Big Alaska Snowboard & Freeski Club

Hello Everyone!! 1-23-06

This week’s newsletter is longer than usual, but I have alot to say! So please read on....

We are finally in our new location at Alyeska Resort. I have started calling it the Big Alaska Commons. For those of you who do not know where we are, it is up the stairs from the Bake Shop and downstairs from the Sitzmark. It is a small space that we are extremely lucky and proud to have for this season. We will be using the Commons for the USASA Big Alaska Snow Series registration and for the Big Alaska training team meeting spot. This past weekend was our first time there. It was so exciting to be able to talk to all of the kids and not be in the middle of the Daylodge rush. But please, remember our use of this space is a privilege that can be taken away at any time. It is important that everyone be on their best behavior when in the Commons.  ALSO: No One may go up the stairs before the Sitzmark opens at noon. And remember; do not come thru the Sitzmark with your snowboard or skis. This is not permitted. You have to go around the building on the walkway.

I want to give a special thanks to Sparky Anderson with the Alyeska Snowboard Club. Sparky helped us finally get our gates and get them set up on the mountain. Celeste & Loghan (with Dan Diselrod’s help) set a great practice course. We shared mountain space with the Masters and all of them were super nice to let us share their space. It was an absolutely great day on the hill for us!  

With the weather so cold of late, Alyeska Resort has all their snowmaking equipment aimed at the terrain park. There is oodles of snow!!!!! We should have a halfpipe any day now!!!!  

I am saddened to be the one to tell those that have not already heard Boarderline is closing its doors soon. Boarderline has represented the grassroots of snowboarding & skateboarding in Alaska for over 15 years. I know that personally speaking, they have played a significant part of my life for the last 10 years. They will be sponsoring our Halfpipe events this season for the last time. Please support them in going by their store to get in on the great sale they are having as they prepare for closing. And for those of you who have been affected by Boarderline and it's crew, log onto their website and let them know we will miss them. www.boarderlinealaska.com

We now have almost one month of competition under our belts. We will start posting the individual scores for 2006 USASA Nationals qualifications in the Big Alaska Commons each week. This information will also be available on our website.

Here are the events for the week of Jan 23 thru Jan 29

Jan 25 (wed)

Big Alaska Team training at Hilltop Ski Area 4:30 - 7:30

Check in at the Big Alaska table in the Chalet

Jan 28 (sat)

Big Alaska Team Training at Alyeska Resort 10:30 - 3:30

Check in at our new location in the Big Alaska Commons. We are now located at the downstairs entrance to the Sitzmark  - just up the stairs from the Bake Shop. Be sure to pack a nutritious lunch and bring some water as we only break for 1/2 hour for lunch.

Jan 29 (sun) –

2 USASA Big Alaska Snow Series Giant Slalom Races

Event fee $20 for each race ($40 for both races), must be a USASA member to compete.

Registration is 9:30 - 11:30.

Race 1 - 12:30

Race 2 - 2:30

Awards to follow in the Daylodge.

For more information on upcoming events, check out our website at www.bigalaskasnow.net

As always, think snow and I will see you on the hill!

Kari Lamothe
Big Alaska Hotline 907-297-6616
Big Alaska Training Program Director
USASA Big Alaska Snow Series Co-Director
USASA Certified Coach - Level 2 & Certified Judge Level B
USASA Member - 5361505
PO Box 112126
Anchorage, Alaska 99511
snowangel@bigalaskasnow.net