Next Race: Racers, the weather continues to challenge us. We will have one race next weekend, as GS race on Sunday, Feb. 12 at Northstar with the Open League, and of course with Singles League. Northstar had booked races that weekend for both Open and Northwest Masters, but only one hill is now available for racing. So, they are giving NW Masters Saturday and Sierra/Singles/Open Sunday. As you recall, Open has graciously allowed Singles/Sierra to race with them to provide us a makeup race. Sierra also is invited to race with Open at Sugar Bowl March 17-18 at Sugar Bowl for additional makeup races. (Singles has their awards dinner scheduled for March 10, so wouldn't be able to count the points their racers would get at Sugar Bowl. Open welcomes Singles drop ins, however.) So, if things don't get any worse, Sierra will get in 7 regular league races for the season. But it's still iffy.
As it currently stands, we will all register in the Season Pass Office at Northstar on the skating rink level. However, we are working with Northstar to provide a different room for registration, since all three leagues will be registering and it's the first race for all. We will provide more details as soon as they are firm. It's a challenging season!

Race Clinics at Boreal on February 18th and 19th.
These clinics / training days are:

An inexpensive opportunity for advanced racers to run gates and get tips.

A chance for beginning and intermediate racers to get some excellent race coaching and gate training at a very affordable price.

A great way to ski on a busy weekend without bucking the crowds at the larger resorts. (Previous year's training days were huge successes. Come join us)
To register contact Paul Laudenschlager at paul@alpenengineering.com or 530-582-9593. Details in the flyer (PDF).

RU SKI Club lost the fastest ski racer and I lost a dear friend.
Dr. Nikolai Stelmakh suddenly died from a heart attack in his home in Arlington, TX on December 8th 2010. He raced with Sierra League on several occasions, and many of us spent time with him and his wife Laura during the FWSA SKi Week in Whistler. Nikolai was a great athlete, active in skiing and soccer. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and mother. Our thoughts are with his family. More information from the university, where he taught.

Far West Skier's Guide. The online version of the 2011-2012 Far West Skier's Guide, published by the Far West Ski Association is available here (click on the book):

Far West Ski Association news is available at FWSA site

Check out the National Ski Council Federation web site benefits section for great discounts on equipment, lodging and more. Contact Jo at jo_simpson@sbcglobal.net or at the phone numbers below for the user name and password required to use the benefits.

Questions? Call 775-787-7556 or 775-722-6468 or email jo_simpson@sbcglobal.net.

If you are curious about the "strikes", "bumps", "handicaps", etc., you can find the "rules of the game" on the scoring page .