www.ussa.org autumn 2010

Skiing, Racing and Training: Masters 2011

USSA Skier’s Edge Masters Nationals Skier’s Edge Regional Championships Eastern: Okemo, Vermont Mar. 12–14 Cooper Mt., Colorado Mar. 22–26 Western: Mammoth Mtn., CA Feb. 3–6 SC/SG/GS/SL SC/SG/GS/SL SC/SG/GS/SL Back by popular demand, Okemo Moun- It’s been a quite a few years since Masters vis- Mammoth Mountain and the Far West di- tain will once again host the 2011 Skier’s ited Copper Mtn., Colorado for a major event. vision will be hosting the 2011 Skier’s Edge Eastern Masters Championships Copper has recently homologated Rosie’s Run Edge Western Regional Championships Mar. 4–6. Despite the threat of bad for SG and will be the site of the Super Com- Feb. 3–6, 2011. Site of the very successful weather, last year’s Eastern Champi- bined, SG and GS. SL will be held on Copper- 2008 National Championships, Mam- onship event drew record numbers, and a opolis, the traditional race hill. The SG/GS/SL moth events will include SG on Hair- similar turnout is expected this year. The will count for the combined and Spyder Mas- jump/Fascination, GS on West Wall/ popularity of Okemo is due to its profes- ters National Team. The race schedule and Fascination and SL races on Andy’s Dou- sional race organization, as well as the lodging info can be found on the USSA Mas- ble Gold. Remember, overall class win- long, undulating terrain, good snow, and ters web site. The East Village lodging (book ners will be named to the Western Region free-flowing courses. early) is preferred, with walk-to venue access. team and receive embroidered Region The 2011 schedule of events will Field size limited to 300, filled through your Team jackets. mirror that of 2010, with SG training on division quotas. Thursday, the championship SG race on Friday morning, followed by a one-run USSA Skier's Edge Masters Downhill SL, which will be combined with the SG Championship race for the super combined champi- Ski Cooper, Colorado Mar. 19–20 onship. The SG and super combined will TrDH/DH/DH count toward the overall Eastern Championships scoring, along Rocky Mtn. divison will host our National with the slalom and giant Downhill championship event at Ski Cooper, slalom. The slalom race a Masters-friendly venue. A race camp, training will be held on Saturday runs, the National Downhill and a Molecule F (with separate A/B and Speed Series Downhill will be held. Registra- C/D courses) and the GS tion will be online through the Rocky division will wrap things up on web site. Check schedule in this newsletter Sunday. under speed series. Check USSA Masters or RMM web site under events for the latest info. For training opportunities, Mt. Hood Summer coaches see page 6. Photos on pages 4 and 13 by Heather Black. Stanley Hayer and Bob Vial These companies support Masters Ski Racing, so please support them!

speed overlays News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 2

division is on the USSA web site. Print an extra copy for a friend. Skiing on Autumn Leaves Also this year, more and more divisions are providing you the capa- by Steve Slivinski, Masters national chairman bility to sign up and pay for races online. Ah, this wonderful digital age. As always, I encourage every Masters racer out there to make an The smell of storage wax, the leaves turning red and extra effort to bring in new members. I realize the price of member- yellow, bindings that need to be reset, edges re- ship in these economic times can be daunting. However, as a posi- sharpened, and sore muscles—all signs that ski sea- tive reminder, by buying a USSA Masters license, you are son is just around the proverbial corner. supporting the young members of US ski team, which, by the way, Masters racing finished last season with a did a pretty good job in Vancouver last season. I know each divi- magnificent finale at the Nationals in Sun Valley, sion is working extremely hard on ways to make Masters racing but the past is past; it’s time to look ahead. This sea- more affordable and accessible. So if you have an brilliant idea that son, it will be Colorado’s turn to show us what it's got, at Ski will make Master ski racing a better product, please let your divi- Cooper for the National Speed events and Copper Mountain for sion chairperson know. Remember, it’s your USSA masters racing the combined Nationals. I know that Jennifer Kaufman and those program, so take the opportunity to make the most of it. I’m look- Rocky Mountain High skiers from Colorado will put on a fabulous ing forward to a monumental racing season with plenty of speed show. A reminder for those electronically challenged, like myself, and thrills. Be safe and keep those ski tips pointed downhill! all of the when, where, and how much, race information for each

Member News Masters Membership News • Our Nationals will be split this year between Copper Mtn, all by Bill Skinner, USSA Masters Manager tech events plus a Super combined, and Ski Cooper, just up the road, who will host our DH championship. Here's to all the great help we have had from our division volun- • USSA Masters website is updated. Go to www.ussa.org, click teers. They work tirelessly to put together schedules, newsletters, “News,” then “Masters.” Sorry for the delay in getting our Master maintain web sites and all the endless chores that are required to Comp Guide online, with complete rules and info for national, re- host Masters races on FIS-class venues. gional and international events. It is now there. If you would like a Skier’s Edge has stepped up once again as our primary title hard copy, drop me an e mail. You can connect onto all division sponsor for the Nationals and Regionals, Molecule F is behind the web sites through the “Division web links” under Masters News. expanded 2011 Speed Series, and EZ Pak nutrition has made it pos- sible to send this newsletter to 6,000 NASTAR Platinum medalists. • Thank you, all who participated in our Spring Masters Survey. On the personal side, I have reached that five-year goal of Results have been sent to all your division leaders and we are cus- moving up an age class. Goodbye 6, hello class 7, hallelujah! Mak- tomizing our service to you. ing it safely to 55 means I am into that five-year golden age of • This newsletter has been sent to 6,000 of NASTAR’s top adult 55–59 and running first in Group A/B at Regional and National athletes. I would like to encoarge them to complete in a Masters Championship. Gosh, it feels good to get a little older. race and contact me with any questions.

revenues tumbled over 65 percent and are still in decline. Ski Racing Magazine The new financial reality gave publication management by Gary Black, Ski Racing International two choices; cease publication or go to digital delivery, which of- fered an opportunity to capitalize on new technology. It was not To Masters, one of the most important an easy or necessarily a “happy” decision, but it did allow the pub- questions on our spring survey concern lication to survive. Ski Racing magazine and the change to Will Ski Racing go back to print? Not in the near term, as online versus hard copy delivery. Your the sport is struggling to find a way to manage under today’s tough Masters membership includes an email economic circumstances. But I still believe in the old adage, “never subscription to SR, although we all miss say never.” the hard copy. SR is our connection to I know this has not been the information you wanted to re- Lexi, Gary and the Ski Racing world! Gary, thanks for Heather (Masters racer) ceive, but all of you, as long time Ski Racing readers, deserve to learn keeping SR alive. –B. Skinner —though not necessarily like—our reasoning. There is, of course, another solution. Any one of you, or a group, could provide ap- Bill Skinner asked me if it would be appropriate to write a note to proximately $450,000 in annual working capital for the next sev- all Masters explaining why Ski Racing decided to go digital. After eral years or until the market returns to its former vigorous self. I’m all, the publication had been going along for over four decades not holding my breath, but be sure to call if you want to participate. and most, if not all, of you enjoyed it in its print form. As a print On the positive side, digital publishing has allowed Ski journalist who grew up with newsprint, I empathize with anyone Racing editors more space for both content and pictures. Further- who does not like the change. more, we have added audio and video to the publication. For Mas- So why did we do it? Put simply: economics. ters specifically, because we can expand the magazine way beyond Unfortunately for the publication, today's economic envi- the number of pages print would allow us, we will again begin ronment simply does not provide a sufficient revenue base to allow publishing results from around your circuit. And, if you send us us to continue printing and mailing either the magazine or the old some pictures, we will put them in, as well. Furthermore, with the tabloid newsprint version. Five years ago, the ski hardgoods indus- advent of the iPad, you can take Ski Racing with you anywhere! try—the publication's major supporters—began to suffer very If you have further questions or want to discuss the above, harsh economic times. Then the overall economy tanked leaving or anything else for that matter, please do not hesitate to give me a the hardgoods companies in even worse financial shape and strug- call. I can be reached at (801) 556-9988, or better yet, come do gling to survive. The domino effect crushed Ski Racing as well. Our some high-speed skiing on Baldy. News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 3

