef earned the sixth win of her career and her second this season Tuesday with a solid second run in a giant slalom moved from Slovakia because of no snow. Kristina Koznick (Burnsville, MN), the only U.S. skier to qualify for a second run, finished 20th.

Nef, who won the second GS of the season a month ago at the Chevy Truck America's Opening in Park City, Utah, had been second behind Anja Paerson of Sweden in the first run. Her winning time was 2:21.67 with Paerson - who'd been third in Park City and on the podium in every GS this season - dropping a .27 lead after the morning run as she settled for second in 2:21.91.

Third place went to Renate Goetschl of Austria, the defending World Cup champion who finished in 2:22.02. Completing the top five: World Cup leader Martina Ertl of Germany in fourth (2:22.20) and Michaela Dorfmeister of Austria in fifth (2:22.21).

Koznick, 13th in the first run, was 20th with a time of 2:24.22. Fastest second run went to Britt Janyk of Canada, who jumped 21 spots to eighth place for her first World Cup top-10.

Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO) was 32nd on the first run, followed by Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME) in 41st place (1:13.81) and Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO) 54th in the field of 69 (1:15.24).

The race was the first of two moved from Jasna, Slovakia, because of no snow. The women will complete their pre-Christmas schedule Wednesday with a slalom, also in Sestriere. Tasha Nelson (Mound, MN) will join Koznick, Schleper and Lalive in the slalom.

CAFE de COLOMBIA WORLD CUP
Sestriere, ITA - Dec. 19
Women's GS (from Jasna, SVK)
1. Sonja Nef, Switzerland, 2:21.67
2. Anja Paerson, Sweden, 2:21.91
3. Renate Goetschl, Austria, 2:22.02
4. Martina Ertl, Germany, 2:22.20
5. Michaela Dorfmeister, Austria, 2:22.21
6. Denise Karbon, Italy, 2:22.44
7. Maria Jose Rienda Contreras, Spain, 2:23.02
8. Britt Janyk, Canada, 2:23.49
9. Regine Cavagnoud, France, 2:23.62
10. Janica Kostelic, Croatia, 2:23.68
11. Alexandra Meissnitzer, Austria, 2:23.77
12. Karen Putzer, Italy, 2:23.80
13. Brigitte Obermoser, Austria, 2:23.86
14. Stina Hofgard Nilsen, Norway, 2:23.89
15. Tina Maze, Slovenia, 2:23.97
16. Evelyne Rohregger, Austria, 2:24.01
17. Petra Haltmayer, Germany, 2:24.02
18. Christiane Mitterwallner, Austria, 2:24.17
19. Anna Ottosson, Sweden, 2:24.18
20. Kristina Koznick, Burnsville, Minn., 2:24.22
21. Tanja Poutiainen, Finland, 2;24.46
22. Isolde Kostner, Italy, 2:24.53
23. Allison Forsyth, Canada, 2:24.57
24. Silvia Berger, Austria, 2:24.60
25. Christel Saioni, France, 2:24.66
26. Ylva Nowen, Sweden, 2:24.71
27. Kumiko Kashiwagi, Japan, 2:24.89
28. Silke Bachmann, Italy, 2:25.38
29. Stefanie Schuster, Austria, 2:25.61
30. Birgit Heeb, Liechtenstein, 2:25.73
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Did not qualify for 2nd run: Sarah Schleper, Vail, Colo.; Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine; and Caroline Lalive, Steamboat Springs, Colo.

Cafe de Colombia World Cup
Women's Overall (14 races)
1. Ertl, 610 points
2. Cavagnoud, 538
3. Dorfmeister, 523
4. Goetschl, 499
5. (tie) Kostner and Kostelic, 419 each
7. Obermoser, 401
8. Paerson, 370
9. Nef, 332
10. Corinne Rey-Bellet, Switzerland, 320
11. Carole Montillet, France, 301
12. Haltmayer, 247
13. Tanja Schneider, Austria, 191
14. Mojca Suhadolc, Slovenia, 186
15. Putzer, 173
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20. Koznick, 146
21. Jonna Mendes, Heavenly, Calif., 142
26. Schleper, 106
35. Clark, 90
46. Megan Gerety, Anchorage, Alaska, 56
51. Lalive, 49
54. Alison Powers, Winter Park, Colo.
95. Picabo Street, Park City, Utah, 7

Women's GS (4 races)
1. Paerson, 280
. Nef, 276
3. Ertl, 236
4. Dorfmeister, 231
5. Obermoser, 181
6. Putzer, 115
7. Andrine Flemmen, Norway, 109
8. Cavagnoud, 108
9. Kostelic, 103
10. Rienda Contreras, 90
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22. Koznick, 40
45. Clark, 5
46. Schleper, 4

MATT WINS MADONNA SL, U.S. BLANKED

Madonna diCampiglio, Italy (Dec. 19, 2000) - U.S. men were blanked Tuesday in a World Cup slalom in Madonna as Mario Matt led Austrians into the top three spots and four of the first five.

In sunny, 35-degree weather, Matt collected the third win of his brief career by nearly a half-second when first-run leader Hans-Petter Buraas, the '98 Olympic SL champion from Norway, hooked a tip early in his final run and failed to finish. Matt won in 1:44.00 with Heinz Schilchegger second in 1:44.48 and Rainer Schoenfelder third (1:44.94).

The race had been shifted from Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, because of no snow. The closest U.S. racer to a first-run, top 30 breakthrough was Erik Schlopy (Park City, UT), who was 34th.Chip Knight (New Canaan, CT) was 35th, Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) 37th and Sacha Gros (Vail, CO) 38th.

"It was a beautiful day - except for the results," said U.S. Coach Jesse Hunt. "I was disappointed with 'Schlopes' because he's been skiing pretty good slalom. But it was a really tight set and it was really slick ice, just tough, tough conditions - and we didn't react very well."

The men race a giant slalom Thursday in Bormio, Italy, before heading home for the holidays. Schlopy, Miller, Knight, Thomas Vonn (Newburgh, NY) and Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA) will race.

Cafe de Colombia World Cup
Madonna diCampiglio, ITA - Dec. 19
Men's Slalom (from Kranjska Gora, SLO)
1. Mario Matt, Austria, 1:44.00
2. Heinz Schilchegger, Austria, 1:44.48
3. Rainer Schoenfelder, Austria, 1:44.94
4. Kjetil Andre Aamodt, Norway, 1:45.11
5. Benjamin Raich, Austria, 1:45.45
6. Gaetan Llorach, France, 1:45.64
7. Pierrick Bourgeat, France, 1:45.67
8. Alain Baxter, Great Britain, 1:45.74
9. Ole Kristian Furuseth, Norway, 1:45.76
10. Markus Eberle, Germany, 1:45.79
12. Tom Stiansen, Norway, 1:45.87
13. Michael Von Gruenigen, Switzerland, 1:45.88
14. Mitja Kunc, Slovenia, 1:45.95
15. Julien Lizeroux, France, 1:45.98
16. Florian Seer, Austria, 1:46.01
17. Kiminobu Kimura, Japan, 1:46.08
18. Andrej Miklavc, Slovenia, 1:46.32
19. Harald Christian Strand Nilsen, norway, 1:46.44
20. Matteo Nana, Italy, 1:46.53
21. Mario Reiter, Italy, 1:46.72
22. Matjaz Vhrovnik, Slovenia, 1:46.76
23. Fabrizio Tescari, Italy, 1:46.81
24. Christian Mayer, Austria, 1:46.86
25. Sergio Bergamelli, Italy, 1:47.02
26. Drago Grubelnik, Sloveia, 1:47.07
27. Massimiliano Blardone, Italy, 1:47.44
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Did not qualify for 2nd run: Erik Schlopy, Park City, Utah; Chip Knight, New Canaan, Conn.; Bode Miller, Franconia, N.H.; and Sacha Gros, Vail, Colo.

Cafe de Colombia World Cup
Men's Overall (13 races)
1. Hermann Maier, Austria, 631 points
2. Stephan Eberharter, Austria, and Lasse Kjus, Norway, 409 each
4. Schilchegger, 392
5. VonGruenigen, , 362
6. Andreas Schifferer, Austria, 333
7. Fredrik Nyberg, Sweden, 315
8. Aamodt, 290
9. Josef Strobl, Austria, 222
10. Didier Cuche, Switzerland, 203
11. Hans Knauss, Austria, 187
12. Matt, 180
13. Christoph Gruber, Austria, 168
14. Mayer, 166
15. Silvano Beltrametti, Switzerland, 160
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19. Miller, 140
25. schlopy, 121
30. Chad Fleischer, Vail, Colo., 101
32. Daron Rahlves, Sugar Bowl, Calif., 90
81. Casey Puckett, Aspen, Colo., 20
92. Chris Puckett, Boulder, Colo., 14
101. Dane Spencer, Boise, Idaho, 11
107. Thomas Vonn, Newburgh, N.Y., 9
117. Brett Fischer, Winter Park, Colo., 2

Men's Slalom (3 races)
1. (tie) Schilchegger and Matt, 180 each
3. Hans-Petter Buraas, Norway, 150
4. Aamodt, 146
5. Bourgeat, 96
6. Seer, 89
7. (tie) Vhrovnik, Kosir and Kilian Albrecht, Austria, 80 each
10. Schoenfelder, 75
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39. Schlopy, 10

BRETTON WOODS UNVEILS HIGH-SPEED QUAD

Bretton Woods, NH (Dec. 19, 2000) - A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held yesterday to officially introduce the Zephyr, a new high-speed detachable quad chair lift at Bretton Woods Mountain Resort. A gathering of distinguished state officials and local representatives, members of the media, plus owners, staff, and supporters of the ski area were in attendance for the ceremony.

The new 5100-foot high-speed detachable lift manufactured by Garaventa CTEC, replaces the Mount Oscar fixed-grip Double Chair. The Zephyr, named for a westerly wind, will carry skiers to a central point along the ridge between the original Bretton Woods trails on Mount Rosebrook and the new West Mountain area. It will provide access to numerous Bretton Woods favorites like Crawford’s Blaze, Granny’s Grit, and Coos Caper, as well as quicker access to 24 trails and glades on West Mountain. The new loading terminal is positioned closer to the base lodge than the pre-existing Oscar Chair, and the lift runs along the tree line on one of Bretton Woods’ most scenic trails, Range View, to create another unobstructed cruising trail, for which the area is renowned.

Referring to detachable chair technology, Director of Ski Area Operations Chris Ellms commented, “This technology isn’t new to Bretton Woods. New Hampshire’s first detachable quad lift was installed here in 1989 and the Bethlehem Express is still going strong!”

Bretton Woods’ recent elaborate expansion started in September 1997 with the acquisition of the ski area, by The Mount Washington Hotel Preservation Limited Partnership. The current owners, all New Hampshire residents, committed to an investment that paralleled the winterization of the nearby Mount Washington Hotel, and made Bretton Woods New Hampshire’s largest area and a favorite among skiers and snowboarders.

An early focus to serve families and first-time skiers saw the development of the Bretton Woods Family Learning Center. Besides serving as a gateway to the slopes and base lodge, the building houses a nursery, the Hobbit Ski and Snowboard School, and serves as a central meeting spot and launching point for a variety of award-winning family programs. The new Crawford Double Chair, a user-friendly lift, replaced the T-Bar on the Rosebrook Meadow Learning Slope – providing a safe and accessible, well-protected area for beginners.

1999 witnessed the completion of West Mountain; 24 new trails offering challenging terrain on the peak adjacent to the existing Bretton Woods Area. The popular area includes state-of-the-art snowmaking, a new fixed-grip quad chair lift and additional slopeside townhomes nestled unobtrusively within the landscape.

After completing the 1999-2000 winter season with a 20 percent increase in skier visits, Bretton Woods is continuing the momentum further with more improvements to the area. In addition to the Zephyr, new features this season include acres of new glade trails and an expansion of the base lodge with a heated outdoor deck.

“We’re moving forward,” says Ellms. "We’re continuing to improve the overall alpine experience at Bretton Woods with more terrain, better base facilities and by increasing access to the entire mountain with less time spent riding the lifts.”

Future plans for Bretton Woods include more new terrain as the expansion moves east toward Mount Stickney. Another lift will bring the total to nine and a multi-year base lodge expansion will ensure comfort and convenience for all that visit New Hampshire’s largest ski area.

The momentum also continues at The Mount Washington Hotel, a National Historic Landmark that opened for its first winter in 1999 with a magical, grand hotel experience for Bretton Woods skiers and non-skiers alike. This winter, visitors are again delighting in such activities as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, snow tubing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Culinary demonstrations, lectures, and musical and theatrical performances will continue to entertain guests who prefer to stay close to the warmth of the hearth.

SMIRNOFF ICE SPEED CROSS TO DEBUT ON VAIL MOUNTAIN JAN. 13

Vail, CO (Dec. 19, 2000) - Smirnoff Ice Speed Cross, a skiercross event presented by Subaru, Guinness and Vail, makes its debut on Vail’s Golden Peak Race Course Saturday, January 13 at 11AM. The event will pit groups of four skiers against one another in pursuit of the $5,000 cash purse, and will be the subject of a half hour special airing in February on Fox Sports Net.

The event differs from the typical skiercross race in its lack of intricate berms, obstacles and jumps. Unlike courses seen in events like the X-Games, where skiercross has gained national notoriety, Smirnoff Ice Speed Cross will focus on all-out speed. Aside from a few rollers and a “risk-reward” obstacle, the course will be designed to be smooth and fast. Skiers from all disciplines, including freestyle, racing and big mountain skiing are expected to compete in the event.

Chris Ernst, AKA “Uncle E” , recently visited Vail from his home in Truckee, CA for a planning meeting to lay out the Speed Cross course. Ernst, widely known as the father of skiercross, is founder of the Governing Body of Skiercross (GBSC) and provides course design and color commentary for ESPN’s X-Games as well as Vail’s US Freeskiing Open.

Said Uncle E, “I’m stoked that there’s a course like this out there that is totally different from the rest of the skiercross events nationwide. What it lacks in terrain features it will definitely make up for in speed- hence the name. We should expect a huge turnout, as well, since the popular Loard of the Boards event will not be coming back to Copper Mountain this year. All in all, I think Speed Cross will see a solid field of really diverse competitors, and show us an event that favors no one discipline over the other. On top of that, we have some awesome support as always from the hill crew at Vail, which always makes doing events here a pleasure.”

Speed Cross will be produced by Vail’s Highline Sports & Entertainment, Inc., organizers of Vail’s popular Mogul Mania series.

The race itself pits heats of four skiers at a time against each other in spectator-friendly head-to-head action. Skiers navigate a course similar to a Super G in traditional racing, but using triangle snowboard gates. The top two from each round move on in the brackets while the rest pack their bags. A total of $5,000 in cash is awarded to the top eight finishers in the event.

Alongside the racing action, Smirnoff Ice Speed Cross will feature a series of free concerts at Vail’s Club 8150, presented by Smirnoff Ice and Guinness. Friday night fans and participants will be treated to a free performance by De La Soul’s DJ Maseo at 10PM. Saturday’s awards party will be headlined by three of the nation’s top emerging hardcore acts as Guttermouth, Sprung Monkey and Slightly Stoopid are sure to get the floor bouncing at 9PM. Both parties are free of cover, but fans are encouraged to arrive early as space is limited.

To register for the Smirnoff Ice Speed Cross or obtain additional information, visit Christy Sports at the top of Bridge St. in Vail Village, or visit www.gohighline.com. Registration fees are $50 pre-registration and $75 day-of registration. Discounted lift tickets will be available for competitors who do not hold Vail season passes. Helmets and bibs are required, and no speed suits will be allowed. Entry forms are also available via fax by calling (970) 476-6797.

Friday, January 12
5PM Pre-Registration Closes Christy Sports, Vail Village; www.gohighline.com
9PM Pre-Race Concert Club 8150 DJ Maseo of De la Soul

Saturday, January 13
8-9AM On-Site Registration Base of Golden Peak, Vail Mountain
9-9:30AM Course Inspection Golden Peak Race Course
9:30-10:30AM Course Training Golden Peak Race Course
10:45AM Competitor Meeting Top of Golden Peak Race Course
11:00AM-12:30PM Qualifying (timed) rounds Top of Golden Peak Race Course
1:00-3:00PM Top 64 in brackets Top of Golden Peak Race Course
9PM Post-Race Concert Club 8150 Guttermouth, Sprung Monkey, Slightly Stoopid

Smirnoff Ice Speed Cross Purse Payout
1st: $2,000; 2nd: $1,000; 3rd: $600; 4th: $500; 5th: $400; 6th: $300; 7th: $100; 8th: $100

GORE RANGE NATURAL SCIENCE SCHOOL HOSTS GRAND OPENING OF THE NATURE DISCOVERY CENTER ON VAIL MOUNTAIN

Vail, CO (Dec. 19, 2000) - This Wednesday, Dec. 20 visit the Nature Discovery Center at Adventure Ridge on Vail Mountain for a grand opening celebration featuring hot drinks and appetizers. The event takes place 2:30-4:30 p.m. and foot passengers can ride the gondola for free after 2 p.m. The Gore Range Natural Science School will run the program out of the Nature Discovery Center this season to provide nature programs to ski school classes and other visitors. Naturalist programs will be offered at 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. followed by a fireside chat at 4 p.m. on bears of the Rocky Mountains.

The mission of this special program is to provide and create educational and interpretive programs for guests about forest resources, nature, wildlife and local history. The Nature Discover Center is a partnership between the GRNSS, Vail Resorts and the U.S. Forest Service. For more information, call the Nature Discovery Center at 479-4675.

