For the United States, the races will help select the U.S. Junior Team.
By Eileen M. Adams
Staff Writer

RUMFORD – Hundreds of skiers and support personnel have begun pouring into the area for the U.S. Chevrolet Nationals Cross-Country competition this weekend.

Scores of races will be played out on Black Mountain’s 35 kilometers of trails daily from Saturday, Jan. 3, through Sunday, Jan. 11. The event is preliminary to the World Cup and will be broadcast on ESPN television.

Peter Philips, director of Skiing at Black Mountain, said at least 500 skiers from the United States, Canada, and several other countries will participate, including Canadian silver medalist Becky Scott.

“We’re expecting an influx of at least 2,000 people here,” he said.

For the United States, the races will help select the U.S. Junior Team for competition in Estonia later this year. Older skiers will be chosen for the U.S. National Team that will compete in the World Cup. The races are also preliminary to choosing competitors for the Canadian National Team for the World Cup.

Black Mountain, together with the Chisholm Ski Club, hosted the event last year, as well as in 1999.

Snow conditions, because of the threat of rain, had been a concern earlier in the week, but a spokeswoman for Black Mountain said those concerns have been alleviated with forecasts for cooler temperatures. Employees and volunteers have made a “huge pile” of snow and plan to make more if needed. The mountain also has several snow guns for use, if needed.

“The conditions are great,” said Josanne Dolloff, office manager at the mountain.

And this time, the River Valley Chamber and Growth Council plan to welcome the skiers in style while at the same time providing a chance for the community to celebrate winter at Black Mountain.

Chamber President Rosie Bradley said opening day will feature everything from a snow tube race to a welcoming breakfast with Gov. John Baldacci.

“This is a huge event, a big boom to the area. Money will pour in over the next 10 days,” she said. “We wanted to get involved.”

As each skier arrives at the mountain entrance gate Saturday morning, they will be greeted by a chamber member bearing gifts, including many donated by local businesses.

About 6 p.m. the chamber and Growth Council are holding a potluck supper for anyone who wants to come. Just bring a casserole, salad or dessert. At 7:30 p.m., anyone age 12 and older is invited to participate in a torchlight parade down one of the novice Alpine trails.

In between, the schedule includes:

• 8 a.m.: Arrival by Gov. John Baldacci, Maine Winter Sports Center head Andy Shepard, members of the Growth Council and chamber and local municipal officials. A breakfast will be served to the honored guests about 8:40 a.m. Baldacci will make the rounds with members of the Chisholm Ski Club of the ski area. The national anthem will be sung at about 8:15 a.m., and the first race takes off at 8:30 a.m.

• 10 a.m.: A snow tube race begins for any child or adult who wants to take part. Ribbons will be given for those who tube the fastest and farthest.

• Noon: An outdoor barbecue is offered near the lodge, along with tug-of-war competitions.

• 2 p.m.: Mountain operations’ manager Jeff Knight will set a speed time down one of the Alpine trails, then community members can try to beat it. Ribbons will be given to the winners.

• 4 p.m.: A “Whatever” race down a novice trail. Bradley said anything and everything that can move is invited to take part in this race. Registrations are encouraged by Friday, but they will also be taken during the day of the race.

A complete event listing is available at www.chisholmskiclub.org. Spectators may watch from several paths.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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