Low snow forces venue change

With snow disappearing on the lower half of Big Mountain, the U.S. Telemark National Championship course has been moved from Ed's Run to Ptarmigan Bowl, closer to the summit. The course will follow the same path as the upper portion of the Doug and Rollie Smith downhill race.

"The organizing committee is thrilled that the management at Whitefish Mountain Resort agreed to move the race to the top of the mountain," U.S. Telemark spokesperson Linda Hobbs said.

One week prior to the race, a collaborative effort to design the new course took place with resort personnel, the organizers and local racers.

"This venue will provide spectacular viewing for the public from the chairlift and from around the Ptarmigan Bowl area," Hobbs said.

The classic course will start at the top of Chair 5, drop through Ptarmigan Bowl and end near Bench Run.