Ear to the ground:

“One time, this kid got 2 percent on his test and for the rest of the year, they called him ‘milk.’”
– Local schoolkid discussing the new wave of dairy bullying

Battling the thaw

Down low, it may feel like summer, but up high, it’s still feeling Minnesota.

“This Saturday’s snowshoe race is on like Donkey Kong,” Weekend Warrior race director/founder Steve Ilg said via email this week. “There is still great snow and a greater cause to help support this Saturday morning!”

In its fifth year, the Winter Warrior 10K Snowshoe Race benefits the Durango Nordic youth team. Registration starts at 9 a.m. with racing at 10 a.m. this Sat., Feb. 14,  at the Nordic Center.

A national qualifier, the Winter Warrior is sanctioned by the United States Snowshoe Association (USSSA) and has drawn participants from throughout the region. Sport Snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport in the nation, according to Ilg.

He said he has “ramped up” this year’s course, which includes a 5-km lollipop with features such as the “Yeti Loop” and “Last Gasp Hill,” a triple-tiered 350-foot climb near the finish. There is also an optional longer kids race as well as a costume division. “It’s a great winter event for all recreational, fitness and competitive warriors who enjoy a fantastic workout for a great cause,” said Ilg. “Snowshoeing is the springboard from which all winter sports were sprang!” concluded Ilg. “Why not spend an hour or two supporting the root cause sport of all winter sports this Saturday? If you can walk, you can snowshoe race!”  

Sponsors for this year’s WW10k include Pine Needle, J3Media, and Tailwind Nutrition.

For online registration or more details, go to www.WinterWarrior10k.com  or visit the Winter Warrior 10k on Facebook.

If snowshoeing is the fastest-growing winter sport, than skijoring must certainly be a close second. And what better way to get up close and personal without actually having to gaze into the horse’s hindquarters than the  6th annual Silverton Skijoring Festival this weekend, Feb. 14-15.

Large hoofed animals, with riders and skiers in tow, will fly through the tiny hamlet’s historic streets  in what has grown to be a local spectator favorite. Teams will be vying for more than $5,000 in prize money as well as the cherished belt buckle and, of course3, bragging rights down at the Miner’s Tavern.

And when the snow has settled, revelers can head over to Kendall Mountain, which will be offering night skiing on Friday and Saturday for a mere $5.