Ski Association A Division of USSA

Buddy Werner Update

Feb. 15, 2015

Due to the snow conditions at Mt. Spokane, SSRA has asked SARS to co-host the

2015 Buddy Werner Championship, holding the event at Schweitzer Mountain

Resort. SSRA and SARS are working together to produce an excellent Buddy

Werner event in a very trying snow year. Schweitzer Mt. Resort has agreed to partner with the two clubs to provide venues for SL and GS and, if there is enough snow, Super G. Schedule details to follow. Use this link to the lodging options.

2671 Flowery Trail Road –Usk– WA 99180-9740 Phone: 509-445-4454 Fax: 866-542-8664 Website: www.pnsa.org email: [email protected]

News Release 03/12/2015 For Immediate Release Media Contacts: Dig Chrismer - 208.255.3031 Marketing Manager

SARS & SSRA Host 2015 Buddy Werner U-14 Championships at Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Sandpoint, ID –Schweitzer Alpine Racing School (SARS) and Spokane Ski Racing Association (SSRA) will be hosting the 2015 Buddy Werner U-14 Championships at Schweitzer Mountain Resort this weekend. The three-day racing event starts on Friday, March 13 and will feature slalom, giant slalom and super-G races for over 200 athletes from the Pacific Northwest.

For a lot of the racers and their families, this is the first time they have been to the Sandpoint area and according to Jamie Landwehr, the Program Director for SARS, the reception has been good. “We have families and coaches from Oregon, , and Northern who are here only because of this race. This event is a fantastic opportunity to introduce them to our mountain and our town.”

The U-14 event is the culmination of the 2014/15 ski racing season. “There are 19 teams comprised of 12 & 13 year olds who have competed all season long hoping to make it to the championships,” said Conney Edmondson the race administrator from SARS. “We were really worried that we were going to have to cancel the race but Schweitzer stepped in and has worked really, really hard to make this event happen.”

“We’re glad that we are in a position to help both organizations go forward with the race,” said Tom Chasse, CEO of Schweitzer Mountain Resort. “These kids have been working hard all season long and to cancel the championships due to lack of snow would have been heartbreaking for them.”

Schweitzer has been able to continue operations this season despite the low snow-pack thanks to the resort’s grooming and efforts. Colder temps at the end of February and in early March made it possible to make snow at night while still having warmer than average temperatures during the day.

“It’s obvious the groomers have been working so hard to keep the mountain in good shape,” said Edmondson. “We’ve had so many parents thank us for making the event possible and we couldn’t have done that without all the hard work from the Schweitzer staff. These kids are thrilled to be here and so excited to race.”

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About Schweitzer Mountain Resort Schweitzer Mountain Resort is quickly rising in the ranks of the nation’s top destination resorts with 2900 acres of amazing terrain and renowned tree skiing. Located in the rugged of the northern and the northwest Rocky Mountains, Schweitzer overlooks the town of Sandpoint and . Schweitzer is well known for its two massive bowls, breathtaking views and amazing gladed terrain. For more information on Schweitzer Mountain Resort call 877.487.4643 or visit www.schweitzer.com.

About SARS SARS (Schweitzer Alpine Racing School) promotes a life-long love for snowsports by teaching mastery of competitive and non-competitive skiing and riding at the Northwest's premier . SARS accomplishes this by providing numerous programs with the highest applicable level of coaching and value delivered to all ages and abilities in a healthy and active environment. For more information on SARS call 208.263.1081 or visit http://sars.net/.