Masters Discover Facebook and Twitter Debi Davis, 3D Communications

Currently, all but two divisions promoting our image as a family of skiers have their own Facebook networks. The and ski racers. original Facebook group created by Barb USSA Masters also has a Twitter ac- now has more than 800 members and is a count (@skimasters). All Masters racers are hub of activity and social exchanges. being invited to join us on these social Seeing the success of Barb’s grass- media channels. As a group, we want to roots effort (and with her strong support reach out to communities who are inter- and encouragement), USSA masters is tak- ested in ski racing but may not be aware of ing an organized approach to leverage the Masters-level racing. We believe that our power of social media. Debi Davis (Rocky natural strengths—the friendships and Debi Davis Mt. Div.), owner of 3D Communications, bonds among our members—will speak has joined Barb in getting as many masters for themselves in the online communities. Barb Brumbaugh (Eastern Div.) spear- racers as possible connected on these sites. The attention and interest we gain will headed the movement by setting up a We see it as a great opportunity for Masters come from people just like us—adults USSA Masters Alpine Racing Facebook racers to build stronger friendships by stay- who love to ski fast and want to race. group in 2008. At times, she was the only ing in touch and supporting each other Join the USSA Masters Alpine Ski one visiting or posting on the group. But even after we come off the hill. Racing Facebook page at http://www.face- her steady presence there encouraged oth- Other social media platforms will book.com/group.php?gid=17599631702]. ers to get involved. Some followed her lead come into play as part of a comprehensive Links to division groups/pages are listed by setting up Facebook groups or pages for strategy that will be rolled out gradually. on the Info tab. Follow us on Twitter, too their own divisions, creating a place for The objectives of the strategy are to im- at http://www.twitter.com/skimasters. If their members to have more focused inter- prove communications, increase racer par- you need help getting started, contact actions. ticipation and grow membership by [email protected]

2011 Molecule F National Speed Series

The 2011 Masters National Speed Series is to be held in five divisions, with sixteen Molecule F National Speed Series events. Season-long awards will be pre- Jan. 22–23 Mammoth, CA Far West SG/SG sented to overall fastest lady, younger man Feb. 4 Mammoth, CA Far West (Regionals) SG (59 and under) older man (60+), with Feb. 11 Park City, UT Intermountan SG custom belt buckles going to the top three Feb. 11–12 Sugarbush, VT Eastern DH/SG season long age class winners. This series Feb. 19–21 Aspen, CO Rocky SG/DH will give those Masters with a taste for Feb. 26 Schweitzer, ID PNSA SG/SG speed the opportunity to crown the Feb.28–Mar.2 Soldier Mt., ID Intermountain DH/DH Masters National Speed Champions. Mar. 12 Okemo, VT Eastern (Regionals) SG Mar. 19–20 Ski Cooper, CO Rocky (Nat. DH) DH/DH Mar. 24 Copper Mt. CO Rocky (Nationals) SG (Finals)

Skier's Edge Masters National Downhill Ski Cooper, Colorado Mar. 17–18 Downhill Training Camp Mar. 19 Training run (Mandatory) Molecule F Speed Series Downhill Mar. 20 National Downhill Rocky Mtn. Masters Downhill

Kevin Hendrickson of Rocky Mountain News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 4

2010/11 FIS Masters Cup by Anne Nordhoy • [email protected]

The first FIS Germany. On Saturday, at 6pm, a GS, and near Venice. Another SG!—in addition to Masters Cup at 9am on Sunday, SL. At noon on Satur- the SL and GS. www.piancavallo.it races are al- day will be the Bavarian Open Champi- Next race is in the Czech Republic, ready over. onships, a GS. www.bischofswiesen.de Pec pod Snezkou on Mar. 19–20. It is on the Valle Nevado Veysonnaz , near Sion, Switzerland Polish border, NE of Prague. www.pecpod- and La Parva is on the calendar for the races on Febru- snezkou.cz in Chile ran ary 5–6 (SL and GS). It is one part of the This year, the FIS Masters Cup fi- some fantastic Four Valley Ski Area, including Verbier. nals are in Sestriere, Italy on Apr. 8–9. In races in spite www.veysonnaz.ch order to qualify for the cup, it is necessary of very little This year, the British hold their to have completed 6 races. However, your snow. There was, however, plenty of races near Megeve, France on Feb. 18 20. best 9 finishes count. Race results and Cup snow on the race courses; Mother Na- The races are organized by the Kandahar standing will be posted at the FIS Masters ture cooperated with cold temperatures Ski Club, SG, SL, and GS. web site. At the awards party on Saturday at night and clear skies during the day. www.kandahar.org.uk. Megeve is only a lit- night, the crystal globes will be handed The conditions were the same for all the tle more than an hour’s drive from out. www.sestriere.it 110 racers. Geneva. It is a very charming ski town. In addition to the FIS Masters Cup Next up are the December races. www.csportmegeve.com races, there are on the schedule a few other First: Abetone, Italy on Dec. 4–5, 2010, SL As soon as the races in Megeve are FIS Masters Races in 2011. They carry a 40- and GS. Abetone is in the Apennine, about over on Sunday afternoon, it will be time point penalty. 85 kilometers N/W of Florence. Abetone to go to Andorra for the FIS World Cri- has held the Criterium (world champi- terium Masters Alpine Skiing. Andorra is Jan. 15 Rokytnice nad Jizerou, onships for masters) a couple of times and about an 8-hour drive from Megeve, Czech Republic GS run very good races. www.abetone.it mostly on the auto-bahn. Jan. 29–30 Zagreb, Croatia SL, GS Then Austria holds two weekends If you do three races in Megeve and Feb. 5–6 Kalpalinna, Finland SL, SL of racing. On Dec. 11–12, there will be two then do all the four races in Andorra, you Feb. 5–6 Kobla, Slovenia SL, GS SG races at Kaprun, which is about 1 ½ will have enough races to have qualified hour by car, south of Salzburg or Munich. and possibly place in the overall FIS Mas- www.kaprun.at ters Cup. This is the FIS Masters Alpine schedule for The following weekend, Dec. The races in Andorra start on Tues- 2010/2011 season. Do check the FIS Mas- 18–19, the races are near Innsbruck, at day, Feb. 22 with SG for the ladies. The ters web site for cancellations or changes. Patscherkofel, with SL and GS. program is on the FIS web site. In addition Generally, there will be SL on Saturday and www.patscherkofelbahnen.at to the Criterium races, there is an extra GS a one-run GS on Sunday. On the web site The new year starts with three days on Feb. 26. www.fae.ad you will also find e-mail addresses for the of racing in France, Jan. 7–9 at Serre Cheva- organizers, who are usually very knowl- lier. It is near Briancon, about half way be- This year, there has been a lot of interest in edgable and helpful in finding lodging tween Grenoble and Torino: SL, GS (two going to the Criterium in Andorra. Please, and local transportation. runs!), GS. www.serre-chevalier.com contact me a.s.a.p. if you would like infor- In order to participate in FIS races, The races, SL and GS, on Jan. mation about lodging. It would be fun if you must be over 30, belong to the USSA 15–16 are in Fugen, Austria. It is half way we all could stay at the same place, but and have a valid FIS License. Contact Bill between Innsbruck and Kitzbuhel, then you do need to make your own arrange- Skinner, [email protected] to get south on #169. www.wsv-fuegen.at ments. the license AND to be entered The following weekend, Jan. Italy has scheduled its race week- in any FIS race. 22–23, the races will be in Bischofswiesen, end on Mar. 11–13 in Piancavallo, which is News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 5

NASTAR Is For Masters, Too! Billy Madsen

The Nature utilize the same basic structure as the Na- racer’s time is discounted using their hand- Valley NAS- tional Championships with race clinics, icap and the lowest discounted time wins TAR program parties, concerts and races for age and abil- the overall Nature Valley NASTAR National provides par- ity groups. The top three places in each age Championship title. In addition, awards ticipants of all group within the Platinum/Gold and the are presented to the male and female rac- ability levels Silver/Bronze divisions automatically qual- ers with the fastest raw times. Last spring an opportu- ify for the Nature Valley NASTAR National Rob Zehner and Jeanette Saylor posted the nity to test Championships. In addition, the fastest fastest raw times during the Race of Cham- their skills at male and female racers overall from each pions to win US Ski Team uniforms and more than Open event will earn complimentary entry trips to South America to train with the US 120 resorts in to the National Championships. Ski Team. 26 states. The Race of Champions also serves NASTAR (NA- The Nature Valley NASTAR National as the National Pacesetting Trials for the tional STAn- Championships provide participants with next season. Current and former US Ski dard Race) utilizes a handicap system two days of racing to win a NASTAR Na- Team stars compete for the honor of being which sets a common benchmark at each tional title. Each participant that wins a the Nature Valley NASTAR National Pace- resort so participants can compete against National title in their age and ability group setter. Last spring, Steve Nyman won the their peers across the country by racing at is invited to compete during a third day of RoC and became the National Pacesetter any resort and earning a handicap which competition in the Race of Champions and the zero handicap for the 2010–11 sea- represents their ability level. The handicap (RoC). Participants carry their National son. We hope that you will join us this is a score, similar to race points, and the Championships winning handicap into winter by racing NASTAR and competing goal is to lower your handicap and im- the RoC to level the playing field. Each against Steve’s time each time you race. prove your NASTAR rankings. Participants that earn a top-three ranking in their age and ability group by Feb. 21 will qualify to Mid West Nature Valley NASTAR Open Crystal Mountain, MI Dec. 18, 2010 participate in the Nature Valley NASTAR Eastern Nature Valley NASTAR Open Greek Peak, NY Jan. 9, 2011 National Championships. Qualification Deadline for the National Championships Feb. 21, 2011 NASTAR will also host two Nature Nature Valley NASTAR Valley NASTAR Open events, which will National Championships Winter Park, CO Mar. 24–27, 2011 serve as early season qualifiers for the Na- tional Championships. The Open events

Race Registration Online—Now Quick and Easy!

