Fun times for Nordic and Alpine skiers

It’s a busy weekend in Big Sky

By Laura Bell

On Saturday, March 6th there will be an American Cancer Society benefit, Hope on the Slopes.

Drawing from the continued success of its summer Relay For Life events, the American Cancer Society is now offering winter enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy their favorite sports while helping to raise funds to continue the search to find a cure for cancer.

Cindy McGinnis, Community Relationship Manager for the American Cancer Society, has announced that the organization is in the planning process for its inaugural Big Sky Hope on the Slopes, which is set for Saturday, March 6, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Big Sky Resort.

Hope on the Slopes is an event where skiers and snowboards make their day on the hill more meaningful by raising money for the American Cancer Society while competing for vertical feet.

McGinnis is presently looking for skiers, snowboarders, cancer survivors and anyone else in the area who would like to volunteer to help put on the fundraiser.

“Events the magnitude of Hope on the Slopes don’t just happen,” says McGinnis. “They’re successful because a lot of talented and caring people put in a few hours a week to make sure the event comes off without a hitch.”

Presently, McGinnis is seeking volunteers to help with day of event organization, placing info around the communities, recruiting teams and individuals, survivor recognition planning, commemorative flag coordinator, registration, and accounting.

Each participant and team will receive a personal web page they can customize with their own messages and photos. Features of the site will include the ability to fundraise online and via email, track fundraising progress, and honor loved ones touched by cancer. Registration for the event is $50 per individual or $150 per team up to 15 members. In addition, each participant is encouraged to raise a minimum of $200 to help in the fight to find a cure.

McGinnis explains that teams and individuals will compete for a variety of prizes on two levels: dollars raised and total vertical feet. Teams and individuals who raise $500 per person will be in the VIP level for additional amenities. The combo package for the VIP level includes a lift ticket pass, paid registration fee, admission to the special VIP area, entrance into the special prize drawings, a VIP lift line pass, lunch and snacks, and a VIP picture of themselves or their team.

Commemorative flags will be sold prior to and during the event to remember a loved one lost to cancer or to celebrate their victory over the disease. Flags can be purchased by calling Cindy McGinnis at (406) 373-8487.

Every dollar raised by the teams and individuals after minimal expenses will be used to help the Society continue its funding of cancer research, its state and national legislative advocacy, and its many educational and patient services programs. In recent years, the American Cancer Society has helped fund two cancer researchers at Montana State University.

To learn more about serving as a volunteer for this spring’s American Cancer Society Big Sky Hope on the Slopes, call Cindy McGinnis at (406) 373-8487 or email her at cindy.mcginnis@cancer.org. To register online, go to www.bigskyhopeontheslopes.org.

On Sunday, March 7th, Glide and Gorge at Lone Mountain Ranch

Lone Mountain Ranch, Montana’s premier cross country ski resort, has just announced it will host the second annual Glide & Gorge trail luncheon on Sunday, March 7th 2010. Based on last year’s success, ski enthusiasts and foodies will once again ski or snowshoe along the Ranch’s world class trails, stopping along the way for gourmet appetizers, soups, entrees and desserts provided by the Lone Mountain Ranch Dining Lodge, The Hungry Moose Market and the Lone Peak Brewery. Each course will be paired with wine, beer, and non alcoholic drinks provided by our sponsors including the Weingardner’s Wines, and Willow Creek Farms..

“Last year’s inaugural event was a tremendous success, with skiers and snowshoers enjoying the great food, drink and skiing on the meadow trails.” said Herb Davis, Director and organizer of the Glide & Gorge. “I visited with many folks since last year’s event who told me it was one of the highlights of their winter skiing on our trails and they look forward to participating again this year.”

The Event will begin at 12:00pm and run until 3:00pm on Sunday, March 7th. The first stop will be the Ranch’s Nordic Shop where participants can check in to receive the official Glide & Gorge button which grants access to all the tasty stations. Shuttles will run from the Nordic Center to the Meadow Village where the trail of treats begins, though skiers wishing to work up an appetite are welcome to glide down to the meadow on one of the ski loops.

Entry to the Lone Mountain Ranch Glide & Gorge is $40 per person. Although pre-registration has ended, there might be a few more spots available. To register or for more information, please call 406/995-4644.

For the rest of the season Big Sky Resort is offering helmet cams.

Want to be the star of a ski or snowboard movie? Here is the chance. The Big Sky Resort Snowsports School is beginning an exciting opportunity to direct and film a custom vacation video. Helmet Cams can now be rented with the purchase of a private lesson. The VIO P.O.V. cameras are available for $55 for a full day or $35 for a half day and come with a take home DVD or thumb drive. Additional DVDs or thumb drives can be purchased for $20. There is no better souvenir to show friends and family the skills learned in Big Sky.

Information, prices and reservations can be made in the Snowsports School or the Basecamp, Big Sky’s new information and activity hub. Basecamp was created this season to provide exceptional guest services for visitors and locals. Big Sky has been leading improvements to offer more activities beyond the amazing terrain and ski conditions, and Basecamp is the spot for discovering these new adventures.

Some of the activities coordinated through Basecamp include passes for the zipline, Big Sky Tube Park, ice rink, and snowshoe tours. The Basecamp can also set up ski and snowboard lessons as well as Wellness Center Packages. Furthermore, the staff can plan vacation activities in the greater Big Sky Area such as Snow Coach tours of Yellowstone National Park, The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, backcountry skiing and exceptional dining to name a few.

In West Yellowstone there are also events this weekend and an upcoming event worth noting.

Saturday March 6. The 31st annual Yellowstone Rendezvous Race will be held in West Yellowstone, Montana. Skiers from across the nation will be on the Rendezvous Ski Trails to compete in this marathon ski race. Course distances range from 2k for the kids to 50k for those looking for a true long distance event. All the details can be found online at www.rendezvousrace.com. Register early for the best rate.

Sunday March 7. The WYSEF Youth Ski Festival is a terrific way to wrap up your family’s Rendezvous Race weekend. Skiers aged thirteen and younger are encouraged to have fun on skis. Your child can participate in activities such as musical chairs, relay races, and the obstacle course. This low keyed event is perfect for young skiers. Families will walk away with a smile and some great photo opportunities.

March 20-21, 2010. The Equinox Ski Challenge is a springtime celebration, a season finale, and also among the most challenging ski races in the world. This event is ingrained with camaraderie, challenge, and commitment to the well-being of the local community. Skiers of ALL abilities are welcome. The goal is to have a lot of fun and also complete as many laps as you can in the 6 Hour, 12 Hour or 24 Hour divisions. Skiers can enter as a relay team of up to 8 members or as a soloist. For more information, please go to www.equinoxskichallenge.com.