www.HiddenValleyRaceClub.org

Nick B. finishes 6th overall in the 2012 PARA J3 State Derby

Congratulations Nick !  Competing against (44) of the best racers from Pennsylvania race clubs during the three day event, Nick gave HVRC its first ever top ten finish in a state level event; finishing 10^th in the Super G.  He followed that up with a 9^th place in Saturday’s Slalom, which included a 4^th place in the last run of the day.  His efforts in the Sunday GS netted a 7^th place podium spot that included 6^th place finishes in two of the three runs. 

Nick’s overall result has earned him a spot on the 2012 PARA State Team and an invitation to attend the Eastern J3 Finals that will be held March 8-11 at Killington, Vermont.  HVRC is very proud of Nick as he has put together quite a season!  Nick received all kinds of support (phone, texts, radio, and in person) during the weekend from club members and coaches, which was much appreciated. 

We have one practice this Saturday from 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM.  This will be a fundamentals practice with ski school instructors.  Meet the coaches outside old Glaciers. 

Our 6^th Open Cup is scheduled on Imperial at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, February 25^th.   This is a change from the original schedule.  Please make sure you are available to help or have arranged for a substitute when you are scheduled to assist.  We have been advised that the Croatian Race at HV will also occur on Saturday, February 25^th at 2:00 PM.  We will need help setting and running this race.  This race is our other volunteer effort for HV.  Please advise J.Eicher or. R. Manson if you are able to assist.  We are also asking that our J1-J3 racers assist with this event.  PLEASE NOTE:  As these races are occurring the same day, we will use the same course for both races.  The Open Cup start time will be moved to 12 Noon to allow us to run both races.  Set-up begins at 10:00 AM and teardown usually occurs about 3:00 PM.  

J1 – J2 racers planning to compete in the PA Cup #6 (GS, #7 (SL, and #8 (GS) at Elk Mountain on Friday/Saturday/Sunday, February 24^th  – 26^th should be registered by now.  Please let the coaches know if you are planning to race so we can advise you on procedures.  

J1 – J6 racers planning to compete in the Wisp Classic Slalom on Sunday, February 26^th should be registered by now.  Please Note:  This race is not being used for derby qualification.  Let the coaches know if you are planning to race.  Several racers are planning to compete.  Todd and Steve will be coaching for this race. 

Our annual HVRC annual banquet is scheduled for Saturday, March 10^th.  Practice on this day will be a dual slalom competition for club members.  If you have not already done so, mark your calendars.  Paying club members will  be free at the banquet.  There is a dinner charge for family members and siblings.  Randy Myers will once again provide the entertainment after dinner.  More details will be forthcoming.

Critchfield Construction Open Cup Race a success!

41 Racers attended our annual race clinic last weekend.  Thanks to everyone who helped with food, registration, course setting, and coaching.  The weekend concluded with the 1^st annual Critchfield Open Cup at Hidden Valley.  Even though the weather was a bit on the windy and chilly side, the race went well.  Thanks again to Critchfield Construction for sponsoring the race. 

HVRC also assisted with Special Olympics on Monday and Tuesday.  Thanks to John, Clark, Justin, Todd, Steve, Eric, Alec, and Ralph for all their help! 

We have one practice this Saturday from 9:00 AM until 12 Noon.  The practice will be set as a combination course on either Firebird or Thunderbird.  Meet the coaches outside old Glaciers. 

Our 6^th Open Cup is scheduled on Imperial at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, February 25^th.   This is a change from the original schedule.  Please make sure you are available to help or have arranged for a substitute when you are scheduled to assist.  

We have been advised that the Croatian Race at HV will also occur on Saturday, February 25^th at 2:00 PM.  We will need help setting and running this race.  This race is our other volunteer effort for HV.  Please advise J.Eicher or. R. Manson if you are able to assist.  We are also asking that our J1-J3 racers assist with this event.  PLEASE NOTE:  As these races are occurring the same day, we will use the same course for both races.  The Open Cup start time will be moved to 12 Noon to allow us to run both races.  Set-up begins at 10:00 AM and teardown usually occurs about 3:00 PM.  

