WENATCHEE — It’s off to the historic Buddy Werner Championships this week for 10 young Mission Ridge Ski Team members.

The annual invite-only race series, being held this year at Schweitzer Mountain in Idaho, features the top 12-and-under skiers from Washington, Idaho and Oregon. It has been held for more than four decades in the Northwest.

The event is named for Buddy Werner, considered to be the first world-class ski racer from the United States. Werner was named to U.S. Olympic teams in 1956, 1960 and 1964. He was killed in April 1964 after getting caught in an avalanche outside St. Moritz, Switzerland, while helping with a film.

About 250 athletes are expected to complete in slalom and giant slalom races Saturday and Sunday at Schweitzer. Those from MRST heading to Idaho: Girls — Shae Milne, Hallie Johnson, Holly McCoy, Sophie Black, Janae Wiggs and Tiffany Smith; Boys — James Wiggs, Tyson Schmitten, Calvin Hanson and Declan Messer.

Meanwhile, several of Mission Ridge’s J3 athletes (13- and 14-year-olds) will be skiing at J3 Finals at the Alpental ski area beginning Friday and continuing through Sunday. Those competing include Delilah Cupp, Gracie Struthers, Katrina Olsen, Lauren Selland, Max Johnson, Adam Milne and Jeffrey Webb.

Slalom, giant slalom and super-G races are scheduled.

“Delilah is currently holding down first place in the women’s season long championship race,” said MRST coach Claudia Yamamoto. “Let’s see what this weekend brings for her.”

— www.mrst.us