Steamboat Pilot & Today

For those who have dreamed of being Olympians but realize their days have passed, Steam--boat Ski Area has a job for you.

The 2006 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in freestyle skiing are Friday in Steamboat Springs, and volunteers are needed to help with hill preparation and general event production.

Volunteers will receive a lift ticket for their work.

"They have a chance to be part of history," said Chris Diamond, president of Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp.

Four event winners -- one female mogul skier and aerialist and one male mogul skier and aerialist -- will earn a trip to the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.

The country's top freestyle skiers, including Steamboat favorites Travis Mayer (mog--uls) and Ryan St. Onge (aerials) will be competing Fri--day.

Other names to watch for include mogul skiers Jeremy Bloom, a former Colorado Buffaloes star, 2002 silver medalist Shannon Bahrke and aerialists Joe Pack and Jeret Peterson.

Diamond was quick to remind potential volunteers that four years ago, Mayer won this event to qualify for the Olympics. The Steamboat man went on to win the silver medal in the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.

"It was Travis that got in last time," Diamond said. "It was an amazing evening."

The single moguls events are from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 30 at VooDoo ski run at Steamboat Ski Area.

The aerials will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at historic Howelsen Hill in downtown Steamboat.

"Anyone who attended the evening slalom FIS races at Howelsen Hill earlier this week knows it was unbelievable," Diamond said.

NBC will televise the event at 12:30 MST Dec. 31, a day after the competition.

For more information about volunteering or to volunteer contact the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association at 879-0882 ext. 209.

-- To reach Melinda Mawdsley, call 871-4208 or e-mail mmawdsley@steamboatpilot.com