Alpine racing 'alive and well'

Jay Sandelin grew up bashing gates on the steep slopes in Steamboat Springs, Colo. — a ski community that’s home to more U.S. Olympic-caliber athletes than any other. Sandelin knew he was fast at a young age, but with limited financial support in a highly expensive sport, he never had the opportunity to fully realize his potential like other young racers from well-off families.

That’s one of the reasons why, years later, his local cat-skiing company Great Northern Powder Guides is giving back to the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation, the group that backs the alpine race teams at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Sandelin’s company donated an entire day of cat-skiing that was auctioned off at a recent fundraising event for FVSEF. Sandelin wanted to support the foundation so young skiers in the Flathead Valley can continue to have the opportunity to affordably get involved in alpine racing.

“I love to see it when kids have an opportunity that isn’t based on financial situations, but rather on their ability,” Sandelin said. “To be able to help FVSEF is a great thing.”

Scott Ruta, owner of Whitefish Therapy and Sport Center, was the top bidder for the cat-skiing trip. Last weekend, Sandelin took Ruta and a group of his coworkers and other physicians skiing on a bluebird day in the Whitefish Range. Bidding on the cat-skiing trip, Ruta says, was an easy and fun opportunity to support FVSEF.

“The ski foundation is just one way we can keep kids doing fun and active activities,” Ruta said. “Skiing is expensive — it’s a shame that it can’t be enjoyed by everybody — but a lot of volunteers put a lot of time and energy into the program. The support is a necessity to keep it going.”

Great Northern Power Guides and Whitefish Therapy and Sport Center are just a few of many local businesses and groups that have chipped in this year to support FVSEF.

The ski foundation runs on an annual budget of $90,000, about half of which is funded through charitable contributions. Those contributions supplement program fees and support the coaching staff, travel expenses, race fees, vehicle maintenance, equipment costs and office space.

Other businesses to lend support include North Valley Hospital’s Base Lodge Clinic, Sportsman Ski Haus and this year Budget rental car has given the team access to vehicles to use on road trips after the race team’s van broke down last year. Hunter and Company, and The Lodge at Whitefish Lake also contribute.

Even more financial support comes from the O’Shaughnessy Foundation, the Broussard family, the Lesar family and Flathead Electric’s Round Up For Safety, while Whitefish Mountain Resort helps with events, planning and gives access for training.

There are 84 skiers in the program this year, with the junior program for kids ages 8-12 increasing in popularity.

“We hope that pipeline continues,” ski foundation board president Bill Kahle said.

Parent volunteer Shawna Moore was active in fundraising efforts this year, which included Showcase of the Chefs. The auction event raised more than $30,000.

It was the most successful auction in several years, Moore said, which will help her daughter and many other kids stay involved in alpine racing.

“My father initiated my interest in skiing by putting my skis on in the living room when I was three and I have now done the same for my 12-year-old daughter.” Moore said.

Kahle applauds the support from local groups and businesses and says the foundation is well-situated going forward.

“The goal is to make this sport available to as many kids as possible,” Kahle said. “Alpine ski racing is alive and well here, thanks to the volunteers, parents and community support.”

To learn more about the ski foundation, visit online at www.fvsef.org.