COMMUNITY SUPPORT KEEPS BRUNDAGE MOUNTAIN WINTER GAMES TRADITION ALIVE

The countdown is on for the 2010 Winter Games! The statewide competition was canceled more than a year ago due to a lack of financial support, but thanks to the help of local community members, Brundage Mountain will be hosting its 20th Annual Winter Games competition this year on February 27th and 28th.

“We want to thank Sterling Savings Bank and the McCall Ski Racing Team for stepping up with financial and volunteer support to keep this family event alive for yet another season,” said Brundage Mountain spokesperson April Russell.

While the Brundage Mountain Winter Games tradition is in its 20th year, there are two exciting new features added to this year’s competition.

Friday, February 26th, Brundage will host an “Olympic Pride Party” for US Olympic Slalom Skier, Hailey Duke.

Hailey competed on the McCall Ski Racing Team from 1993-1997, when her father Larry was the coach of the team.

Hailey was also a repeat gold medalist at the Winter Games.

Brundage is hosting a party in Smoky’s Pub starting at 11:00 am for fans to gather and follow Hailey’s Olympic race. Full details.

Brundage Mountain is also adding a Torchlight Parade to this year’s Winter Games celebration. It will be held Saturday, February 27th just after dark. More details here.

“Winter Games is such and amazing family tradition for generations of Idahoans,” said resort spokesperson, April Russell. “It’s hard to forget the feeling of standing on a podium with a medal around your neck in front of a cheering crowd. Participating in a torchlight parade is equally unforgettable.”

Saturday events include: Children & Juniors Recreational Alpine Giant Slalom (3-18 year olds), Mitey Mite Giant Slalom, and Physically Challenged Giant Slalom.
Sunday events include: Adult Recreational Giant Slalom, Mitey Mite Slalom, and Physically Challenged Slalom.

A full schedule of events and on-line registration is available here.

Brundage Mountain was the birthplace of the Winter Games of Idaho when the event was created in 1990. Organizers of the state-wide games announced in November of 2008 that they would no longer be able to hold the traditional state-wide events, due to an economic downturn affecting sponsorship. Brundage Mountain is able to continue to host these events thanks to the sponsorship of Sterling Savings Bank and countless volunteer hours of the McCall Ski Racing Team. All race proceeds benefit MSRT.