UTAH RESORTS HAPPILY BURIED IN RECORD-BREAKING SNOWFALL

(Dec. 19, 2000) - "This is how it's supposed to be," is the comment heard round the state of Utah this week. After several below-average snow years, it looks like the 2000/2001 ski season is breaking all records so far, possibly proving to be the best season start in decades. Utah's legendary "one-two punch" winter storms have been blasting the Wasatch Mountains for the past 10 days now, leaving piles of light, powdery snow, multiple "sick day" call-ins and many happy smiles in its wake. With $80 million in upgrades at Utah's 14 mountain resorts since last year and the fantastic snow conditions, Utah's resorts are in fine form to welcome holiday guests.

Alta Ski Area is reporting 211 inches received so far this year with a settled base of 77 inches. "The highest previous base depth from the last nine years was 76 inches," says Alta's Connie Marshall. "And we're only halfway through December with more storms coming! Alta is pleased to be on track for a 'more traditional' and normal snow year. 100% of our terrain is open."

Brighton Ski Resort’s thoughts on their great conditions were fairly straightforward. Marketing Director Dan Malstrom said, "This is the snow we are known for at Brighton - the snow that made us who we are. We had over six feet of snow last week!"

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, which plans to open its remaining acreage in Mineral Basin today, is reporting a 74-inch base, with 12 inches of new snow yesterday. They've had 192 inches, or 16 feet, of snow so far this season. Both lodging bookings and skier days are already far exceeding totals from the last several years. "We're ecstatic over the fabulous early-season conditions and some record-setting days," said Snowbird Director of Public Relations Fred Rollins. "We should have one of our best years in Snowbird's 29-year history."

Park City Mountain Resort has received 56 inches of snow in the last seven days, and boasts a current base depth of 63 inches. "The great early-season conditions we're enjoying are translating into strong bookings for the remainder of the season," said Melissa O'Brien, communications manager at Park City Mountain Resort. "Booking for the holidays are up more than 40 percent over last year, and up between 25 and 30 percent for the remainder of the season."

North of Salt Lake City things were looking much the same. "Mother Nature, along with Snowbasin's new snowmaking system, finally smiled on us this year," said Gray Reynolds, GM of Snowbasin. "Our Nov. 17th opening was one of the earliest opening dates in Snowbasin history. Additionally, we just opened the Strawberry area which has some of the best skiing on the mountain."

FAMILIAR FACES ON GRAND PRIX PODIUM

Ludlow, VT (Dec. 18, 2000) - After several lengthy delays, the giant slalom race at the Chevy Truck U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix finally got underway Monday on the Chief trail at Okemo Mountain Resort. Chris Klug (Aspen, CO) and U.S. Snowboard Team rider Sondra Van Ert (Ketchum, ID) took victories on the icy course.

The race was originally scheduled to go off Sunday, but heavy rain and wind, as well as thunder and lightening, forced organizers to shift the event until Monday. The winds were still blowing Monday morning and the first women's racer didn't get out of the start house until 11:30 a.m.

Klug won with a two-run time of 2:04.71. Canadians took the next two spots with Jasey Jay Anderson in second (2:05.52) and Mark Fawcett in third (2:05.70).

Klug led by over a full second after his first run. He played it safe on his second run and let up a bit to guarantee a clean finish and the $10,000 check.

"I had a really solid first run - I put it up on edge really early and aggressively ," said Klug. "That second run I wussed it a little bit. I probably could've gone a little faster. But it's hard when you've got a good cushion and you don't want to botch it."

Klug has made a miraculous comeback after undergoing a liver transplant in late July. Over five years ago, he was diagnosed with a rare liver disease and was elevated to the top transplant status this June after his condition worsened.

"It took me a couple of months to get my ab (abdominal) strength back," said Klug, who has a scar that reaches from his lower abdomen to the middle of his chest. "I knew I was healthy. I knew that (the transplant) was behind me and maybe I put a little bit more pressure on myself. I felt like, okay, now I'm perfectly healthy, I'm back and I want to prove how strong I am right now."

During inspection prior to the second run, Klug judged the course, set by Scott Palmer from Stratton Mountain's snowboard program, to be too straight down the fall line. He thought it was going to run too fast for the icy conditions. However, he changed his mind after racing it.

"After inspection, I thought 'why'd he set it so straight?'," said Klug. "And then I ran it and it ran beautifully. It was actually pretty turny, a little faster, but the gates didn't seem to come at you too fast. I apologized to Scott, I said 'Great set. I don't know what I was thinking'."

It was the second podium in three days for Klug as he took third at a World Cup giant slalom Saturday at Mt. Ste. Anne, Quebec.

Van Ert, like Klug, was the Grand Prix alpine champion last season. She was in fourth place after the first run with a time of 1:10.67, but stormed back in her second pass to take the win with a combined time of 2:17.94. Canadians again rounded out the podium as Ivana Trudel was second in 2:18.00 and Alexa Loo took third with a time of 2:18.20. U.S. Team rider Lisa Kosglow (Boise, ID) was the leader after the first run with a 1:08.77, but ended up finishing fourth with a two-run time of 2:19.20.

"The conditions were so icy out here," said Van Ert. "This was definitely the hardest snow we've had all season. I think that the second run was a little more consistent. After the first run, I kind of knew what to expect and, even though I wasn't feeling good, I had to keep fighting."

"It's been kind of a slow start (to the season)," said Van Ert. "It just seems par for how I start. I always want to crank it up a little faster. This is a nice way to go home for Christmas."

Van Ert was second Saturday at Mt. Ste. Anne and hauled in $10,000 for Monday's win.

The Chevy Truck Grand Prix rolls into Breckenridge, Colo. Jan. 5-7. Superpipe and parallel slalom will be run, as well as a big air, part of the Yahoo! Sports Big Air & Style exhibition series.

CHEVY TRUCK U.S. SNOWBOARD GRAND PRIX
Okemo Mountain Resort - Ludlow, VT
Dec. 18, 2000
Giant Slalom

ANDREW, KJELDAAS WIN MONT-SAINTE-ANNE WORLD CUP

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré (QC), Canada (Dec. 17, 2000) - Canadian McTwist master Trevor Andrew (Canada) Norwegian Olympic medalist Stine Brun Kjeldaas won a Snowboard World Cup halfpipe event Sunday at Mt. Ste. Anne.

Andrew spun his way to a winning score of 44.5 in his second run, edging teammate Brett Carpentier, who led after the first run with a 44.0. Finn Tuomo Ojala finished in third with a 42.0. Ross Powers (S. Londonderry, VT), who was second at Saturday's Chevy Truck U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix, led the American riders in seventh place.

Brun Kjeldaas, the '98 Olympic silver medalist in halfpipe, took Sunday's event with a score of 39.7 in her opening run. Japan's Michiyo Hashimoto was second (38.6) while teammate Yoko Miyake was third (37.8). The top American was U.S. Snowboard Team rider Gretchen Bleiler (Snowmass Village, CO) in sixth. Bleiler was second in superpipe at Saturday's Grand Prix.

It was the second World Cup win for Brun Kjeldaas this season as she was victorious at Whistler, British Columbia on Dec. 10.

The Snowboard World Cup goes to Kreischberg, Austria Jan. 5-7 for two snowboardcross events and a parallel slalom.

MEN
1. Trevor Andrew, Canada, 44.5
2. Tuomo Ojala, Finland, 42.0
3. Markus Hurme, Finland, 41.5
4. Therry Brunner, Switzerland, 40.8
5. Jonathan Collomb-Patton, France, 39.4
6. Ross Powers, S. Londonderry, VT, 38.4
7. Jan Michaelis, Germany, 37.9
8. Seth Wescott, Farmington, ME, 37.6
9. Jan Odden, Norway, 37.5
10. Fabien Rohrer, Switzerland, 34.9
11. Iker Fernandez, Spain, 31.1

Did Not Qualify for Finals
13. Ricky Bower, Park City, UT, 34.2
15. Rob Kingwill, Jackson, WY, 33.0
19. Zach Horwitz, Carbondale, CO, 30.7
20. Luke Wynen, Reading, PA, 29.9
31. Tommy Czeschin, Mammoth Lakes, CA, 27.2

WOMEN
1. Stine Brun Kjeldaas, Norway, 39.7
2. Michiyo Hashimoto, Japan, 38.6
3. Yoko Miyake, Japan, 37.8
4. Sabine Wehr-Hasler, Germany, 35.2
5. Janet Jonsson, Sweden, 33.1
6. Gretchen Bleiler, Snowmass Village, CO, 31.1

Did Not Qualify for Second Run
8. Michele Taggart, Truckee, CA, 34.4
13. Kim Stacey, Stratton Mt., VT, 31.3
19. Autumn Rose, Olympic Valley, CA, 27.2
33. Amy Johnson, Rochester, NY, 19.9
37. Kelly Clark, Mt. Snow, VT, 17.7
39. Tricia Byrnes, New Canaan, CT, 16.5

AUDI 24 HOURS OF ASPEN DELAYED DUE TO SNOWSTORM

Aspen, CO (Dec. 17, 2000) - A fast moving storm sweeping into the Aspen/Snowmass area has delayed the start time of the 12th Annual Audi 24 Hours of Aspen. The "snow and blowing snow" advisory predicts four to eight inches of snow before midnight tonight. Race officials have rescheduled the start time to noon on Monday, Dec. 18. The race is now scheduled to end at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

All scheduled activities will take place at the original times on new race days. The Strudelthon, Rock the Racers Party and the Ajax on Top Race Night Party will take place on Monday night. The racers are relaxing and are anxious to get started.

The weather forecast for Monday calls for clearing skies with high temperatures in the 20's.

GOETSCHL TAKES SWISS DOWNHILL

St. Moritz, Switzerland (Dec. 17, 2000) - Renate Goetschl of Austria, making a renewed bid to defend her World Cup overall title, won a downhill Sunday in St. Moritz and Jonna Mendes led four U.S. skiers into the top 17 finishers.

Goetschl - who was second Saturday behind teammate Brigitte Obermoser in the first downhill of the weekend - won in 1:36.49. Isolde Kostner of Italy - who had accused Goetschl of possibly doing something illegal at Lake Louise when the Austrian allegedly removed a pad from one of her boots after the first downhill of the season - was second, a tenth back. Regine Cavagnoud of France was third in 1:37.13. Obermoser was fourth with Carole Montillet of France fifth.

Mendes, showing more consistency as she enjoys the best season of her young career, was 11th with a time of 1:38.01. Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME) was 13th in 1:38.09 with veteran Megan Gerety and youngster Alison Powers (Winter Park, CO) tied for 17th in 1:38.30. Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO) was 39th and Picabo Street (Park City, UT) 46th in her second downhill after being sidelined for 33 months with leg injuries.

U.S. Head Coach Marjan Cernigoj said, "The girls skied well again in the technical sections in the middle of the race. We had some partly cloudy skies, the sun was in and out again, but the conditions were very fair from the first racer to the last...

"Jonna's been doing a great job," he continued, praising her tightly focused approach to being ready to go from the start of each race. "She's so professional now. When Race Day comes, it's fun to watch. She's very focused." Clark, mouse-trapped Saturday with an early start number on a day when late-race sunshine helped back-of-the-pack racer, started No. 17 and was one of the racers who did an outstanding job in the technical sections. "'Clarky' made up time in the middle," he said.

The women's schedule moves back to Sestriere, Italy, for two races picked up from snowless Jasna, Slovakia, a giant slalom Tuesday and a slalom Wednesday.

CAFE de COLOMBIA WORLD CUP
St. Moritz, SUI - Dec. 17
Women's DH-2
1. Renate Goetschl, Austria, 1:36.49
2. Isolde Kostner, Italy, 1:36.59
3. Regine Cavagnoud, France, 1:37.13
4. Brigitte Obermoser, Austria, 1:37.27
5. Carole Montillet, France, 1:37.32
6. Tanja Schneider, Austria, 1:37.55
7. Corinne Rey-Bellet, Switzerland, 1:37.61
8. Michaela Dorfmeister, Austria, 1:37.67
9. Melanie Turgeon, Canada, 1:37.68
10. Ingeborg Helen Marken, Norway, 1:37.97
11. Jonna Mendes, Heavenly, Calif., 1:38.01
12. Alexandra Meissnitzer, Austria, 1:38.03
13. Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine, 1:38.09
14. Selina Geregger, Austria, 1:38.16
15. Petra Haltmayer, Germany, 1:38.18
16. Bibiana Perez, Italy, 1:38.28
17. (tie) Alison Powers (Winter Park, Colo.) and Megan Gerety (anchorage, AK), 1:38.30 each
19. Catherine Borghi, Switzerland, 1:38.34
20. Patrizia Bassis, Iatly, 1:38.39
21. Sibylle Brauner, Germany, and Mojca Suhadolc, Slovenia, 1:38.40 each
23. Sylviane Berthod, Switzerland, 1:38.43
24. Merete Fjeldavlie, Norway, 1:38.45
25. Stefanie Schuster, Austria, 1:38.47
26. Emily Brydon, Canada, 1:38.52
27. Ruth Kuendig, Switzerland, 1:38.57
28. Marta Antonioli, Italy, 1:38.58
29. Corinne Imlig, Switzerland, 1:38.59
30. Daniela Ceccarelli, Italy, 1:38.64
-
39. Caroline Lalive, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 1:39.25
46. Picabo Street, Park City, Utah, 1:39.56

Cafe de Colombia World Cup Women's Overall (13 races)
1. Martina Ertl, Germany, 560 points
2. Cavagnoud, 509
3. Dorfmeister, 478
4. Goetschl, 439
5. Kostner, 410
6. Janica Kostelic, Croatia, 393
7. Obermoser, 381
8. Rey-Bellet, 320
9. Montillet, 301
10. Anja Paerson, Sweden, 290
11. Haltmayer, 233
12. Sonja Nef, Switzerland, 232
13. Schneider, 191
14. Suhadolc, 185
15. Brydon, 161
-
19. Mendes, 142
20. Kristina Koznick,, Burnsville, Minn., 135
26. Sarah Schleper, Vail, Colo., 1-6
32. Clarky, 90
45. Gerety, 56
48. Lalive, 49
50. Powers, 46
94. Street, 7

Women's Downhill (4 races)
1. Kostner, 296
2. Goetschl, 253
3. Obermoser, 211
4. (tie) Montillet and Cavagnoud, 170 each
6. Haltmayer, 137
7. Schneider, 126
8. Rey-Bellet, 116
9. Mendes, 106
10. (tie) Brydon and Dorfmeister, 100 each
-
15. Clark, 67
19. Gerety, 56
20. Powers, 46
30. Lalive, 20
42. Street, 7

BODE MILLER IN DEBUT PODIUM IN VAL D'ISERE GS

Val d'Isere, France (Dec. 17, 2000) - Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) tore through the second run of a giant slalom Sunday and climbed onto his first World Cup podium, finishing third behind Swiss stylist Michael Von Gruenigen and Heinz Schilchegger of Austria. Erik Schlopy (Park City, UT) was eighth with Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA) 19th and Thomas Vonn (Newburgh, NY) tied for 22nd.

Von Gruenigen, who won the giant slalom at the Chevy Truck America's Opening a month ago in Park City, Utah, finished in 2:31.33 with Schilchegger - who won the America's Opening slalom - runnerup in 2:31.92. Miller, who was tied for 20th in the first run, finished third in 2:31.98.

Completing the top-5: Frederic Covilli of France, fourth in 1:32.35, and Austrian Andreas Schifferer, fifth, another .02 back. Schlopy's time for his third top-10 of the season was 1:32.64.

"Bode laid down such a sweet run - the fastest time, a half-second ahead of everyone - and it was so much fun to watch," said U.S. Coach Jesse Hunt. "It was a lot like Adelboden [Switzerland in 1999 when Miller had the fastest second run, too, and finished eighth] where everyone was bunched together after the first run and he took charge. He did it again today."

It was his third GS top-10 of the season, too, Hunt noted, "and he and Erik are skiing so well now. They have the confidence and they keep it rolling."

Miller has been competing in super G and an occasional downhill this winter, including Saturday when he started No. 58 and finished 26th in Val d'Isere for his first World Cup DH points. "We've worked on this program for a couple of seasons," Hunt said, "and I don't think there's any question about whether the speed work is helping him."

The drama began even before the race got underway when Austrian Hermann Maier was disqualified for inspecting the course longer than the posted time. Maier - who won both the downhill and GS a week ago in Val d'Isere - proposed creating an on-course clock so athletes know when the inspection time is over.

FOUR U.S. WOMEN IN TOP 20 AT ST. MORITZ

St. Moritz, Switzerland (Dec. 17, 2000) - The U.S. Ski Team placed four women in the top 20 in the second of two downhills in St. Moritz. Jonna Mendes (Heavenly, CA) was 11th to lead the way Sunday, with Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME) 13th and Megan Gerety (Anchorage) and Alison Powers(Winter Park, CO) tied for 17th. Austrian Renate Goetschl took the win.

Goetschl, the defending World Cup overall champion, was timed in 1:36.49 with Isolde Kostner of Italy second in 1:36.59. Regine Cavagnoud of France was third (1:37.13).

Mendes, who already had collected her first World Cup top-15 and then top-10, was timed in 1:38.01 with Clark "lucky 13" in 1:38.09. Powers, on the heels of her stunning eighth-place result Saturday, and Gerety deadlocked at 1:38.30. Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO) was 39th and Picabo Street (Park City, UT) 46th.

