The Far West Ski Association (FWSA) North American (NA) Travel held its ski week January 21—28, 2023 in Jackson, WY. FWSA, founded in 1930, is a volunteer, not for profit organization representing 150 affiliated ski clubs located throughout ten regional councils in the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, South Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The Association conducts active programs in public affairs, skier safety, ski heritage, racing, communications, travel, council development, ski industry, and community outreach.
250 people participated in the ski week, representing 40 ski clubs and the following councils: Arizona, Bay Area Snowsports, Central, Intermountain, Los Angeles, Northwest, Orange, San Diego, and Sierra.
People enjoyed a Welcome Reception, Picnic and Racing at Snow King Mountain, Council Challenge Team Racing at Jackson Hole Resort, and a Farewell Banquet and Dance at Snow King Resort.
Thank you to Schure Sports, Inc for donating a Karbon jacket and pants outfit for the Athletic Scholarship drawing. The Athletic Scholarship program is a resource of funding for junior USSA racers throughout the western United States. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need, competitive ranking, academics, and community service. A drawing is held at ski week to support this program. This year’s lucky winner was Bill Sowle from Arizona Council.
FWSA sponsored a GS race and Dual Team Race during the week. The Lake Louise award went to Sierra Council for getting the most total race points for the Giant Slalom race, and Reno Ski & Rec Ski Club won the Joe Ross Award for the Club getting the most race points for the Giant Slalom races. Sierra Council’s “Maui” Team won both the team race and the costume division for the match team race.
Thank you to Dom Gagliardi, Jackson Hole Resort, Larry Hartenstein, Snow King Mountain, Shawn Daus, Destination Connection Services, and Sandy and Phil Gaudette, Skigroup, for working with us to put on a fantastic trip for our ski week participants!
Go to FWSA.ORG for information about Far West Ski Association and the benefits and programs sponsored by this organization.