10 Reasons to Try Masters Ski Racing

By Published On: December 23rd, 2015Comments Off on 10 Reasons to Try Masters Ski Racing

My first encounter with masters racing did not go well.

In 1990, I was asked to forerun a GS at Cannon Mountain, N.H. A self-confident competitor on the Women’s Pro Ski Tour and in my mid-20s, I hopped into the starting gate after only a cursory inspection. I should have given the course more respect. Ten gates into the run, I misjudged the line, went too straight off a roll and took Gate 11 six feet off the ground. I never made it to Gate 12.

That’s when I realized that masters racing is real ski racing, with the same types of courses that juniors, college racers and U.S. Ski Team-ers run.

During the next 25 years, masters ski racing became a focus of my winters. I still love the challenge of a full-length slalom; the arcing, bold rhythm of a GS; and hearing my skis hum as I rocket down a super G. And downhill, I gave that up 18 years ago, but the urge to point ‘em is more than a niggle. Don’t be surprised if I show up at a starting gate during a Phillips 66 National Speed Series race or at the masters national downhill this year. So here’s my case for trying masters racing.

Why Race?

Masters ski racing serves up a cocktail of adrenaline, challenge and fun that puts a smile on my face. It motivates me to stay in shape, get outdoors during the winter, pay attention to my technique and visit different ski areas. But what I love most is the people. Many of my longest and closest friendships have come from masters ski racing. And I’m not alone. In April 2012, a USSA survey revealed that the No. 1 reason masters racers compete is camaraderie.

“At your first race, you receive a warm welcome, as well as assistance with the race-day routine, from inspection to multiple post-race social events,” writes Bill McCollom, Eastern Masters Chair, in a new USSA Masters resource document he calls the Definitive Guide to Masters Ski Racing. “All events are conducted by USSA rules, and race venues must adhere to USSA specifications. This ensures experienced race organizations, diligent course maintenance and some of the best racing venues in the country.”

What the Handbook Doesn’t Tell You

As with any pursuit, there are some downsides, starting with squishing into a speed suit. Do you need to wear one? Not really in slalom, but most racers do. With everyone looking like a stuffed sausage, newcomers quickly feel more en vogue wearing one unless they wander to an area in the base lodge away from the other racers. In GS, super G and downhill, it’s faster to wear one — and colder, too.

One of the consequences of being outdoors in winter is the frigid temperatures. When the thermometer reads in the single digits, everyone dreads stripping off their jackets and warm-up pants just before their turn to go. On the bright side, it’s only freezing until you blast out of the start; then things heat up quickly. By the finish, you’ve forgotten the chill and are sweating profusely.

There’s also the risk of becoming a gear addict. Masters racers can compete on skis of any length and sidecut as long as they are deemed safe for a race by the Technical Delegate (TD). But after a few starts, it becomes apparent that having the right tools translates into higher performance. You will go faster on well-tuned GS skis in a GS! Much conversation on the chairlift revolves around what gear you and your fellow competitors are using and what deal they got on it. The acute cases can tell you at any given moment whether a beveling tool is cheaper through Reliable Racing’s or Artech’s website.

How to Get Involved

Assuming you’re at least 18 years old, getting in a masters race is as simple as showing up, though you’ll make things easier on the race administrator (RA) if you premeditate a little. For starters, you need to be a member of USSA, if only for the day. USSA offers one-day short-term masters licenses for only $15. They accumulate toward a full masters license ($90).

Your USSA member number is yours for life, so if you had one as a junior racer, it’s still your number as a masters racer. If you’re a member of USSA for another reason —maybe you’re a coach or hold an alpine competitor’s license, you’re in at no charge. Simply contact USSA to add the masters license.

The entries for masters races are on-line at SkiRaceReg.com. Register on the website, find the race you want to enter, and check the box up to 24 hours ahead. Need to cancel? Simply uncheck the box.

Many ski racers leave the sport as teenagers or after college racing because they tire of the pressure to perform, or they lose the opportunity because of injury, geographic location or other commitments. Some people don’t find ski racing until they become adults. Whatever the case, masters racing gives everyone the opportunity to be fast forever.

“Eighteen or 80 years old, maybe it’s time to give your skiing more focus, set new goals for improvement, or venture outside your comfort zone,” says McCollom, “The experience will be memorable, and the rewards will be plentiful. Maybe it’s time to give masters racing a try.”


10 REASONS TO TRY MASTERS RACING

  1. Meeting people who share your interests.
  2. Lively après-ski parties and other social gatherings.
  3. Improving your overall skiing ability.
  4. Going as fast as you dare without risk of losing your lift ticket.
  5. Rekindling that “need for speed” you had as junior or college racer, or keep it going.
  6. Racing like a World Cup star in slalom, GS, super G and downhill
  7. Traveling to a variety of ski areas.
  8. Cheaper lift tickets.
  9. Continuing education credit if you’re a USSCA-certified coach.
  10. Having fun!

LOOK WHO’S RACING

Masters racers range in age from 18 to 90-plus. They live throughout the U.S. and have a myriad of day jobs. Here’s a small cross-section of who might be standing next to you in the finish area:

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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.