Downhill, Super G ski races next week

Snow levels aren't the only thing up this winter at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

So are the number of entrants for the 60th edition of the Doug and Rollie Smith Downhill and Super G ski races next week.

This year's competition is labeled a FIS race, which is one level below a NOR AM Cup race. A NOR AM event is one step below World Cup.

Last year's Doug and Rollie Smith Downhill and Super G was a NOR AM Cup event. It attracted just over 120 racers.

"It's still a world class race," Jim Langley, events coordinator at Whitefish Mountain Resort, said.

"Just a younger crowd."

Skiers will get three practice sessions on the mountain - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Downhill racing is scheduled for Thursday and Friday starting at 9:30 a.m., depending on weather and snow conditions.

Super G racing will be held Saturday and Sunday, also starting at 9:30 a.m.

More than 180 skiers have registered. The age group is basically 18-21 with some 17- and 22-year olds also competing.

This event attracts traveling members from the Northern Division USSA ski teams. Also competing will be members of the Whitefish Mountain Race Team.

"It will be the best skiers from this age group," Langley said.

"It's a stepping stone to the NOR AM. You have to compete in this race if you want to be a speed racer. Very few downhill venues are left in the U.S., and we're one of them."

Langley said there are only five resorts in North America that can host a NOR AM level downhill.

"This is a big deal in the racing community," he said.

Snow conditions, although excellent for free skiing, could be challenging for the racers. Downhill and Super G racers prefer hard snow. It's more conducive for racing.

"It's made our job harder," Langley said of preparing the course following several heavy snow storms.

"But more enjoyable."

Whitefish Mountain Resort has received 10 inches of powder in the last 24 hours, as of 7 a.m. Thursday. There is 65 inches on the lower mountain and 110 at the summit.

The snow depth on the course the skiers will be using is 8-10 feet. Racing for both disciplines will start at Ptarmigan Bowl, move on to Bench Run, on to Lark, on to Corkscrew, and finish at Inspiration.

"Different gates will be set, but the same course," Langley said for the two races.

The Doug and Rollie Smith Downhill and Super G was moved from January to February in 2002. It has been canceled just once - 2005 because of poor snow depth and ski conditions.

Langley said race volunteers are needed for three days of training runs and four days of competition. He said 60 volunteers are needed daily. Langley is looking for timers, gate keepers, crossing guards, slip crew and course workers.

Volunteers will get a free lift ticket for the day along with lunch. A typical work day runs from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

People looking to volunteer should call Langley at 862-2910.

Visit the Web site www.bigmtn.com for more information on the races.