This year, USSA Mas- skiracereg.com. The site also lets you re- should click on “Log In Help,” just below ters has a new online view charges to your account. Additionally, the Home menu choice near the top of the registration system: any time a charge is processed on your ac- page, to retrieve their pre-loaded log in in- skiracereg.com. The count, you will receive an email notifying formation. Returning members should following Race Series you of what was charged, so there are no then log in. Both new and returning mem- will be utilizing surprises. bers will then simply fill in a few forms to skiracereg to provide Using skiracereg is easy. Navigate to complete the new member or membership online race registra- https://www.skiracereg.com to create an renewal process. tion and membership services. account and sign up for races. New mem- Welcome to skiracereg! Don’t hesi- • New England Masters bers should click the “Sign Up” menu tate to email me if you have any questions. • Midwest Masters choice near the top of the page to begin Regards, • Rocky Mountain Masters the new account sign-up process. Your first Doug Briggs • Intermountain/Northern Masters order of business will be to select your [email protected] • Farwest Masters Home Race Series. Returning members owner and creator of skiracereg.com The system lets you register and cancel reg- istrations for races without any charges to your account up until the registration deadline. Your account is only charged for races after they have taken place! And then, just for the actual race fees. There are no added-on surcharges or fees for using News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 6

Training Opportunities

n our Masters survey sent out this ment and safety accessories. We provide SL through the end of March. A typical ses- spring, training opportunities were & GS instruction, with coaches from the sion starts at 10am and includes gate run- Inoted as difficult to find. Here are Stowe Resort Ski Racing Program. ning, technical free skiing drills, and video some camps and season-long programs. Option 1: four-day camp ending at 3pm. The Park City Mountain Also check our online Masters Comp Monday, Dec. 13 to Thursday, Dec. 16th Resort is offering this program to USSA Guide for training in your division. Camp cost: $395.00, includes a banquet at members for one day or five days. Season the Stoweflake. training passes are available for the day Copper Mtn., CO Lift Tickets: Adult 4-day is $120. program, and for the night program (two Masters Nationals Training Camp, Over 65 4-day is $64. evenings a week). For more information, Nov. 28–Dec. 3 (Sun.–Fri.) contact the Park City Ski School, Option 2: three-day camp Six-day training camp with three days GS 435.647.5423, or Bill Skinner, Tuesday, Dec. 14 to Thursday, Dec. 16 and three days slalom training. Focus on 435.647.2633. For Lodging call Camp cost: $330.00, includes a banquet at gate training with video analysis and feed- 800.222.7275. the Stoweflake. back from coaches using current US Ski Team training methods and fundamentals. Some training will be on runs that will be used for the 2011 Masters Nationals. Op- tional Masters race is available on Sat., Dec. 4 (GS). Great quality training at rea- sonable costs; training is $50/day, with greatly reduced lodging and lifts available. If interested email: Gary Moss at moss- Dana Alexandrescu and Nate Schwing, [email protected] 2010 South American Cup Champions Mammoth Mtn. CA Nov. 29–Dec. 3, following the Thanksgiv- ing holiday and providing a tuneup week going into the season opening GS races at Mammoth on Dec. 4–5. Drills, gates, and video session with a focus on GS will be provided, with coaches from the Mam- For info Jesse Beck, [email protected] moth Masters and ski team. You can at- Questions at 802-862-9111. Mt Bachelor, OR tend by the day or for the full week. MBSEF Masters/Adult Training Program: Details and info flyer from MMRD posted Sun Valley, Idaho Tues.–Fri., Sun., holidays Mon., (Sat. start- on the web site. Mammoth has winter- Masters race clinic runs from January to ing mid-March), 9am–noon, late long Masters training. Info 760.934.0642 mid-March. It is geared to all ages of ad- Nov.–late April. Full season, 20-day, 10-day vanced to expert skiers. Meeting weekdays and drop-in programs available. Contact Stratton Mtn, VT at 9 am on the Warm Springs side of the MBSEF at 541.388.0002 or Dec. 13–17, 2010 mountain, and runs for three hours per [email protected]; or Greg Timm at Join Jim Cardenali in this ski racing camp day. The program concentrates on tech- [email protected] or 541.385.7853. to be held for the 19th consecutive year. nique and tactics to improve skiing ability More and more Masters have been attend- through race training. Special SG training Stevens Pass, WA: ing this camp in the past years. Open to all is offered once a week at 8 am for an hour The SPAC Masters Racing program starts alpine racers and coaches. Clinic groups of training on a full-length SG course. The early January and continues for 8–10 will be formed according to race experi- coaching staff, headed by Nick Maricich, weeks. Training will be offered on Thur. ence. The coaches are: Jim Cardenali, Tom comes from the Sun Valley Ski and Snow- evenings and Fri. afternoons only. 16 train- Barbeau, Todd Harris, Peter Palmer, Mas- board School, and the Sun Valley Ski Edu- ing sessions are possible from January simo Pastorino, Gerd Riess, and others, as cation coaching staff. Check with the Sun through March, 2009. See the SPAC web- needed. For details click on www.carde- Valley Ski and Snowboard School for costs site for access to the most current informa- naliskicamps.com and more information, 208.622.2248 or tion, www.spacracing.com web: sunvalley.com Stowe, Vermont Schweitzer Mt., Idaho Dec. 13–16, 2010 Park City, UT Wed./Thur. and weekend training avail- 24th annual Comets Stowe Race Camp is The Park City Masters Race Team invites all able. SARSMasters: Ann Ozuna, South open for business. In preparation for the USSA membership holders to join them 3404 Tekoa St, Spokane WA 99203. Call opening Masters race on Friday at Sugar- for a day or week of training in the 509.455.7944 or email bush we will offer a four-day and three-day Olympic and World Cup venue, Eagle Race [email protected]. See www.sars.net camp this year, open to all levels of ski rac- Arena. Training is available Monday–Fri- under “masters” for current info. ers, as long as you have the proper equip- day starting in late November and goes News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 7 Division News

