Skiing / Snowboarding
Vail Ski Race Fundraiser and Fun Tradition
By All Vail Listings

For forty years, residents of Vail, Colorado real estate (along with visiting volunteers) have organized the Vail Town Race Series, a line-up of races beginning in January and running throughout the month of February each year.  The 2008 races are set to begin on January 9, a great time to come look at our beautiful Vail, Colorado homes and real estate.

However, members of the non-profit host, the Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, are still looking for a sponsor.   If any newcomers to homes in Vail or Eagle County are interested in joining the Club Vail or in donating to the cause, please contact the development director.  If you have visited the slopes and real estate Vail, Colorado and want to send a heartfelt donation or would like to sponsor the cause, please step forward.

Founded in 1962, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail counts among its athletes World Cup ski racer Lindsey Vonn, snowboarder Broc Waring, as well as skiers and snowboarders of all abilities and ages.  The Vail Town Race Series features ski, snowboard, and telemark races.  In the past, the funds collected from sponsorships and entry fees from the race series go directly into the skiing and snowboarding programs offered by the Ski & Snowboard Club Vail.  Fundraisers account for approximately one third of the non-profit’s budget.

This year, things are a bit more dramatic.  With only one large sponsor in the past four years, Club Vail is simply trying to save the legendary races from extinction.  The organization is passing the word, hoping that someone will step forward.

You never know who will show up for the Vail Town Race Series.  Contestants numbering up to a hundred include everyone from racers of average abilities to professionals.  A few years ago, World Cup ski racer Sarah Schleper entered and, of course, dominated the lot, creating lots of buzz.  At one time, the race series was one of the largest of its kind in the country, but lately numbers have been down.

The organization wants to change that trend, making the races into “a big, exciting part of winter for the community.  In order to accomplish positive changes, they are studying elements that may be responsible for the slack in attendance.  One thing is that the location moved to the Black Forest Nastar course, which is less steep than the former site at Golden Peak.  A number of other events on Golden Peak have caused scheduling conflicts.  Then, there is the built up of events in other resorts, primarily Beaver Creek Town Race Series.

Another important element is focus.  The organization will need to put together a very competitive and talented group of participants and make the event into a showcase of Vail Mountain talent.  So, whether you will go for the giant slalom or you will stand on the sidelines, send a bit of encouragement to the Ski & Snowboard Club Vail so our 40-year tradition will live on.