STOWE, Vermont ??” If you combine NASCAR, motocross and ski racing, you get one of today’s most exciting winter sports. Skiercross is the “new school” downhill race. Competitors race four at a time throughout multiple elimination heats where only the first two across the finish line advance. The course is set on a relatively steep run with huge bank turns, jumps and rhythm sections. Incidental contact between racers is permitted and survival usually takes precedence over finishing first.

In it’s second year, the US Skiercross Series returns to Stowe Mountain Resort for the third stop on a five-event tour. With $45,000 in prize money at stake, the skiercross series is taking place this season in Colorado, Utah, Michigan, California and Vermont. Stowe’s event, the “Amstel Light Green Mountain Skiercross Classic” will take place on February 12, 2005. National skiercross champions Eric Archer, Christian Questad and Corley Howard are among the pros that will roll into Stowe to challenge the best local and regional talent. Last year, Stowe local Nelson Riley gave the ringers a run for their money by advancing to the final heat.

The Skiercross Classic is open to all men and women. Athlete registration is $75 and will take place at Spruce Base on Friday, February 11 from 8:00am-4:00pm and Saturday from 7:00-9:00am. Pre-registration can be done on-line at www.skiercross.com. Course inspection and time trials take place on Saturday morning and the main event goes off on Spruce Peak at noon on Saturday. Excellent viewing for spectators is conveniently located in front of the event tent at Spruce base.