They came out in droves Wednesday, ski racers old and young, fun and serious, to participate in the first Park City Town Race Series event in the last two decades.
Jordon Swenson remembers the “good old days,” when the series was both an enjoyable show for the community and an ultra-competitive race that developed some serious rivalries.
“We liked the competitive spirit,” Swenson said. “We had hundreds of people coming out and it was just a blast. It kind of got too competitive.”
Nowadays, Swenson is no longer in his prime, admittedly, but with the comeback of the series he has joined the Clifford Builders team and is excited to test himself again as an alpine skier.
“Well, I was racing in it back then,” Swenson said. “So I figured if they’re doing it again, then I might as well do it again. Why not? Come out and have some fun and see what you can do; see what kind of outfits I can wear.”
Decked out Wednesday in a ragged Carrhart jumpsuit, Swenson said his race attire creativity used to be more impromptu as he often donned dresses during the races. He said another racer used to dress up in a ninja turtle outfit.
“All kinds of weird things,” he said.
Racers gathered at the base of Park City Mountain Resort’s Eagle run waiting to register and carried on conversations about the race as if the most recent one was a week prior.
“Have fun, that’s exactly what it is,” said Mike Dobson, a former member of the Park City Ski Team. “(We wanted to) come see old friends and relive the glory days.”
Jesse Hunt, who helped revive the Town Series, said the first event was a success as there were about double the number those expected to show up and race at PCMR.
“It was great to have everybody out there,” Hunt said. “Great to see how it was accepted in the community. We accomplished our goal in that regard.”
While the series is expected to see more growth with each upcoming event, Hunt said there are still kinks to be fixed in the handicapping system.
The races are timed in NASTAR fashion and Hunt and other race organizers are trying to figure out how to submit the times electronically to the NASTAR website so times can be compared to other recreational races around the country.
“To be able to see comparisons nationally, we’re working on some logistical issues right now,” Hunt said. “We’re working on assigning everyone with a NASTAR number.”
The top three finishers in the men’s category were: Matt Wallman, Justin Johnson and Charlie Ligety, brother of U.S. Ski Team star Ted Ligety.
In the women’s category, former U.S. Ski Team member Heidi Voelker took first place, followed by Abbi Lathrop and Dana Alexandrescu.
The first-place team was Team 176 consisting of Alexandrescu, Thunder Jalili, Rick Slabinski and Mike McGurl.
Dobson’s teammate on team Bahnhof, Whalen Louis, was a bit hesitant about going back on the mountain, but was excited to race with his friends and old teammates.
“We all used to race for Park City (Ski Team) back in the day,” Louis said. “I’m a little horrified as well.”
Hunt said there was a great vibe on the hill and that it’ll get better as the series continues.
“The buzz is out there,” he said.
As for Swenson, his focus was on what kind of flair he could bring to the next race on Feb. 9.
“I was trying to find an outfit like Johnny Weir’s,” he said. “Maybe next time. I just want to try and keep it fun. Every week should be different.”