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.