While baseball might be our nation’s pastime, alpine skiing would certainly be in the ranks for Montana's, if the state were to name a pastime of its own. As winter approaches, this downhill winter sport is on the minds of many western Montana residents, with snowy peaks in all directions and plenty of ski areas and resorts to enjoy. Skiing is one of the major reason many visitors come to Montana during the winter months, and northwest Montana is a prime destination for hitting the slopes. So, while an honor, it should come as no big surprise that the USSA (junior US Ski Team program) has asked to hold its competitive qualifying alpine ski races in the Flathead Valley this winter, and the venue of choice is Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. 
When the Montana Alpine Race School (MARS) Foundation was asked to raise funds to host these USSA events, they leapt at the opportunity. Hosting USSA ski races and training sessions would give student-athletes in the MARS program a chance to compete at the next level. The MARS program is a non-profit organization for alpine ski racers 8-18 years old who have dreams to compete - and rank - nationally and even internationally. These ski racers are groomed by experienced coaches and talented trainers. Not only does the MARS program produce top-notch youth racers, but it also trains skiers at the Masters level (40 years old and above). Needless to say, hosting the US Ski Team’s junior program would be an exciting and opportunity-filled winter for the MARS athletes.
Holding these races at Blacktail Ski Area could also very well boost the local economy. Lakeside and Somers are popular summer destinations, as they sit on the highly visited Flathead Lake, but activity slows down a bit in the winter. Blacktail was in part chosen because of its smaller size in comparison to other large-scale Montana resorts so overcrowding would be less of an issue. Visitation could increase by the hundreds during these ski races, with athletes and their families staying in hotels for multiple nights, eating at local restaurants, and shopping at community businesses. 
Of course, big events like this require funding, and much of the MARS Foundation’s funds have already gone towards meeting the US Ski Team’s requirements to qualify Blacktail Mountain Ski Area as a race venue. More money is needed to purchase necessary race equipment such as shelters for the athletes, racing bibs, and a timing system of Olympic-quality, to name a few. Fortunately, the community is strong and tightly knit in Lakeside, Somers, and the surrounding areas. The Lakeside Somers Chamber of Commerce has committed to matching donations dollar for dollar until $10,000 has been reached. PureWest's Lakeside, Montana real estate office is also aiding in the efforts, along with other area businesses and families, and is proud to be a major donor.
The fundraising efforts are not over yet, though. As the snow begins to fly, it is getting down to crunch time to continue to raise the needed funds to support MARS. If you, too, would like to donate to preserving the 80-year tradition of alpine skiing in the Flathead Valley, please visit: http://lakesidesomerschamber.org/mars/
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