By Linda Schulze
The ski season is still three months away but it is never too early to start thinking about your skis and your skiing.
Planning is in full swing for the upcoming Red Mountain Racers season. It’s time to pare down so you can gear up …
• Red Mountain Racers Ski Swap
Red Mountain Racers will be holding the annual Ski Swap Saturday, Oct. 26 at Willi Krause Field House in Trail.
Gear check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. and experienced volunteers will be on hand to help you price your gear if you need it. There is a charge of $1 per checked item. Check-in continues through 11 a.m.
Red Mountain Racers executive members will also be on hand to take Nancy Greene Ski League registrations for the upcoming year.
There will also be experienced volunteers on the floor to help people with selecting the best gear for your ability and your dollar.
An added bonus, as always, representatives from Red Resort will be present to take photos for season passes to early bird season pass holders.
• Registration is open for Nancy Green Ski League.
Please check the Red Mountain Racers website (www.redmountainracers.com) for updated registration packages. Don’t forget that early bird registration ends Nov. 19.
The Nancy Greene Ski League is open to kids from five to 12 years old who are able to ride Red Chair. The Nancy Greene Ski League is the "FUNdamental" stage of ski racing.
“We really want to promote a love of skiing as a lifelong sport, through introducing kids to ski racing in a fun, encouraging environment,” said Phil Patterson, head coach of Red Mountain Racers.
“Attending races is optional. We focus on enjoying the snow with friends whether free-skiing or in the gates.”
Over the 10-week season, on Saturdays, skiers will be introduced to focus on developing basic skiing techniques and skills to ski in as many different snow conditions and terrains as possible.
The program also promotes basic ski safety, knowledge, teamwork, self confidence and most of all, how to have fun on skis.
Each year the children can participate within their club in optional team and individual competitions. Included in the price are optional races that take place at Red and other local hills throughout the area with other Nancy Greene teams.
The focus while competing is on the opportunity to test the skills learned in the program, with an emphasis on team results and camaraderie. While the program does have an element of gate training and competition, fostering a love of the sport is the goal.
For information on the Nancy Greene Ski League, please contact ngsl.redmountainracers@gmail.com.