J1 – J2 racers planning to compete in the PA Cup #6 (GS, #7 (SL, and #8 (GS) at Elk Mountain on Friday/Saturday/Sunday, February 24^th  – 26^th should be registered by now.  Please let the coaches know if you are planning to race so we can advise you on procedures.  

J1 – J6 racers planning to compete in the Wisp Classic Slalom on Sunday, February 26^th should be registering now.  Please Note:  This race is not being used for derby qualification.  Let the coaches know if you are planning to race.  Several racers are planning to compete.  Todd and Steve will be coaching for this race. 

Our annual HVRC annual banquet is scheduled for Saturday, March 10^th.  Practice on this day will be a dual slalom competition for club members.  If you have not already done so, mark your calendars.  Paying club members will  be free at the banquet.  There is a dinner charge for family members and siblings.  Randy Myers will once again provide the entertainment after dinner.  More details will be forthcoming.

Clark, Rachel and Sloan get J4/5 Derby Invites

Congratulations to Rachel Bigatel as she qualifies for her 2^nd  consecutive State Derby.  Rachel will go as the 3^rd seed from our region!  She will be joined by brother Clark Bigatel, who goes to his 2^nd derby as a J5.  He goes as the 5^th seed from our region.  Finally, and most impressive, Sloan Rost earns a derby spot as a 1^st year J5!  Invitations for the J4/5 Derby should be out within the next few days.  We will need to confirm those planning to compete; let me know. 

Western Region results here http://www.paracing.org/derby_standings_details.jsp?id=221 at PARA website.

PLEASE NOTE:  We have one change in the race clinic arrangements for this weekend.  We will be meeting in the old Rippers/Arcade area in the center of the main lodge.  All racers participating in the clinic should be meeting the coaches there between 9:15 AM and 9:45 AM.  All racers will need to pick their bib and take care of liability/clinic fees if you haven’t already.  If you are helping with registration or bibs, please be in place at 9:00 AM. 

Finally, if someone has a pop-up tent that we could use at the finish line for Sunday’s Open Cup Race, please let Jeff Eicher or Ralph know on Saturday.

Nick Blasey invited to J3 Derby

Congratulations Nick. 

PARA haven’t posted their final J3 & J4/J5 Standings yet, but you can find our Western Region results here http://www.paracing.org/derby_standings_details.jsp?id=221 at PARA website.  Invites are all going out this week!

Race Clinic this Weekend

A couple items of note as Race Clinic weekend approaches: 

We are looking for volunteers to monitor the ski swap next weekend. Please send an email to Sandy if you are willing to volunteer a couple of hours either Saturday or Sunday. Let us know if morning or afternoon works better for you, and either Saturday or Sunday. The hours of the swap will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Also, bring your used ski apparel and equipment to sell.  The swap won’t be a success if there isn’t anything to sell!

Please bring your clean items for sale. Drop off items to be sold beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11^th.    Please mark each item with a piece of masking tape listing your name and the price.  Return by 4 p.m. Sunday February 12th to pick up any unsold items.
You will receive a check in the mail for any sold items less a 20% donation to HVRC.

Rebecca will be sending in a final order to Avalanche next Monday. 

See link below for items and prices.  There is a post below with more details.  Contact Rebecca Wanovich to place your orders.

 Logo Items and Prices

If you have any questions about the items or ordering process, please contact Rebecca .

Feb 6 Weekly News

Ten racers competed in the Dupres Slalom at 7 Springs.  Congratulations to J. Bigatel (J6) as he takes 3^rd place.   J3 and J4/5 State Derbies are by invitation only.  Invitations should start arriving later this week.  Your racer must have completed one less than half of the available runs at regional USSA races (each race is two runs) to be eligible.  Due to race cancellations, the number of runs has been adjusted for this year.  Racers are invited if they have completed the minimum number of runs and their placement in those runs has earned them enough points to place them within the racer quota from our region.   For both J3 and J4/5, five races have been completed.  (4) of the (10) runs must be completed to be eligible.  We will be monitoring invitations; however, if you racer receives an invite, please confirm it with the coaches and let us know if your racer will be going so we can make arrangements.  

