Winter Blast – A team favorite, thanks
by Rob Sogard
PSIA National Alpine Team Coach

I have heard about Crystal Mountain for 11 years, first from Bob Barnes, then from Chris Kastner and Nelson Wingard. “It’s a great mountain,” “incredible terrain,” “breathtaking views of Mt Rainer” and on and on. The only problem was they never got around to actually inviting me. Then came Winter Blast. I finally made it last year with DL, Chris Kastner and Nick Herrin, and once again this year with Michael Rogan and Chris Kastner; Winter Blast is not one to miss.

What a great event, and what a great venue. We (National Alpine Demo Team) attend a lot of events in every division, and this is one that team members love to “work”. There’s a bit of a story behind my invite this year, let’s just say it’s good to be the coach. After 3 weeks of team infighting about who was getting the trip, I had to step in and let them know it was going to be ME. Sorry Bobby, Nick, Katie and especially Nelson (I think he actually cried). We hope to all get invited next year.

I really want to thank Kirsten for setting this thing up and I want to thank the PSIA NW folks who came out to share it with us - last year the crew I skied with from Clancy’s, and this year, Crystal’s finest. Michael, Nick, DL, and Kastner… thanks from all of us.

This is an event for people who love to ski. It’s not often we get to focus like that with our groups, ski terrain like Crystal, enjoy the cocktail parties and the dinners; it’s unreal. From the Alpine Team, we hope to see you at Winter Blast 2008. It’s the best.

And by the way - I know the lies you all have been spreading – between two trips to Stevens Pass, two trips to Crystal, and one to Mission Ridge, I have yet to see anything but Snow or Sunshine in the Northwest.

Thanks a Bunch, Rob Sogard, Alpine Team Coach