"The girls skied well again in the technical sections in the middle of the race," U.S. Women's Head Coach Marjan Cernigoj said. "We had some partly cloudy skies, the sun was in and out again, but the conditions were very fair from the first racer to the last."

He said Mendes "has done a great job again. She's so professional now. When Race Day comes, it's fun to watch. She's very focused."

The speed group is heading home while the technical team will compete Tuesday in a giant slalom and Wednesday in slalom in Sestriere, Italy - two races which were shifted from Jasna, Slovakia, because of the lingering snow drought.

GRAND PRIX GS POSTPONED TO MONDAY

Ludlow, VT (Dec. 17, 2000) - The Chevy Truck U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix giant slalom, originally scheduled for a 10 a.m. EST start Sunday at Okemo Mountain Resort, has been postponed until Monday, Dec. 18.

The race was postponed at 9:30 a.m. EST Sunday as a steady rain was falling with periods of thunder and lightning.

The first run on Monday will start at 10 a.m. EST. It will be the final event at the Okemo Grand Prix. A superpipe contest and slopestyle exhibition event were held Saturday.

AUDI 24 HOURS OF ASPEN KICKS OFF TODAY

Aspen, CO (Dec. 17, 2000) - From noon today until noon tomorrow, ten teams begin what has been deemed the "24 Hours of Pain" - the Audi 24 Hours of Aspen. Each team, made up of two racers, will ski for 24 hours nonstop on Ajax (Aspen Mountain). The only chance to rest is the 14-minute gondola ride back up to the top. The racers are striving for the title of world's toughest skiers and $50,000 in prize money. The unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, changing race course conditions, and fatigue to the brink of physical collapse add to the drama of the event. Racers have been clocked at more than 90 miles per hour.

Teams have traveled from Italy, Ireland, Austria, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland and from cities like Denver, Colo.; Taos, N.M.; and Fairlee, Vt., in the United States.

The festivities began last night with the Celebrity Gala Dinner and auction where the proceeds will benefit Challenge Aspen, one of the premier, non-profit disabled programs in the United States. Challenge Aspen focuses on providing access to a variety of sports, as well as recreational and cultural activities and experiences to people with disabilities. During the last race, $1.2 million was raised for charities.

Over 800 volunteers participate in making this event happen, performing a number of activities, from tuning skis and cooking pasta through the night for the racers, to catching racers at the end of each run and helping them into the gondola.

For the first time in the twelve-year history of 24 Hours of Aspen, the public can ride the gondola at night and cheer on the racers. It’s all part of the first annual Strudelthon. Gwyn’s, will serve their world famous strudel and hot beverages will be provided to all passengers.

Proceeds from the Strudelthon will benefit Challenge Aspen and the Aspen Valley Ski/Snowboard Club. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under and can be purchased today at the Ajax Gondola ticket office by cash or check only.

Wear warm, winter clothes and take note that no night skiing is permitted. No alcohol or glass containers are permitted and no noisemakers are allowed after 10 p.m. This is a fundraiser and season passes, employee passes and day tickets will not be honored.

CHRIS DAVENPORT, JEREMY NOBIS AND JANET MATTHEWS ALL COMING TO SCHWEITZER LATER THIS MONTH

Sandpoint, ID (Dec. 17, 2000) - World Extreme Skiing Champion Chris Davenport, skiing legend Jeremy Nobis and X-Games Snowboarding Big-Air Champion, Janet Matthews, will all be at Schweitzer December 28-31, taking participants on private runs during the first annual Freeride Institute. This new camp is the ideal opportunity for skiers and snowboarders to learn the fundamentals of riding the pipe, launching huge air or ripping the steeps with professional coaching.

The Freeride Institute is open for ages 10 years and up and is geared for the intermediate-advanced ability. The cost is $350 and includes professional coaching, on-hill video analysis, t-shirt, prizes and camp party, pro photographer on staff and a chance to ride with some of the best pros in the country. Coaches of the camp include some of the best skiers and riders in the Northwest; Bob Legasa, Josh Loubek, Dan Herby, Gabe Lauper, Matt Gillis, Jeff Yates, Teague Mullen, Fred Thompson, TJ Quiring and Mark Stegall.

Coaches were selected based on their teaching skills; personality and most of all for their riding ability. Each day campers will be broken up into various groups focusing on specific skills. “Whether your goal is to win contests, get sponsored or just ride better, come to The Freeride Institute and start doing it,” commented Bob Legasa, event coordinator and ski coach.

RASMUSSEN RUNS AWAY WITH FORD DOWNHILL SERIES WIN

Mammoth Mountain, CA (Dec. 17, 2000) - California hometown favorite Kyle Rasmussen blazed through the fast course at Mammoth Mountain yesterday to win the first stop in the prestigious Ford Downhill Series.

Rasmussen clocked the fastest times on both runs with a combined time of 1:59.75 edging out Swiss skier Daniel Mahrer and reigning Olympic Downhill Champion Jean-Luc Creiter of France. "It feels great - I'm happy to start off the year right where I left off," said Rasmussen, the defending champion of the Ford Downhill Series of his win at Mammoth yesterday.

In the Team competition, Team Switzerland took the lead with impressive second runs by Daniel Mahrer and William Besse. Team Switzerland bested the second and third place teams of USA and Canada to take the lead in the Series.

Spectators watched the impressive field of international racers as they charged down Cornice Bowl hitting speeds up to 80 mph while trying to capture their share of the $500,000 purse and two new Ford SUV's. The unique format of the race consists of two timed runs for each racer. The overall individual winner is determined by the combined time of the two runs. The winning international team is determined by the combined times of each team member's second run. Team USA members Kyle Rasmussen and Tommy Moe compete with Olympic and World Cup champions form Team Italy, Team France, Team Switzerland, and Team Canada. Saturday's race will air on NBC on December 24, 2000 4:00pm EST.

Produced by ECLIPSE Television and Sports Marketing, this spectator friendly event is quick and action-packed allowing spectators to watch each of these gifted athletes compete in a single hour. The field of competitors this year is comprised of Olympic and World Cup champions, many of whom are at the peak of their performance. The five-event Ford Downhill Series continues next week at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, home to Olympic Gold Medalist Tommy Moe. Other stops venues include Loon Mountain, New Hampshire, Sunshine Village, Banff, Canada and the Series concludes at Squaw Valley USA, California.

OBERMOSER WINS ST. MORITZ DOWNHILL, BRYDON THIRD

St. Moritz, Switzerland (Dec. 16, 2000) - Picabo Street (Park City, UT) returned to World Cup downhills Saturday as Alison Powers (Winter Park, CO) broke into the top 10 for the first time in a downhill won by Austrian Brigitte Obermoser. Three U.S. skiers were in the first 15 as five scored World Cup points.

Obermoser won in 1:38.68 with teammate Renate Goetschl, the defending World Cup overall champion, in second place at 1:39.03. Emily Brydon, Canada's World Cup rookie, broke up an Austrian run with her first podium, finishing third in 1:39.11.

Powers, taking advantage of sunshine that bathed the second half of the race, was eighth with a time of 1:36.68. Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO) tied for 13th in 1:40.05 with Jonna Mendes (Heavenly, CA) 15th at 1:40.15. Street, in a downhill for the first time since her Friday the 13th crash - that tore ligaments in her knee and fractured her left femur - in March 1998, a month after winning her Olympic gold in super G at Nagano, was 24th in 1:40.53. Megan Gerety (Anchorage, AK) was 29th and Kirsten Clark 39th.

"One turn was the difference - Brydon got it and Alison had a little mistake - between 'Powie' being on the podium and being eighth," said Jim Tracy, U.S. women's downhill head coach. "She's picking things up race by race, paying her dues, but it was good she got her first points of the season. She got that monkey off her back."

Powers became the fourth U.S. woman to break into the top 10 this winter in a downhill or super G, following Mendes (sixth and ninth), Gerety (sixth) and Clark (10th) two weeks earlier in Canada's Lake Louise.

"It got a little windy at the top for some of the girls, not for others," Tracy said. "Powie had trouble in that turn in training, too, but it's all part of her gaining experience. She's getting there, though."

He said Lalive "made some really good turns and did well at the bottom" for her best downhill result while Mendes kept getting bumped by skiers - e.g., Powers, Brydon and Lalive - coming from the back as the sun came out. Street was delighted with her run.

"I skied really well. I'm happy with the way I'm skiing," the two-time World Cup downhill champion said. "We had kind of an 'attack from the back' today. The snow was great and it was nice to have that sun come out." Also returning to downhills was Swedish multi-champ Pernilla Wiberg, who finished 55th in her first DH of the winter.

CAFE de COLOMBIA WOLRD CUP
St. Moritz, SUI - Dec. 16
Women's DH-1
1. Brigitte Obermoser, Austria, 1:38.68
2. Renate Goetschl, Austria, 1:39.03
3. Emily Brydon, Canada, 1:39.11
4. Michaela Dorfmeister, Austria, 1:39.15
5. Alexandra Meissnitzer, Austria, 1:39.16
6. Tanja Schneider, Austria, 1:39.44
7. Isolde Kostner, Italy, 1:39.53
8. Alison Powers, Winter Park, Colo., 1:39.61
9. Carole Montillet, France, 1:39.78
10. Isabelle Huber, Germany, 1:39.81
11. Ingeborg Helen Marken, Norway, 1:39.91
12. Anne Marie Lefrancois, Canada, 1:39.98
13. (tie) Caroline Lalive, Steamboat Springs, Springs, Colo., and Ella Alpiger, Switzerland, 1:40.05 each
15. Jonna Mendes, Heavenly, Calif., 1:40.15
16. Ruth Kuendig, Switzerland, 1:40.16
17. Stefanie Schuster, Austria, 1:40.20
18. Melanie Suchet, France, 1:40.33
19. Petra Haltmayer, Germany, 1:40.38
20. Veronika Thanner, Austria, 1:40.39
21. (tie) Melanie Turgeon, Canada, and Regine Cavagnoud, France, 2:40.44 each
23. Corinne Rey Bellet, Switzerland, 1:40.46
24. Picabo Street, Park City, Utah, 1:40.53
25. Catherine Borghi, Switzerland, 1:40.60
26. (tie) Mojca Suhadolc, Slovenia, and Sylviane Berthod, Switzerland, 1:40.61
28. Fujiko Sekino, France, 1:40.64
29. Megan Gerety, Anchorage, Alaska, 1:40.65
30. (tie) Gro Kvinlog, Norway, Marta Antonioli, Italy, 1:40.82
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39. Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine, 1:41.25

Cafe de Colombia World Cup
Women's Overall (12 races)
1. Martina Ertl, Germany, 560 points
2. Regine Cavagnoud, France, 449
3. Dorfmeister, 446
4. Janica Kostelic, Croatia, 393
5. Goetschl, , 339
6. Obermoser, 331
7. Kostner, 330
8. Anja Paerson, Sweden, 290
9. Rey Bellet, Switzerland, 284
10. Carole Montillet, France, 256
11. Sonja Nef, Switzerland, 232
12. Haltmayer, 217
13. Suhadolc, 176
14. Brydon, 156
15. (tie) Schneider and Karen Putzer, Italy, 151 each
-
18. Kristina Koznick, Burnsville, Minn., 135
21. Mendes, 118
25. Sarah Schelper, Vail, Colo., 106
40. Clark, 70
45. Lalive, 49
48. Gerety, 42
58. Powers, 32
94. Street, 7

Downhill (3 races)
1. Kostner, 216
2. Obermoser, 161
3. Goetschl, 153
4. Montillet, 125
5. Haltmayer, 121
6. Cavagnoud, 110
7. Brydon, 95
8. Schneider, 86
9. Mendes, 82
10. Rey Bellet, 80
-
16. Clark, 47
18. Gerety, 42
21. Powers, 32
27. Lalive, 20
41. Street, 7

ITALIANS 1-2-3 IN VAL D'ISERE

Val d'Isere, France (Dec. 16, 2000) - Italians, led by Alessandro Fattori who'd never been on a World Cup podium, swept the top three spots Saturday in a downhill that had been shifted from northern Italy because of no snow. Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) in 26th place and Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA) in 28th were the only U.S. skiers to break into the top 30 in what Coach Dale Stephens called "a freaky race" as low start numbers were a disadvantage for much of the field, thanks to a predawn snowstorm.

Fattori was timed in 1:52.25 and Kristian Ghedina - rebounding from a preseason back injury - was second in 1:52.57 with Roland Fischnaller coming out of the No. 47 start to finish third with a 1:52.66 clocking. Completing the top five: Swiss racer Bruno Kernen in 1:52.72 and Werner Franz as the top Austrian, fifth in 1:52.81.

Miller, starting 58th, finished 26th with a time of 1:54.25 and Rahlves finished 28th in 1:54.37. Chad Fleischer (Vail, CO) was 43rd with Jake Fiala (Breckenidge, CO) 51st.

Hermann Maier, who won a downhill and super G at Val d'Isere a week ago, was a distant 16th. Stephan Eberharter, who won his first downhill at Lake Louise three weeks ago, was 47th and Fritz Strobl 56th in the field of 61.

"Actually, this would've been a good day for Chris Puckett [Boulder, CO - who's nursing a sure knee at home], a good course for him. His Volkls would've done well today," Stephens said. "I'm sure Strobl's trying to figure out what happened; the Austrians aren't sure what hit 'em. It was a freaky race."

More than a foot of snow overnight, coupled with gusting winds, made for tricky conditions; the snow was followed by a drop in temperatures, making for sticky conditions. "It was just an incredibly slow track. The usual guys you expected to see aren't there and the Italians packed 'em in," according to Stephens. "Nobody was going fast. Other people were just glued to the snow."

The men race a giant slalom Sunday, which was relocated from Alta Badi, Italy, another victim of the snow drought that has gripped so much of central Europe.

CAFE de COLOMBIA WORLD CUP
VAL d'ISERE, FRA - Dec. 16
Men's Downhill
1. Alessandro Fattori, Italy, 1:52.25
2. Kristian Ghedina, Italy, 1:52.57
3. Roland Fischnaller, Italy, 1:52.66
4. Bruno Kernen, Switzerland, 1:52.72
5. Werner Franz, Austria, 1:52.81
6. Peter Pen, Slovenia, 1:52.87
7. Franco Cavegn, Switzerland, 1:52.92
8. Silvano Beltrametti, Switzerland, 1:53.04
9. Patrick Wirth, Austria, 1:53.10
10. Luke Sauder, Canada, 1:53.12
11. Luca Cattaneo, Italy, 1:53.22
12. Claude Cretier, France, 1:53.29
13. Hannes Trinkl, Austria, 1:53.42
14. Erik Seletto, Italy, 1:53.71
15. Lorenzo Galli, Italy, 1:53.76
16. (tie) Hermann Maier and Josef Strobl, both Austria, 1:53.89 each
18. Kurt Sulzenbacher, Italy, 1:53.97
19. Markus Herrmann, Switzerland, 1:54.08
20. Marc Bottollier, France, 1:54.09
21. Paul Accola, Switzerland, 1:54.11
22. Kjetil Andre Aamodt, Norway, 1:54.12
23. Hans Knauss, Austria, 1:54.16
24. Peter Rzehak, Austria, 1:54.21
25. Didier Defago, Switzerland, 1:54.24
26. Bode Miller, Franconia, N.H., 1:54.25
27. Christoph Gruber, Austria, 1:54.31
28. Daron Rahlves, Sugar Bowl, Calif., 1:54.37
29. Steve Locher, Switzerland, 1:54.43
30. Kenneth Sivertsen, Norway, 1:54.53
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43. Chad Fleischer, Vail, Colo., 1:55.49
51. Jakub Fiala, Breckenridge, Colo., 1:55.95

Cafe de Colombia World Cup
Men's Overall (11 races)
1. Maier, 631 points
2. (tie) Stephan Eberharter, Austria, and Lasse Kjus, Norway, 409 each
4. Fredrik Nyberg, Sweden, 297
5. Andreas Schifferer, Austria, 288
6. Michael Von Gruenigen, Switzerland, 242
7. Aamodt, 240
8. Heinz Schilchegger, Austria, 232
9. J. Strobl, 207
10. Didier Cuche, Switzerland, 198
11. Christoph Gruber, Austria, 168
12. Hans Knauss, Austria, 163
13. Beltrametti, 160
14. Christian Mayer, Austria, 152
15. Hans-Petter Buraas, Norway, 150
-
24. Fleischer, 101
25. Erik Schlopy, Pauk City, Utah, 89
27. Miller, 80
33. Rahlves, 78
74. Casey Puckett, Aspen, Colo., 20
85. Chris Puckett, Boulder, Colo., 14
94. Dane Spencer, Boise, Idaho, 11
109. Brett Fischer, Winter Park, Colo., 2

Men's Downhill (4 races)
1. Eberharter, 240
2. Maier, 231
3. Kjus, 140
4. Beltrametti, 132
5. Fritz Strobl, 131
6. Fattori, 126
7. Kernen, 119
8. Schifferer, 108
9. Trinkl, 99
10. J. Strobl, 97
-
15. Fleischer, 76
23. Rahlves, 44
41. Chris Puckett, 14
51. Fischer, 2

DASHINSKI WINS STEAMBOAT BUMPS & JUMPS, PACK THIRD

Steamboat Springs, CO (Dec. 16, 2000) - '98 Olympic bronze medalists Dmitri Dashinski (Belarus) landed in first place today at the aerial competition for the 2001 Papa John's Bumps & Jumps competition at Steamboat Ski Area. Steve Omischl (Canada) was second and American Joe Pack (Park City, UT) was third.

