Saturdaze in the Park Kicks off at Grand Targhee

By Chris Hansen, 2-07-08

	Caption: Grand Targhee hosts "Saturdaze in the Park" series beginning February 9. Photo courtesy Grand Targhee.

Grand Targhee is kicking off their 5th annual “Saturdaze in the Park” series of ski/ride events this Saturday, February 9. According to their press release, “The first of three events, a skier/Boarder XX ‘Race from Middle Earth,’” kicks off on Saturday and continues again with “Jib Fest” on March 8 and “Big Air” on March 15.

Skier/border-cross, derived from moto-cross with riders competing head-to-head in heats of 4 to 6 racers who negotiate jumps, banked turns and each other, is fast becoming one of the hottest and most interesting on-snow competitions. Boardercross became an Olympic sport at the last winter Olympics and skiercross is on deck as an exhibition event at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, BC. No doubt young jibbers of both the single and double-plank varieties are boning up on their Chinese Downhill-esque skills and putting an eye to the future.

But in the mean time, they can be content to take part in the action at the ‘Ghee on Saturday. The race will be held in the Waterfall area in the resort’s new “Middle Earth” Terrain Park. The event is limited to the first 100 registered racers but is open to racers 9 years and older. Registration is $10 and takes place between 8:30 and 10 a.m. at Targhee’s main plaza. Practice runs are scheduled from 10 to 10:45 and the comp is scheduled to start at 11:15. Racers under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign their release, and all competitors are required to wear a helmet. Prizes will be awarded to top finishes “according to age and gender,” according to their release.

You can get more info by calling 1-800-TARGHEE or by checking out their Web site at www.grandtarghee.com. Locals can dial 208-353-2300, ext. 1352.