PNSA 80s and race in five-year age classes. Check Central Division. Visit www.skicmsc- By Ann Ozuna out the race program section at www.pn- racing.com for more information on CMSC. www.PNSAmasters.org samasters.org or send an email to PNSA Midwest Masters expect another great Pacific Northwest skiers are masters chair Ann Ozuna at season of racing with over 30 races at many preparing for a La Niña win- [email protected] to find a program near of the same venues we have visited in the ter, with lots of snow and a you. Programs have training during the past, including Wild Mountain, Afton Alps, full racing schedule. All the favorite races are week and/or on weekends and new racers Buck Hill, Mount La Crosse, Marquette returning for another year and several have will find a warm welcome. Mountain, Spirit Mountain, and Granite added a new twist. Speed demons have a Non-USSA members can purchase a Peak. We plan to continue the use of our chance to go fast each month at 49 Degrees weekend race license for $25 for their first Ability Class scoring system which, in addi- North in January, at Schweitzer in February, racing experience. This $25 can be credited tion to tracking results by Age Class, tracks at Stevens Pass in March, and again at the to the purchase of a season-long USSA li- results by Ability Classes. Ability Classes PNSA championships in April at Mt Bache- cense. Like potato chips, you can’t try just group users by ability, based on an FIS-like lor. These areas are all hosting SG races; one! scoring system that utilizes managed seed some have training days prior to the event. Racers wishing to represent PNSA at lists and race penalties. In addition, Midwest The SG races at Schweitzer are part of the the Masters nationals at Copper Mountain Masters will be partnering with other divi- national Molecule F speed series and entries in Colorado must have purchased a USSA li- sions in skiracereg.com, a new web site de- from other divisions are welcomed. cense by the end of January and enter thru signed to help manage on-line registration The new twist for 2010/11 is a Super the PNSA chair. See you on the Hill! as well as other aspects of a ski racing organ- Combined race. Stevens Pass and Schweitzer ization. Visit www.midwestmasters.org or will both offer this event. The plan is to Central www.skiracereg.com for more information combine an SG with an SL run. Watch the Ryan Fuller, chair on Midwest Masters. website at www.pnsamasters.org for details. www.midwestmasters.org We are excited for another great sea- Online registration this year should With the upcoming season son in the Central Division, and are expect- be easier and less expensive than in the past come a lot of changes for ing great representation at Nationals in on the PNSA website. Masters can register Midwest Masters and the Copper Mountain. We’ll see you there! using Paypal. We will try to get the race an- Central Division. With the resignation of nouncements up as soon as possible after Midwest Masters founder, race director, Alaska the holidays. racer, and longtime Central coordinator By Gary Randall, chair The folks at the Skiyente and Schnee Steve “Stevo” Lindemer, the program is www.alyeskaskiclub.org Vogeli ski clubs are already planning their heading in many new directions. Our motto As I look out the window, the snow in event for the first weekend in March, now ti- for the season is to “Take it to the next falling on the mountains and it won't be tled Masters Mania, with an SL, GS and, of level,” and we intend to do so! long until we are on the snow. course, a great party. Plan your trip to Mt In the Midwest, there are several or- We had an end-of-the-summer Hood now! ganizations that hold adult races through- potluck the last week in September, with a If short, quick turns are your thing, out each season. In the coming years, the good turn out of 50+/- Masters. Our next the Alpental ski area at Snoqulamie Pass goal will be to try to expand the partnership get-together is the annual signup on No- will challenge you with three races in two of these organizations with Midwest Masters vember 12. days over the Presidents’ Day weekend. and USSA with the goal of increasing mem- We are looking forward to having 70 Warm up your GS skills at the Summit at bership via more USSA Masters sanctioned Masters this years with several new addi- Snoqualmie Pass the first weekend of the events. The process of facilitating this has al- tions. At the sign-up party, I will be pushing year and again the following weekend at ready begun, and with the coming season, for everybody to sign up for USSA. With any Crystal Mountain. PNSA Masters welcome we will be holding regular meetings to luck, I may get another 10 or 15 to add to Northern division racers at Lookout Pass on brainstorm new ways in which more racers last year’s new members. the Idaho/Montana border in March. There in the Midwest can be introduced to USSA This year, we are going to work with are lots of opportunities to race and social- Masters. the Junior Program during the week for ize all winter long. Season-long class cham- In Michigan, the MACC group mid-week training. The Junior coaches will pions are crowned in each class at the finals (Michigan Alpine Competition Council) be setting courses for us at noon. We will at Mt Bachelor. Last year, one class went continues to run USSA-sanctioned races run gates for two hours, after which the Jun- down to the last run on the last day, only to within the Central Division and will hold iors will take over and run for another two end in a tie with over 400 World Cup points races at Boyne Mountain this year over three hours. We hope to get some good training each! weekends. Visit www.maccracing.org for and video. There are a number of programs for more information on MACC. We have a great new sponsor this aspiring and veteran racers. The ability to ski At the annual race held by Midwest year. Bill Odem is one of the owners of the blue runs and a desire to have fun while Masters at Marquette Mountain in Michi- Odem Corp. He will be supplying us with learning advanced ski skills are all that is re- gan, a co-hosted event will be held in con- all-new bibs, panels for our gates, beer, wine quired. Masters racing is the next challenge junction with the Chicago Metropolitan Ski and door prizes for our race awards. for CitiLeague or NASTAR racers. Masters Council. This will be perhaps the largest sin- Well that's about it from up here in racers range in age from their 20s to their gle Masters event ever hosted within the the farther north. We’ll ski you soon! Old School…

Didier Cuche 14 World Cup wins 1 World Championship 1 Olympic medal 4 Discipline Globes 36 years old

What Two Generations of Champions Can Teach You

Top 10 reasons why Cuche and Janka are Thirty-six year old worth watching: 10. Left and right ankles are at the male, five foot eight same degree of flexion. Always, at and 196 pounds. Sounds like every point in the turn. This is where their efficient stance starts. a guy you could see at the start in With equal ankle flexion, they a Masters race. If he did show up, he might have a foundation that is biome- just be worth watching. He is Didier Cuche, chanically efficient and balanced in he has 14 World Cup wins, four discipline all planes. The inside foot never goes globes, an Olympic medal, and a World so far in front that it had to be pulled Championship title. He is one of the most back. We don’t see them crushing the consistent competitors on the White Circus, boot, but both ankles keep the same de- and consistency yields high rewards on the gree of flexion, in every part of the turn, World Cup. Cuche has been third in the over- as a result of muscular tension inside of all World Cup standings for the last four the boot. years. Old school meets new school with 23 9. Inside ski tip, boot, knee, hip, and shoulder lead. year old Carlo Janka. Janka has only been on This lead is a result of slope angle due to the the World Cup for four years. In those four equal flexion in both ankles. This lead is years, Janka has gone from 130th to first in mimicked between all left and right joint the chase for the overall globe. This youngster combinations. The resulting knee, hip, and has only had 75 World Cup starts but has fin- shoulder left and right sides form a parallel ished on the podium 20% of the time. The relationship between each other up the entire “Iceman,” as he is known, only has one globe, body. Since the effective slope angle relative and it is the big one. An indication he knows to the ski changes at every point in the turn, his basics and his fundamentals are solid. the lead change also changes at every point ways headed in the same direction. The two The montages, by Ron LeMaster (au- in the turn (if ankle angles are kept consis- skis move together as one unit. Second, the thor of “Ultimate Skiing”), are of Didier tent). This lead change is constantly getting ski separation will enable the inside ski to as- Cuche and Carlo Janka at the Birds of Prey larger and smaller and then reversing direc- sist with pressure management or to take downhill and GS in Beaver Creek last year. tions. What enhances Didier and Carlo’s bal- over if the outside ski were to lose traction. Downhill or GS, old guy or new school, there ance is how the lead change is mimicked up Notice the separation between the skis. This are similarities and fundamentals that are the the body at all points in the turn. changes but the inside ski is always beneath basis of all good ski racing. 8. Inside ski is disciplined. First of all, the inside the outside knee, which is evident from the ski is aligned parallel with the outside ski, al- red color on the knee of their speed suits. …New School

Carlo Janka 4 years on World Cup circuit 20 percent podium finishes 1 Olympic medal 1 overall World Cup globe 23 years old

What Two Generations of Champions Can Teach You

By Ron Kipp Ron Kipp is the USSA Alpine Sport Education Manager. Photo montages by Ron LeMaster He has worked with the U.S. and Norwegian Ski Teams.

7. Bones are stacked. This is referring to the out- not get to be an old ski racer by mis-align- 1. Looks quiet. The limited motion displayed side leg toward the later parts of the turn ment of his back, and Janka would like the by both athletes demonstrates that they are where forces are the greatest. Stance is physi- same fate. The spine is composed of vertebrae balanced in an workable, efficient posture. cally much stronger when the bones of the that are stacked on top of each other. Each This posture is a consequence of the inte- skeleton are lined up on top of each other. Al- vertebrae interface has a very small range-of- gration of the nine points above. When an though both demonstrate enough flexion for motion. When flexed laterally, beyond their athlete has ownership of these listed points terrain undulation and changes, they both natural range-of-motion, the excess stress be- there is a synthesis of movements that leads have a relatively long outside leg to resist the tween the discs eventually leads to overuse in- to an equilibrium between the body’s inter- forces in the later parts of the turn. jury. nal forces with the external forces of the 6. Inside ski is on the snow. This demonstrates 3. Use of the hip. The hip is big, strong joint that turn. While we should try to emulate their that the inside ski is in a ready position. moves like a joy stick through a large range-of- movements, we should also realize that lack Both skiers are outside-ski dominant, but motion. Angulation to create edging and rota- of movement does not imply absence of the inside ski is on the snow ready to ad- tional articulation that steers the ski and muscular tension. Limiting or minimizing just pressure or to take over the turn, in creates upper/lower body separation comes excess movement will enhance balance by the event that outside ski would give from the hip joint. Using this joint solely (as reducing the external torque that results in way. Their weight transfer is so subtle opposed to the spine) for flexion/extension the eventual undesired relocation of the that it is almost impossible to tell (this is evident in Janka's montage since it skier’s center-of-mass with regards to their when it happens, similar to the in- goes from turn to turn) and rotation is a sign base-of-support. Their key is keeping the dependent suspension on a car. that Didier and Carlo can move their lower movements to only those that are necessary. While it is natural to look for what they are 5. Hands are held wider than the elbows. This is an body independently of the upper body. This doing, try to also look for what they are not essential aspect of stance. Hands are basically makes them both more articulate when it doing. used for balance corrections (that is why we comes to absorbing terrain undulations and don’t see either athlete waving them around). making the necessary body adjustments to at- Old guy and new school, downhill and GS, When an athlete gets out of balance, it means tenuate changing external forces. even differing body types, Didier Cuche and the position of their center-of-mass is not in 2. The center-of-mass has minimal vertical Carlo Janka demonstrate the critical fea- line with their base-of-support. To get back in translation. This is a result of the legs, which tures of solid ski and ski racing fundamen- balance or back on line, the athlete moves are allowed to go through a large range-of- tals. These items, not taken by themselves their hands in space to readjust their center-of- motion, one flexing while the other extends, but as a conglomerate, not only need to be mass. If the elbows are carried wider than the keeping the center-of-mass vertical movement identified but integrated into the ski turn hands it limits the available range-of-motion to a minimum. If the center-of-mass were to and race run. For more explanations, check that the athlete would otherwise have available rise at the start of each turn it would be travel- out the most recent Winning Runs DVD for balance correction. ing a greater distance than a center-of-mass and other DVDs available at http://educa- that was consistently staying at a more even 4. No lateral flexion in the spine. Angulation to cre- tionshop.ussa.org. ate edging is coming from the hip. Cuche did distance above the snow. News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 10 Division News

