A rare high school skiing doubleheader is planned for this evening at Hoodoo Ski Area, which will host both an alpine race and a nordic competition under the lights.
Starting at 4 p.m., alpine skiers representing Oregon School Ski Association schools will race down a modified giant slalom course on Hoodoo’s Showoff run. OSSA members include Bend, Mountain View, Summit, Redmond, Sisters and Lakeview high schools.
Following the downhill racing, at 6:30 p.m., an Oregon High School Nordic (OHSNO) race is planned. Hosted by Corvallis High School, the cross-country event will include freestyle and relay races on a lighted course starting and finishing at the main lodge. Skiers representing Bend, Summit, Redmond and Ridgeview high schools are expected for the nordic race, along with entries from Corvallis, Crescent Valley and North Eugene high schools.
Greg Timm, longtime Bend High alpine ski coach, said the downhill/cross-country twin bill is a first for Central Oregon high school programs.
“It’s an opportunity for the alpine skiers to watch and support their nordic classmates, and vice versa," said Timm.
Tim Gibbons, who coaches the nordic skiers from both Redmond and Ridgview, said spectators should be able to take in much of the competition from the main lodge area.
“It should be a fun atmosphere," said Gibbons. “It’s all about skiing. All about the kids having fun."
—Bulletin staff report
