Championship season is aroung the corner

February tested everyone — We saw record warm temperatures force early cancellations, followed by long-awaited storms that delivered plenty of snow, just not always at the right time. As the saying goes, if you want it to snow, schedule a speed race. That held true at our home FIS events at the UOP and Snowbird. We closed out the month hosting large, strong fields, but three of six races were canceled due to a much needed storm. The snow arrived in force, then melted just as quickly and we were back to spring-like conditions yet again, this time for the U14 final qualifier at the UOP to wrap up the month.

Through it all, the magic of the Olympics gave February a different kind of energy. Watching the world come together around our sport is always inspiring for our athletes, and this year it hit especially close to home. One of our very own FIS athletes, Tallulah Proulx, competed in the alpine events at the Olympics in Cortina, becoming the first female athlete from the Philippines to qualify for and compete at the Olympic Winter Games. It was an incredible experience for both Tallulah and FIS Coach Perry Schaffner, who was there to support her.
It is hard to believe we are wrapping up divisional racing and heading straight into championship season. March will bring some of the biggest events of the year, with U18 Nationals, U16 Regional Championships, U14 Regional Championships, Tri-Divisional Champs and IMD Champs and finals all on deck.

The remainder of our FIS team has been on the move all month. Athletes competed at NorAms in Quebec, college and FIS races across the West, and European events in Italy. It has been a full travel schedule, and the group continues to represent PCSS well on every circuit.

The U16s logged a long series in Sun Valley to close out the month and their IMD qualifiers. Earlier super-G races were canceled and added to the end of their final qualifier, making for a demanding week. The athletes handled the added load with focus, grit and some great results.

The U14s traveled to McCall, Idaho, where conditions allowed the girls to push out of the start before the boys showed up and were shut out, not even getting a run down the hill. Not the outcome anyone wanted, but part of a season defined by weather flexibility. They are closing out the month with one final IMD qualifier at the UOP, a new venue for U14s after having to make the move from Park City Mountain.

Closer to home, our U12 and Devo athletes have been tearing up the South Series races at Snowbird and Sundance. Their energy and progress have been a highlight all month. They now wait for their final championship events in March.

It feels at times like winter never fully arrived, yet somehow we have only one full month left in the season. Championship racing is here, and our athletes are prepared. Thank you to our families, volunteers, officials, and supporters who have navigated the ups and downs with us. We are looking forward to a strong finish.

Notable February Podium Finishes:
FIS
Max Meucci - 3rd NJR GS San Giovanni Di Fassa

U16
Sydney Daly - 1st SL1, 2nd SL2, 2nd GS2, 2nd SG2 Sun Valley
William Beebe - 2nd SG1 Sun Valley
Lila Tyler - 3rd SL2 Sun Valley

U14
Elsa Washburn - 3rd SG3 Tamarack
Sydney Irvin - 2nd GS1 UOP
Patrick Hennessy - 2nd GS1 UOP

U12
Stellan Stiegemeir - 1st GS1 Snowbird, 2nd GS2 Sundance