Masters Ski Racing January, 9-10, 1999 Mt Cranmore/ Gunstock  - by Vaughn Harring

For the second straight weekend in this short season, getting to and from the races was almost as challenging as the races themselves. Mt Cranmore hosted the Sise New England Masters Giant Slalom event on Saturday January 9. The weather started out promisingly enough with 6 inches of fresh snow, however, as the day progressed the sturdy racers experienced almost all the varieties of precipitation we "enjoy" here in New England-except for hail.

The first leg of the prestigious Gibson Cup was at stake as not only the course but also most of Nature's elements challenged the racers. The Cranmore race staff, under Kevin Donovan, did a great job keeping the course and racers maintained. Resident racing legend and last year's Gibson Cup winner Tyler Palmer had his hands full defending his title. This year saw a challenge from newcomer Troy Watts, who shared with Tyler a US Ski Team heritage. A rookie to the Masters, Troy captured the race with two solid runs, followed by Tyler and new-dad Jim Harding-skiing well despite his sleep deprivation.

For the women, Lisa Densmore edged Nadine Price and Class 1's Susan Withington to capture the first leg of the Gibson. Karen Nash, Cheryl Rowland and Margaret Vaughn rounded out the women's field.

On Sunday, all that had been wet was now solid, the cold temperatures and bright sun provided an ideal setting for the season's first slalom at Gunstock.

The slalom specialists were all out in their full-padded glory, including those who had been training at Gunstock earlier in the week. Unconfirmed reports had Class 8's Bob McGrath raving about the training and Brian Dewsnap from class 3 logging many runs--though neither would admit to training.

For the men, class 1 Hans Schemmel edged last year's Sise Cup Champion, Chris Johnson and Mark Sorel finished third overall. Both Hans and first-time-Masters-racer Paulo Weiser-who logged the fastest run of the day, though a DNF in his first run dashed his overall chances--are second-generation Masters racers. (A great example of a real family sport!) Other hotly contested races/grudge matches included the class 4 group with the Weitz brothers sandwiching Paul Berton in the 3-5 slots, all separated by less than a second! (thus, splitting bragging rights for a week)

In the Women's division, Lisa Densmore continued her steady skiing beating Nadine Price and Class 1 Tracey Boulter. Wendy Hill, class 9 and Anne Nordhoy, class 5 continued their strong skiing, handily winning their classes.

The Masters tour returns to Vermont this coming weekend with stops at Middlebury on Saturday for a Giant Slalom and Sunday's Slalom at Suicide Six, --here's hoping the weather holds.