Pack landed two types of quad twisting triple back summersaults for the first time in competition. His first jump of the day was a full double full full and his second a double full full full. The second of the two jumps is more difficult as a double twisting summersault is completed at the beginning off the kicker. Pack joins a select group of athletes capable of landing quad maneuvers.

"It was a really tricky day as it was going back and forth with headwind and then no wind," said head U.S. aerial coach Matt Christensen. "It was a roll of the dice."

The Bumps & Jumps series will pick up in Lake Placid, NY (Feb. 17-18) and Heavenly, Calif. (March 2-3). It has a purse of over $150,000.

Men
1. Dmitri Dashinski, Belarus
2. Steve Omischl, Canada
3. Joe Pack, Park City, UT
4. Eric Bergoust, Missoula, MT

ANDERSON, RUBY WIN SNOWBOARD WORLD CUP GS AT MONT-SAINTE-ANNE

Ste.-Anne-de Beaupre (QC), Canada (Dec. 16, 2000) - Canadian Jasey Jay Anderson and France's Karine Ruby took giant slalom wins while Chris Klug (Aspen, CO), Sondra Van Ert (Ketchum, ID) and Rosey Fletcher (Girdwood, AK) all podiumed Saturday at a Snowboard World Cup at Mt. Ste. Anne.

Anderson, fourth after the first run, made up a lot of time on a slow course in his second run to win with a time of 1:52.80. Italian Walter Feichter was second in 1:52.93 and Chris Klug (Aspen, CO) was third in 1:53.04.

"I'm really happy with my second run because it worked a lot better," Anderson said. "I let the board run, made a couple of mistakes but definitely brought it back and kept the speed going so a goal came true. This year I really wanted to win Mount Sainte Anne and after the first run it was looking kind of sketchy but I knew I could do it. I was seventh in Whistler after the first run, pulled it together in the second run and got second by two hundreds. Here I was fourth so I knew I could pull it."

It was the 50th career World Cup victory for Ruby, who won with a time of 1:58.68. Van Ert was second in 1:59.40 and Fletcher took third with a time of 1:59.64.

MEN
1. Jasey Jay Anderson, Canada, 1:52.80
2. Walter Feichter, Italy, 1:52.93
3. Chris Klug, Aspen, CO, 1:53.04
4. Mathieu Bozzetto, France, 1:53.11
5. Alexander Maier, Austria, 1:53.40
5. Tomaz Knafelj, Slovenia, 1:53.40
7. Felix Stadler, Austria, 1:53.42
8. Jeff Greenwood, Hartford, CT, 1:53.43
9. Stefan Kaltshuetz, Austria, 1:53.79
10. Markus Ebner, Germany, 1:53.91

19. Tyler Jewell, Sudbury, MA, 1:56.61
22. Ian Price, Manchester Center, VT, 1:57.33
23. Pete Macomber, Breckenridge, CO, 1:57.56

Did Not Qualify for Second Run
30. Anton Pogue, Hood River, OR
31. Jeff Archibald, Salt Lake City
34. Pete Thorndike, Meredith, NH
37. Ryan McDonald, Entiat, WA
46. Adam N. Smith, Bend, OR

WOMEN
1. Karine Ruby, France, 1:58.68
2. Sondra Van Ert, Ketchum, ID, 1:59.40
3. Rosey Fletcher, Girdwood, AK, 1:59.64
4. Margherita Parini, Italy, 1:59.76
5. Carmen Ranigler, Austria, 2:00.57
6. Marion Posch, Italy, 2:00.68
7. Isabelle Blanc, France, 2:00.91
8. Sandra Farmand, Germany, 2:00.97
9. Melissa Barclay, Canada, 2:01.35
10. Manuela Riegler, Austria, 2:01.65

Did Not Qualify for Second Run
18. Lynn Ott, Bend, OR
19. Lisa Kosglow, Boise, ID
19. Erin O'Malley, Mammoth Lakes, CA
23. Elisabeth Odynski, Reno, NV

KASS, BYRNES WIN OKEMO SUPERPIPE

Ludlow, VT (Dec. 16, 2000) - Danny Kass (Hamburg, NJ) returned to his old stomping ground and stomped a super clean second run to win the superpipe contest at the opening Chevy Truck U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix at Okemo Mountain Resort. U.S. Snowboard Team rider Tricia Byrnes (New Canaan, CT) led both women's runs to win her first Grand Prix and record her second victory in a row.

The Okemo Mountain Grand Prix will be broadcast by NBC Dec. 30 at 3 p.m. EST and by ESPN2 Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. EST.

Kass won with a second run score of 43.20. Local favorite Ross Powers (S. Londonderry, VT), who led after the first run but crashed in his second, finished second with a 39.90. Sweden's Magnus Sterner was third with a 38.30.

Kass, a former Okemo Mountain School rider, looked like Mike Tyson had just used him as a speed bag as he crashed in practice trying to stick a Haakon 900, resulting in a nasty raspberry on his left cheek and a black eye. It didn't appear he or his board were in any pain as he started with a huge indy and then floated a method air before unloading a 720 stalefish. He then threw down a switch 900 indy to ice the victory.

"I just moved out to California this year," said Kass, who was fourth in superpipe at last week's Vans Triple Crown at Breckenridge, Colo. "I've been training a lot since the beginning of the year and learning a bunch of new tricks. I tried them out here and it worked out pretty good."

In the women's competition, Byrnes improved her first run score of 38.20 to a winning 39.40 in her second run. The U.S. Snowboard Team swept the podium as Gretchen Bleiler (Snowmass Village, CO) was second with a 34.30 and 16-year old Kelly Clark (Mt. Snow, VT) took third with a 34.00. Bleiler finished on the podiumm at Breckenridge as well in third, while Clark took fourth there last week.

For Byrnes, it was her second straight win as she took the top podium spot at the Breckenridge Triple Crown. She laid down a pair of classic Byrnes runs - smooth style and super clean landings. She threw down some big airs and nailed her patented 540 stalefish. Byrnes was one of two women that were pre-qualified for Saturday's finals and did not have to ride in Friday's qualification round.

Both Kass and Byrnes picked up a sweet $10,000 check for their victories. The second place finishers received $5000 and third place got $2500.

The superpipe, cut by Pat Malendoski, held up solidly all week long despite several inches of new snow Thursday morning and well over 100 competitors riding the pipe during training and qualification. The cold temperatures kept the walls solid and the riders were stoked with it even though Saturday's clouds made for a lot of flat light.

The U.S. Team hit the road after the contest to head up to Mt. Ste. Anne, Quebec for a World Cup event Sunday.

The Chevy Truck U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix concludes Sunday with a giant slalom at Okemo Mountain.

CHEVY TRUCK U.S. SNOWBOARD GRAND PRIX
Okemo Mountain, Vermont
Dec. 16, 2000
Superpipe

MEN
1. Danny Kass (Hamburg, NJ), 43.20
2. Ross Powers (S. Londonderry, VT), 39.90
3. Magnus Sterner (Sweden), 38.30
4. Shaun White (San Diego, CA), 37.50
5. JJ Thomas (Golden, CO), 36.30
6. Rahm Klampert (Killington, VT), 36.10
7. Ricky Bower (Park City, UT), 35.40
8. Steven Fisher (Minneapolis, MN), 35.40
9. Xavier Hoffman (Germany), 34.90
9. Luke Wynen (Reading, PA), 34.90
11. Mark Reilly (Vernon, NJ), 32.70
12. Tommy Czeschin (Manmmoth Lakes, CA), 32.30
13. Rob Kingwill (Jackson, WY), 31.50
14. Travis Rice (Jackson, WY), 31.10
15. Colin Langlois (Morrisville, VT), 30.20
16. Jerry Tucker (Ludlow, VT), 28.80
17. Adam Petraska (Andover, VT), 27.30
18. Charlie Morace (USA), 25.20
19. Seth Wescott (Farmington, ME), 24.30
20. Chris Engelsman (Sandy, UT), 22.50

WOMEN
1. Tricia Byrnes (New Canaan, CT), 39.40
2. Gretchen Bleiler (Snowmass Village, CO), 34.30
3. Kelly Clark (Mt. Snow, VT), 34.00
4. Michele Taggart (Truckee, CA), 32.10
5. Natasza Zurek (Canada), 31.30
6. Anna Olofsson (Sweden), 30.10
7. Amy Johnson (Rochester, NY), 26.90
8. Tara Zwink (Welches, OR), 24.90
9. Catherine Nieves (New City, NY), 22.80
10. Kim Stacey (Stratton Mt., VT), 17.40

SKARI WINS IN ITALY

Brusson, Italy (Dec. 16, 2000) - Defending World Cup champion Bente Skari of Norway won a 10-km classic technique race Saturday with Nina Kemppel (Anchorage, AK) 21st while Sweden's Per Elofsson won both end of a men's "pursuit" race, a 10-km CL followed by a 10-km freestyle.

Skari was timed in 27:39.2 with Russians filling the next five spots, led by Olga Danilova in second place (28:05.6) and Larissa Lazhutina third (28:10.3). Kemppel, who was ninth at the 8.8-km checkpoint, finished in 29:31.5.

Elofsson captured the 10-km CL in 24:00.4, a 17-second bulge on reigning World Cup champion Johann Muehlegg of Spain. After the 10-km skate race, Elofsson won in 46:46.3 with Muehlegg second (47:17.4) and Frenchman Vincent Vittoz third in 47:33.4.

BUDERUS CROSS COUNTRY WORLD CUP
Brusson, ITA - Dec. 16
Women's 10-km CL
1. Bente Skari, Norway, 27:39.2
2. Olga Danilova, Russia, 28:05.6
3. Larissa Lazhutina, Russia, 28:10.3
4. Julia Tchepalova, Russia, 28:13.1
5. Olga Zavjalova, Russia, 28:18.9
6. Ljubov Egorova, Russia, 28:19.6
7. Stefania Belmondo, Italy, 28:20.6
8. Katerina Neumannova, Czech Republic, 28:22.6
9. Gabriella Paruzzi, Italy, 28:33.3
10. Nina Gavriljuk, Russia, 28:39.6
11. Svetlana Nagejkina, Russia, 28:40.6
12. Kristina Smigun, Estonia, 28:43.6
13. Milla Jauho, Finland, 28:49.9
14. Hilde Pedersen, Norway, 29:00.5
15. Beckie Scott, Canada, 29:05.4
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21. Nina Kemppel, Anchorage, Alaska, 29:31.5

Men's Pursuit (10-km CL/10-km FR)
1. Per Elofsson, Sweden, 46:46.3
2. Johann Muehlegg, Germany, 47:17.4
3. Vincent Vittoz, France, 47:33.4
4. Kristen Skjeldal, Norway, 47:34.5
5. Axel Tecihmann, Germany, 47:39.0
6. Frode Estil, Norway, 47:40.8
7. Fulvio Valbusa, Italy, 47:41.2
8. Jari Isometsae, Finland, 47:43.1
9. Ivan Batory, Slovakia, 47:43.9
10. Odd-Bjorn Hjelmeset, Norway, 47:47.3
11.Mikhail Ivanov, Russia, 47:48.3
12. Sami Repo, Finland, 47:52.0
13. Fabio Maj, Italy, 47:53.7
14. Giorgio DiCenta, Italy, 47:55.5
15. Pietro Piller Cottrer, Italy, 47:57.1
(No U.S. skiers)

NEW ENGLAND SKI MUSEUM TO AWARD SCHOLARSHIP

Franconia, NH (Dec. 16, 2000) - The New England Ski Museum recently announced the availability of up to $5000 in scholarship and grant money that will be awarded at the 5th Annual Hannes Schneider Meister Cup Race at Cranmore Mountain Resort, in North Conway, NH, March 10, 2001. This new scholarship/grant will be shared by deserving individuals, organizations or educational institutions, with an interest in snowsports, particularly skiing and snowboarding. Applicants may include, but are not limited to, competitive athletes, students of ski area management, filmmakers, researchers or historians.

The mission of The New England Ski Museum is to collect, conserve and exhibit elements from the broad spectrum of ski history for the purpose of research, education, and entertainment. "Anyone who demonstrates the need for funding for the purpose of educating, preserving snowsports history, encouraging participation, or otherwise having an impact on snowsports, are eligible," said Glen Parkinson, president of the New England Ski Museum.

Complete guidelines are available on the New England Ski Museum web site at www.skimuseum.org. Applicants can call or email the Museum for an application packet, (603) 823-7177, or staff@skimuseum.org. Scholarship applications must be returned by February 1, 2001 and scholarship recipients will be notified by March 1, 2001.

The Hannes Schneider Meister Cup Race is a two-day on-snow event, which celebrates the past and present of alpine skiing and snowsports. A native of St. Anton, Austria, Hannes Schneider brought his Alberg instruction technique to North Conway, New Hampshire, in 1939. His influence went on to impact the sport worldwide. Today, the Hannes Schneider Meister Cup attracts hundreds of skiers and snowboarders each year who compete on corporate and family teams. Austria, Canada and the UK are expected to send an elite team of racers to the event as well.

Highlights of this year's event include a Friday-night nordic sprint race, vintage ski wear fashion show, participation from the 10th Mountain Division, and a gala banquet and auction.

For more information on the Hannes Schneider Meister Cup Race or to register a team, call the New England Ski Museum at 603-823-7177 or click on www.skimuseum.org.

TOP BOOTFITTING SHOPS FORM ALLIANCE

A select group of top independent U.S. and Canadian ski and snowboard shops specializing in custom boot fitting have joined together to form a new marketing alliance, America's Best Bootfitters.

"Turning and stopping may be the most difficult part of skiing and snowboarding but finding a good boot fitter is just as important," says Steve Cohen, executive director of America's Best Bootfitters (ABB). Cohen should know. He has been directing SKI Magazine's boot testing program for the last 15 years and says the most frequent question he receives from readers is where to buy and get their boots fit.

"Unfortunately, big box sporting goods and chain ski shops have increasing removed boot fitting from their sales equation. Our members are among the remaining core specialty shops who've made a commitment to boot fitting excellence."

It has been said that bootfitting is 60 percent knowledge, 30 percent art and 10 percent voodoo. "ABB members have not only been trained in state-of-the-art bootfitting techniques," says Cohen, "but they also know how to sculpt the canvas and where to stick the pins."

America's Best Bootfitters membership has been granted only to shops whose boot fitting and customization work has demonstrated a high level of expertise and consistency over the years and meet rigorous standards. All ABB shops have a supervising boot fitter with a minimum of 10 years experience and have at least two full-time staffers who've achieved top-level "Masters" certification from MasterFit University (see associated story), the snowsports industry's bootfitter training center. They also have a full compliment of the stretching, grinding and stance analysis tools necessary to optimally customize today's new boots.

The association has launched a national advertising campaign in SKI and SKIING Magazines and created a website, bootfitters.com, which contain member shop profiles and information on the association.

"A comfortable, good fitting, optimally-tuned boot is crucial for maximizing skiing and snowboarding enjoyment," says Cohen. "Now snowsports enthusiasts can easily locate the top professionals who can help them select the right boot for their foot and customize it for perfect fit and performance."

ARAPAHOE BASIN $199 PASS INCLUDES TICKETS AT OTHER COLORADO MOUNTAINS

Arapahoe Basin, CO (Dec. 16, 2000) - Arapahoe Basin season passes are still on sale. Until December 21 get an A-Basin Bonus Pass for only $199. The Bonus Pass includes unlimited skiing at A-Basin all season long with no restrictions. Also included are five free days of skiing at Keystone or Breckenridge. Of these five non-transferable and non-refundable tickets, one ticket can be used at either Vail or Beaver Creek, again with no date restrictions. Purchase the Bonus Pass by December 21, 2000. The pass will not be available between December 22 and December 31.

The A-Basin Only Season Pass is available all season and offered at $149 for adults, $99 for youth ages 15-19 and $49 for children ages 6-14. Call (888)ARAPAHOE Ext. 2 for more information or visit the resort's Season Pass office.

Like many Colorado resorts, A-Basin is off to a great start this season. “This is the best snow we have had this early in the season in years, it makes the mountain ski like it’s already February”, says Jim Gentling, Chief Operating Officer of Arapahoe Basin Ski Area.

A little more than two weeks into the season and the ski area has over 220 acres of terrain open. Runs such as Slalom Slope, the West Wall, Radical, Powder Keg and Grizzly Road have recently opened. Falcon, Lenawee Parks, Dercum’s Gulch and the majority of the lower half of the mountain have been opened for some time now. Already having received 60 inches of snow to date this season, Arapahoe Basin is enjoying the best early season skiing it has offered in years.

HALFPIPE COMPETITION TO KICK OFF COPPER MT.'S 14th ANNUAL SNOWBOARD SERIES

Copper Mt., CO (Dec. 16, 2000) - Riders from near and far are invited to take part in the season opener of the 14th Annual Copper Mountain Snowboard Series. The nation's longest running amateur snowboard series starts with a Halfpipe competition on Saturday, Dec. 16, and a Slopestyle event on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2000. Presented by Qdoba Mexican Grill and Sprite, the Snowboard Series will consist of 10 separate events to be held throughout the season including Slalom, Giant Slalom, Halfpipe, Slopestyle and Snowboardcross competition.

Those interested in participating in the Copper Mountain Snowboard Series are encouraged to obtain registration forms prior to each event; forms are available at www.ride-copper.com, www.teamsummit.org, or at the Guest Contact Center within Copper One Lodge, located in The New Village at Copper. Registration is also available on the day of each event from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; entry fees are $20 for Snowboardcross events and $15 for all other events, and special racers' lift tickets are available. A one-time USASA membership fee of $20 is also required. Registrants under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian signature for each event in order to participate.

