Tag: West

2014 Yellowstone Ski Festival Race Invitation
USSA SuperTour Opener, West Yellowstone, Montana

November 28-29, 2014

Age classes: Juniors, Seniors, Masters. Open to all skiers.

Race Formats: 1.3k Freestyle Sprint; 10/15k Freestyle Distance

Seeding: USSA rules.

Friday November 28 USSA SuperTour Freestyle Sprint 9:00am start

$35.00 per skier through 5pm, Thursday, November 20. Multiple race discounts available.

Late Registration:

$45.00 per skier from 5pm, Thursday, November 20 until 12 NOON Wednesday, November 26- Online Only. No paper registrations for late entries.

Online registration available HERE with a small fee. Checks payable to West Yellowstone Chamber, USSA waiver required.

This race is open to ALL skiers. Competitive racers have the chance to earn points and citizen racers can test their skills against the sport’s top athletes.

1.3K course, Men and Women. Freestyle technique.

9 AM Qualifiers. 15 second intervals with 5 minute break between mens and womens races. Top 30 men and women senior/master proceed to quarterfinals; top 12 junior female and male racers proceed to “A” and “B” finals.

11 AM Rounds (5 minutes between starts)
- Women Quarter Finals (5 heats of 6 racers; top 2 + lucky loser proceed to semi-finals)
- Men Quarter Finals (5 heats of 6 racers; top 2 + lucky loser proceed to semi-finals)
- Women Semi Finals (2 heats of 6 racers)
- Men Semi Finals (2 heats of 6 racers)
- Women “A” Finals
- Men “A” Finals
- Junior Women “B” and “A” Finals
- Junior Men “B” and “A” Finals
Prize money will be awarded to the top six men and women in accordance with USSA SuperTour guidelines. Medals will be awarded to the top three athletes in each class.

Details of the sprint race will be covered at the 1^st coaches’ meeting, 5:30 PM Wednesday, November 26 at Race Headquarters (Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center)

Saturday November 29 USSA SuperTour Freestyle Race. 10:00am start

$35.00 per skier through 5pm, Thursday, November 20.  Multiple race discounts available.

Late Registration:

$45.00 per skier from 5pm, Thursday, November 20 until 12 NOON Wednesday, November 26- Online Only. No paper registrations for late entries.

Online registration available HERE with a small fee. Checks payable to West Yellowstone Chamber, USSA waiver required.

Men 15k, Women 10k, regardless of age.

30 second intervals.

Details of the race will be covered at the 2^nd coaches’ meeting, 5:30 PM Friday, November 28 at Race Headquarters (Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center)

Prize money will be awarded to the top 6 men and women in accordance with USSA SuperTour Guidelines. Medals will be awarded to the top three men and women in each class.

Multiple Race Discount:

$60 for both races (through 5pm, Thursday, November 20)

From 5pm Thursday, November 20 until 12 NOON Wednesday, November 26 – Online Only

Late fee $10 per race. (Example: $45.00 per skier (one race) or $80.00 per skier (2 races)). No paper registrations for late entries. Online registration available with a small fee. Checks payable to West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce, USSA waiver required.

Organizing Committee:

Yellowstone Ski Festival Director: Moira Dow, info@yellowstoneskifestival.com

Chief of Competition: Travis Hansen, travisdhansen@me.com

Timing Contractor: Millisecond Timing, mac@millisecond.com

Chief of Course: Peggy Lynn, plynnski@gmail.com

Chief of Stadium: David Robinson, david@lavacreekadventures.com

Chief of Grooming: Doug Edgerton

Chief of Range: Marc Sheppard, altiusguns@earthlink.net

Race Secretary: Magen Crowley, macnmt@gmail.com

Technical Delegate: TBD

Asst Technical Delegate: TBD

USSA Nordic Program Manager: Joey Caterinichio, jcaterinichio@ussa.org

Volunteer Coordinator: Mindy Morris, contact directly if you are interested in helping at the races. Mail4minz@gmail.com

Racers MUST be present at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday night and have a current FIS standing to be eligible for prize money.  Unclaimed prize money will be used for grooming and maintenance on the Rendezvous Ski Trails and to support the West Yellowstone Nordic Ski Team. Any racer earning $600 or more in prize money must fill out a 1099 tax form before receiving payment.

Collegiate Athletes

In all sports except tennis, a student-athlete or prospective student-athlete may accept prize money as long as the amount of the prize is less than or equal to his or her expenses for participating in the competition, such as meals or lodging. The prize money may not pay for expenses of parents or coaches.

Change of Venue: In the event that there is not enough snow on the Rendezvous Ski Trails to hold the races, the event will be moved to the secondary race location on the South Plateau. The decision to move the venue will by made by the Jury no later than Tuesday, November 25 at noon. The race formats will be 1.5K Freestyle Sprint Prologue for Friday, November 28 and 9K Freestyle Distance for Saturday, November 29. Both races will be point to point. More information will be provided online and at the coaches’ meetings if there is a change in venue.

