STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

The nation’s fastest alpine skiers weren’t the only ones striking gold this week in Sun Valley.

Eighty youngsters took part in Sun Valley’s inaugural Kids’ Hahnenkamm Race on Sunday, which was inspired by the famous downhill race in Sun Valley’s sister city of Kitzbuhel, Austria.

They wound their way down a skier cross originating at Dollar Mountain’s Mine’s Mine Shaft that took them around curves, up berms and over bumps as they schussed around a dozen gates.

Some took the course in a tuck, cape flying behind them. Others held their hands out front, just as their ski instructors been telling them to do all winter.

Even Dr. Klaus Winkler, the Burgermeister of Kitzbuhel, took part, greeted at the end by Aramys Gallegos, Kristan Clement and Maria Jose Fernandez ringing big Swiss cowbells that weighed a good five pounds each.

“It’s crazy, but the kids are very good skiers and they’re happy when they get medals,” said Winkler, who draped a few medals around the kids’ necks.

Dollar Mountain will close for the season on Sunday, April 1. But not before Dollar Dayz and the Cold Bowl Pond Skim. The events, which will include an outdoor barbecue, live music, raffle prizes, Sierra Nevada beer tent and giveaways will kick off at noon Easter Sunday.

Those wishing to skim the pond on skis and snowboards can register at Dollar Mountain beginning at 9 a.m.