All events begin at 10:00 a.m and an awards party and raffle will take place at 3:00 p.m. at the Qdoba tent in front of Jack's Slopeside Grill unless otherwise noted. Competitors are encouraged to seek additional information at the Qdoba tent where updates will be posted throughout the event.

For more information on the 14th Copper Mountain Snowboard Series, please call (888) 229-9475, (970) 968-2318, ext.4INFO or visit Copper's ride site at www.ride-copper.com.

MCCALL SITE FOR 2001 CHEVY TRUCK U.S. CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

McCall, ID (Dec. 16, 2000) - Ponderosa State Park, 100 miles north of Boise, will be host to America’s top cross country skiers Jan. 3-7 at the 2001 Chevy Truck U.S. Cross Country Championships.

Racers from across the United States will be coming to McCall to win not only the ever-exciting U.S. National Sprints and other events, but also to qualify for the 2001 World Cup races Jan. 10-14 on the 2002 Olympic trails at Soldier Hollow in Utah, Scandinavian Cup races later in the season, and the 2001 World Junior Championships in Poland.

There are more than 20km (12 miles) of trails at Ponderosa State Park; over the past five years, Ponderosa State Park has been working to increase the technical standards of its already spectacular trail system. In 1998, the park was the site of the 1998 Junior Olympic, the national championships for skiers up to the age of 20. Competitors at this year's Chevy Truck championships will inaugurate a 2.5km section of the 7.5km loop as well as a new 1.5km Sprint course.

Since 1986, the U.S. championships also have doubles as the U.S. Disabled Championships.

Cross country skiing evolved in Norway about 9,000 years ago, historians report, and it quickly spread to the rest of Scandinavia and then into Europe. Scientists unearthed a wooden sled runner in a Swedish bog and carbon-dated it to about 7,000 B.C. If there were sled runners, they reasoned, it's logical to assume skis also existed in those days. Skis were the best way to travel through the region of snow-covered forests. By the year 1500, the Swedish army was using skis to move across the frozen countryside. By the end of the 18th Century, cross country skiing had spread to the rest of Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

Spectators are invited to all racing events. For more information, check out the championships website at: www.mccallskiing.com or call: (208) 634-4787

BUMPS & JUMPS SEASON KICKS OFF

Steamboat Springs, CO (Dec. 15, 2000) - The 2001 Bumps & Jumps competition season kicked off today as some of the worlds best freestyle skiers competed in dual moguls. American and C Team member Tony Basile (Olympic Valley, Calif.) won the competition defeating aerialist Jerry Grossi (Park City, Ut.) for first place and won a cash prize of $6,500. High school state football champion and U.S. mogul skier Jeremy Bloom (Loveland, Colo.) came in third.

The qualification round started in the morning with a snowy sky but the sun came out in time for the final round consisting of the top 16 skiers. Jerry Grossi started the first round of the finals against Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley (Tiburon, Calif.) and made it through the heat to finally ski against Basile.

"I couldn't believe I made it to the second round … I didn't think I would make it to finals … it's nice to know that I can compete in duals with this high caliber of skiers … these guys are the best," said Grossi. "Hopefully, I can repeat this or do better tomorrow," he added.

Bumps & Jumps is in its seventh year as a series of three independent competitions that are sanctioned by USSA and FIS. After Steamboat, the series will pick up in Lake Placid, NY (Feb. 17-18) and Heavenly, Calif. (March 2-3). It has a purse of over $150,000. Papa John's Pizza is the title sponsor.

Men
1. Tony Basile, Olympic Valley, Calif.
2. Jerry Grossi, Park City, Utah
3. Jeremy Bloom, Loveland, Colo.
4. Chris Hernandez, So. Lake Tahoe, Calif.
5. Ean Smith, Steamboat Springs, Colo.
6. Brady Johnson, Littleton, Colo.
7. David Babic, Barre, Vt.
8. Travis Mayer, Steamboat Springs, Colo.
9. Jonny Moseley, Tiburon, Calif.
10. Dominic Arsenault, Norton, Va.
11. Fred Mooney, Winter Park, Colo.
12. John Smart, Canada
13. Orion Helms, Telluride, Colo.
14. Mark Kendrick, Tahoe City, Calif.
15. Nate Schirman, Tahoe City, Calif.
16. Andy Musser, Breckenridge, Colo.

U.S. FREESTYLE SELECTION EVENTS HELD IN UTAH

Park City, UT (Dec. 15, 2000) - The 2001 U.S. Freestyle Selections or as the organizers like to call it, the 2001 Freestyle Frenzy, started in Utah with mogul and dual mogul competitions at Snowbird Ski Area and aerials at the Utah Olympic Sports Park.

The selection events provide an opportunity for domestic athletes to earn spots on the national Team. Spectators also will see C Team athletes participating as they are competing to earn World Cup starting spots. Each host country for a World Cup receives the opportunity for three additional athletes to compete in their 'hometown' World Cup.

"People can make big advances over the spring and summer," said U.S. head freestyle coach Jeff Wintersteen. "This provides them access to the Team and World Cups … we'll fill the starting spots if they're available."

WOMEN
1. Lindley Hord, Team Summit /Denver, Colo.
2. Shelly Robertson, Squaw Valley Ski Team/Reno, Nev.
3. Lauren Crawford, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club/Steamboat, Colo.

MEN
1. Tim Warner,Winter Park Ski Club/ Waterford, Mich.
2. Michael Morse, Killington Ski Club/Duxbury, Mass.
3. Jeremy Bloom, Loveland, Colo.

CHRISTENSEN NAMED AERIALS HEAD COACH

Park City, UT (Dec. 15, 2000) - Former World Cup skier Matt Christensen, who has been on the U.S. coaching staff for the past two seasons, has been named U.S. aerials head coach, replacing Wayne Hilterbrand, who resigned, the U.S. Ski Team said Friday.

Christensen, 28, a native of Toronto, who competed for Canada for seven years before retiring in 1997, coached at Nick Preston's Waterville Valley (N.H.) Academy before he joined the U.S. staff after the 1998 Olympic season as C Team coach.

"Matt's appointment is a natural progression for him and for the Ski Team," said U.S. Ski Team VP-Athletics Alan Ashley. "He knows the athletes and they know him, and he's shown - in working with Wayn-o - that he's ready to step up."

Christensen said, "I've got huge shoes to fill. Wayn-o has run the best program in the world and, working with him and then rooming with him when we traveled, I've learned from the best. And, before him, from Peter Judge [then-Canadian aerials head coach]. I've learned small things go far in helping bring success and I hope I can help the athletes, and learn from them. I've got some great athletes on this team and I'm pretty excited about it."

SUPERPIPE QUALIFYING AT OKEMO

Ludlow, VT (Dec. 15, 2000) - The fifth season of the Chevy Truck U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix got underway Friday with superpipe qualifying at Okemo Mountain in Ludlow, Vermont. Danny Kass (Hamburg, NJ) led the solid men's field under sunny skies and cold temperatures.

The top-15 men from Friday's qualifying will advance to Saturday's superpipe finals. Five riders were pre-qualified for the event, including U.S. Snowboard Team rider Rob Kingwill (Jackson, WY), Adam Petraska (Andover, VT), Mark Reilly (Vernon, NJ), U.S. Team rider Seth Wescott (Farmington, ME) and Luke Wynen (Reading, PA), bringing the men's finals field to 20 competitors.

In the best-of-two runs format, Kass laid down a 41.30 to edge out 14-year old Shaun White (San Diego, CA), who posted a 41.10. White was second in superpipe last weekend at the Vans Triple Crown at Breckenridge, Colo. Germany's Xavier Hoffman took third with a 40.60. Making the cut from the U.S. Team was Ricky Bower (Park City, UT) in eighth with a 38.80 and Tommy Czeschin (Mammoth Lakes, CA), who finished ninth with a 37.80. Zach Horwitz (Carbondale, CO) finished on the wrong side of the bubble in 16th.

For the women, the top eight from Friday will join U.S. Team athlete Tricia Byrnes (New Canaan, CT) and Kim Stacey (Stratton Mt., VT), who were pre-qualified, in Saturday's finals. Byrnes won the Vans Triple Crown at Breck last week.

Clark and Bleiler tied for first with scores of 36.40. Canadian Natasza Zurek was third with a 34.20.

Despite several inches of new snow early Thursday morning and well over 100 riders competing Friday, the superpipe held up well all day long.

In addition to superpipe finals, the Yahoo! Sports Big Air & Style takes place Saturday afternoon with the Grand Prix tour's first-ever slopestyle event.

CHEVY TRUCK U.S. SNOWBOARD GRAND PRIX
Okemo Mt., VT
Dec. 15, 2000
Superpipe Qualifying

MEN
Automatic Qualifiers: Rob Kingwill (Jackson, WY), Adam Petraska (Andover, VT), Mark Reilly (Vernon, NJ), Seth Wescott (Farmington, ME), Luke Wynen (Reading, PA)
1. Danny Kass (Hamburg, NJ), 41.30
2. Shaun White (San Diego, CA), 41.10
3. Xavier Hoffman (Germany), 40.60
4. Travis Rice (Jackson, WY), 40.20
5. Ross Powers (S. Londonderry, VT), 39.60
6. Rahm Klampert (Killington, VT), 39.20
7. JJ Thomas (Aspen, CO), 39.10
8. Ricky Bower (Park City, UT), 38.80
9. Tommy Czeschin (Mammoth Lakes, CA), 37.80
10. Magnus Sterner (Sweden), 35.70
11. Charlie Morace (USA), 34.00
12. Colin Langlois (Morrisville, VT), 33.60
12. Steven Fisher (Minneapolis, MN), 33.60
14. Jerry Tucker (Ludlow, VT), 33.50
15. Chris Engelsman (Sandy, UT), 33.20

WOMEN
Automatic Qualifiers: Tricia Byrnes (New Canaan, CT), Kim Stacey (Stratton Mt., VT)
1. Kelly Clark (Mt. Snow, VT), 36.40
1. Gretchen Bleiler (Snowmass Village, CO), 36.40
3. Natasza Zurek (Canada), 34.20
4. Catherine Nieves (New City, NY), 31.00
5. Amy Johnson (Rochester, NY), 30.10
6. Anna Olofsson (Sweden), 28.40
7. Michele Taggart (Truckee, CA), 28.30
8. Tara Zwink (Welches, OR), 27.80

SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN: FREE LIFT TICKETS AT CRESTED BUTTE, FOR A PRICE...

Mt. Crested Butte, CO (Dec. 15, 2000) - Crested Butte Mountain Resort is giving away free lift tickets to anyone dressed in full Santa (or Mrs.) Claus regalia on Saturday, December 23rd. To receive a free lift ticket, dig out your very best and brightest red Santa suit, don't forget the hat and beard, and jingle walk your way up to the ticket window ready to hit the slopes. Best costume will win a Paradise Sleighride Dinner for two.

"You should see my outfit," said Gina Kroft, Director of Public Relations for the resort, "Mrs. Claus is going to be stylin'!"

The free "Santa" lift ticket is valid for December 23rd only. (Season pass holders will receive a free "Santa" lift ticket for a friend.) For more information, call the Gothic Ticket Window office at 970-349-2262.

JACKSON HOLE TAKES ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE

Jackson Hole, WY (Dec. 15, 2000) - In a progressive community approach Jackson Hole Mountain Resort operations and Teton Village lodging partners including Jackson Hole Resort Lodging, The Alpenhof, Mangy Moose and the Hostel X have adopted the use of environmentally preferable cleaning products in their daily operations.

This move is part of an EPA sponsored, pollution prevention pilot project. The intent of project is to determine whether conventional, often toxic cleaning products and processing chemicals are detrimental to the activated sludge treatment plant in Teton Village. Due to the sensitive watershed into which this treatment plant discharges, a switch to non-toxic, green products has far reaching importance as Teton Village develops.

To carry out the project the EPA hired expert Sophia Wakefield, S.A.F.E. Consulting for the Earth, Jackson, WY to conduct the evaluation, assessment and implementation of such a large-scale project. This firm facilitated a similar cleaning products project in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks last year.

The Teton Village Water and Sewer District is analyzing the waste water before and after the switch to environmentally preferable cleaning products; the first time this kind of analysis has ever been conducted in the US. The pilot project phase will continue throughout the winter season 2000/2001 after which, all participants will be urged to permanently switch their cleaning products.

"This project has much further reaching consequences than just using greener products. The new products chosen are safer for the workers handling them, help develop feelings of empowerment as workers can provide feedback on product effectiveness, as well as meeting the larger goals of the treatment plant." Stated Jerry Blann, JHMR President and Environmental Committee Chairman, National Ski Areas Association. "In light of the NSAA Environmental Charter which was unveiled this summer we are urging all resorts to look within and see how things can be improved. This project in Teton Village will have a real, positive impact on the health and safety of our workers and our pristine environment."

"Experience shows that with the right education from groups like S.A.F.E consulting it does not only make environmental but also economical sense," commented Sophia Wakefield, S.A.F.E. Consulting. "We do not know the outcome of the treatment plant analysis yet, but we do know that many ingredients in conventional cleaning agents are toxic. The awareness as to what ingredients are harmful to human beings and the environment may serve as a catalyst to maintain the long term health of our working people as well as our water quality in this community."

S.A.F.E. Consulting for the Earth has extensive, hands-on experience in the change-over of such large scale projects. In 1998/99, S.A.F.E worked with grants from the EPA, the State of Wyoming, and the National Park Service to convert the NPS maintenance operations in the entire Park structure of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. In the mid nineties, S.A.F.E. Consulting was instrumental in converting the city operations of Santa Monica, CA to the use of environmentally preferable cleaning chemicals.

WORLD CUP SCHEDULE HEADACHES IN EUROPE

Tignes, France (Dec. 14, 2000) - The prolonged snow drought and unseasonal temperatures across central Europe and Scandinavia continued Thursday to create problems for World Cup organizers in all disciplines.

Organizers in Tignes were able to slip the first World Cup moguls event of the season in before the weather got too bad Thursday, but it was held to just one run in the snow and fog above the resort village.

Elsewhere, alpine officials were expected to announce Friday where a men's giant slalom originally scheduled with a slalom for Dec. 20-21 in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, will be held. the slalom has been moved to Madonna diCampiglio, Italy, and moved to Dec. 19, but there was no immediate word on the GS.

The weather problems, which have meant low or no snow - plus fog and rain - across the Alps and throughout Scandinavia, have created scheduling nightmares for International Ski Federation officials and organizers. Consider:

Alpine: Since returning to Europe 10 days ago, the men have seen this weekend's races - downhill Saturday in ValGardena, Italy, and a giant slalom Sunday in Alta Badia, Italy - relocated to Val d'Isere, France, because of no snow in sections of Italy's photogenic Dolomites. The SL/GS tandem in Kranjska Gora is halfway rescheduled. The women's had a GS Dec. 7 in Val d'Isere made-up Dec. 9 in Sestriere, Italy, and a SL/GS pairing Dec. 20-21 in Jasna, Slovakia, has been moved to Sestriere. This weekend's double-downhill lineup for St. Moritz, Switzerland, is expected to go as scheduled.

Freestyle: All three aerials events have gone off unscathed. The moguls "season" thus far is one run. Moguls and duals set for Nov. 25-26 in Tandadalen, Sweden, were scrubbed. And Tuesday's (singles) event was cut to one run because of the lousy conditions and weather. Next up: moguls and aerials Jan. 6-7 during the Gateway Freestyle Challenge on the Olympic venues at Deer Valley, Utah.

Nordic: Nordic combined has lost six of its first eight events - and the two that were held were shifted from Rovaniemi, Finland, to Kuopio. Jumping lost the second round of meet in Kuopio (switched from Lillehammer, Norway) because of rain and no snow scrubbed the Dec. 8-10 events in Ramsau, Austria, and Liberec, Czech Republic. And two 120-meter meets this weekend in Engelberg, Switzerland, were dropped at midweek. Cross country saw races set for Nov. 29 in Lillehammer shifted (and held) and its races scheduled for Sunday in Seefeld, Austria, have been canceled.

Snowboarding: One down (Tandadalen Dec. 1-3), one to be rescheduled (Nov. 24-26 in Kaprun, Austria, which was postponed because of the Kaprun mountain tunnel fire that killed 155 persons). The Chevy Truck U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix opens this weekend at Okemo Mountain in Vermont while the World Cup goes on at Mont Ste. Anne, north of Quebec City; halfpipe riders will compete at Okemo, Saturday, then make the six-hour drive to Mont Ste. Anne to compete Sunday; GS riders will race Saturday in Quebec, then head south for Okemo. No intra-squad handshakes are planned at the border.

"It's good we were able to get all six alpine World Cups off without any problem in the U.S. plus the races in Canada [three for the women, two for the men]," said U.S. Ski Team VP-Athletics Alan Ashley. "But there's no satisfaction, no winner when everyone - organizers, coaches, athletes - goes through all the scrambling that they're facing these days in Europe. It's just too bad, but skiing's an outdoor sport. The moguls team went to Europe for one run. That's not the organizers' fault, but it's still a lot of expense - personal aggravation as well as travel expenses - for one run in rotten conditions."

SNOW, FOG FOR TIGNES MOGULS

Tignes, France (Dec. 14, 2000) - Janne Lahtela of Finland and Kari Traa of Norway fought their way through fog and snow Thursday on the glacier above Tignes to win the opening World Cup moguls event of the winter. Ryan Riley (Steamboat Springs, CO) in 11th place and Donna Weinbrecht (Killington, VT) in 12th had the best U.S. results in the one-run competition.

