Masters: Going for the Globe

By Published On: February 22nd, 2015Comments Off on Masters: Going for the Globe

How to Take Home Crystal on the International Circuit

Tina Maze and Marcel Hirscher aren’t the only ski racers chasing crystal globes this winter. The top masters racers in the world win similar coveted trophies for scoring in the top three overall in each age group. Going for a globe is a big commitment for masters racers in terms of time, training, travel and money, but those who wish to make their mark on the international masters circuit get more than a chance at hard-earned hardware, as long-time masters racer Margaret Vaughn found out. “I always call it ‘The Amazing Race,’” says Margaret Vaughn, who took second overall on the FIS Masters circuit last winter in women’s Class 6 (age 55 to 59). “I still have to pinch myself when I look at my globe. I was so excited to win it. What a journey! I got to visit new countries and made friends all over the world, doing what I love, ski racing.” Last winter Vaughn, a perennial standout in her age group among the New England Masters and at the U.S. Alpine Masters Nationals, was among the dozen or so North Americans who traveled to FIS Masters races outside the United States, beginning with a trip to Chile and later to Austria, Czech Republic and Italy. She also competed in the four FIS masters races in Park City, Utah. After 14 starts on three continents, she beat a French skier by 0.03 seconds in the final GS to earn her second place globe. “I now understand the true meaning of ‘hundies matter,’” says Vaughn, “Everyone tries to win. It’s similar to the masters circuit in the U.S., except the countdowns at the start are in different languages, and most of the European GS races are only one run. I found that the competitors are patriotic and tend to wear jackets and speed suits that have their country on them. I always wore my USA suit.” MVaughn_Italy,-Abertone_2014-FIS-Masters-Finals,-M-Vaughn,-D-Adamscredit Margaret Vaughn Vaughn decided to challenge herself on the FIS Masters circuit after sitting out a season three years ago because of an injury. “I had never been to Europe or Chile,” she says. “I thought, ‘You gotta grab it while you can.’ When I heard that Dasha Kadulova had a globe, I thought I had a good chance at it, too.” Kadulova, a native of the Czech Republic who lives in Park City, competes both on the U.S. and international masters events. Norwegian-born Anne Nordhoy is another regular on both circuits. Vaughn counts Nordhoy and Bob Davis, the U.S. liaison with the FIS Masters Committee, among the handful of people who helped her coordinate her racing and travel.

LDensmore_MT-Big-Sky_2013-Masters-Natls,-Bob-Davis,-SG

Bob Davis serves as the U.S. liaison with the FIS Masters Committee. Credit Lisa Densmore Ballard. “You can’t race in every race, so you have be strategic,” says Vaughn, “Anne [Nordhoy] advised us to avoid the big races like Megeve and the Criterium because the competition can be tough. We looked at past season’s results to see who was in our class and where they usually raced. Events in the Czech Republic and Croatia are good ones because they’re less popular. The finals are a must because they’re worth double points.” Vaughn is hoping to earn another globe this winter, but whether she does or not, racing on the FIS masters circuit is back on her bucket list for the same reason she continues to compete stateside, the camaraderie. “You get to know people and make friends,” says Vaughn. “It’s ski racing whether it’s here or there.”

10 Tips for Topping the International Charts

Thinking of going for a globe? Here are some tips to help you make the jump from USSA to international masters racing:

    1. Get a FIS Masters license. Contact Bill Skinner at USSA to coordinate it.
    2. Register for one class younger than in North America. Class 1 on the FIS Masters circuit is age 30 to 34. You must be at least 30 years old to compete.
    3. Go to Chile in the late summer/fall. You get training and four starts before winter elsewhere starts.

MVaughn_Chile,-Valle-Nevado_2014-South-American-Masters-Cup-(2)Turning ‘em in Chile can turn into crystal later on. Photo courtesy Margaret Vaughn.

  1. Be prepared for short course-inspection windows, i.e., one look, then race.
  2. When flying, carry on everything you need to race. Not only your ski boots, but also your helmet, goggles, suit, ski socks, protection and long underwear. Baggage delays happen often when flying to/from Europe and around the continent.
  3. Arrive at each ski area a day early so you can ski the hill, know where to register and which lifts to ride. It also gives you a buffer in case of flight or baggage delays.
  4. Vaughn recommends using Booking.com to research hotels in Europe. The site includes a map showing the proximity of the hotel to the ski area, reviews and availability. Then call the hotel to see if they are offering discounts for the period you’ll be there.
  5. Rent a car with a GPS. You’ll find your way much easier, especially in less familiar places like the Czech Republic.
  6. Save up. Expect to spend $15,000 to $20,000. Most North American globe winners go to races in South America (one trip), North America (one trip) and Europe (one to two trips).
  7. Travel with a friend. It’s more fun to share the experience, and it’s nice to have a buddy if things go awry.

Share This Article

About the Author: Lisa Densmore Ballard

Lisa Densmore Ballard has garnered close to 100 masters national titles and four world masters titles since 1991. This long-time coach, racer and member of the U.S. Alpine Masters Team also chairs USSA's Masters Committee.