Compete in the Winter Games

The Summit County 50+ Winter Games will take place at Keystone Resort, the Frisco Nordic Center and the Summit County Community and Senior Center February 10-12, 2019.

This year there also will be three free ski racing clinics prior to the games: one at Keystone Ski Resort, one at Breckenridge Ski Resort and one at the Frisco Nordic Center. The Summit County 50+ Winter Games are in their 39 ^th 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.

The Summit County Senior Citizens (SCSC) group organizes the 50+ Winter Games to round out its winter recreation schedule and highlight the group’s focus on wellness.

“The 50+ Winter Games are about embracing the spirit of fun and adventure that keeps us in Summit County no matter the age," said Sandy Bainbridge, publicity chair of the 50+ Winter Games. "They are about finding common ground in our passion for the outdoors. And above all, they are about welcoming everyone into these experiences, whether beginners or experts, because right now is always the ideal moment to discover a new sport or get better at a well-loved favorite. ” 

All proceeds from the Summit County 50+ Winter Games benefit SCSC programs for seniors. In 2018 alone, the 50+ Winter Games raised nearly $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:

Feb. 5, 2019

A free Alpine ski racing clinic is being offered at the Breckenridge Ski Resort from 10 – 11 a.m. for anyone registered for the 50+ Winter Games. Registration is limited, and pre-registration is required. To register for this clinic, participants are asked to contact Steve Alberico at 815-685-0278 or stevenpalberico@gmail.com. Participants may only register for one of the two Alpine ski racing clinics offered.

Feb. 6, 2019

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 p.m. with 45 minutes of classic race tips, followed at 2:30 p.m. 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 Senior Center, along with Nordic event volunteer signup sheets.

Feb. 7, 2019

A free Alpine ski racing clinic is being offered at the Keystone Ski Resort from 9 – 10 a.m. for anyone registered for the 50+ Winter Games. Registration is limited, and pre-registration is required. To register for this clinic, participants are asked to contact Cathy Sapp at 303-717-5082 or rockymtncmc@gmail.com. Participants may only register for one of the two Alpine ski racing clinics offered.

Feb. 10, 2019

Packet pick up, silent auction and carbo load dinner at the Summit County Community and Senior Center

• 4  – 6 p.m. Silent auction
• 5:30 p.m. – Opening carbo load dinner to kick off the 2019 50+ Winter Games

Opening dinner is $20, and guests are invited to attend even if they are not competing in the 50+ Winter Games.

Feb. 11, 2019

Skating and Alpine Skiing Events at Keystone Ski Resort

Skating Events

• 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Lap skating race
• 9:15 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Lap skating race
• 9:30 a.m. - Singles and doubles figure skating
• 9:30 a.m. - John Roberts Memorial Hockey Goal Shoot

Alpine Ski Events

• 10 a.m. - Giant slalom
• 11 a.m. - Rally race
• 12 – 3 p.m. - Obstacle course

Feb. 12, 2019

Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing and Snowball Toss Events at the Frisco Nordic Center

Nordic Skiing

• 9 a.m. - 10k Freestyle Nordic race: intermediate/advanced
• 9:30 a.m. - 2.5k Classic Nordic race and 2.5k skate: beginner
• 10:30 a.m. - 5k Classic Nordic race: beginner to moderate intermediate
• 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Biathlon classic: beginner to intermediate

Snowball Toss

• 10 a.m. - Snowball toss

Snowshoe Races

• 12 p.m. - Snowshoe race – long course (~3-4k)
• 12:30 p.m. Snowshoe race – Short course (~2k)

Awards Ceremony

• 3 p.m. - 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 p.m. on Feb. 3, 2019. A $52 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.

[Photo courtesy of Tim Orwick]

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