Cancellation:  If the SuperTour Races are cancelled by the Jury on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at noon (for Sprint) and/or Friday, November 28, 2014 at noon (for Freestyle Distance races) due to lack of snow or other natural cause, a partial refund will be issued once non-refundable expenses are calculated. If races are held and a racer does not compete, no refund will be issued.

The Rendezvous Ski Trails will remain open to trail pass holders during all races. Courses will be marked and accessible only to race personnel, registered athletes, and coaches during the event.

Altius Handcrafted Firearms Biathlon Sprint & Novice Race

$20.00 per skier through 5pm, Thursday, November 20

$25.00 per skier through 4 pm. Tuesday, November 25- Online Only. No paper registrations for late entries.

Online registration available (small fee charged). Checks payable to WYSEF, (WYSEF and USBA waiver required.)

Registration closes on Tuesday November 25 at 4PM for all biathlon races.

Sprint Race

Format: This event will be organized following standard IBU rules for the Sprint Race. The Start will be individual at 30 sec intervals.

Distance: 10km for Men/Junior Men and 7.5km for Women/Junior Women/Youth Men & Women.

Awards Schedule: Prizes provided by Altius Handcrafted Firearms will be awarded to the top 3 in each category.

Novice Race

This event is open to all interested skiers*. No previous biathlon or shooting experience is necessary. A safety clinic will be held just prior to the start of the race.

*All new biathletes are required to participate in the FREE “Try Biathlon” clinic at the range on Tuesday Nov. 25 from 10:30am to noon.

Novice Race is also for any experienced Biathletes with their own rifles, but who do not plan to carry their rifles.

Distance: 4km for all categories. (3 laps of the ORANGE loop). Map will be posted at stadium area.

Awards Schedule: Prizes provided by Altius Handcrafted Firearms will be awarded to the top 3 Men and Women.

Biathlon Race Schedule

Monday, November 24

10:00AM-2:00PM Race Secretary available at Race HQ (Chamber visitor center) to assist with late online registration, answer race questions, and confirm registration.

Tuesday, November 25

10:30AM-12Noon “Try It” Biathlon Demonstration. All novice biathletes must attend in order to participate in Wednesday’s race. (Rendezvous Ski Trails Biathlon Range)

3:00PM-5:00PM Race Secretary available at Race HQ (Chamber visitor center) to assist with late online Biathlon registration, answer race questions, and confirm registration.

4:00 PM Registration closes for ALL BIATHLON RACES

4:30 PM Biathlon Coaches Meeting at Race Headquarters (Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center)

Wednesday, November 26

9:00-10:00 AM Biathlon Zero and bib pick-up for biathlon sprint and novice race

10:00 AM Biathlon Sprint Start, Biathlon Cabin/Rendezvous Trails

*Biathlon Sprint Awards immediately following race, Biathlon Cabin/Rendezvous Trails

11:00 AM Novice Biathlon Clinic & Start, Biathlon Cabin/Rendezvous Trails

Details of the race can be confirmed with Marc Sheppard at Altius Handcrafted Firearms,406-646-9222, altiusguns@earthlink.net

NNF/WYSEF Masters Race

Saturday November 29, 12:00PM Start Time (approximate)

Open to all skiers – 5k Freestyle

15 second intervals

$15.00 per skier through 5pm, Friday, November 28

Online registration available with a small fee. Checks payable to WYSEF, WYSEF waiver required

Details of the race will be covered at the Friday 5:30 PM coaches meeting at Race Headquarters (Chamber Visitor Center)

WYSEF Juniors Race

Saturday November 29, 1:00PM Start Time (approximate)

U20 & under – 5k Freestyle

15 second intervals

$15.00 per skier through 5pm, Friday, November 28

Online registration available with a small fee. Checks payable to WYSEF, WYSEF waiver required

Details of the race will be covered at the Friday 5:30 PM coaches meeting at Race Headquarters (Chamber Visitor Center)

The Juniors Race is the brainchild of timing contractor, Ernie Page. He noticed the Yellowstone Ski Festival was the perfect venue for an early race for Juniors also and he was willing to professionally time an extra race for the kids. Ernie’s Race is intended to follow the SuperTour race allowing Junior racers a chance to ski on a SuperTour course and pick up valuable race experience. This event is low-keyed and open to age classes U20 and younger.

Winners of all races will be announced immediately after the race and medals will be presented at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday night.
October 13, 2014
First Tracks at the Yellowstone Ski Festival

West Yellowstone, Ski Festival logo

November 23 – 27, 2010

Join thousands of skinny skis in West Yellowstone, Montana for a week-long celebration of cross-country skiing. Olympic athletes to first timers descend on this small, mountain town to make their first tracks of the season over the Thanksgiving holiday on perfectly groomed corduroy. With the fourth Thursday in November falling late in the month, another successful snow packed festival is anticipated.

