Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation events director Kate Berman didn't mince words and doffed her hat in the aftermath of Saturday's 14th Janss Pro-Am Classic sponsored by Stifel Nicolaus Weisel.
"It was the best Janss Pro-Am ever with 168 racers on 28 teams—a sold-out event," said event co-director Kate Berman. "The event continues to gain momentum and enthusiasm with every passing year."
Costume themes were fun and creative, featuring memorable teams like Snow Bunnies, Cat in the Hat, Armed Forces, Union Pacific, Cougars, a snazzy Chorus Line, Sun Valley Serenade, Rodeo Queens, Meat Hunters, Baldy Bombers and Kentucky Derby Mint Juleps.
This year's Janss' theme was "Hats"....Hats off to Sun Valley Resort's 75th anniversary season." There was a little tweaking to the successful Janss Classic formula to make the annual fundraiser better.
Berman said, "Showcasing their talents and dedication to winter sports, the SVSEF Junior Pros were a huge addition to the Janss. Everyone enjoyed the participation and energy they brought to the event. We'll definitely do it again."
Junior Pros were a new component to the Janss Pro-Am. In addition to a Pro and four racers, every team was assigned a current SVSEF athlete as Junior Pro—so Janss teams and supporters could interact with SVSEF athletes.
Named for Bill Janss, former owner of Sun Valley Resort, the event raises funds to support over 500 young athletes. They participate on the SVSEF alpine, cross-country, freestyle and snowboard teams.
Berman also tipped her hat to the community.
She said, "The support from the community was overwhelming and appreciated. We sincerely thank our sponsors, donors, event contributors and the more than 200 volunteers without whom the event the event could not take place."
Janss Cup, top overall teams after two days of racing:
1—5B Ski Club with Caleb Baukol, Trip Nabors, David Morgan, Adam Majors, junior pro Travis Wilkinson and pro Will Burks.
2—Cougars with Karen Holzman, Jane Reynolds, Bedford Nabors, Kim Taylor, junior pro Samantha Busby and pro Langely McNeal.
3—Team SVSEF with Harry Griffith, Doran Key, Muffy Ritz, James Montgomerie, junior pro Austin Savaria and pro Scott McGrew.
Speed Cup (based on raw speed from handicapped runs on the first day of racing).
1—Six at Sochi with Phil Erlanger, Jim Grossman, Nate Schwing, Matt Murphy, junior pro Will Harder and pro Carl Rixon Jr.
2—Royal Wedding with Kipp Nelson, Matt Luhn, Robin Sarchett, Jake Dudek, junior pro Taylor Cooper and pro Nick Maricich.
3—Meat Hunters with Brick Blackburn, Ryan Dean, Wes Powell, Tyler Ferris, junior pro Jake Blackburn and pro Adele Savaria.
Best Crash—Trip Nabors and Phil Erlanger.
Most Inspirational Racers—Wes Powell and Samantha Busby.
Best Costume: 1—The Cougars. 2—Kentucky Derby. 3—Gapers de Jour.
Glenn Janss and her daughter Christin Cooper share a hug during Janss Pro-Am Classic festivities last week. Photo by Willy Cook
