Five racers competed in The Vector Races at 7 Springs on Sunday, December 29^th.  Mother Nature ensured that all of us got pretty wet!  Congratulations to N. Blasey (U18) as he takes home two 2^nd place trophies.  W. Wanovich (U16) picked up good derby points in three of his four runs for the day.  J. Jupena (U21) and G. Berner (U16) finished all four runs.  Finally, kudos to K. Will (U16) as she finishes both of the runs she attempted in her very first USSA race.

Please be aware that skiers and boarders are not permitted on the slopes before the opening time for the day.  Our understanding is that this policy applies to everyone including employees and that pass privileges may be revoked if the policy is violated.

The Critchfield Cup will be held January 26^th and is open to the public as are all Open Cup Races.  Club members should be aware that the Critchfield Cup is not included in club membership.  The entry fee is $20 per racer for that race.  Each racer gets two runs and awards are based on the best of the two runs.  Age Groups run from U8 – U21 in two year increments, 21-35, 36-50, and over 50; your age is the age you are as of 31 December 2013.  We will take registrations for the Critchfield Cup beginning 4 January.  There will be t-shirts for all racers entered in the event by 19 January.

Our 1^st Open Cup is scheduled for Saturday, 4 January on Imperial.  Race registration will probably be on the bridge to the Clock Tower.  Club members are reminded that this race is included in their dues; however, they must sign in and pick up their race bib.  Registration is from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM on race day.  New members are requested to watch and learn the logistics of running a race.  Those on skis should join us on the hill.  Those on foot should spend some time around the finish hut and introduce yourself.

Here is the practice schedule for the rest of this week.  Please note the Friday night practice January 3^rd and the short practice on Open Cup day January 4^th.

Coaches should take note of the coaching assignments here HVRC Schedule 2013-2014 (3), which have been updated. SS instructors are not listed by name as they are based on availability.  Let Ralph know if he needs to adjust.

• Friday, January 3, 7:30 PM – 9:00 pm:  Slalom practice with gates on lower Imperial
• Saturday, January 4, 9AM – 11AM:  Slalom based practice on Imperial
• Sunday, January 5^th, 9AM – 12 Noon: fundamentals practice, no gates

Upcoming Races:

Registration for USSA Races has evolved over the past couple of years.  Most if not all USSA Race registrations are handled by alpinereg.com .  To register, go to alpinereg.com and find PARA.  Select the host club and then select the race you want to enter or click on Online Registration under LINKS on the right of this page.

The Wisp Classic GS Race is scheduled to be held at Wisp on Sunday, January 5^th.  This is a derby qualifier for U12, U14, and U16.  U10, U18 and U21 entries are also welcome. If your racer is planning to compete, registration should be completed by now. The race entry fee should be around  $35.  U10 entry spots may be limited for this race.  Please advise the coaches if your racer is planning to compete.

The PA Cup 1 & 2 Slalom Races are scheduled to be held at 7 Springs on Saturday/Sunday, January 11-12.  There are two races; both are open to U18, and U21 only.  If your racer is planning to compete, registration should be completed by January 6^th.  The race entry fee is believed to be $35 for each race.  Please advise the coaches if your racer is planning to compete.

The Center Ski Tools GS Race is scheduled to be held at 7 Springs on Saturday, January 18^th.  This is a derby qualifier for U12, U14, and U16.  U10, U18 and U21 entries are also welcome. If your racer is planning to compete, registration should be completed by January 14^th.   The race entry fee should be around  $35.  U10 entry spots may be limited for this race.  Please advise the coaches if your racer is planning to compete.

The Phillip Dupres Slalom is scheduled to be held at 7 Springs on Saturday, January 25^th.  This is a derby qualifier for U12, U14, and U16.  U10, U18 and U21 entries are also welcome. If your racer is planning to compete, registration should be completed by January 14^th.   The race entry fee should be around  $35.  U10 entry spots may be limited for this race.  Please advise the coaches if your racer is planning to compete.