PARA CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS
The PARA Board of Directors met earlier this past week to discuss a number of items surrounding ski racing in PA this season. Due to the continued concerns and precautions surrounding Covid-19 and the difficulties aligning race dates and venues, a number of PARA regions have canceled racing within their region or have limited venues and limited race dates for this season. There was a motion made to cancel the State Championships/Finals for all age groups this season and the motion passed on a 24-0 vote. Therefore, all PARA Championships/Finals will not occur for the 2020-2021 season.
We all know that United States Ski and Snowboard post-season events have restrictions and limitations also. If PARA is awarded quota spots at the U16 or U19 post-season events, those spots will be filled by the Age Group Chairs using the average of the athlete's SL and GS points from the points list published just prior to the event(s). Again, the Board of Directors voted 24-0 passing this motion.
These are difficult decisions being made but it is in the best interest of our PARA athletes, officials, course workers, and organizing committees.
Please stay safe,
David Bond
PARA President on behalf of the PARA Board of Directors.
WEEKEND INFORMATION
Proper face coverings must be worn while at Blue Mountain. Neoprene masks with holes are not an acceptable type of face covering. Face coverings should be worn at all times and MUST be worn indoors and at lift corrals and on lifts.
ALL GROUPS WILL START FROM VALLEY TUBING.
The Valley Tubing Center is the structure at the east end of the Valley Complex.
U16-U19 and Cross Team 7:40a-7:50a Meet coaches shortly after 8:00am Slalom Skis
U14 7:50a-8:00a Meet coaches shortly after 8:00am Slalom Skis
U12/U10 8:00a-8:10a Meet coaches 8:10am Slalom Skis
Mountaineers/Moguls 8:45a-9:00a Meet coaches 9:00am
EXTENDED TRAINING
Extended training will take place Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm
This program is limited to those racers who are presently enrolled in our Junior Racing Program and are competing in PARA at the U12 to U21 level.
HOW WILL COVID AFFECT BMR ?
We know that many of you want to know what our snow sports season will be like this season.
With the ever changing COVID-19 situation, Blue Mountain Resort is involved in discussions with PA Ski Areas Association member resorts to work toward policies that meet Commonwealth of PA guidelines. Our goals are to provide our guests with fun and exciting outdoor activities in the safest environment that can be offered.
As a resort run program, the Blue Mountain Competition programs will abide by all Mountain policies.
Information about Blue Mountain winter sports policies . Scroll down to “Precautions per Activity” and click on the “Skiing/Riding” tab.
BMR will abide by all USSS and USASA guidelines for training and competition.
-US Ski and Snowboard has just announced protocols and guidelines for the coming competition season. Those guidelines can be found here: USSS COVID-19 Guidelines. Based on these guidelines, there will be significant race day changes. BMR is working with PARA and other race clubs to hold events in compliance with USSS policies. Due to the necessity to comply with USSS protocols there will be a delay in announcing the PARA race schedule.
- USASA COVID-19 protocols and guidelines have yet to be announced. Look for USASA updates here: USASA COVID-19 Info
GEAR NEEDS
Blue Mountain and True Blue Mountain Sports will still offer
special rates for equipment.
For those of you that need new gear True Blue is open
10:00am to 4:00 pm 7 days a week
PARA Candidates Evaluation
Sunday March 8, 2020
This is for new PARA candidates and Mountaineers that are looking to transition into the PARA program next season.
Candidates must have a 2011 birth year or earlier.
Check-in will be from 8:00am-8:30am at the Race Registration Counter- Upper Courtyard level of Summit Lodge.
Candidates must meet the coaches at 9:00am on Widowmaker.
Candidates must be ready to go at 8:45am. There will be some U10 and U12 PARA athletes available to guide the groups from the Summit Lodge.
Format will be 4 or 5 stations where athlete skills will be evaluated by BMR coaches. All candidates must have a valid lift ticket or season pass. Candidates not in our programs this season will be required to sign a release at check-in.
Please RSVP by 9am on Friday, March 6th, if you have an athlete that would like to participate in the evaluation.
Additional information about the PARA commitment can be found in the attached document.