Lahtela received 27.09 points for his lone run to lead the 54-man field as Finns took the top three spots; Sami Mustonen, who won the Sprint U.S. Freestyle Grand National tuneup last Friday at Winter Park, Colo., was second (26.65) and Tapio Luusua third at 26.46. Riley had 25.36 points with Caleb Martin (telluride, CO), coming back from knee surgery a year ago, 15th and Evan Dybvig (Tunbridge, VT) 18th.

In the women's event, Traa received 25.79 points to 24.94 for Aiko Uemura of Japan with Bernice Gregoire of France in third place (24.77).

Weinbrecht, who had won at Tignes in 1991 and '93 but hadn't skied internationally since the 1998 Olympics, finished 12th with 23.67. Jillian Vogtli (Ellicotville, NY) was 18th and Hannah hardaway (Moultonborough, NH) 20th.

Tignes - originally scheduled as two days, Dec. 16-17, and then cut to one, and bumped up 48 hours - was the opener after Tandadalen, Sweden, was forced to cancel its moguls and dual moguls events Nov. 25-26 because of no snow. The World Cup resumes Jan. 6-7 at the Gateway Freestyle Challenge at Deer Valley, Utah.

WORLD CUP MOGULS
Tignes, FRA - Dec. 14
Men
1. Janne Lahtela, Finland, 27.09 points
2. Sami Mustonen, Finland, 26.85
3. Tapio Luusua, Finland, 26.46
4. Vitali Glushenko, Russia, 25.89
5. Pierre-Alexandre Rousseau, Canada, 25.87
6. Mikko Ronkkainen, Finland, 26.81
7. Gregory Legaillon, France, 25.71
8. Richard Gay, France, 25.53
9. Stephane Yonnet, France, 25.52 (wins tiebreaker)
10. Fredrik Fortkord, Sweden, 25.52
-
11. Ryan Riley, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 25.38
15. Caleb Martin, Telluride, Colo., 24.83
18. Evan Dybvig, Tunbridge, Vt., 24.62
24. Garth Hager, Bothell, Wash., 24.38
26. Alex Wilson, Buffalo, N.Y., 23.95
37. Toby Dawson, Vail, Colo., 22.99

Women
1. Kari Traa, Norway, 25.79
2. Aiko Uemura, Japan, 24.94
3. Bernice Gregoire, France, 24.77
4. Elena Vorona, Russia, 24.50
5. Sara Kjellin, Sweden, 24.23
6. Katlean Allais, France, 24.15
7. Jennifer Heil, Canada, 24.04
8. Corinne Bodmer, Switzerland, 24.00
9. Maria Despas, Australia, 23.88
10. Sanra Laoura, France, 23.80
-
12. Donna Weinbrecht, Killington, Vt., 23.67
18. Jillian Vogtli, Ellicotville, N.Y., 22.85
20. Hannah Hardaway, Moultonborough, N.H., 22.75

HARBOR RESORTS LAUNCHES 10-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR SCHWEITZER

Sandpoint, ID (Dec. 14, 2000) - Plans unveiled yesterday for Schweitzer Mountain Resort near Sandpoint, Idaho, will transform the regional ski area into a year-round resort destination. The creation of a village for all seasons with recreation, retail, mountain homes and lodging in a variety of price ranges is hoped to diversify the resort's appeal.

"We see demand for mountain resort living with year-round activity potential," said Ron Cook, president of Harbor Resorts. "Our vision for Schweitzer is to build a mountain resort with a village at the heart, steps from the slopes and attractive enough to draw a community of visitors and residents who want convenience and charm without the crowds."

Harbor's 10-year plan for the 7,000-acre resort overlooking Lake Pend Oreille includes a spa, conference facilities, additional restaurants, accommodations and lodging, and shops featuring local and regional merchants. The resort will incorporate a range of warm weather activities popular in the area, including golf, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and water sports on Lake Pend Oreille, one of the nation's deepest freshwater lakes.

"New mountain resort communities, including Schweitzer, are well positioned to re-ignite interest in skiing and other mountain activities because they've essentially re-engineered the experience -- not only to fit the competitive demands of a new economy, but to take advantage of emerging trends," added Cook, who helped guide the purchase of Schweitzer Mountain in 1998.

The first milestone in the Schweitzer Village program has already been reached. Stella, Idaho's only high-speed, six-passenger chairlift, opened for the 2000/2001 season. Visitors begin the lift process through a recreated 19th century cable carriage barn, complete with steaming boilers and spinning drive wheels all created to transport visitors back in time as they wait to be whisked up the mountain.

Stella represents a $2.5 million investment Harbor made to improve access to 150 acres of new ski terrain called "The Northwest Territory." The chairlift was featured on the cover of the November issue of Ski Management Magazine as an example of how the ski industry is working to transform itself from a service-based business to an experiential one.

In April of 2001, construction of White Pine Lodge, a 48-unit condominium lodge development featuring one-, two- and three bedroom homes priced between $220,000 and $675,000, is scheduled to begin at the trail base of the mountain. The lodge is the first residential development of the 10-year plan, which calls for accommodating 300 to 400 families and hosting thousands of year-round destination visitors. Harbor opened sales for White Pine Lodge earlier this year.

Plans to develop Schweitzer Village began nearly two years ago with brainstorming meetings involving community and business leaders, local skiers and snowboarders and real estate and ski industry experts. The ideas generated a plan for a year-round destination resort linked to the history and unique character of the region.

A subsidiary of Seattle-based Harbor Properties, Inc., Harbor Resorts' portfolio includes three regional ski resorts -- Schweitzer Mountain, Stevens Pass and Mission Ridge -- offering a combined 5,775 acres of skiable terrain. Established in 1928, Seattle-based Harbor Properties, Inc. is a full-service real estate development and management firm. Harbor Properties currently manages 460,000 square feet of commercial office and retail space and 1.6 million square feet of residential living space throughout the city of Seattle.

DIRECT FLIGHT SERVICE FROM DALLAS TO TAOS/ANGEL FIRE LAUNCHING IN JANUARY

(Dec. 13, 2000) - There's big news for travelers wanting to ski northern New Mexico this winter. Angel Fire Resort and Taos Ski Valley have joined forces with Ozark Air Lines to provide direct flight service from DFW Airport, Texas to the Rio Grande Airport in Taos, New Mexico beginning on January 7, 2001.

The inaugural flight will depart DFW to Taos on Sunday afternoon, January 7, 2001. Flights will arrive and depart every Thursday morning and Sunday afternoon throughout the ski season. Passengers will have the opportunity to combine direct flight service with package savings that include lodging at Angel Fire Resort or at Taos hotels. Angel Fire Resort will provide complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport for guests staying at the Angel Fire Resort Hotel. Dollar-Rent-A-Car, located at Rio Grande Airport, will offer rental cars for an additional charge.

Ozark Air Lines, the Columbia, Missouri based company will provide the service on brand new, 30-seat, Fairchild Dornier 328-300 jets. The comfortable aircraft has wide, leather seats, extra head-room, and in-flight, first-class service. The crew consists of two pilots and a flight attendant.

"This is a landmark opportunity for northern New Mexico. Passengers will be able to travel directly from Dallas to the Enchanted Circle in a luxurious aircraft with friendly, professional crews at a tremendous discount", said Sandy Bailey, Marketing Director for Angel Fire Resort.

Angel Fire's package prices start at $399 per person and include 4 nights lodging at the Angel Fire Resort Hotel, round trip air and transfer service to and from the airport. Price is based on departing DFW on Sunday and returning on Thursday. The Thursday departure package starts at $429 per person and includes 3 nights lodging, round trip air and transfer service. Prices do not include tax or airport fees and packages are not available on holidays. Space is based on availability and some restrictions may apply.

VAIL READY TO INAUGURATE PETE'S BOWL

Vail is preparing the next phase of Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton’s vision for Vail Mountain when they debut Pete's Bowl on Friday, Dec. 15, featuring 125 new acres of terrain and a new high-speed quad chairlift.

“We’re excited to be able to open this next phase of the Blue Sky Basin expansion,” said Bill Jensen, Vail chief operating officer. “With opening China Bowl on Thursday and Blue Sky Basin on Friday, we’ll be offering fresh tracks to skiers and snowboarders this weekend. All together, we’ll be offering our guests more terrain than any other ski area in North America.”

The new terrain in Pete’s Bowl will add 125 acres of intermediate to advanced terrain to the overall Blue Sky Basin experience. With the new terrain in Pete’s Bowl, Blue Sky Basin will offer 645 acres of terrain, 18 conventional trails and three high-speed quads. Skiers and snowboarders will find 53 percent expert terrain and 47 percent intermediate throughout the area.

With the opening of three additional lifts in Blue Sky Basin and Tea Cup Bowl on Friday, Vail will offer 31 of 33 lifts to access 4,745 acres of terrain.

The only way that skiers and snowboarders currently can access Blue Sky Basin is through China Bowl via the skiers’ bridge below the Orient Express Lift (Chair 21). Access to Blue Sky Basin via Tea Cup Bowl is temporarily closed. The chairlifts on the front side of Vail Mountain will open for the day at 8:30 a.m. so that snowriders can make their way back to Blue Sky Basin.

To commemorate the opening of Pete’s Bowl and thank Vail founder Pete Seibert for all of his efforts over the years, Vail will hold a special ceremony in honor of Seibert in the coming weeks. Dates, times and additional details of the commemoration will be released soon.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank one of the great pioneers of the ski industry for his efforts over the years,” said Jensen.

HIGHLIGHTS AND COMMENTARY FROM THE ASC/MERISTAR MERGER CONFERENCE CALL

(Dec. 13, 2000) - Don’t have an hour and a half to sit and listen about the future of the largest ski resort operator in the U.S.? Well, First Tracks!! Online has done it for you! Read on for some highlights and commentary on what was revealed and discussed in yesterday’s conference call with American Skiing Company and MeriStar Hotels and Resorts. The entirety of the conference call can be heard via Real Player at www.peaks.shareholder.com or by calling 800-525-5288, pass code 880379, up until 5:00 p.m. on December 14^th.

Present at the noon, Monday conference call with investors and the media were Leslie Otten, chairman of American Skiing Corporation, Paul W. Whetsell, chairman and CEO of MeriStar Hotels and Resorts, and John Emory, MeriStar’s chief investment officer.

The owners of the newly created Doral corporation were guardedly optimistic about the present and future of their new entity. Phrases like “platform for growth”, and “unlocking value” attempted to deflect tough questions from financial analysts and local and national media regarding depressed share prices, uncompleted real estate projects, and the last two winters' disastrous affects on ASC’s financial viability. While acknowledging that the pace of real estate development would slow considerably, there were several statements designed to quell growing rumors about a potential fire sale of ASC assets. Otten reiterated several times that ASC’s partially completed projects at Heavenly in Lake Tahoe, CA and The Canyons, in Utah, would continue unabated. He also promised that the proposed but not yet begun resort village plans at Killington were not in danger.

As those with even a passive interest in the fortunes of the ski industry know, ASC’s meteoric rise to prominence in the late 90’s was financed almost exclusively by debt, some of it personally guaranteed by Otten, and much of it contracted at extremely high interest rates due to the inherent risks associated with a business dependent on the weather. Both Otten and Paul pointed out the advantages of a merger in terms of smoothing out the seasonality associated with their two businesses, and described their future plans as shift away from further development and towards operation of existing assets. “We need to move towards [a company valuation] driven off of our earnings rather than our cash flow,” stated Otten, succinctly summing up the financial woes that have plagued ASC since it’s stock debuted less two years ago at $18. ASC shareholders will now receive stock in the new company equivalent to a $2.22 valuation of each of their current ASC shares, a value close to the average trading price of ASC stock (symbol: SKI) for the last year.

Following some rather technical questions from financial analysts and reporters regarding company valuation and the details of the merger, Otten and Paul fielded questions from local and national media. Several questions were focused on the future of ASC’s current ski areas. In Vermont, Otten focused his comments on Killington, highlighting the ability of the new, $5 million Woodward Resevoir snowmaking project to enhance revenues there, and the continued likelihood that a base village will be constructed there, most probably as a joint venture with the hotel and resort giant, Marriot.

When asked specifically about Sugarbush, Otten was less verbose, but did not sound very optimistic about putting the aborted Grand Summit hotel plans there back on the table. Mount Snow was not specifically mentioned.

Both Otten and Paul were adamant that ASC assets were not for sale, and that the merger was not driven by the poor performance of ASC, nor by the potential cost savings of combing management activities, nor be the insistence of the Oak Hill management group who recently acquired a roughly 50% stake in ASC, but rather by the inherent opportunities and risk mitigation available by combining cold and warm weather resort management companies. The deal had been 5 months in the making, according to Paul. The newly formed Doral corporation will move the headquarters of ASC from Bethel, ME to Washington, D.C.

When asked about potential layoffs, it was remarked that ASC management may end up with transfer offers as management functions are streamlined, but Otten said there were be no resort operations layoffs planned, which was later confirmed in an internal memorandum to employees of Killington.

Regarding Heavenly and the Canyons, Otten pointed out the huge potential that existed in the completion of the existing project there. The goal now, according to Otten, is to realize new revenues associated with capital improvement expenditures already made, like the $25 million gondola linking the town of South Lake Tahoe with the slopes of Heavenly. The Grand Summit Hotel project Heavenly is still online, however. Otten sees further expansion at Heavenly as a strong possibility, but not until projects like the new gondola start paying off.

Paul also pointed to the immediate focus of selling out “fractional real estate projects” like the Steamboat Grand hotel, and various projects at the Canyons, which were both delivered late, missing the prime selling season. Otten also called the Whisper Ridge development project at the Canyons one of the most crucial real estate projects that need to be completed by the new corporation.

Interestingly, a couple members of the media inquired about the Doral name, which is also shared by a cigarette brand. It turns out the Doral name comes from New York firm that own a country club in Miami that runs a golf tournament by the same name, which licenses out the use of the name to the new Doral resorts company. The new Doral has trademarked the use of the Doral name in conjunction with “hotels” and “resorts.” Whetsell predicted that “Doral” name would be used with new projects at ski areas, but that existing resort names would not be changed. Whetsell also predicted that negative backlash associated with sharing the name with a cigarette brand would be minimal.

The bottom line seemed to be summed up well by Otten, who predicted that there will be probably no new major ski resorts opened in the United States in the near future. Otten pointed out the declining rate of population growth as well as the flat nature of the ski industry over the last decade. It seemed as if he was hinting that ASC and other resort management companies were simply forced by the economic and demographic climate, if not the meteorological climate, to consolidate and merge.

So what does all this mean to the skiing public? For the time being it means that ASC’s assets will not be sold off to the highest bidder by a bankruptcy court, and that your local ASC resort probably won’t be getting any new high speed quads or village hotels soon. It also means that you might soon see the name “Doral” associated with ASC marketing material and other branding images. Other than that, expect some brochures in the mail from Doral, asking you to visit one of their warm weather resorts. Sharing customer lists from among the retiring baby-boomers and the up and coming echo boomers was a consistent theme throughout the conference call, so don’t be surprised if current ASC resorts make an even bigger splash at your next local ski show.

While some of the weather-associated risk of running ski resorts in now mitigated for the formerly ASC ski areas, it is clear that debt reduction and improved performance for shareholders will take precedence over further ski area expansion. Still, ski areas represent a sizeable enough chunk of the new Doral to demand that Otten and the former ASC’s managers will have significant say over the future of the new company. Watch this space, though, as the potential still exists for Doral to cut some unprofitable ski area operations out of their portfolio of holdings. As always, much of the future of the former ASC areas may still be dependent on the weather, but for now, it seems that the future of the company itself is secure.

RED BULL ULTRA-CROSS RETURNS TO SQUAW VALLEY FOR 2001

Squaw Valley, CA (Dec. 13, 2000) - Red Bull Ultra-Cross, an innovative event that puts skiers and snowboarders on the same team, returns to Squaw Valley USA on January 19-20, 2001. This unique competition combines two winter sport disciplines and guarantees crowd-pleasing excitement, adrenaline and lots of attitude to boot.

Red Bull Ultra-Cross 2001, in its fourth year, brings out over 4,000 spectators and the "best of the best" in snow sport athletes. Held at Squaw Valley USA, home to numerous world-renowned extreme riders and skiers, this competition involves skiers and snowboarders in a relay-style race with one racer from each discipline making up the entire team (no coed teams). In previous years, over two hundred competitors have come out to vie for the $30,000 cash purse and the prestigious Red Bull Ultra-Cross title.

The competition works like this: Each team is made up of one snowboarder and one skier. Four snowboarders start the race (each on a different team) and ride down a challenging moto-cross style course made up of steep bank turns, table-tops, big rollers and intimidating gap-jumps. Once the snowboarder crosses the finish line, their teammate (a skier) is released onto the course by an automatic start gate - and the race is on. The two teams who finish first in their heat advance to the next round. The competition continues by process of elimination until the best skier/snowboarder team wins the coveted Red Bull Ultra-Cross title.

This new twist in winter events brings out both pros and amateurs in fierce but friendly competition. This is the event for any rider or skier looking to get a feel for an adrenaline rush and a new winter thrill. Where else can you compete against free-ride legends including: 1998 World free-skiing champion Shane McConkey, 1998 Olympic snowboarder Adam Hostetter, and 2000 Boarder-cross champion at Winter X Games Drew Neilson. Also expected to return to the scene are last year's winners Shaun Palmer, Chris Hernandez, Brittney Mahanna, Charlotte Moats and Megan Brown.

