Jacqueline Hart, Eldora. On Friday night January 11, 2019, Eldora hosted the NCAA Division 1 collegiate ski event, the Bob Beattie Derby, organized by CU Ski Coach Richard Rokas. The event honored legendary ski coach Bob Beattie, the CU ski coach from 1957-65. After leaving CU, Beattie co-founded the Alpine Skiing World Cup in 1966, and coached the US Olympic Ski Team until 1969. He was a skiing promoter and commentator for ABC and ESPN, including four Olympic Games between 1976 and 1988. Beattie, who died at age 95 last year, reportedly claimed dual racing was more exciting to watch for spectators. Eldora and CU Boulder’s Friday night inaugural event in Beattie’s honor, had the exciting elements of dual parallel racing, a significant snow storm and racing at night. If excitement was the goal, it seems mother nature was willing to participate in the goal’s fruition.

The event began at 4 p.m. in Indian Peak’s Lodge with bluegrass band, Wandering Natives, and a BBQ dinner for the guests in attendance. CU’s mascot Chip was among the guests, delighting children and jovial adults, getting many on their feet to dance while they waited for the race to commence. The atmosphere was more celebratory than competitive.

Outside, in the freezing cold temperatures, the crew from CU and Eldora set up the race and tested the run as the snowstorm steadily increased and temperatures dropped to 21 degrees. Still, breathless racers and organizers coming down the slope reported it was a great run and lots of fun. Despite the conditions, many who came to observe the event braved the cold and watched from the observation alley, set up directly in front of the course at the finish line. The race began at 6 p.m. on Eldora’s Chute Trail, with Bluegrass music blaring on the outdoor speakers. It appeared Beattie was right! A head to head race is far more exciting to observe in real time, as evidenced by the crowd’s commitment to stay outside and experience the race as closely as possible.

The race was exhibition only, so scores did not factor into the various college ski teams’ stats for this season. Many competing skiers high-fived good naturedly, immediately following their races. The Division 1 teams who participated in the event included; CU, DU, Montana State, Utah, Anchorage and New Mexico.

To find out more about CU Ski Team visit cubuffs.com.

(Originally posted in the January 17, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)