New England Masters welcome ROCKPORT MORTGAGE COR- pate in this venture. Nadine Price, chair PORATION as our GS series sponsor. One of things we had hoped to www.nemasters.org Rockport is a mortgage banking firm spe- bring on line last season, and couldn’t, After losing more than four cializing in originating federally insured will be a reality this year. Thanks to the and a half hours of daylight, loans for apartment complexes, nursing hard work of Doug Briggs from Rocky and lots of cold, wet, dreary days homes and assisted living facilities. Rock- several of our own board members, you and a very short transition from foliage to port was with us last year as a sponsor of will be able to register for all our races on stick season, the almost-winter season has the Gibson Cup weekend at Cranmore in line! Check out the article on page 5. finally arrived here in Vermont! And with New Hampshire, and joins us this season As always, our series is made possi- it, a lot of snow! Although the lifts haven’t in a more pivotal roll, sponsoring our sea- ble and enhanced by our sponsors. We officially started turning yet, that hasn’t son-long GS series, now officially named wish to thank our newest Sponsors: Rock- stopped a large number of intrepid hikers the Rockport Mortgage Corporation GS Se- port Mortgage Corporation and Skier’s from carrying skis and boards up the ries! Edge. We thank Artech, Swix and mountain. So this all bodes well for a great We will once again, thanks to the SkiChair.com for their continued support. start to the season. help of USSA, be manning a booth at the And we thank Isagenix, Kühl, Chuck We’ll be kicking things off with a Boston Ski Show. This will be our third Hughes and MaserUSA, Rooly and the mid-December GS and SL at Sugarbush. season there and our presence at the show Basin Ski Shop at Killington for their spe- After the holidays, we’ll be visiting a lot of has been very positive. We have signed up cial assistance. When you have need or use old favorites with a couple of twists. We’ll a lot of folks who have done a few races for any of the products or services our be in the Manchester, Vermont, area for a and few folks who have done a lot of races. sponsors provide, we hope you will visit long weekend starting with an SG at Strat- So we will be there with banners and give- them first. ton. This SG was part of our schedule last aways and everything else we can think of year and it proved to be one of our most to get attention! Northern Division Masters popular events. Even though we had to As most of you will undoubtedly Rick Murphy, chair cancel the race itself due to fog that was remember, we tried a number of new www.northernmasters.org more akin to concrete than pea soup, the things last season. Some worked, some did Northern Division is camp the day before and the a.m. training not. After no deliberation at all, we’ve de- blessed by location. First, run made it worthwhile for all who at- cided to keep the ones that worked and we’re able to live and ski tended. This year, we have already put in toss (or rework) the ones that didn’t! For in Montana and also are located within our request for blue bird skies and temps instance, the time for Sise Bucks has not close proximity to two great Masters neigh- in the low 20s! The rest of the week is all come! So we are going back to bors: Intermountain and PNSA. tradition with the Ineson SL at Bromley on mugs/glasses for awards. Those of you We start our season with the Skoch Saturday and back to Stratton for the ever- with outstanding Sise Bucks should see Ex- Cup (Jan. 14–16) in Sun Valley. This pre- popular Janeway Cup. We’ve moved the ecutive Director Jim McKeon to redeem mier event has kicked off our racing sched- visit to Ragged to later in the season in the them. On the other hand, two things that ule for many years and is highly hope of trying out their recently homolo- did work were more parties and more anticipated by our Northern members. gated GS hill. And we’ll be back at Sugar- speed events. These seem to be really help- Sometimes, our biggest problem is bush for our second annual speed week. ful in attracting new racers and especially to decide which high-caliber race venue to This was wildly successful last year, draw- the lower classes. attend. For the weekend of Jan. 21–23, ing competitors from all over the country! And speaking of new racers… I had Northern members can choose between The event will include a training camp, a a number of conversations over the sum- the Intermountain Cowboy Classic GS in DH, two SGs and a Super Combined, not mer with some recent ski academy gradu- Jackson, Wyoming or the PNSA’s Elderdaze to mention parties. The DH and first SG ates and a couple of national team SG at 49 Degrees N in Idaho. Decisions, will be part of the Molecule F National hopefuls in particular who were interested decisions. Speed Series. This, combined with the Re- in doing some Masters races. So we are After Western Regionals in Mam- gional SG, will mean three Molecule Series working these folks hard and we may see a moth (Feb. 3–6), we take a time out for races in the East so Easterns will have a few new faces at some of our races to up training to prepare for our joint speed race chance to be competitive in this series. Re- the ante! with Intermountain at Big Sky (Feb. gionals will once again be returning to One of the other new things that 25–27). This is the only Masters speed Okemo in central Vermont. This venue was we really want to build on this year is the event which features air, (although you truly terrific last year, even though we were New England Masters Foundation. The can still decide to keep them on the a bit challenged by weather. This year, purpose of the Foundation is to assist as- snow). We race with the Juniors is this we’ve ordered sunny, moderate days and piring young athletes and to help bridge event, making for a fun and unique atmos- cold nights to make this event a little more the gap between Masters racing and racing phere. epic and something not to be missed! at all levels by supporting and promoting In Mar. 12–13, we again join with And finally, we’ll be wrapping up the sea- alpine racing at all levels. We are working PNSA for the Outlaw Rendezvous at Look- son with a return to Mt. Snow for finals. on obtaining 501(c)(3) status so that do- out Pass. This intimate area provides a It’s been a while since we’ve been to Snow nations to the Foundation will be tax de- great race site and good competition. and it promises to be a great weekend. ductible. We plan to have lots of Nationals at Copper Mtn. (Mar. This season we are very pleased to opportunities for our own racers to partici- 21–26) wraps up our racing season. News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 11

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The Skier’s Edge U.S. Masters Team is looking forward to a great race season. After a two-year hiatus from “Worlds” the “I use the Skier’s Edge QS5 plan is to have a strong showing this year in Andorra which is nestled between France to simulate the movement and Spain. ! e races will be held February patterns in skiing, and to 22-26, 2011, at Vallnord Resort located on build the endurance I need the highest peak in the Pyrenees Mountains. ! is is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for the season.” to compete against the best in the world Ted Ligety, Olympic Gold Medalist at a unique venue that’s an exclusive “get away” for the rich and famous. Why not commit now to making “World’s” one of your goals for this year. Let’s show the world Edge World Cup Plyometric Power is ! e Skier’s Edge Company is starting that the U.S. Masters racers are a force to used by Olympic athletes like Ted Ligety its 8th year as title sponsor of Masters be reckoned with! Don’t miss out on this and Sarah Schleper. In fact, 155 Olympic racing. Skier’s Edge is committed to all exciting race venue. alpine ski medals during the past six the athletes participating in Masters. ! e Olympics were won by athletes who Company’s goal is to elevate Masters We look forward to seeing you on trained on the Skier’s Edge. racing to a highly visible level, one never the podium! ! e Skier’s Edge is a great way to achieved before. ! is is possible with the prepare for the demands of racing. It help of the Skier’s Edge US Masters Team, works on your timing, rhythm, edging and great venues and most of all – you as a balance while giving an awesome aerobic/ dedicated Masters racer! anaerobic workout. If you want to increase the dynamic balance workout just add the Masters discounts are now sent via email Slope Simulator accessory. ! is accessory only! Sign-up for the Skier’s Edge e-news allows the footpads to move fore and aft letter at SkiersEdge.com/196 to get the while going inside edge to inside edge. biggest and best deals available! Get ! e goal is to keep the footpad level ready for the epic season of your life! throughout the arc of the turn - a challenge that will take your racing to the next ;YddLg\Yq0((&**-&1..1]pl&)1. level! Our top of the line QS5 series also comes in a kit for racer’s who already own Kca]jk=\_]&[ge')1. PRE!SEASON TRAINING: a Skier’s Edge and want to upgrade. ! is LEARN FROM THE PROS series is the ultimate in quiet and smooth. ! is is the year to take your racing and Replicating a pro-athlete ski speci" c " tness to the next level and Skier’s Edge is workout is a great way to improve your here to help you reach your goal. own " tness and technique. ! e Skier’s News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 12

