World Cup skiing returns to Killington
It isn’t often we get to see on-the-hill World Cup ski racers in action, but if you’re up at Killington, Vt., over the Thanksgiving holidays, make it a point to see, for the second year in a row, first- class racers competing in the Audi International Ski Federation cup races, November 25 and 26.
Olympic slalom gold medalist, Mikaela Shiffrin, will be trying to repeat her slalom victory of last year in front of what is expected to be 15-20,000 spectators.
I haven’t confirmed if Albany Ski Club member and club treasure, Sally Vanderzee of Clifton Park will be at this weekend’s WC event, however, Vanderzee has known Shiffrin since they were young skiers bombing the nearby Berkshire Mountain slopes. Incidentally, Sally Vanderzee, and her husband Dave, are the top two racers in the NewYork Capital Ski Council, both skiing for ASC.
As Sally told me in the past, “We all knew early on that Mikaela, young as she was, was a serious-minded ski talent.”
Free viewing areas for the event are located all around the base of the Su- perstar Trail and adjacent to the course, according to the organizers at Killington. Plus two video boards will provide top-to-bottom race coverage with approximately 35 percent of the course visible from those areas. A ticket is not required to access free viewing areas.
Two ticketed grandstand locations are near the base of the Superstar Trail. The $ 45 preferred parking is sold out, though a spokesperson for the area said parking will be available free of charge from other resort parking lots with complimentary shuttle service to the event.
Bombers Clinic
When the late John “Bomber ” Anderson started his annual “Bombers Clinic” 38-years ago, no one could predict how long, nor how popular, the event would become. Ronda Anderson says they have 138 skiers signed for this coming December 7-8 clinic at Stowe. The event will kick off with a welcome party Thursday night, a preclinic race training.
The racing clinic books fast, however, you may want to check with Anderson for any cancellations by phone (518- 885- 0971) or email bombersclinic@gmail.com.