The Alyeska Ski Club hosted its last race of the season for the Mighty Mites, actually it was open to all skiers under the age of 12. Over 200 youngsters entered the Giant Slalom that took place on the slopes of the Lower Race Trail near Quad 4. Skiers as young as 3 years old participated! The competition was assigned by age groups, boys and girls skied the same course in a single race.
A warm gentle snow fell the whole day, melting as it landed on jackets, hats and gloves. It was a wet event. Many volunteers were needed, a bar-be-q cranked out hot dogs and hamburgers all day long, and bib checkers, score keepers, groomers, coaches, course set up and take down, and gate keepers worked to make the event a success. Since my grandchildren participate in these events I decided to volunteer to help. Boy, did I learn a thing or two. This old flat-lander and neophyte cross country skier had her eyes opened, wide.
Gate Keepers make sure that each skier crosses between each of the alternating red and blue flagged gates. The ideal course is also painted with a blue line on the snow, see photo above. It is a simple enough task to observe each participant, because they come down the course one at a time. If a competitor misses a gate the Gate Keeper notes the bib number, then quickly draws a little map showing the erroneous course and corresponding gates. A piece of cake for an artist, right? Wrong.
My five gates were the last before the finish line and the youngest racers went first, as they neared the finish some just choose the path of least resistance or saw the crowd and headed in that direction often missing two or more gates. While I was frantically trying to recreate the crazy course in a sketch and remember the bib number with wet gloves and a baggie over the score sheets, the next little urchin would come down missing a completely different series of gates. I definitely needed extra eyes and help during the tiny tots race. It became easier as the seasoned skiers flew by, only a few missed a gate and none missed more than that, but trying to see the bib number as they were tucked for the finish was a challenge. Fortunately the crowd would often call out a name in encouragement and I could find them on the entry sheet. It was fun, and definitely a challenge for a newbie like me.
It was a wonderful way to spend time enjoying something that my family loves. Happy Easter everyone!
Gail Niebrugge, artist