The cost to compete in this event is $175 per team (if registered by 1/3/00) and $200 thereafter. For more information on Red Bull Ultra-Cross 2001, contact Global Event Management, at 530.583.4638 (or online at www.globaleventmanagment.com) or visit the Red Bull Ultra-Cross website at www.redbullultracross.com. The Red Bull Ultra-Cross, managed by Global Event Management, organizers of the Winter X-Games (free-skiing), will be nationally televised on USA Network "Core Culture".

FREE LESSON OFFERED BY CROSS-COUNTRY SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION

Winchester, NH (Dec. 13, 2000) - Fitness experts agree that cross country skiing offers everyone the opportunity to get in shape and stay there over the winter. The Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) is offering a free introduction to the popular sport on selected days this winter as part of Subaru Ski Fest 2001.

You will need to register for the free lesson or trail tour in advance and a listing of the hundreds of participating areas is available online at http://www.xcski.org (or by phone at toll-free 1-877-77XCSKI). The web site will be continually updated as areas check in with their dates. Most are in January or early February.

Wayne Westcott, Ph.D, Fitness Research Director at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, MA, acknowledges the obvious benefits of cross country skiing from an aerobic standpoint, but takes it a step further.

"Cross country skiing is also great for a muscular workout, particularly for your arms and legs," Dr. Westcott says. "Muscular endurance comes with cross country skiing, and it is one of the best workouts that uses most major muscle groups."

Those getting involved with the sport for the first time at Subaru Ski Fest 2001, will join in a festival atmosphere with games, races, sweepstakes, parties and prizes.

"Since so many people have come to enjoy our sport because of the fitness values, we want to give everyone a chance to learn how to ski for free during the Subaru Ski Fest," said CCSAA President Chris Frado. "Cross Country skiing offers many benefits at a reasonable cost, including fitness, fun, and it's easy to learn."

Frado said some Nordic centers are offering Subaru owners VIP parking privileges, free trail passes and a special gift on their celebration day. Everyone participating will receive a free granola bar from sponsor Nature Valley Granola Bars. Other sponsors are Fuji Film, Sundown Nutritional Supplements and the MBNA Cross Country Ski Mastercard.

WC-B(III): SPILLANE 2nd, DAYTON 5th

Park City, UT (Dec. 12, 2000) - The opening of the nordic combined World Cup-B season will be a tough one to top for U.S. skiers. With Johnny Spillane's second-place finish Tuesday leading three Americans into the top 10 in the final event, that meant there were nine top-10s for U.S. athletes in the first three meets on the 2002 Olympic facilities.

Andrej Jezersek of Slovenia broke a two-meet victory mini-streak by the Americans when he moved up from 10th after the 10-km mass-start cross-country race in a snowstorm at Soldier Hollow. Matt Dayton (Breckenridge, CO), who won the opening sprint Friday and was third Sunday, cruised to first place in the 10-km race by more than a half-minute with kristoffer Erichsen (Steamboat Springs, CO), but then there were two rounds of jumping on the 120-meter hill.

In the jumping, Jezersek was second behind Norwegian Amund Johnsen and finished with 224.2 points. Denis Tishagin of Russia - fourth in the 10-km - and Spillane (Steamboat Springs, CO), who had won Sunday's meet, tied for second at 220.3 points. Dayton was fifth (214.8) with Erichsen 10th at 201.3. Carl VanLoan (Webster, NH) was 12th and Jed Hinkley (Andover, NH) finished 31st.

"This was awesome," said World Cup-B Coach Kerry Lynch. "This was the one I was sweating the most because it's more like a jump meet. I figured Johnny would be in there and we could have Matt up there because of his cross-country position...but, I couldn't be any happier. These guys have worked hard and they've really got something to celebrate...

"I said at the start, before Friday's comp, that that's where we want to set the tone for everything. And they came out blazing. Matt won it, we had three others in the top 10, and it's continued. Now, we've got to keep pushing in Calgary, but this is such a good start," Lynch said. He had high praise for Rob Powers, team waxing technician "for again pulling rabbits out of hat in crazy conditions just before the start of the race" and program manager Jeff Graves for helping decipher the waxing riddle.

Jan-Erik Aalbu, jump coach for the combined team, was equally pleased, especially following the snowstorm which smacked the 10-km race. "This was so good for all of us. The conditions were really good. You don't often see a jumping meet where everybody has the same conditions, but there was very little wind, so it was a fair meet," he said.

Spillane, who had returned to Steamboat after Sunday's meet, turned around and returned - a five-hour drive - with Aalbu and Head Coach Tom Steitz. "I'm sure I set the record for mileage in two days," he laughed, "but it worked out okay, and was so much fun...

"I didn't feel too hot in the race - I think all the travel [from Finland to Steamboat, to Park City and the Sunday-Monday round-trip] was catching up with me - but I had no problems in the jumping." Despite no training in the 120-meter hill, Spillane - who had trained there during dryland workouts in the fall - went 116 and 121 meters.

In the mass-start, Dayton scrambled into second place behind Jochen Strobl of Italy, who'd been four seconds back of the Coloradoan in the opening meet. "I was happy to be second or third," Dayton said, "because when you're in the lead right off, you tend to go too fast; you can't quite get your rhythm. ...I knew we had a long race ahead of us."

The World Cup-B schedule resumes Friday with a sprint in Calgary - with jumping at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary and the 7.5-km race on the Olympic trails at Canmore, 110 kilometers west of the city. Saturday, they'll have two jumps and Sunday it will be the traditional 15-km race to conclude the pre-Christmas portion of the schedule.

With the snow problems continuing in Europe, officials were mulling how to equalize the points between World Cup and World Cup-B for the first period (November-December). The World Cup has seen six of its first eight events washed out in Scandinavia and central Europe. However, with their performance in Utah, Steitz said it was certain Dayton and Spillane would move up to the World Cup for the second period, which begins after Christmas.

NORDIC COMBINED WORLD CUP-B
Soldier Hollow, UT - Dec. 12
Mass-start (10-km/K120 jumping)
1. Andrej Jezersek, Slovenia, (10/2) 224.2 points
2. (tie) Johnny Spillane, Steamboat Springs, Colo., (9/3), and Denis Tishagin, Russia, (4/5) 220.3 points each
4. Amund Johnsen, Norway, (35/1) 215.9
5. Matt Dayton, Breckenridge, Colo., (1/27) 214.8
6. Jochen Strobl, Italy, (2/20) 209.4
7. Thorsten Schmitt, Germany, (11/12) 205.1
8. Valeri Stoljarev, Russia, (5/22) 203.5
9. Jens Gaiser, Germany, (19/7) 203.2
10. Kristoffer Erichsen, Steamboat Springs, Colo., (3/27) 201.3
--
12. Carl Van Loan, Webster, N.H., (6/32) 197.8
31. Jed Hinkley, Andover, N.H., (16/39) 177.5
35. Alex Glueck, Steamboat Springs, Colo., (22/43) 172.1

JAMES VAN DYKE PROMOTED TO VICE PRESIDENT AT BRODIE

New Ashford, MA (Dec. 12, 2000) - Brian H. Fairbank, President and CEO of Brodie Mountain and Jiminy Peak Resort, has announced that James Van Dyke has been promoted to Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Brodie Mountain Resort in New Ashford, Massachusetts.

Van Dyke has been the Director of Resort Operations for Brodie Mountain since Fairbank purchased the property on November 11, 1999. Prior to his appointment to oversee the operations at Brodie Mountain, Van Dyke was the Director of Mountain Operations at Jiminy Peak in Hancock, Massachusetts (from 1993 to 1999).

In the twenty-six years that Van Dyke has worked for Jiminy Peak, he has done virtually every job on the mountain: lift operator, ticket seller, ski shop salesman, rental shop technician, ski school instructor, snowmaker, and snow groomer. With so much experience, Van Dyke was a natural to move into a management track that began with his appointment as Assistant Night Manager, and then Night Manager (1979-1985), and Special Projects Director (1985-1993). During the 1982-83 ski season, Van Dyke worked as the Ski Area Manager for Berkshire Snow Basin under a consulting agreement with Jiminy Peak. During the construction season of 1999, he functioned as a "Leader on Loan" with Maximillian Technologies.

Part of Van Dyke's responsibilities at Jiminy Peak involved pursuing all environmental permitting as well as working with the electric and telephone companies throughout Jiminy Peak expansion. Van Dyke was also responsible for creating, gaining permission for and operating Jiminy Peak's own sewer and water companies. Van Dyke is the Chairman of the Environmental Committee one of Jiminy Peak's Malcolm Baldridge Quality Teams.

Brian H. Fairbank commented: "Nobody could have gotten a college education that would be equivalent to the vast experience that Jim brings to Brodie Mountain. His permitting experience will be a major assest to us as we work on the development of Brodie Mountain Resort as a full-service year round resort."

As Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Brodie Mountain, Van Dyke is responsible for the day to day operations of the entire resort as well as a major participant in all long-range planning for the resort area.

Van Dyke is a 1974 graduate of Taconic High School and 1977 graduate of Berkshire Community College. He is a member of the Berkshire Leadership Program class of 1998. Van Dyke is the son of Edward and Marjorie Van Dyke of Lenox, Massachusetts. He and his two children, Taylor and Connor, reside in Berkshire County.

KRASSNIG, RUBY WIN SNOWBOARD WORLD CUP AT WHISTLER

Whistler (BC), Canada (Dec. 11, 2000) - In the final event of a four-day Snowboard World Cup at Whistler, Austrian Dieter Krassnig and France's Karine Ruby captured wins in the season's third giant slalom race.

Krassnig just edged Canadian Jasey Jay Anderson with a time of 1:56.42, just .02 better than Anderson's 1:56.44. Sweden's Richard Rikardsson was third in 1:56.83.

The top American was U.S. Snowboard Team member Jeff Greenwood (Hartford, CT) in 10th. Chris Klug (Aspen, CO) finished 11th.

Ruby continued her successful season by winning with a time of 2:04.93. Italy's Margherita Parini took second in 2:05.76 and Rosey Fletcher (Girdwood, AK) was third in 2:07.14. U.S. Team racer Sondra Van Ert (Ketchum, ID) was just behind Fletcher in fourth with a 2:07.15.

The World Cup tour moves on to Mt. Ste. Anne, Quebec Dec. 16-17 with giant slalom and halfpipe events. The season's first Chevy Truck U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix also opens this week as Okemo Mt., VT will host superpipe, slopestyle and giant slalom events Dec. 15-17.

MEN
1. Dieter Krassnig, Austria, 1:56.42
2. Jasey Jay Anderson, Canada, 1:56.44
3. Richard Rikardsson, Sweden, 1:56.83
4. Mathieu Bozzetto, France, 1:56.99
5. Dejan Kosir, Slovenia, 1:57.00
6. Mark Fawcett, Canada, 1:57.29
7. Alexander Maier, Austria, 1:57.48
8. Walter Feichter, Italy, 1:57.49
9. Markus Ebner, Germany, 1:58.10
10. Jeff Greenwood, Hartford, CT, 1:58.75
11. Chris Klug, Aspen, CO, 1:59.01
12. Alexander Koller, Austria, 1:59.08
13. Harald Walder, Austria, 2:00.59
14. Xavier Rolland, France, 2:00.92
15. Peter Thorndike, Meredith, NH, 2:01.34
--
Did Not Finish Second Run
26. Anton Pogue, Hood River, OR, 58.47
27. Ian Price, Manchester Center, VT, 59.47

Did Not Qualify for Second Run
33. Ryan McDonald, Entiat, WA, 1:00.74
48. Tyler Jewell, Sudbury, MA, 1:14.00
DNF Jeff Archibald, Salt Lake City
DNF Adam N. Smith, Bend, OR
DNF Eric Warren, Bennington, VT

WOMEN
1. Karine Ruby, France, 2:04.93
2. Margherita Parini, Italy, 2:05.76
3. Rosey Fletcher, Girdwood, AK, 2:07.14
4. Sondra Van Ert, Ketchum, ID, 2:07.15
5. Manuela Riegler, Austria, 2:08.08
6. Carmen Ranigler, 2:08.37
7. Isabelle Blanc, 2:08.46
8. Dagmar Mair Unter Der Egg, Italy, 2:08.47
9. Heidi Renoth, Germany, 2:09.00
10. Marion Posch, Italy, 2:09.10
11. Ursula Fingerlos, Austria, 2:09.39
12. Nathalie Desmares, France, 2:10.06
13. Isabel Zedlacher, Austria, 2:11.02
--
Did Not Finish Second Run
14. Lisa Kosglow, Boise, ID, 1:03.43

Did Not Qualify for Second Run
17. Lynn Ott, Bend, OR, 1:05.92
18. Stacia Hookom, Edwards, CO, 1:06.01
33. Erin O'Malley, Mammoth Lakes, CA, 1:08.73
DSQ Elisabeth Odynski, Reno, NV

NEW SNOW DRAPES THE CENTRAL ROCKIES

(Dec. 11, 2000) - The best holiday gifts don’t come wrapped in ribbons and bows – they fall on ski slopes! Utah’s 14 mountain resorts are reveling in this weekend’s delivery of millions of powdery snowflakes, amounting in some cases to dumps of up to 40 inches of new snow in 48 hours. With Utah resorts up to their necks in early-season snow, locals and visitors planning on skiing and riding Utah during the holiday weeks are in for a treat.

As of 6 a.m. this morning, both Alta Ski Area and Park City Mountain Resort were reporting 28 inches of new snow in the last 48 hours, with 63 and 55-inch base totals, respectively. Brighton reported 32 inches of new powder in the last 48 hours and a total snow depth of 61 inches. Solitude received “the motherlode,” with 40 inches of “Utah-light” powder in the last 48 hours! Other Utah resorts are reporting between 14 and 28 inches of new snow over the weekend, with snow depths ranging from 30 to 63 inches.

Alta Ski Area - 28”
Brighton Resort - 32”
The Canyons - 19"
Deer Valley Resort - 14”
Park City Mountain Resort - 28”
Powder Mountain Resort - 18”
Snowbasin Resort - 15”
Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort - 20”
Solitude Mountain Resort - 40”
Sundance - 19”

With clearing skies this morning, powder hounds enjoyed a bluebird day of skiing and riding today, then kicked back to await the skies opening again tomorrow, when another winter storm is expected to pound Utah resorts with additional accumulations of up to two feet.

While lesser amounts fell further east in Colorado, the fresh snow is nonetheless welcomed by a ski region enjoying a banner early season leading into the all-important Christmas holidays, after frustration after last year's meager early snowfalls.

With more than a foot of fresh powder in the past 24 hours and over eight feet of snow this season at Vail, resort officials yesterday announced that China Bowl will open on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2000.

“We continue to receive above average snowfall with new snow in the last 24 hours and more snow predicted later this week, we’re excited to be able to open China Bowl more than a week before the Christmas holiday begins,” said Bill Jensen, Vail chief operating officer. “This is one of the earliest openings (of China Bowl) we’ve had in the past few years. We anticipate opening Blue Sky Basin shortly after China Bowl, but we will announce those details by Wednesday.”

On Thursday Vail will open the Orient Express Lift (Chair 21), Sun Up Lift (Chair 17) and the Sourdough Lift (Chair 14) to provide access to China Bowl. This weekend Vail will offer skiers and snowboarders 4100 acres of terrain accessed by 28 lifts. In addition to the terrain and lifts, Vail will open Two Elk restaurant on Thursday for the season. The ski area also will go to regular season operating hours with lifts in the base areas opening at 8:30 a.m.

Down the road at Beaver Creek, the resort celebrates its 20th Anniversary this week with 14 inches of new snow overnight Sunday night into Monday morning, 19 inches in the previous 72 hours, 918 acres of terrain and a three-foot settled mid-mountain base.

Even though the big day is two weeks away, Keystone Resort already looks a lot like Christmas. A winter storm dumped six inches of new snow at the resort in the past 24 hours, a foot in the past week.

“This has been one of our best early season snow years in the past few years,” said Margie Bootenhoff, vice president of marketing for Keystone. “And, it keeps getting better. We have a lot of ecstatic skiers and snowboarders at Keystone today.”

BURAAS WINS BIZARRE NIGHT SLALOM AT SESTRIERE

Sestriere, Italy (Dec. 11, 2000) - Olympic champion Hans-Petter Buraas of Norway made a great recovery midway through his second run Monday night and then survived a third, fourth, fifth and sixth chance (to lose) to win his first World Cup slalom under the lights. No Americans reached the second run.

Buraas, the Olympic gold medalist in Nagano but never better than second (three times) on the World Cup circuit, was fourth in the first run. In his second run, he came down immediately after Heinz Schilchegger of Austria and thought he was in second place behind Schilchegger, nearly a half-second back. Three skiers to go.

Then Benjamin Raich of Austria - third in the first run - skied out. Mario Matt, another Austrian - who had been second, skied out. And then first-run leader Sebastien Amiez of France went out. But the drama wasn't over.

It looked for a while like it was Schilchegger, Buraas and Kilian Albrecht of Austria on the podium.

And then race officials DQ'd Schilchegger. Buraas was declared the winner in 1:52.75. Albrecht, who second in a Chevy Truck Super Series slalom behind Erik Schlopy (Park City, UT) a month ago at Loveland Valley Ski Area in Colorado, reached his first World Cup podium with a time of 1:53.04. Pierrick Bourgeat of France was third in 1:53.99, just .01 ahead of Japan's Kiminobu Kimura with Florian Seer - yet another Austrian - in fifth place (1:53.04).

When Schilchegger reached the finish, he didn't show any euphoria about taking the lead. Race officials checked and re-checked race videotapes before disqualifying him.

