GDHL News

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Happy New Year GDHL’ers!

The last time you heard from the GDHL committee, you were requested to do your snow dances, and they worked! Between communiques, we have had two enormous snowstorms, the latter of which was Generational and deposited enough snow to get all our hopes up that we could get the ski season off and running without interruption. Unfortunately, since the Christmas Eve snowstorm we have endured so much rain there were reports of Noah gathering animals two by two. As we are approach the kick off for the 2023 GDHL season, we ask of you again, please do your snow dance! It worked last time, and let’s hope it works again!

Even though the hills are struggling to stay white, we are just days away from the 2023 GDHL Calcutta! This year we are hosting our annual kick off event of the race season on Saturday Night in the (Old) South Lodge at 7 pm. There are more details about our famous Calcutta below, so make sure you keep reading. Of course, following the Calcutta is our first race of the season, Sunday, January 8th, 1 pm start, GS on Big John. Inspection will be open by 12 15, and remember, no downhill suits! If you are new, or need help, find a Coyote in a blue jacket, and usually without skis on, at the top of the race hill, they will be glad to instruct you.

Also, we have announcements from our Coach, Glenn Blaylock, and renowned Interclub Superstar Jeff Sutherland and Sutherland Insurance. Before all that, a quick thank you to our fantastic sponsors!

  • Sutherland Insurance

  • Budget Propane

  • Squire John’s

  • Dynastar & Lange

  • PattyMac Custom Builders

The 2023 Calcutta!

For many years, the Craigleith Going Downhill League Calcutta has been a dependable opportunity for us to reconnect with our friends at the Ski Club! Last year, we were disappointed to cancel the Calcutta, but that disappointment has turned to excitement for this year! Afterall, the Calcutta is more than just the kick off to the GDHL season, it is an evening for all of us to reconnect after a hectic Christmas break, and a long off season. The Committee is so glad to have you back, and we have an excellent night planned!

  • Details: Saturday, January 7, 2023, 7 PM Start @ Old South Lodge

  • Bidding: Bidding is back, so prepare your cheque book, and gather your consortium to buy the team with the best odds of winning the league this 2023 Season.

  • Theme: Retro Ski Attire – Do not be embarrassed if the 25-year-old ski racers are wearing outfits that you would gladly still wear on the hill, retro is a subjective term.

  • Food And Drink: Lots of passed hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine samples and a cash bar.

  • Bib Pick Up: Your bib will be available to you as walk in. Make sure to pick it up and hang onto it as it is your race identifier for the season.

Race Ski Tunning Clinic:

Today, January 3, at 1 30 and 3 30 in the President’s Loft, you are invited to learn the trade of ski tuning. A lot of racers diminish the value of tuned skis for adult racing, but as a skier, you are only as good as your equipment. The best thing about ski tuning for your race is that you are actively improving your race results, while also enjoying a cold one, in the warmth of your basement. There is one small issue with becoming your own ski tuner though, you will have no one to blame when your edges are not sharp enough or when your wax is sticky. See you there!

Georgian Triangle Humane Society – Ski for Pets 2023

This year our friends at Sutherland Insurance are presenting a new fundraiser to Craigleith and it will benefit the Georgian Triangle Humane Society. Get your tickets here for the event, happening on Thursday, February 2nd, at our club. Tickets are $150 for visitors and $75 for Craigleith members and the day is promised to deliver fantastic enjoyment all for a great cause!

Registration:

This is the last call for registering for this race season. Head on over to your Craigleith login, into the Alpine Programs and find the GDHL registration. If you think you have registered, but have not confirmed, take a quick peak at your Craigleith profile. We want to make sure no one is missed.

Schedule:

As we approach the season, make sure to familiarize yourself with our 2023 schedule found on our website, at www.gdhl.org/schedule. Any changes or updates will be posted there and communicated through this newsletter.

We are very excited to host our first race of the season on Sunday afternoon, on Big John at 1 pm. Enjoy the week, keep your snow dances going!

-Doug