[FWM News] Heavenly Viva Italia Races

[Far West Masters news]

The annual Viva Italia event at Heavenly on Jan. 8-10 turned out to be an outstanding weekend of 
racing - great weather, fantastic racing conditions, and the return after many years of GS as part 
of this event. The race crew was a cooperative effort by Heavenly and Northstar and the blended 
team combined to put on an expertly run event.

Friday opened with two SL races on World Cup run, which after a series of storms earlier in the 
week provided a gorgeous racing surface through all 4 runs - grippy but firm. Despite a morning 
delay to nudge the World Cup lift back into operation, competitors were able to get on the race 
hill for inspection via alternate lifts and once racing started there were smiles and sunshine 
a-plenty. The first race of the morning was also the Viva Italia trophy race, awarded to the 
fastest man and woman overall based on an age-handicapped formula. The 2016 winners winners are Deb 
Lewis (W08) and Pierre Jeangirard (M08). A highlight of day was the arrival of Viva Italia legend 
John Gianotti to hang out with everyone and watch the second race of the day. 

Saturday and Sunday inaugurated the return of GS racing at Heavenly on the East Bowl/World Cup 
track. Access to the GS start was via a groomed track down the face or around the front on the 
Roundabout traverse, so competitors had to plan their time management carefully, but once at the 
start the GS track was short time-wise but definitely challenging. The race surface was excellent 
and remained in great condition through two runs each day. Despite forecasts of snow showers on 
Saturday, the weather was clear and partly sunny through the weekend. 

Special welcome to all the new racers who came out this weekend and had the opportunity to compete 
on challenging and well-prepared courses. 

Complete results are posted on the Race Results page. (Season standings for 2016 will be posted 
after the scoring software is updated to switch to our new top-30 points scoring formula). 

http://farwestmasters.org/raceinfo/2016/results

****Please send feedback to Heavenly!!!!

If you enjoyed the great event that Heavenly put on, particularly the opportunity to race GS on the 
weekend, please send positive feedback to Heavenly management!!  Heavenly made a big commitment to 
let us race on the weekend and dedicate the East Bowl face for the GS course, and did a amazing job 
preparing the race hills, so take a few minutes to let them know we appreciate the event they put 
on.

Mike Allen - Senior Director Skier Services
mike1 at vailresorts.com

James Grant, Director Mountain Operations
jgrant at vailresorts.com

Pete Sonntag, Chief Operating Officer
psonntag at vailresorts.com

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