Division News

Rocky Mountain Masters Nationals have a great race schedule. This year, we Jennifer L. Kaufman, Vice President In addition to the regular schedule, Rocky have added two additional races from last and Division Chair Mountain Division is home to this year’s year, for a total of 26 races and 13 ski days. www.rmmskiracing.org Master’s Nationals, which will include a We also have a very nice blend of races It’s snowing hard in the Colorado high DH at Ski Cooper, and SC, SG, GS and SL consisting of 12 GS, 10 SL, and four SG, to country and we already have several resorts at Copper. So we have no shortage of op- test all abilities! open for business! It has been a challeng- portunities to race this year! We will begin the season after New ing off-season for RMM, with many transi- The regular schedule is posted on Year’s with a GS and SL at Swain on Janu- tions on the board, as well as other events. our website at www.rmmskiracing.org. As ary 2. Swain always does a great job, and We are grateful to our outgoing board always, we welcome racers from other divi- we’re pleased to be able to begin our sea- members Jim Roberts, Richard Bradsby, sions any time and hope everyone can join son there again, as we have done in the Debi Davis, Peggy Iden and Anne Haggar us up at Copper Mountain for Nationals in past. After Swain, we will begin our first of Gibson for their contributions to our or- March! three combined weekends with a two-race ganization. SL at Holiday Valley on Jan. 8, followed by We welcome our new additions to On a final note… a two-race GS at Holimont on Jan. 9. The the board and staff. They bring a lot of We have been saddened by the recent loss following week, we return to Brantling on new energy to RMM and we are anticipat- of several members: Hans Wolf, Carol Jan. 16 for an always-fun two-race SL, fol- ing a great season of racing Rymer Davis and Leon Johnson. All three lowed by a return trip to Bristol on Jan. 23 had a tremendous love of skiing and of for a two-race GS, which always gets a 2010/2011 RMM Staff life. Their passion, courage and sense of strong turnout. We finish January with our Stacey Estelle Office Manager adventure inspires all of us. second combined weekend at Toggenburg DJ Otto Race Administrator We look forward to seeing you on Jan. 29 for a two-race SL, and then to soon! Greak Peak on Jan. 30 for a great two-race 2010/2011 Board of Directors GS. Rockett and the entire Greak Peak race Jennifer Kaufman President & team always put on a great race. USSA Division Chair We begin February with a return Graham Smith Vice President trip to Hunt Hollow on the 5th, followed a Lauren MacMath Secretary & GS and SL at Labrador Feb. 12. We then Social Director head back to Song for our third combined David Velasco Treasurer weekend with a two-race SG on the 19th, Tom Ripp Membership Initiatives followed by a GS and SL on the 20th. Song Jim Montgomery IT does a great job, and appreciates the Mas- Kevin Brynestad Co-Chair Sponsorship ters holding our races with them. We fin- Pat Palm Co-Chair Sponsorship ish the month, as well as our regular Chris Hoss Technical Delegate season, with a awesome two-run SG at Bristol on Feb. 25th, followed by our series New Initiatives final back at Swain on Feb. 26 with a GS This year we have some exciting new in- and SL race. centives designed to attract additional rac- This year, the 2010 Easterns will ers, recapture some of those that have left once again return to Okemo Mar. 4–6 with us for awhile and reward existing members an SG, GS, and SL. The Masters will then for referrals: finish the 2011 season with the Nationals taking place at Copper Mountain in Col- • Provide a free day of racing to existing orado from Mar. 22–26. RMM members who bring a first-time As always, the NY Masters have a racer or bring back someone who has not Tuck at Summer Fun Nationals great day of racing, getting in two-run races raced in 2+ years. Mt. Hood class 14 (90 years old) by 2:00. This leaves time for free skiing, as • Continue special race entry pricing of $5 well as fun aprés race parties. This year, per race for racers under 25. similar to every year, we are hoping to in- • Offer special race entry pricing to first New York State Snow Masters Series crease our race attendance, so we welcome timers 25 and older for their initial race By Jack Eisenschmid, chair any new—as well as any past—Masters weekend of $5 per race for technical events and Jim Spillane, co-chair racers. and $10 per race for speed events. www.nymasters.org Check out our website www.nymas- ters.org for the 2011 schedule, contacts, • Creation of new marketing material to Welcome to the 2011 season! and registration information. We have also be distributed at ski-related events, as well With winter fast approaching, it added a NY Masters Facebook page for as health clubs and other prospective won’t be long before we get back on our everyone to access as well. We ask that you member environments. skis and do what we all like to do best— race! This will be the 39th season for the please visit the links to our many sponsors NY State Masters and we once again will that help make our series great. See you all at the start! News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 13 Division News

Southern Masters and fun ways to get more members on holding three races over a single weekend. By Horst Locher, chair board and have stocked our schedule with a This format was very popular with our www.sararacing.org variety of races that will fit every need for members, as racers having to travel felt like We hope that the deep winter of the south speed. Additionally, we are expanding out to they were getting much more “bang for their will come back like we experienced it last various social media sites and can be found buck”—travel bucks, that is. As a result, we year. Actually, it was unusual to see several on Facebook and now the national twitter have continued with this format for a num- feet of snow in the capital of the nation. site USSA Masters. ber of our race weekends in the Far West. Who would believe that a Master could be All of this great stuff could not be All of our ski areas in the Lake Tahoe stuck more in snow than in a traffic jam of possible without our sponsors. We will be area fall within an approximate one hour’s Washington, D.C.? endorsing and aggressively promoting those drive of Reno’s airport, which is easily acces- In the southern region, we are having who promote us, and we welcome again this sible from most US airports. Mammoth is a very limited number of Masters who travel year Jans Mountain Outfitters, Atomic, Larry also now easily accessible by air via daily to races in Virginia, West Virginia and North H Miller, EZPak Nutrition, Platipus Sports, non-stop flights from Los Angeles, San Fran- Carolina, but we will do our best to con- Cofer Chiropractic, Atomic, Davidson Hei- cisco, San Jose, and direct flights (one stop) vince some hard-core NASTAR racers to give den Orthopedics, and our newest member, from Portland, OR. a try in our Masters circuit. Waterguard. Look for these brands, and Another highlight from our division Virginia will kick off the first master please mention your appreciation of their this season will be our hosting of the Mas- races at Bryce Resort on Dec. 27 and 28. The critical support to our Intermountain Mas- ters Western Regionals at Mammoth Moun- following day, five hours south in North ters. tain. As those of you who have raced at our Carolina, an SL and a GS are scheduled at The opening parties kick off Nov. 18 Masters events at Mammoth in the past can Sugar Mountain. I am sure Kim Jochl and in Park City, Utah and Dec. 5th in Sun Val- attest, this venue has fantastic terrain for all her sister Christa Schmidinger welcome you ley, Idaho. Check out our schedule and plan of our events, and a highly professional race to a fine race on Dec. 29 and 30. on joining us. Bring a friend and and get a department to ensure quality of races. In ad- Also, Sugar Mountain will host the free surprise gift! dition, Mammoth has great lodging avail- 15th Annual Adult Pre-Season Clinic sched- able on the mountain, as well as a first-class uled for December 10–12, 2010. Guest Ski Season Starts Early in the Far West! catering and banquet facilities for our coaches will be 1994 Olympic Gold and Sil- By Mark Mirviss awards parties, also right at the ski area. ver Medalist Diann Roffe, Olympian Krista www.FarWestMasters.org As the president and representative Schmidinger and US National Super G In the Far West, we have a very full and ex- of the Far West, I would like to personally Champion 2010 Keely Kelleher. citing schedule of races planned for the up- invite racers from other divisions to come coming season. We will be holding races at sample our great weather (usually), our Intermountain Masters: six different ski areas in the Lake Tahoe area, great hospitality (always), and our fine Cali- Where Fun Meets Seri- as well as at Mammoth Mountain in the fornia wines and cuisine always present at ous Racing Eastern Sierras. the awards parties. Amy Lanzel, chair Our schedule includes 11 slalom For further information about what www.intermountain- races, 10 GS races, nine SG races, and five is going on in the Far West Division, please masters.org DH races. We experimented last season with visit our website: www.farwestmasters.org Intermountain Masters will be rocking and rolling this season with one of the best race schedules on the circuit. Ski racing just can’t get any better, with venues the likes of Sun Valley, Idaho; Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Park City Mountain Resort, just to name a few. Check us out on our newly- designed web site easily clicked on at intermountain- masters.org. We offer multiple race training opportunities that, when coupled with the greatest snow on earth, is just plain unbeat- able! Big changes this year include the in- troduction of the online race registration at skiracereg.com and thanks to the “Ski with a Masters Legend” program we will be award- ing our first ever Intermountain Masters Scholarship! We continue to seek creative Carolyn Beckedorff (EA) News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 14

