Thirteenth 'Kinder Kup' race series benefits Heavenly Foundation teams

The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation will continue its 13th Lake Tahoe Kinder Kup Race Series at Heavenly Mountain Resort on Feb. 10. Open to all skiers age six and under and snowboarders age eight and under, the Kinder Kup series is designed to introduce young athletes to competition in a friendly environment.

No previous race experience necessary and all abilities are welcome; parents can run the course with their child, harnesses are welcome. An annual Lake Tahoe favorite for kids, the event runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry is $20 in advance, $25 on race day, and includes a World Cup only competitor lift ticket if needed. Parents can purchase a World Cup only lift ticket to accompany their athlete for $20 at registration.

“The Kinder Kup is such a fun race event,” said Jim Plake, Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation president. “Everyone’s a winner with a goodie bag and a medal, we usually have over 60 kids participate.”

The Kinder Kup is a three-event series. So far a race was held on Jan. 27 with new races set for Feb. 10 and March 10, 2013. All races take place at Heavenly Mountain Resort on the World Cup chair lift located at the California base across from the Heavenly Tram. The Kinder Kup events are made possible by Vail Resorts’ ECHO community giving program. Registration is $20 per event in advance, $25 on race day, and registration forms can be found online at www.heavenlyfoundationteam.org. Advance registration is recommended.

On-site registration is available the morning of the event at the Heavenly Foundation building from 8am to 9am. Practice begins at 9 am, each competitor is allowed two practice runs; the race starts at 10 am. Every competitor is awarded a participation medal and a swag bag filled with goodies. There are two divisions: ski and snowboard. Overall champions will be awarded trophies at the final event.

The Foundation will serve coffee and bake sale items throughout the morning. The barbecue begins at 11:30am and combos include a cheeseburger or hot dog, chips and a drink for an $8 donation to the Foundation.

About the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation
The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation is committed to facilitating and leading the local community in the development of programs to encourage youth to participate in winter sports, alpine skiing and snowboarding. The HSSF operates independently on donations and fundraisers.

In addition to providing a safe skiing and riding experience to those within the foundation, outreach and community involvement also play a big part of the base of the Foundation. Throughout the winter season the HSSF provides scholarships to families whose children would not be able to participate in the race program; hosts a non-race Blue Angels program through the middle school; works with the SOS (Snowsports Outreach Society); works with the Boys and Girls Club of South Lake Tahoe; and organizes multiple events, like the Kinder Kup race series, and fundraisers including the annual spring wine gala, Grapes and Gates, at Edgewood. For more information on the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation visit www.heavenlyfoundationteam.org.

— Writer Aimi Xistra-Rich is the executive director of the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation. She can be reached at aimix@heavenlyfoundationteam.org or at the administrative office, (530) 541-7354.