Competitions Types

Alpine Racing

• Skill Level: Never-Ever, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
• Giant Slalom race course
• GS race course only

Snowboard Racing

• Never-Ever, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
• Race course with stubby gates
• Snowboard race course only

Freestyle Competition

• Ski, Snowboard or Whatever You Ride
• Scoring is subjectively judged

Nordic Competition

• Pick own course
• Use GPS in phone app
• Deadline to upload results TBD

Scavenger Hunt Competition

• Clues and locations will be provided, coming soon
• Nothing harder than Green and Blue runs
• Scoring based on number of treasures found
• Picture of the location must be uploaded
• Deadline to upload results THUR FEB 9 @ 6 PM

Showcase Fun Race

• Dual Giant Slalom Open to All Ability Levels and Disciplines
• Teams randomly selected based on first name

Snowshoe Competition

• Pick own course
• Use GPS in phone app
• Deadline to upload results THUR FEB 9 @ 6 PM

Telemark Racing

• Never-Ever, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
• FREE equipment provided but you need to attend the Intro to Telemark skiing on MON FEB 6 from 1pm - 4pm. Review the schedule and other details HERE.

Uphill Challenge

• Walk Uphill @ Golden Peak Race Venue with Free Backcountry Skis
• Pre-requisite Uphill Clinic. Review the schedule and other details
• FREE equipment provided
• Scoring based on timed walk uphill with stopwatch
• Deadline to upload results THUR FEB 9 @ 6 PM
• Details and schedules HERE

Vertical Gain Challenge

• Enter your vertical feet
• Submit screenshot from app on your mobile device
• Challenge runs Sunday through Thursday
• Deadline to upload results THUR FEB 9 @ 6 PM
• Submit your results daily

Giant Slalom, Boarding & Telemark Rules to Remember

• Best of 3 runs
• Inspect and side slip the course prior to the race. Inspections start 30 mins prior to start. Side Slipping is performed by slipping down the hill with your tips and tails perpendicular to the fall line, slipping over the snow leaving a smooth track. This method is the least disruptive to the snow surface and leaves the best possible track to race on.
• No free skiing on the race course
• Ski slow or side slip down to the start area
• All reruns will be allowed once the racer arrives back at the start
• You are disqualified if you lose a ski on course, except for the last four gates
• You are disqualified if you miss one or more gates
• If a gate is down or missing, ski off the course immediately and do not go through the finish. Check with an official at the finish area to confirm you get a rerun
• The most important rule of all—Have Fun!!!

Individual Awards

• Top 5, Male/Female, Ski/Snowboard

Age Groups

•  < 9
•  10-19
•  20-29
•  30-39
•  40-49
•  50-59
•  60-69
•  70-79
•  80-89
•  90 +

Club Competition Scoring

• Club points awarded for ALL competitions
• There will be three club awards — Large (200+), Medium (50-200), Small (<50). All racers that finish at least one run can earn at least one point for their club. If a racer DSQ/DNF all 3 runs, no points are earned.



A race can be won or lost with the proper start?

TRUE. A proper race start can be critical to your success. You can gain or lose as much as a second depending on the level of racer you are. Races are generally won or lost by hundredths of a second. Let’s break down the race start into four segments - (1) On Deck, (2) Enter Start, (3) Starting, (4) Skating.

(1)   On Deck: If a racer is in the start and you are the next racer to race – you are officially “On Deck”. Now is the time to take deep breaths to enrich your muscles with oxygen for the burst of energy that will soon be undertaken. Downhill racing is not aerobic, it is anaerobic. Like running the 100 yard dash or 440 you need to prepare your body for an intense output of energy over a relatively short period of time. Calm your minds and block out all of the voices and noise around you. There can be a lot of sounds and talking to distract your attention.

(2)   Enter Start: Don’t rush. You have at least 20-30 seconds after the racer ahead of you departs before you will be sent. If the first gate is to the left of the start you should angle yourself in the start pointing to the left along the line you will take to the first gate. If the gate and line is to the right, you will align your skis or snowboard to point to the right. This allows you to save time by not having to turn immediately when leaving the start. Place your poles one at a time over and in front of the wand, making sure not to trip the wand. Hitting the wand prematurely can cause the clock to start, adding many seconds to your time. The official starter does not always recognize when the wand has been tripped accidently. Lastly, make sure your poles are planted into a solid level surface as close to the wand as possible. DO NOT put them in the deep holes that sometimes get created by the many racers that have gone before you.

(3)   Starting: There are basically two methods to start depending on your level of athleticism, coordination, skiing ability and race course terrain to the first gate – Double Pole Pull or Kick Start. The double pole pull is the easiest and smoothest way to exit the start. When you get the signal to start, you literally pull yourself forward tripping the wand with your shins. You will see even the professional racers use this start on very steep terrain when accuracy is more important than increased speed to the first gate. The kick start can be thought of as a dance move or elaborate martial arts sequence. Your whole body is involved in the process. The bottom line is that both skis will end up at an angle parallel or greater to the slope beyond the wand with your feet 2-3 feet in the air, tails of your skis 4-6 feet in the air, with your tips still on the snow. As you begin to fall you pull forward with both arms to blast yourself out of the start. Once fairly mastered you will notice an improvement in your times.

(4)   Skating: As you exit the start you will skate towards the first turn. The amount of skates will depend on the steepness of the slope and your speed. Once you have reached a certain speed, skating will actually slow you down. You will go faster when the skis are on the ground versus in the air. If the slope is steep, one or two skates is sufficient. If the slope is flat you may need to skate beyond the first gate. It all depends on your speed. Skating with the left, right or both legs is a matter of preference and terrain. The main goal is to get up to speed as quickly and as smoothly as possible.

Now that you have the magic ingredients to improve your performance, go out and practice. When free skiing, you can practice many of the components of ski racing outside of the gates. When you are leaving the lodge preparing to ski, do not walk up the hill or across the hill to get an easy downhill slope to the lifts. Instead put your skis on immediately and skate to the lift. You not only get a better work out, but you more importantly get vital skating practice over various terrain and conditions. The balance points your mind and muscles will learn by dodging snowboarders, skiers and pedestrians will pay dividends race time when you get thrown off balance when leaving the start skating to that first gate.

Boarding Tips Click HERE