It may not be an Olympic year, but here in Idaho we are steeped in tradition this week with events new and old.

Here at Brundage Mountain, we are making final preparations for this weekend’s Winter Games. Skiers of all sizes and abilities are invited to compete in Giant Slalom and Slalom events this weekend. Full Details Here.

The photo above shows our crew building the ‘medals podium’ out of snow. Below, you see the torch getting primed and ready to fire up tomorrow morning.

The state-wide “Winter Games of Idaho” were canceled this year due to sponsorship problems, but the games will go on this weekend at Brundage Mountain (and later this month at Bogus Basin) thanks to the support of Sterling Savings Bank and the McCall Ski Racing Team. Sterling is sponsoring the medals for the events, so winners will get the chance to stand tall on this podium, awash in victory and cheers, as in years past. The McCall Ski Racing Team is donating countless hours and expertise on course-setting and timing, among other contributions.

But our Brundage Mountain Winter Games athletes aren’t the only ones competing in McCall this weekend. The Special Olympics World Games are here in Idaho, with snowshoeing events at Ponderosa Park. Thursday, we were happy to host the Japanese Alpine Team for some practice runs.

Some of our ski instructors were eager to greet the Japanese athletes and to swap ski stories.

And with a final wave and smile, they are off to practice for this weekend’s competition.

Moments later, I caught another unusual sight. This plane buzzed the summit with a roar.

Here is a look through the crossbars of the BlueBird Quad…. and as the plane banks toward McCall.

Not an international incident, perhaps, but something you don’t always see in our corner of tranquility. To all athletes competing this weekend, we salute your efforts and wish you luck!!!

— April