Gate Training—Putting It All Together by Howard Cole

The Skinner brothers, 6 Stand on the new outside ski, applying SG: If GS is about patience, SG is really, re- Bill and Bob, take a pressure on the shovel so it engages, bends ally about patience and not making any group of Masters to Valle and comes round to form the apex. It will dramatic moves. Yet for me, paradoxically, Nevado, Chile each Sep- feel like you are pushing yourself down- it is also about quick feet because the tember for seven days of hill. Don’t worry. You are, and this is ex- course comes at me so quickly, transitions training and four days of actly what you need to do to go faster. This have to be made quickly, though not nec- racing. They bring two takes a lot of practice and won’t happen essarily early in the turn. The being patient “jack rabbits” (young coaches who are at overnight. Be patient and determined. part is letting the skis run and completing the top of their game) and demo the latest All this is a little scary because it the turn. It is also about being light on technique. This year, they were Rowmark causes tremendous acceleration. You feel your feet (like a butterfly standing on a hot Academy coach and NCAA GS champion like you are falling downhill and you are fry pan) especially on the flats, where you 2006 Scott Veenis and Sun Valley Ski Edu- not at all sure your skis will turn and come want to minimize friction. Be balanced in cation Foundation head coach Nathan back underneath you. Don’t worry; they the center of your skis and keep your skis Schwing. On race day, Nathan was beating will. They are designed to do so. as flat as possible. It also helps to have an the best of us four to six seconds a run, so So what does all of this have to do aerodynamic tuck. we listened to what they had to teach. with gate training? All the mechanics I It also really helps to look ahead to The central theme, regardless of the have been discussing need to happen pick up the rhythm and line. A thorough discipline, is come out of the last turn above the gate so that you come out of the and strategic inspection is critical. You moving forward with one’s hips over, and apex of your turn coming back at the gate, must plan your line through the transi- if possible ahead of, one’s bindings. Shoul- regardless of the discipline. There are a few tions and blind gates, where to be patient, ders and hips are parallel to the slope of exceptions to this principle that are dic- and where to turn on the gas. the hill. Let your skis run deep to the rise tated by terrain and changes in direction. Lastly, how we approach gate train- line of the next turn. (The rise line is an For example, on the flats, the apex can be ing determines how we will perform on imaginary line running up the hill from at the gate. But again, the pressure must be race day. If we train at 75% intensity we the inside panel of the gait, parallel to the applied coming into the apex. Here are will race at 75% intensity. There will be no direction of the course and not necessarily some specifics to each discipline: magical transformation on race day. We the fall line.) Then go through a quick SL: Finding the tempo of the course is fun- get good at what we practice and we are transition, again moving forward on your damental. Looking two or three gates creatures of routine. Approach each train- skis, engaging the new outside ski and ini- ahead really helps. It’s about quick feet ing session as if it were race day. Establish tiating the work of the turn early in the top and edge to edge. A mantra that I find use- a warm-up routine and do it thoroughly. It half of the arc. ful is cross block, pole plant, early and initiates the sequence alerting our brain to This is different from my last article quick transition, apply pressure on the what is coming next. Then do a detailed on free skiing in December 2009 SRC, outside ski, get lateral at the apex. Critical inspection and form a battle strategy. Our where I emphasized an early transition throughout is moving forward and down brain is then ready to tell our bodies to go after the apex of the last turn. The empha- the hill. Don’t get pushed back by combi- at the course with 100% power. Then sim- sis is on letting the skis run deep to the nations. Purposely lunge forward coming ulate race day in the first two training runs. next turn and taking a more zigzag line. out so you are ready for the next corridor. Ignore the coach’s advice to take it easy on The only dilemma is you must be really In hairpins cross block the first pole with your first few runs. Then settle down and strong and very forward on your skis. one hand and the double poles with the work on whatever you need to in subse- Coaches say Bode Miller is the best at it on other hand. Cross block flushes only with quent runs. the circuit because he’s the strongest. For the hand that blocks the first pole. As you If you know you are in a really most of us masters, who ski like we are sit- enter a flush stand up as opposed to a cor- competitive category and will have to dig ting back in a chair, this is not easy. ridor where you hips are low. deep on race day, then practice digging However there is hope. Here are deep during training. Remember, there will GS: GS is all about rhythm, line and pa- some pointers that may help you get at be no magical transformation on race day. tience. The tendency is to be anxious, to go least part way there: Those who know how to dig deep have through the transition too early, which 1 High hands at shoulder height and for- taught themselves how to do it in their leaves us waiting for the apex and going ward draw the hips forward. training. Do so and come race day, you too direct at the next gate. When we pinch 2 Inside hand pointing down hill in the di- will ward off the race day blues. a gate, we do not leave enough space to get rection of the outside ski. This helps keep I am 60 years old, and have three lateral, and wind up doing the work of the our weight over the outside ski. boys who are all excellent skiers, and I can turn in the second half of the arc. This 3 Always draw the inside ski back and let still keep up with them in the steep and takes our acceleration across the hill and the inside knee come up, especially at the deep powder out west. not down the fall line. Remedy: be patient apex when lateral. Skiing is a passion that runs deep and let the skis run deep to the rise line. 4 Before the transition, let the skis come for me. I love the rush that comes when Make a quick transition, apply pressure in up and under you so your body starts finding a fast line through a course and the first half of the arc and leave a meter moving (falling) downhill. making some good turns. I enjoy the com- between your boots and the gate. That will 5 As you approach and go through the radeship of Masters and the friends I have leave enough space to be dynamic and lat- transition, pull your feet under and behind made who provide some balance to my eral. Looking ahead two to four gates is re- you, moving your body forward with the professional life. ally helpful in picking up the rhythm and hips at the very least ahead of your heel line. pieces—better still, in front of your toe pieces. News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 15

(Subject 2011 Alpine Masters Schedules to change)