Our annual Race Clinic is scheduled for Saturday/Sunday, February 11-12.  Club parents should plan on assisting with clinic activities.  For those who are not members of HVRC; the cost of the clinic is $140, payable to HVRC.  We encourage you to sign up your racers  by Tuesday, February 7^th.  All clinic racers should meet the coaches in the Yukon between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM.  Reservations can be made thru Kevin or Ralph or by leaving your info with The Ski & Board School at Hidden Valley.  The clinic also includes a ski swap (see below).   

The Open Cup Race on February 12^th will be the inaugural running of the Critchfield-Hidden Valley Race. Critchfield Construction is sponsoring this race.  As many of you know, Rich Critchfield was one of the charter organizers for HVRC and was a part of the coaching staff for several years after a longtime association with Hidden Valley as a ski instructor.  Critchfield Construction has been a sponsor of HVRC if other ways dating back to the origination of HVRC in late 2004.   

For both clinic days, if you are available to help set up the courses, please meet Ralph outside Ski Patrol at 8:30 AM.  There will be additional set up work at 12:30 and teardown at 2:45 PM.  Those available to assist racer with registration and getting ready should be in the Yukon by 9:15 AM.  Those available to assist with lunch should be in the Yukon by 11:45 AM.  If you are able to help with lunch, please coordinate with Kathy (cc’d); 412-443-6214.  Those volunteering should be available from 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM to assist clinic racers in the Yukon.   

Our 5^th Open Cup is scheduled on Imperial at 1:00 PM on Sunday, February 12^th.  Please make sure you are available to help or have arranged for a substitute when you are scheduled to assist.  Set-up begins at 11:00 AM and teardown usually occurs about 3:00 PM.   

During the clinic, Rebecca and Sandy will be running a ski swap for clinic weekend.  We encourage HVRC families to dig through their closets for used snow apparel and ski equipment that you’ve outgrown.

J1 – J2 racers planning to compete in the PA Cup #6 (GS, #7 (SL, and #8 (GS) at Elk Mountain on Friday/Saturday/Sunday, February 24^th  – 26^th should be registering by February 10^th .  Please let the coaches know if you are planning to race so we can advise you on procedures.   

J1 – J6 racers planning to compete in the Wisp Classic Slalom on Sunday, February 26^th should be registering by February 14^th.  Please Note:  This race is not being used for derby qualification.  Let the coaches know if you are planning to race.  

Special Olympics is scheduled for Monday/Tuesday, February 13^th-14^th.  Set-up on both Monday and Tuesday starts at 6:30 AM.  This is the 1^st of our volunteer efforts for HV.  If you are available to help with set-up and teardown, please advise either Ralph or Steve.  Those that have volunteered should meet outside old Glaciers at 6:30 AM. 

We have been advised that the Croatian Race at HV will occur on Saturday, February 25^th.  We will need help setting and running this race.  This race is our other volunteer effort for HV.  Please advise J.Eicher or. R. Manson if you are able to assist.  We are also asking that our J1-J3 racers assist with this event. 

Our annual HVRC annual banquet is scheduled for Saturday, March 10^th.  Practice on this day will be a dual slalom competition for club members.  If you have not already done so, mark your calendars.  Paying club members will  be free at the banquet.  There is a dinner charge for family members and siblings.  More details will be forthcoming.

Be like Lindsay V!

Lindsay Vonn, US Ski Team, and Downhill events might be off in the future a bit, or a lot, but here’s what you can look forward to.

http://vimeo.com/35911611

Slalom Practice Friday Feb 3 7:15 – 8:30

This Friday evening, we are going to run a slalom practice on Imperial.

We plan to start this optional practice at 7:15 PM. The practice will last until 8:30 PM. Meet the coaches on the hill.