The Yellowstone Ski Festival presents a program as diverse as the terrain. Nordic ski clinics from 1 to 5 days are offered throughout the week including a brand new, NeverEver one-day lesson for beginners. Classic and skate specific options, as well as multi-day combination clinics provide an opportunity for all skiers to kick start their season on the Rendezvous Ski Trails. West Yellowstone will host three days of SuperTour races, the only USSA event in the states before the New Year. Beat the clock and top athletes in the first ever “Sprint Showdown” on Wednesday November 24, and the return of a 10/15km Freestyle race and 5/10k Classic race over the weekend. The Yellowstone Ski Festival is all about first tracks. Each trail pass allows skiers into the Try-It to Buy-It On-Snow Gear Demo area. Test drive the latest and greatest in skis, boots, bindings, poles, and wax. The festivities continue after dark at the Indoor Expo located at the Holiday Inn, Yellowstone Ski Festival Headquarters. Visit with company representatives, fine tune your technique at a wax clinic, and enjoy the variety of presentations, lectures, and films.

West Yellowstone Ski Festival – For skiers of all ages.

Bring the whole family; there are plenty of options for kids. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center has scheduled daily activities and the Montana Outdoor Science School returns. Reserve space now for your K through 6^th grader in half day and full day classes. Family-friendly evening presentations include the Backcountry Film Festival, a Birds of Prey exhibit featuring live raptors, a hands-on lecture from the National Park Service, and a good, old-fashioned S’more party. Let the Yellowstone Ski Festival become a new Thanksgiving tradition.

West Yellowstone Ski Festival – On snow demo.

Think Snow and make plans now to attend the 2010 Yellowstone Ski Festival. For more information, visit www.yellowstoneskifestival.com.

September 16, 2010
New Events at the 2009 Yellowstone Ski Festival

November 24 – 28, 2009 West Yellowstone, Montana

With a month to go before the 2009 Yellowstone Ski Festival, there are reports of four inches of snow on the South Plateau and more in the 7-day forecast for West Yellowstone. Overcast skies and dropping temperatures are setting the stage for a glorious ski season on the Rendezvous Ski Trails. The planning for the 2009 Yellowstone Ski Festival is in full swing. We would like to welcome back our old friends and invite new cross-country ski enthusiasts to the first Nordic Festival of the season. There is something for everyone and this year we are excited to announce many new additions!

NEW CLINIC! Sign up today for the one day Instructor’s Clinic designed for aspiring and current Nordic Ski Instructors. Topics covered will include Progression, Presentation, Movement Analysis (how to pick out what a skier is doing well and what they need to work on), and Exercises to develop the skiers skill set. This NEW clinic is open to anyone, no teaching experience necessary, and will be held on Wednesday November 25.

NEW RACE! In conjunction with USSA, West Yellowstone will host the first ever USSA SuperTour Sprint-Qualifier-Only Race. This classic technique race will be approximately 1.4km for men & women and will be held on Wednesday, November 25. This race is open to ALL skiers. Competitive racers have the chance to earn points & prize money and citizen racers can test their skills against the sport’s top athletes.

NEW FILMS! The Backcountry Film Festival is coming to West Yellowstone. The films highlight the fun and magic of our country’s winter backcountry. Enjoy the compelling and entertaining stories of backcountry, non-motorized recreation and environmental preservation. This is a fundraiser for the Winter Wildlands Alliance and the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation and will be presented by Freeheel and Wheel.

NEW EATS! On Tuesday night you will be tempted by the delicious aroma of fresh baked goodies at the first ever Yellowstone Ski Festival Dessert Auction. Yummy treats will be on the auction block and best of all, the funds raised will go to the West Yellowstone Expedition Yellowstone program (paid for by the Reid Sanders Memorial Fund). Save room for dessert and think ahead to Thanksgiving. This benefit is organized by Kelli Sanders and Melissa Alder of Freeheel and Wheel. Please contact them at 406-646-7744 for more information.

In addition to the fresh events above, don’t forget about your favorites. We are welcoming back all of the major ski manufacturers as well as a few new companies to the largest On-Snow Nordic Gear Demo and Indoor Nordic Expo. The Yellowstone Ski Festival is offering six different races for competitive skiers in 2009 and the Nordic clinics will present five, three, & one day courses including a women’s only and junior racing option.

ACT NOW! Discount November Trail Passes are available until October 31, 2009. Order yours today and save over 20% off a month pass. Book your lodging now for the best availability. Many hotels, motels, condos, and houses are still available over Thanksgiving week. Contact the chamber for a list of properties. Reserve your seat on the Bozeman Shuttle. If you are flying into Bozeman and do not want to rent a car, let Karst Stage do the driving. Register for a clinic. Many of the popular clinics will fill on a first come first served basis, so mail in your registration today!

