40th Annual Summit County 50+ Winter Games
The 40th Annual Summit County 50+ Winter Games will take place at Keystone Resort, the Frisco Nordic Center and the Summit County Community and Senior Center from February 9-11, 2020. The Summit County 50+ Winter Games are in their 40th year and feature ice skating, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, hockey skills events and snowshoeing. There will also be some lighthearted competition in the form of a snowball throw, and a chance to meet the other competitors at an opening night silent auction and carbo-load dinner and silent auction.
The Summit County Senior Citizens (SCSC) group organizes the 50+ Winter Games to round out their winter recreation schedule and highlight their group’s focus on wellness.
“These games are less about competition and more about finding community and common ground in our collective passion for the outdoors. Above all, it is about welcoming all levels from beginner to expert to have fun and share advice, encouragement, and yes, likely a few laughs,” stated Sandy Bainbridge, Publicity Chair 50+ Winter Games.
All proceeds from the Summit County 50+ Winter Games benefit SCSC programs for seniors. In 2019 alone, the 50+ Winter Games raised $18,000, and those funds went to the senior nutrition programs, including “Meals on Wheels” and weekly lunches; the medical transportation program; and senior indoor and outdoor activity programs. SCSC is based at the Summit County Community & Senior Center and provides a wide range of activities, programs and services for seniors in the community.
50+ Winter Games Schedule of Events:
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
There will be a free pre-race clinic at the Frisco Nordic Center for experienced Nordic skiers registered for either the classic or skate skiing events at the Games. The clinic will start on the snow at 1:30 pm with 45 minutes of classic race tips, followed at 2:30 pm by 45 minutes of skate ski race tips. Nordic pre-race clinics are only open to participants who are registered for that specific discipline, and attendance will be limited to the first 10 participants to sign up for each session. A sign-up sheet will be in activities book at Summit County Community and Senior Center, along with Nordic event volunteer signup sheets.
Thursday, February 6, 2020
One of two free Alpine ski racing clinics is being offered at the Keystone Ski Resort from 9:00 am – 11:00 am for anyone registered for the 50+ Winter Games. Registration is limited, and pre-registration is required. Sign-up sheets for clinics are available at the Summit County Community and Senior Center office. Space is limited, and participants may only register for one of the two Alpine ski racing clinics offered.
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Packet pick up, silent auction and carbo load dinner at the Summit County Community and Senior Center
- 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Silent auction
- 5:30 p.m. – Opening carbo load dinner to kick off the 2020 50+ Winter Games
Opening dinner is $20, and guests are invited to attend even if they are not competing in the 50+ Winter Games.
Monday, February 10, 2020
Skating and Alpine Skiing Events at Keystone Ski Resort
Skating Events
- 8:30 am-12:00 pm Hockey Goal Shoot
- 9:00 am- 1-Lap skating race
- 9:15 am- 4-Lap skating race
- 9:30 am- Singles and doubles figure skating
Alpine Ski Events
- 10:00 am- 12:00 pm- Giant slalom
- 11:00 am- 12:00 pm- Rally race
- 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm- Obstacle course
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing and Snowball Toss Events at the Frisco Nordic Center
Nordic Skiing
- 9:00 am- 10k Freestyle Nordic race: intermediate/advanced skate and classic ski
- 9:30 am- 2.5k Classic Nordic race and 2.5k skate: beginner
- 10:30 am- 5k Classic Nordic race: beginner to moderate intermediate
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm- Biathlon classic: beginner to intermediate
Snowball Toss
- 9:30 am – 12:00 pm- Snowball toss
Snowshoe Races
- 11:30 am Snowshoe race – Short course (~2k)
- 12:00 pm- Snowshoe race – long course (~4k)
Awards Ceremony
- 3:00 pm- Awards ceremony at the Summit County Community and Senior Center
The 50+ Winter Games originally started in 1981 at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. In 1982, the games were held at Devils Thumb Ranch near Winter Park. The games moved to Summit County in 1983 and Keystone Resort and the Frisco Nordic Center currently host the Games. The 50+ Winter Games have embraced a spirit of fun competition and community throughout their history. Racing experience is not required to participate, and medals are awarded in 9 age categories.
It is $35 per person to register for the 50+ Winter Games and it is $20 per person for the opening night dinner and silent auction. Registrations are due at 4:00 pm on February 3, 2019. A reduced fee Keystone day ski pass is also available for competitors who do not have a season ski pass. For more information or to register for the 50+ Winter Games, participants should visit SummitSeniorCenter.com.
Photocredits: Joe Kusumoto
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