Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Whitefish Mountain Resort hosts a celebration for the 10th anniversary of the Nate Chute Hawaiian Classic Mar. 14-15. The event, which has always featured two days of snowboard competitions, expands this year to include bands, bonfires, and an art show.

The Nate Chute Hawaiian Classic is held in memory of a young well-known Whitefish snowboarder who took his own life. His friends and family have dispersed across the West, but they return yearly to host and participate in the event. A portion of the proceeds from the entry fees go to the Nate Chute Memorial Fund, monies that assist local teens in need.

Saturday's event is a banked slalom through a natural gully called George's Gorge. Single riders shoot down the course, turning around gates in the gorge, in a race for fastest time. The event seeds racers for the Sunday's boardercross.

The boardercross usually draws over 100 riders, making the competition the biggest boardercross in Montana. It follows a double elimination format, and the top two riders in each heat advance to the next round. A $2,000 cash purse is split between pro/open winners.

Anniversary celebrations will enhance this year's event with bands, bonfires, and dog sledding. An art show will chronicle the history of the event.

Racers can register for the event on the day of competition at 8 a.m. Each event costs $35, and lift tickets for competitors cost $35. Call 406-862-2900 for additional information on the event.