For more information about all the events at the Yellowstone Ski Festival visit our website at www.yellowstoneskifestival.com. This site is being updated daily, so check back often. Further questions can be addressed to Sara Hoovler at 406-599-4465 or info@yellowstoneskifestival.com

See you this November on the snow in West Yellowstone!

October 26, 2009
First Tracks at the Yellowstone Ski Festival
November 24-28, 2009

The West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the dates for the 2009 Yellowstone Ski Festival. Join over three thousand other Nordic ski enthusiasts in West Yellowstone during the Thanksgiving week. With the fourth Thursday in November falling late in the month, we anticipate another successful snow packed festival. Back again for 2009 are the ever popular ski clinics, on-snow demo show, indoor ski expo, wax demos, speakers, and of course the races. Complimenting this year’s program is an exciting new short sprint race and an expanded women only clinic. If you haven’t already, now is the time to reserve your room for the week and register for the clinics. We have an exciting line up with fun & snow for everyone. Here are a few highlights and early discounts.
- Nordic Ski Clinics. Register now and secure your space in one of the highly acclaimed Nordic Ski Clinics of the year. Choose from five, three, or one day clinics. Each day you will have two on-snow sessions with our elite instructors and an evening classroom session. Skiers of all abilities will find our clinics valuable. For beginners, there is no better way to learn than to spend a few days with a knowledgeable instructor for both on snow and off snow training. For experienced skiers, start your season off right by brushing up on your technique or learning a new skill. Ladies, sign up for the women only 3 day clinic and enjoy the camaraderie of an all female class taught by female instructors. Learn and laugh at the wine, women, and wax session presented by Swix technical advisor, Jack Hart. The 2009 Clinic Registration form is available online at http://www.yellowstoneskifestival.com/clinic-registration-form/
- On-Snow Demo Show. With the purchase of any November Rendezvous Ski Trail Pass, you can experience the industry’s largest on-snow demo show. All the major Nordic Ski manufactures will be at the Rendezvous Ski Trails demonstrating their new gear for the 2009-2010 season. The Try It and Buy It demo area will be open during the day for all five days of the show. This is your chance to shop for new Nordic gear and try it on snow before you buy it.
- Indoor Ski Expo. Spend Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday evening strolling the Indoor Ski Expo held at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn. Talk to industry sales representatives, learn something new at a waxing seminar, or simply enjoy the presentations showcased nightly. The indoor trade show is a great way to cap off a day on the trails and is free of charge. Don’t forget to join us on Friday evening to listen to keynote speaker, Steve Gaskill.
- Racing. Competitive racing for the 2009-2010 season starts in West Yellowstone. As an Olympic year, we expect to see many of the top names in Nordic skiing on the Rendezvous Ski Trails this week. Premiering in West Yellowstone on Wednesday will be a Sprint Qualifying Only Classic race. This race is open to all skiers. Competitive racers can earn valuable points early in the season and recreational skiers can test their time against sponsored athletes and Olympic hopefuls. We will also be offering two biathlon events sponsored by Altius Handcrafted Firearms on Wednesday, a sprint and a novice race. Of course, a highlight of the week is the SuperTour races on Friday and Saturday. Capping off the race week will be a Juniors Freestyle event on Saturday afternoon.
- Ski Passes. Once again the Rendezvous Ski Trails will be open for the month of November. As soon as the snow flies, we will see expertly groomed corduroy and classic tracks throughout the Nordic ski system. If you plan on attending the Yellowstone Ski Festival or would like to ski in West Yellowstone this November, now is the time to consider a prepaid trail pass. For more information, go to http://www.yellowstoneskifestival.com/xc-ski-passes/
- Shuttle Service. Conserve your carbon footprint and let someone else do the driving. If you are staying in town, you are within walking distance to the Rendezvous Ski Trails and you will not need a rental car to get there. Take advantage of the shuttle service from the Bozeman airport and find the details here. http://www.yellowstoneskifestival.com/bozeman-shuttle/
- Where to Stay. Do not delay in reserving your hotel, motel, cabin, condo, or rental house in West Yellowstone for Thanksgiving week. A listing of West Yellowstone lodging can be found at http://destinationyellowstone.com/sleep/ and check out the specials page for discounted rates. http://westyellowstonechamber.com/specials/
For more information about the Yellowstone Ski Festival, go to www.yellowstoneskifestival.com. Be sure to check back often as we continue to update and confirm new details. Further questions can be addressed to Sara Hoovler at 406-599-4465 or info@yellowstoneskifestival.com

See you this November on the snow in West Yellowstone!
October 9, 2009