Alaska Alpine Masters Southern Masters (SARA) Rocky Mountain Masters Jan. 8 ...... Alyeska ...... GS Dec. 27 ...... Bryce Resort ...... GS Dec. 4 ...... Copper ...... GS Jan. 29 ...... Alyeska ...... GS Dec. 28 ...... Bryce Resort ...... SL Dec. 18 ...... Loveland ...... SL Feb. 26 ...... Alyeska ...... SL Dec. 29–30 . . . .Sugar Mtn...... SL/GS Jan. 9-10 ...... Winter Park ...... GS/SL Feb. 27 ...... Alyeska ...... SL Jan. 23 ...... Wintergreen ...... GS Jan. 21-23 . . . . .Keystone . . .2DH/2SG/GS Mar. 5 ...... Alyeska ...... GS Jan. 29–30 . . . .Snowshoe ...... SL/GS Jan. 29-31 . . . . .Vail ...... SL/GS/SG/SG Mar. 12 ...... Alyeska ...... SL Feb. 5–6 ...... Wintergreen ...... SL/GS Feb. 19-21 . . . . .Aspen ...... 2SG/2DH Mar. 26 ...... Alyeska ...... SL Feb. 12–13 . . . .Sugar Mtn...... SL/GS Feb. 26-27 . . . . .Ski Cooper ...... DH/DH Info. Gary Randall 907.242.2927 Feb. 26–27 . . . .Timberline...... GS/SL Mar. 12-13 . . . .Loveland ...... SL/SL Feb. 27 ...... Bryce Resort ...... SL Mar. 19-20 . . . .Ski Cooper . . . . .DH/DH Central Alpine Masters Info Contact: Horst Locher 540.856.2121 Mar. 22-26 . . . .Copper Mtn. SC/SG/GS/SL Dec. 11–12 . . . .Wild Mtn...... 2SL/2GS www.skisara.org Apr. 9 ...... Loveland .SG/GS/SL-1 run Dec. 18–19 . . . .Afton Alps ...... 2SL/2GS Info Contact: Jennifer Kaufman Jan. 8 ...... Buck Hill ...... SL/SL Far West Masters 720.855.8427 Jan. 15–16 . . . .LaCrosse ...... 2SL/2GS Dec. 4-5 ...... Mammoth . . . .GS/GS/GS www.rmmskiracing.org Central Masters Championships Dec. 18-19 . . . .Squaw Valley ...... SL/SL Jan. 21-23. . .Marquette . . SG/2GS/2SL/2GS Jan. 7 ...... Heavenly ...... SL/SL Jan. 29–30 . . . . .Buck Hill ...... 2SL/2GS Jan. 8-9 ...... Sierra at Tahoe . . . . .SL/SL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS Feb. 5 ...... Afton Alps ...... SL/GS Jan. 21-23 . . . . .Mammoth ...... 5SG Feb. 12–13 . . . .Granite Peak . . . .2SL/2GS Feb. 3-6 ...... Mammoth . .SC/SG/GS/SL Skier’s Edge Masters National Championship Mar. 19–20 . . . .Spirit Mtn...... 3GS/2SL Feb. 21-24 . . . . .Mammoth . .DH/DH/DH Mar. 22–26 Copper Mtn. COSC/SG/GS/SL Info: Ryan Fuller 612.501.3268 Feb. 26-27 . . . . .Northstar . . . . .GS/GS/GS Bill Skinner 435.647.2633 www.midwestmasters.org Feb. 28 ...... Squaw Valley ...... SG Mar. 12-13 . . . .Squaw Valley . . .SL/SL/GS Skier's Edge National Downhill Championships New England Masters/Sise Cup Apr. 2-3 ...... Mt. Rose ...... SL/GS Mar. 1–20 . . . . .Ski Cooper . . . . .trDH-DH Dec. 17–18 . . . .Sugarbush ...... GS/SL Apr. 13-17. . Mammoth . .2DH/2SG/GS/SL Bill Skinner 435.647.2633 Jan. 8 ...... Gunstock ...... SL Info contact: Mark Mirviss 530.583.6971 Jan. 9 ...... Waterville ...... GS www.farwestmasters.org Skier’s Edge Western Region Championships Jan. 15–16 . . . .Middlebury ...... SL/GS Feb. 3–6. . . Mammoth CA . . .SG/SC/GS/SL Jan. 17 ...... Suicide Six ...... SL Intermountain Masters/ JANS Cup Mammoth RD 760.934.0642 Jan. 21–23 . . . . .Stratton ...... SG/GS/SL Jan. 8–9 ...... Snowbasin ...... SL/SL Jan. 28–30 . . . . .Cranmore .GS/SL/dualGS Jan 14–16 . . . . .Sun Valley . . . . .SG/GS/SL Skier’s Edge Eastern Region Championships Feb. 5–6 ...... Ragged Mt...... GS/SL Jan. 22–23 . . . .Snow King ...... GS/GS Mar. 12–14 . . . .Okemo, VT .SC/SG/GS/SL Feb. 11–13 . . . . .Sugarbush . . .DH/2SG/SC Feb. 11–13 . . . . .Park City ...... SG/GS/SL Bill McCollom 802.234.9561 Feb. 26 ...... Cannon Mtn...... SL Feb. 25–27 . . . .Big Sky . . . SGtr/2SG/1SG Feb. 27 ...... Pat’s Peak ...... GS Feb.28–Mar.2 . .Soldier Mtn...... DH/DH Summer Fun Nationals Mar. 4–6 ...... Wolf Mtn...... GS/SL/GS July 23-24 . . . . .Mt Hood,OR ...... GS/SL Eastern Championships Mar 11–13. .Snowbasin .SG/GS/GS (finals) Meri Stratton 541.387.3674 Mar. 4–6 ...... Okemo . . . .SG/SC/GS/SL Apr. 8–11 . . Mt. Bachelor .SGtr/2SG/GS/SL Sise Cup Finals Info: Amy Lanzel 801-808-3089 Molecule F National Speed Series Mar. 11–13 . . . .Mt Snow ...... SG/GS/SL www.intermountainmasters.org Jan. 22-23 . . . . .Mammoth, CA . . . .SG/SG Info: Jim McKeon 802.558.8557 Feb. 4 ...... Mammoth, CA ...... SG www.nemasters.org Northern Masters Feb. 11 ...... Park City, UT ...... SG Jan. 14–16 . . . .Sun Valley . . . . .SG/GS/SL Feb. 11-12 . . . . .Sugarbush, VT . . . .DH/SG New York Masters Jan. 22–23 . . . .Snow King ...... GS/GS Feb. 19-21 . . . . .Aspen, CO ...... SG/DH Dec. 19 ...... Brantling ...... SL/SL Jan. 21–23 . . . . .49 Degrees N . . . .2SG/SG Feb. 26 ...... Schweitzer, ID . . . .SG/SG Jan. 2 ...... Swain ...... GS/SL Feb. 25–27 . . . .Big Sky . . . .SGtr/2SG/1SG Feb.28-Mar.2 . . .Soldier Mt., ID . . .DH/DH Jan. 8 ...... Holiday Valley . . . . .SL/SL Mar. 12–13 . . . .Lookout Pass ...... GS/SL Mar. 12 ...... Okemo, VT ...... SG Jan. 9 ...... Holimont ...... GS/GS Info:Rick Murphy 406.471.1573 Mar. 19-20 . . . .Ski Cooper, CO . .DH/DH Jan. 23 ...... Bristol ...... GS/GS www.northernmasters.org Mar. 24. . . . .Copper Mt. CO . . .SG (Finals) Jan. 29 ...... Toggenberg ...... SL/SL Jan. 30 ...... Greek Peak ...... GS/GS Pacific Northwest Masters Masters adult racing is age class competition Feb. 5 ...... Hunt Hollow . . . . .GS/GS Jan. 1–2 ...... Snoqualmie . . . . .trGS/GS for skiers 18 years and older. Feb. 12 ...... Labrador ...... GS/SL Jan. 8–9 ...... Crystal Mt...... GS/GS For more information, contact the USSA Feb. 19 ...... Song ...... SG/SG Jan.21–23 . . . . .49 Degrees N. . .trSG/3SG Bill Skinner at 435.647.2633 Feb. 20 ...... Song ...... GS/SL Feb. 19–20 . . . .Alpental ...... 2SL/SL [email protected] Feb. 25 ...... Bristol ...... SG/SG Feb. 23–27. . Schweitzer . .trSG/2SG/GS/SL Feb. 26 ...... Swain ...... GS/SL Mar. 5–6 ...... Mt. Hood ...... SL/GS Schedules subject to change. Eastern Regionals Mar. 12–13 . . . .Lookout Pass ...... GS/SL For complete info on Masters Racing, visit Mar. 4–6 ...... Okemo, VT . . . .SG/GS/SL Mar. 18–22. . Stevens Pass . .SL/GS/2SG/SC www.ussa.org and click “Masters.” Info: Jack Eisenschmid 585.288.4554 Apr. 7–10. . . .Mt. Bachelor trSG/2SG/GS/SL www.nymasters.org Info: Ann Ozuna 509.9932283 www.pnsamasters.org

Ryan Donovan at Mt. Hood Mt. at Donovan Ryan

84060

Park City Utah Utah City Park

Salt Lake City Lake Salt P.O. Box 100 Box P.O.

4753

PAID

U.S. Postage U.S. Non profit Non

USSA MASTERS CONTACTS:

National Masters Chairman Eastern/New England: Nadine Price Pacific Northwest: Ann Ozuna Steve Slivinski tel: 802.746.8850 tel: 509.455.7944 tel: 208.726.3442 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Eastern/New York: Jack Eisenschmid Rocky Mountain: Jennifer Kaufman USSA Masters Manager tel: 585.288.4554 tel: 720.855.8427 Bill Skinner email: [email protected] email: [email protected] P.O. Box 100 Eastern/Southern: Horst Locher Park City, UT 84060 tel: 540.856.2121 2011 Skier’s Edge tel: 435.647.2633 fax: 540.856.8567 Regional Championships fax: 435.649.3613 email: [email protected] Western: Mammoth Mtn., California, email: [email protected] Feb. 3–6, 2011 Far West: Mark Mirviss Super Combined/SG/GS/SL DIVISION CHAIRPERSONS tel: 530.583.6971 email: [email protected] Eastern Alaska: Gary Randall Okemo, Vermont, Mar. 12–14 tel: 907.243.4259 Intermountain: Amy Lanzel Super Combined/SG/GS/SL email: [email protected] tel: 435.649.5751 email: [email protected] Central: Ryan Fuller 2011 Skier’s Edge National Championships tel: 612.501.3268 Northern: Rick Murphy Copper Mtn., Colorado, Mar. 22–26 email: [email protected] tel: 406.471.1573 Super Combined/SG/GS/SL email: [email protected] Eastern: Bill McCollom 2011 Skier’s Edge Downhill Championship tel: 802.234.9561 Ski Cooper, Colorado, Mar. 19–20 email: [email protected] trDH/DH

The VISION of the USSA Alpine The MISSION of the USSA Alpine Masters is to make this vision a re- Masters is to provide adult skiers ality by developing, promoting, organizing and coordinating the highest with a lifelong opportunity to enjoy level of alpine ski racing throughout snow country in the United States and the challenges and rewards of alpine internationally, and to fulfill our passion for and love of nature, the out- ski racing. doors, mountains, freedom, self-challenge and accomplishment.