Critchfield Race Results & Key Up-coming Dates

Thirteen (13) racers competed in the Critchfield GS at 7 Springs.  Congratulations to E. Zelt (J6) as he earns 3^rd place for his first USSA trophy.  Evan becomes the 9^th HVRC racer to bring home a trophy this year.  J. Bigatel (J6) wins the race in the same age class.  Brother Clark (J5) wins his age class as well and sister Rachel (J4) takes home 2^nd place for another Bigatel sweep!  By the way, the Bigatels are soliciting bids for a trophy room; they will need it.  H. Zelt (J2) joins his brother on the podium with a 2^nd place finish to complete another family podium.  Finally, in one of the finest runs I’ve ever seen, B. Hunter (J1) takes home 2^nd place with the 3^rd fastest time of the day in his second run.  All of our racers can stand tall as conditions for this race were some of the most difficult that I have seen in 8 years. 

We have one practice on Saturday.  The morning practice will be on Imperial from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.  This will be a SL practice on Imperial similar to what we would see in State Derbies..  Meet outside old Glaciers booted up and ready to go. 

Our 4^th Open Cup is scheduled on Imperial at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 28^th.  The Open Cup assignment spreadsheet is here Open Cup Volunteer Schedule . Please make sure you are available to help or have arranged for a substitute when you are scheduled to assist.  Set-up begins at 11:00 AM and teardown usually occurs about 3:00 PM.   

The Open Cup Race on February 12^th will be the inaugural running of the Critchfield-Hidden Valley Race. Critchfield Construction is sponsoring this race and there will be t-shirts for all competitors.    As many of you know, Rich Critchfield was one of the charter organizers for HVRC and was a part of the coaching staff for several years after a longtime association with Hidden Valley as a ski instructor.  Critchfield Construction www.critchfieldconstruction.com has been a sponsor of HVRC in other ways dating back to the origination of HVRC in late 2004.   

Race Clinic February 11 &12: 

We need volunteers to bring a lunch item for the race clinic.  We are looking for sandwiches, soup, chili, and cookies.  Those volunteering should plan for their item to feed (10) hungry racers.  Please coordinate with Kathy (cc’d) on  what you can bring.  We need lunch for Saturday and Sunday; February 11 and 12.  Those volunteering should be available from 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM to assist clinic racers in the Yukon.  This is our clinic and often we see clinic attendees become club members the following year so this is a very important event for HVRC. 

We will be holding a Ski Equipment and Clothing Swap during the Clinic Weekend  February 11^th and 12^th.   Please bring your clean items for sale. Drop off items to be sold beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11^th.    Please mark each item with a piece of masking tape listing your name and the price.  Return by 4 p.m. Sunday February 12th to pick up any unsold items.  You will receive a check in the mail for any sold items less a 20% donation to HVRC.

Our annual HVRC annual banquet is scheduled for Saturday, March 10^th.  Practice on this day will be a dual slalom competition for club members.  If you have not already done so, mark your calendars.  Paying club members will  be free at the banquet.  There is a dinner charge for family members and siblings.  More details will be forthcoming. 

J1 – J2 racers planning to compete in the PA Cup #3 (GS, #4 (SL, and #5 (GS) at Blue Mountain on Friday/Saturday/Sunday, February 3^rd – 5^th should be registering by now.  Please let the coaches know if you are planning to race so we can advise you on procedures.   

J1 – J6 racers planning to compete in the Dupres Slalom at 7 Springs on Sunday, February 5^th should be registered by now.  Please let the coaches know if you are planning to race so we can advise you on procedures.   This is the final regional qualifying race for state derbies. 

J1 – J2 racers planning to compete in the PA Cup #6 (GS, #7 (SL, and #8 (GS) at Elk Mountain on Friday/Saturday/Sunday, February 24^th  – 26^th should be registering by February 10^th .  Please let the coaches know if you are planning to race so we can advise you on procedures. 

Special Olympics is scheduled for Monday/Tuesday, February 13^th-14^th.  Set-up on both Monday and Tuesday starts at 6:30 AM.  This is the 1^st of our volunteer efforts for HV.  If you are available to help with set-up and teardown, please advise either Ralph or Steve.  Those that have volunteered should meet outside old Glaciers at 6:30 AM. 

We have been advised that the Croatian Race at HV will occur on Saturday, February 25^th.  We will need help setting and running this race.  This race is our other volunteer effort for HV.  Please advise J.Eicher or. R. Manson if you are able to assist.  We are also asking that our J1-J3 racers assist with this event.

