THE CHAMPIONSHIPS WINTER PARK 2012
There is Minnesota, and then there is the Aspen town race series (the longest running
league in the U.S.) that welcomes up to 80 Aspenites per year in a six-race series. It’s broken
into two divisions: recreational and advanced, which sees such top locals as David Stapleton
and Jake Zamansky. “You’re bringing such a cross-section of our community together to hang
out, rub elbows, and enjoy the camaraderie,” said Scott Nichols, the race manager at Aspen
Highlands, who has been competing in the league for 30 years. “It’s just a great way to meet
new friends and improve your skiing skills.” The league also hosts post-race parties, prize
giveaways, and free race clinics. Each year some of the participants from the Aspen Town
Race Series form a resort team for Aspen Highlands and compete in the NASTAR National
Championships. Back in Minnesota, the Midwest Ski League looks for racers who are fast
and consistent to be local pacesetters each year. Mark Dunsworth, a pacesetter for Welch
Village, has been participating in the Midwest Ski League for 10 years. He began racing in
the league as a freshman in college and, at 28, has become a well respected competitor in
the league. “There are about five of us [pacesetters],” says Dunsworth, “we’re all really close
friends and we’re all really competitive. Some of the pacesetters are in my age category and
we have fun keeping up with each other and trying to beat each other.” Jim Peine, Adam
Peine, Brianna Berg, Scott Bjornson, and Cory Shields are teammates of Dunsworth on
