Telemark race series at Whitefish Mountain Resort

A two-day telemark race series at Whitefish Mountain Resort is scheduled for next month.

Race dates are Jan. 7th (giant slalom) and 8th (spring classic).

The event is sanctioned by the United States Telemark Ski Association.

The race weekend will feature local Whitefish U.S Telemark National and Regional team members Maggie Doherty and Cole Schneider. Also, many members of the U.S. National and Development team from Steamboat Springs, Colo., will be in attendance, including women's 2011 U.S. Telemark National Champion, Madi McKinstry.

The race series is open to the public and helmets are required for all competitors. Race divisions include: Juniors, Novice, Citizen, Elite and Masters. In addition to featuring telemark specific classes, the race is also open to adult alpine racers.

"We are looking forward to some great races at Whitefish Mountain Resort," Russ Hobbs, President of the U.S. Telemark Ski Association, said in a news release.

"They always host a great event for us.

"In addition, we appreciate the support from Don K Subaru, whose sponsorship makes these races possible. We hope to see many competitors from the local telemark community."

Registration the day of the race will be held from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Fireside Room at Ed and Mulley's at Whitefish Mountain Resort. The race fee is $30 per event.

Prizes, raffle items and beer from Big Sky Brewing will be served after each event at Ed and Mulley's.

U.S. Telemark Open sponsors include: Don K Subaru, Whitefish Mountain Resort, Big Sky Brewing, The White Room, Sportsman Ski Haus, Rocky Mountain Outfitters, Montana Coffee Traders, Glacier Cyclery and Nordic, Hammer Nutrition, Plum Creek, Runner Up Sports, Rossignol and Giro.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the event. If interested in volunteering, contact Linda Hobbs at 862-3303. Volunteers earn a lift ticket voucher.

Additional information can be found at www.ustsa.org, or by calling Hobbs.