Wisp GS Results and up-coming things to note.

Nine (9) racers competed in the Wisp Classic GS.  Congratulations to J. Allegra (J5) as he finishes His 1^st USSA Race after a tough 1^st try a week ago.  S. Rost (J5) returns to the podium with her best effort of the year with a 3^rd place finish.  Sloan becomes the 8^th HVRC racer to bring home a USSA trophy this year!  R. Bigatel (J4) earns her second consecutive 3^rd place finish and appears to be in line for a State Derby bid.  J. Bigatel (J6) medals for the 3^rd week in a row with a 3^rd place finish.  C. Bigatel (J5) wins his second race of the year making it a Bigatel sweep for the day!  N. Blasey (J3) appears to be writing his own State Derby invite with another 2^nd place finish.  R. Manson (Alpine Referee) set the 2^nd course for this race and he’s very happy to say that all of our racers finished that course successfully.  For the racers that competed, race photos are available at www.deepcreekphotos.com. 

We have one practice on Saturday.  The morning practice will be a GS practice on Imperial from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.  This will be a GS style practice.  Meet outside old Glaciers booted up and ready to go. 

Open Cup Race is scheduled on Comet at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 28^th.  The Open Cup assignment spreadsheet is here Open Cup Volunteer Schedule   Please make sure you are available to help or have arranged for a substitute when you are scheduled to assist.  Set-up begins at 11:00 AM and teardown usually occurs about 3:00 PM.   

J1 – J6 racers planning to compete in the Critchfield GS at 7 Springs on Sunday, January 29^th should be registered by January 24^th.  We normally recommend that racers have competed in a USSA GS event before trying slalom so this is a good race for first-timers.  Please let the coaches know if you are planning to race so we can advise you on procedures.  

J1 – J2 racers planning to compete in the PA Cup #3 (GS, #4 (SL, and #5 (GS) at Blue Mountain on Friday/Saturday/Sunday, February 3^rd – 5^th should be registering by January 25^th .  Please let the coaches know if you are planning to race so we can advise you on procedures.   

J1 – J6 racers planning to compete in the Dupres Slalom at 7 Springs on Sunday, February 5^th should be registering by January 31^st .  Please let the coaches know if you are planning to race so we can advise you on procedures.   This is the final regional qualifying race for state derbies. 

J1 – J2 racers planning to compete in the PA Cup #6 (GS, #7 (SL, and #8 (GS) at Elk Mountain on Friday/Saturday/Sunday, February 24^th  – 26^th should be registering by February 10^th .  Please let the coaches know if you are planning to race so we can advise you on procedures.   

Our annual Race Clinic is scheduled for Saturday/Sunday, February 11-12.  HVRC Racers attend at no incremental cost.  Club parents should plan on assisting with clinic activities.  The clinic will run from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday and from 10:00 AM – Noon on Sunday.  The clinic concludes with an Open Cup Race at 1:00 PM on Sunday.   

The Open Cup Race on February 12^th will be the inaugural running of the Critchfield-Hidden Valley Race. Critchfield Construction is sponsoring this race and there will be t-shirts for all competitors.   As many of you know, Rich Critchfield was one of the charter organizers for HVRC and was a part of the coaching staff for several years after a longtime association with Hidden Valley as a ski instructor.  Critchfield Construction has been a sponsor of HVRC in other ways dating back to the origination of HVRC in late 2004.  If you are planning to race at this Open Cup, please let us know by Sunday, February 5^th.    

Rebecca and Sandy are organizing a ski swap for clinic weekend.  

Special Olympics is scheduled for Monday/Tuesday, February 13^th-14^th.  Set-up on both Monday and Tuesday starts at 6:30 AM.  This is the 1^st of our volunteer efforts for HV.  If you are available to help with set-up and teardown, please advise either Ralph or Steve. 

Croatian Race at HV will occur on Saturday, February 25^th.  We will need help setting and running this race.  This race is our other volunteer effort for HV.  Please advise J.Eicher or. R. Manson if you are able to assist.  We are also asking that our J1-J3 racers assist with this event.