The weather was warm and, finally, the snow was falling in Park City.

In Wednesday night’s first Town Race of 2012, 126 ski racers took to the Eagle Race Arena slope at Park City Mountain Resort. As the snow fell, the smiles grew, said Jesse Hunt, executive director of the Park City Ski Team, who organizes the Town Race Series.

“The atmosphere was great,” he said. “Everyone was certainly happy to see the snow. It was a beautiful night to be out there.

“The snow conditions on the racecourse were fantastic. The conditions held up really well. We got two hours of skiing on the courses, and they were still in great shape at the end.”

Hunt said he was impressed with the turnout for the season’s first race, but reiterated that everyone involved with the series wants it known that the races aren’t just for professional or former professional athletes.

“People should not be intimidated. It’s for everybody,” he said. “There’s more skiers in the community; they just need a little nudge and we’ve got to capture that.”

Mike Wallman grew up ski racing in Park City. He raced for the Park City Ski Team and then for St. Lawrence University in New York. After graduating in May 2010, Wallman returned to Park City and began coaching at his alma mater.

When the series made a comeback in 2011 after decades in hibernation, Wallman participated and said his eyes were opened.

“It’s just the atmosphere you have at the top of the course,” he said. “The age differences — I’ve never really been a part of that. You have people who are 20 to 60 ski racing. It’s just so much fun, because you’re up there trash talking, and it’s not as serious as the normal competitions you grow up racing in. It just brings everyone together.”

On Wednesday night, Wallman finished third in the platinum individual category and his team — dubbed “Wasted Potential,” consisting of his brother and two close friends — finished second in the team standings.

“I think the town is really going to enjoy it a lot more,” he said when asked for the difference between this year’s races and last year. “There are more age groups for awards, and this has got to be one of the most competitive town series in the country. It just allows for everybody, no matter what age group, to get a medal any given night.”

John Buchar, a native of Sweden and former ski star for the University of Denver, finished first in the platinum individual category Wednesday night.

“I was able to race in the series last year and I had some good days back then,” Buchar said. “So, my expectations were up there, but you never know, but there’s a lot of good skiers in Park City.”

After he graduated from college, Buchar decided to make the trek to Park City because he had a number of friends who lived in town, he said.

“I had to test the waters,” he said. “One thing led to another, and here I am.”

Asked what he finds unique about the Town Race Series, Buchar said it’s the intertwining of competitiveness and enjoyment.

“It’s all about fun,” he said. “For many of us, we like to coach each other on the hill, but at the end of the day, it’s another race. (Racers) bring that edge out it’s really cool. But at the same time, there are some people who don’t share the same racing background and they’re still giving it their all. That’s the crowd we’re looking for, too.”

Buchar’s team, dubbed the “John Lathrops,” also finished first in the team category Wednesday night.

“It’s a little bit of a family team name,” he said, laughing. “There’s me, another guy named John, and we’re both dating Lathrops — a set of twins.”

For full results of Wednesday’s Town Race Series, please see the scoreboard page on B-6.