"I have to accept their decision," Schilchegger - who won the first slalom of the season during the Chevy Truck America's Opening Nov. 19 at Park City, Utah - told reporters. "I wasn't sure if I had straddled or skied out; that's why I continued." Officials also fined him 990 Swiss francs for continuing to race.

In the first run, Sacha Gros (Vail, CO) was 41st with Chip Knight (New Canaan, CT) 42nd and Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) 44th. Schlopy and Tom Rothrock (Cashmere, WA) were DNFs.

The men's tour resumes Saturday in Val d'Isere, France, where a downhill and giant slalom - picked up because of poor snow in Val Gardena and neighboring Alta Badia, Italy, are to be run Saturday and Sunday.

CAFE de COLOMBIA WORLD CUP
Sestriere, ITA - Dec. 11 (Night)
Men's Slalom
1. Hans-Petter Buraas, Norway, 1:52.75
2. Kilian Albrecht, Austria, 1:53.04
3. Pierrick Bourgeat, France, 1:53.99
4. Kiminobu Kimura, Japan, 1:54.00
5. Florian Seer, Austria, 1:54.04
6. Kentaro, Minigawa, Japan, 1:54.14
7. Kjetil Andre Aamodt, norway, 1:54.17
8. Jure Kosir, Slovenia, 1:54.20
9. Kalle Palander, Finland, 1:54.22
10. Matjaz Vrhovnik, Slovenia, 1:54.41
11. Michael Von Gruenigen, Switzerland, 1:54.58
12. Andrej Miklavc, Slovenia, 1:54.62
13. Alain Baxter, Great Britain, 1:54.74
14. Rene Mlekuz, Slovenia, 1:54.81
15. Harald Christian Strand Nilsen, Norway, 1:55.09
16. Sergio Bergamelli, Italy, 1:55.10
17. John Moulder-Brown, Great Britain, 1:55.30
18. Christian Mayer, Austria, 1:55.44
19. Lasse Kjus, Norway, 1:55.63
20. Fabrizio Tescari, Italy, 1:55.90
21. Ivica Kostelic, Croatia, 1:56.99
-
Did not qualify: Sacha Gros, Vail, Colo.; Chip Knight, New Canaan, Conn.; Bode Miller, Franconia, N.H.
DNF-1: Erik Schlopy, Park City, Utah; Tom Rothrock, Cashmere, Wash.
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Cafe de Colombia World Br>Men's Overall (10 races)
1. Hermann Maier, Austria, 616
2. (tie) Kjus and Stephan Eberharter, Austria, 409 each
4. Fredrik Nyberg, Sweden, 297
5. Andreas Schifferer, Austria, 288
6. Von Gruenigen, 242
7. Heinz Schilchegger, Austria, 232
8. Aamodt, 231
9. Didier Cuche, Switzerland, 198
10. Josef Strobl, Austria, 192
11. Christoph Gruber, Austria. 164
12. Hans Knauss, Austria, 155
13. Mayer, 152
14. Buraas, 150
15. Fritz Strobl, Austria, 146
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21. Chad Fleischer, Vail, Colo., 101
22. Schlopy, 89
29. Miller and Daron Rahlves, Sugar Bowl, Calif., 75 each
68. Casey Puckett, Aspen, Colo., 20
79. Chris Puckett, Boulder, Colo., 14
86. Dane Spencer, Boise, Idaho, 11
102. Brett Fischer, Winter Park, Colo., 2
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Men's Slalom (2 races)
1. Buraas, 150
2. Schilchegger, 100
3. Aamodt, 96
4. (tie) Albrecht and Mario Matt, both Austria, 80 each
6. Seer, 74
7. Vrhovnik, 71
8. Bourgeat, 60
9. Kosir, 56
10. Kimura, 50
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33. Schlopy, 10

US SNOWBOARD GRAND PRIX SEASON TO OPEN AT OKEMO

Ludlow, VT (Dec. 11, 2000) - The '01 Chevy Truck U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix season is set launch Dec. 15-17 at Okemo Mt. in Vermont as Shannon Dunn (Encinitas, CA) and Canadian Jasey Jay Anderson will begin defense of their overall titles and start their bid for another Chevy Truck (or a third in Dunn's case). However, competition will be stiff as $400,000 is up for grabs during the season.

The weekend kicks off with superpipe qualifiers Friday. The superpipe finals will be Saturday, as well as the Yahoo! Sports Big Air & Style slopestyle. The event concludes Sunday with a giant slalom race.

The superpipe, which will be featured at all four Grand Prix sites this year, will be cut and shaped by SuperDragon master Pat Malendoski. Saturday's slopestyle will be the first time that discipline has been seen on the Grand Prix since the inception of the tour in '96.

For those competing or simply watching, make sure to wipe your nose frequently for the cameras as the event will be televised nationally by NBC Dec. 30 at 3 p.m. EST. The slopestyle will be covered by ESPN and will air Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. EST on ESPN2.

Visions of Dunn hanging out in the announcer's area with an anxious look on her face is what comes to mind when looking back to last season's Grand Prix Finals/U.S. Snowboard Championships at Okemo Mt. Dunn had won three Grand Prix pipe contests already and most figured she was a lock for the overall title and new truck. However, someone figured out that U.S. Snowboard Team rider Sondra Van Ert (Ketchum, ID) could rip the crown from Dunn if she could win the snowboardcross on the last day of competition. Van Ert cruised through to the finals, but ended up finishing fourth, giving Dunn her breath back and her third straight title.

It will be no lock for Dunn this season as last year's younger pipe riders have gained some experience and are stoked to knock off the big dogs. U.S. Team member Kelly Clark (Mt. Snow, VT), who recently signed with Burton, is the reigning World Junior champion and took second in the superpipe last year at Breckenridge. Gretchen Bleiler (Snowmass Village, CO) was third at the '00 nationals and snagged a fourth at the Sierra Vans Triple Crown last season.

Several halfpipe veterans will also be shooting for the top podium spot. Vermonter Kim Stacey (Stratton Mt., VT) really came on strong last year to win the U.S. Championship at Okemo Mt., the Sims World Championships at Whistler and the Mt. Seymour Triple Crown. U.S. Open vet Tricia Byrnes (New Canaan, CT) won the season's first Vans Triple Crown superpipe event at Breckenridge, Colo. this past weekend and Barrett Christy (Vail, CO), who was second, returns to action after being sidelined by an injury last year.

In men's superpipe, local hero Ross Powers (S. Londonderry, VT) has to be considered one of the favorites. He has won just about every respectable contest, including all three Triple Crowns and the Gravity Games last year. U.S. Team rider Tommy Czeschin (Mammoth Lakes, CA) is returning from a late-season knee injury and teammate Rob Kingwill (Jackson, WY), last year's Grand Prix halfpipe champion, is a crowd favorite with his "Sato Flip," an inverted 900. Ricky Bower (Park City, UT) had an impressive training camp over the summer at Mt. Hood, so watch for him in the superpipe as well.

Turning to the non-judged event, Anderson is again a threat coming into the Okemo as he posted top-10 results in parallel World Cup races in Austria this season. Chris Klug (Aspen, CO) enters Okemo as the reigning U.S. giant slalom champion. Everyone's pulling for Klug to do well in this pre-Olympic season as he underwent a liver transplant this summer after being diagnosed with a rare liver disease. U.S. Team athletes Jeff Archibald (Salt Lake City), Jeff Greenwood (Hartford, CT) and Anton Pogue (Hood River, OR) will also compete.

U.S. competitor Sondra Van Ert (Ketchum, ID), who won the Grand Prix alpine title last season, will be challenged strongly in GS by Rosey Fletcher (Girdwood, AK). Fletcher was the top American finisher in a pair of World Cup parallel giant slaloms in Austria this season. Stacia Hookom (Edwards, CO), Lisa Kosglow (Boise, ID), Erin O'Malley (Mammoth Lakes, CA) and Lynn Ott (Bend, OR) are also looking to get on track in preparation for the '02 Olympics.

The Okemo Mt. Grand Prix is the first of four this year. The circuit will also make stops at Breckenridge, Mammoth Mt., Calif. and Sunday River, Maine.

AMERICAN SKIING CO. ANNOUNCES MERGER WITH MERISTAR

Newry, ME (Dec. 11, 2000) - MeriStar Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: MMH), the nation's largest independent hotel management company, and American Skiing Company (NYSE: SKI), the nation's largest ski resort operating company, announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement to merge.

The merged company will be renamed Doral International, Inc. and will focus on international leisure and hospitality. Doral International will have assets exceeding $1.2 billion, pro forma FY 2001 revenues of approximately $600 million, and expected pro forma EBITDA in FY 2001 in excess of $100 million. Doral International will be headquartered in Washington, D.C.

The new company will operate, own and develop Doral-branded, year-round mountain and beach resorts, vacation villages and conference centers. In addition, the company will manage upscale hotels for third-party owners, as well as operate corporate housing under its proprietary BridgeStreet Accommodations brand.

The merger combines nine premium ski resorts, 23 resort hotels, 246 hotels, 15 golf courses and four conference facilities. The company also will control prime mountain and beach real estate available for future development of more than 14,000 units.

The merger has been approved by both companies' boards of directors. Pending customary conditions, including regulatory and shareholder approval, the merger is expected to be completed in the first calendar quarter of 2001.

"This merger brings together two companies that share a similar mission, philosophy and vision for the future, " said Leslie B. Otten, chairman of American Skiing Company. "It creates a new leader in the year-round leisure business. Doral International will be a dominant, year-round leisure and conference center brand with an exceptional growth platform. The merger will create a stronger company with more diversified and less seasonal cash flow, a stronger capital structure, greater market exposure, a deeper organizational structure and a broader and more balanced selection of leisure products."

Paul W. Whetsell, chairman and chief executive officer of MeriStar Hotels & Resorts, said, "Doral International is in a position to reap the benefits of the heavy infrastructure investment made by American Skiing over the past several years." Whetsell went on to say, "Our focus will be on improving EBITDA and cash flow through the sale of the existing fractional real estate inventory and use of our management and marketing skills to increase market share, reduce operating expenses and improve margins.

"As we move from more of a development stage to an operating focus, it will be our intent to create world-class, year-round resorts in attractive cold- and warm-weather locations, with a full range of lodging and retail facilities, as well as such amenities as skiing, golf, spas, tennis, and water sports."

Under the terms of the merger agreement, MeriStar Hotels & Resorts will merge into American Skiing Company in a tax-free, stock-for-stock merger. American Skiing Company will be renamed Doral International. Additional terms of the merger are as follows:

Upon completion of the merger the company expects to have approximately 190 million shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis.

The company's real estate subsidiary, American Skiing Company Resort Properties (ASCRP), will remain a separate subsidiary, with its existing non-recourse debt remaining intact. The company expects the debt to be restructured as follows:

-- The coupon rates for Tranche A and Tranche B of the ASCRP real estate term facility will be restructured at more attractive lending rates.

-- The $13 million Tranche C of the real estate term facility held by Oak Hill Capital Partners will be converted to 5.9 million shares of common equity of Doral International at $2.22 per common share.

-- MeriStar Hospitality, the paper-clipped REIT associated with MeriStar Hotels & Resorts, has committed a $25 million facility to ASCRP for use as project-level mezzanine debt for the company's proposed Heavenly Grand Summit Hotel.

Doral International will comprise four major leisure and hospitality business units. The first, the Doral Leisure division, will specialize in year-round resorts and includes 23 upscale destination resorts, four conference centers and 15 golf courses. Products and services will include resort hotels, executive conference centers, skiing and snowboarding facilities, golf courses, spas, restaurants and retail outlets. Doral Leisure also will operate the brand's well-recognized schools for golf and skiing, featuring the company's proprietary instructional curriculum. The Doral Leisure division will be led by William J. ("B.J.") Fair, who currently is president and chief operating officer of American Skiing Company.

The company's second business segment, hotel management, will focus on managing upscale, full-service hotels under a wide variety of franchise flags. Doral International will continue to manage 106 hotels owned by MeriStar Hospitality Corporation (NYSE: MHX), the nation's third largest hotel real estate investment trust (REIT). MeriStar Hospitality, which has the right to approve any mergers that may impact its management contracts, said that its board of directors has approved the merger. Doral International will be the nation's largest independent operator of hotels with a management portfolio of 246 properties in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. The hotel management division will be led by David McCaslin, currently president of MeriStar Hotels & Resorts, who has more than 20 years of industry experience.

Doral International's third business segment, which also will report to McCaslin, will be international corporate housing under the BridgeStreet Accommodations brand, with more than 3,700 units in the United States and Europe. Currently the world's third largest provider of corporate housing, BridgeStreet Accommodations serves a broad cross-section of major international corporations with facilities in the United States and Europe.

Real estate, Doral's fourth business unit, will focus on development of upscale vacation villages and resort real estate. The division plans to introduce and market to owners the Doral Owners Club, an upscale, full-service travel and lifestyle organization that will offer purchasers of the company's real estate a variety of amenities. Hernan Martinez, who has more than 20 years of real estate experience, will be responsible for Doral International's real estate operations. He presently is chief operating officer of American Skiing Company's Resort Properties.

Following the merger, Leslie B. Otten will be chairman, Paul W. Whetsell, chief executive officer, and John Emery, chief financial officer.

Management believes the merger will provide a number of competitive advantages and growth opportunities. The new company expects to benefit from:

-- Being the nation's first major year-round destination resort and conference center brand;

-- Cross-marketing among the new company's combined upscale traveler base that will generate an estimated 23 million leisure and business visits in 2001;

-- Increasing revenue opportunities through a wider array of product offerings, including skiing and snowboarding, spa, food & beverage, retail, golf, tennis and other leisure amenities;

-- Approximately $2 million to $4 million in cost savings by eliminating redundant public company costs, gaining additional purchasing power and back office consolidation;

-- Introducing and marketing the Doral Owners Club, which provides vacation ownership benefits to real estate owners; and

"Our target market for Doral Leisure will be the expanding universe of active baby boomers and the echo boom generation immediately following them," said Otten. "Both market segments have a high preference for leisure travel. Baby boomers are consumers of skiing, golf, and resort real estate, and increasingly have the money and time to pursue these leisure interests. The echo boom generation actively seeks the outdoor recreation and adventure opportunities that we provide, and our company is the industry leader in converting new skiers and snowboarders from beginners to lifelong participants."

Whetsell noted that Doral International's greater size and distribution, along with more diverse resort management expertise, also will help the company attract additional management contracts, either directly or through joint ventures and sliver investments with institutional and individual owners. "We also see opportunities to expand our BridgeStreet Accommodations brand both domestically and in Europe."

"Doral International will have a new debt structure to support the execution of our operating business plan. The success of that plan, coupled with the sale of existing real estate inventory, will result in an improved overall capital structure and significantly enhanced credit statistics," said John Emery, chief investment officer of MeriStar Hotels & Resorts. "We are fully focused on reducing debt and maximizing free cash flow. This will provide an opportunity for significant future reductions in our cost of debt, as well as a prudent, balanced capital structure."

Upon completion of the merger, Doral International will have an 11-member board. Otten and Whetsell will be the only inside directors. Oak Hill Capital Partners, a private equity partnership founded by Robert M. Bass and his team of investment professionals, which will own more than 45 percent of Doral International, will name four members to the board. The remaining members will be independent directors.

A conference call will be held at noon Eastern time, Monday, December 11 regarding the merger, followed by a question and answer period. Real-time access to the presentation will be available to MeriStar and American Skiing shareholders and other interested parties by calling (800) 482-5547, reference number 880379. A simultaneous webcast of the call will be available at MeriStar's Web site, www.meristar.com, American Skiing Company's Investor Relations site at www.peaks.shareholder.com, and www.streetevents.com. A replay of the presentation will be available through 5 p.m. on December 14 by dialing (800) 625-5288, reference number 880379 or logging onto www.meristar.com.

Headquartered in Newry, Maine, American Skiing Company, founded by Leslie B. Otten, is the largest operator of alpine ski, snowboard and golf resorts in the United States. Its resorts include Steamboat in Colorado; Killington, Mount Snow and Sugarbush in Vermont; Sunday River and Sugarloaf/USA in Maine; Attitash Bear Peak in New Hampshire; The Canyons in Utah; and Heavenly in California/Nevada. Additional information is available on the company's Web site, www.peaks.com.

MeriStar Hotels & Resorts operates 231 hospitality and leisure properties with more than 48,000 rooms and 11 golf courses in 34 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. BridgeStreet Accommodations, a MeriStar subsidiary, is one of the world's largest corporate housing providers, offering upscale, fully furnished corporate housing throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. For more information about MeriStar Hotels & Resorts, visit the company's Web site: www.meristar.com


--	MeriStar shareholders will receive 1.88 shares of Doral International common stock for each share of MeriStar common stock held as of the record date.
--	American Skiing Company's current Series A Preferred stock, due November 2002, will be restructured at par plus accrued dividends through closing into a non-convertible preferred security with a 14 percent non-cash dividend, maturing in August 2006. The Series A preferred holder also will receive approximately 4.75 million common shares.
--	American Skiing Company's current Series B Preferred stock will be converted at par plus accrued dividends to approximately 75 million shares of Doral common stock at a conversion price of $2.22 per share.
--	The existing senior credit facilities of both companies will be replaced by a new $285 million bank facility consisting of a $120 million revolver and $165 million in term loans. It is anticipated that the facility will have a three-year term and will carry a coupon of LIBOR +400 basis points.

December 11-20, 2000

INDEX

KEMPPEL 16th IN DAVOS 15K CL