autumn 2013 www.ussa.org/masters

3,2,1 Go! Preparing for Race Day Erik Schlopy as the reigning world bronze medalist. “Get in the start and push out!” state is the way to reproduce what you have and Well, that may be the condensed version of a been working so hard in training. wanted that start plan, but you can probably do better. time to Make a plan Let’s at what leads up to a successful race himself. It start: That is exactly what fueled Erik Schlopy’s continued, success during his 18-year ski racing career. “This is not Race what you practice The three-time Olympian and World because I You have put in many practice runs leading up Championship bronze medalist took out don't want to race day. Is your training start routine the pencil and paper and scribed what the day to talk, it is same one you plan on using on race day? Do would look like. Schlopy realized that what just not the you have a physical warm-up routine and a leads up to the start will literally get him off time.” mental routine before each start? on the right foot. This piece of paper was Today Three Olympic and five World Champi- passed from start coach to start coach. It in- Coach onship medals have made Julia Mancuso the cluded how they communicated and what Schlopy en- maestro big event skier. Her secret: “I don't was expected from each party. To para- courages necessarily do anything different on the big phrase a section, it said, “Don't talk to me the same process from his U.S. Ski Team days!” Being at a familiar physical and mental before I start.” Erik liked to get into his own World Cup technical skiers.

Julia Mancuso’s SC at the 2013 World Championships in Schladming, .

These companies support Masters Ski Racing…and we support them News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 2

All humor aside, we were fortunate on this trip to meet a Racing for the Future young U.S. racer down in Chile whose dedication, enthusiasm, and by Steve Slivinski, Masters National Chairman courage knows no bounds. Hailey Dukes—at the ripe old age of 28—is attempting to make the U.S. Olympic team on her own. It The Great Pumpkin is just around the corner, and was amazing to watch her train on conditions that would send Jack Frost is painting the leaves red and yellow here most Masters sliding sideways on their backsides. The outstanding in Sun Valley. So come on wake up, get out of bed; experience in having a world-class racer like Hailey, and her coach it’s that time of year to get back in shape, scrape the Patrick Purcell, take part in our camp was inspiring to a group of storage wax off your skis, sharpen the edges, and mature, physically-challenged ski racers like ourselves. Her uphill buy something fast from Fuxi. fight to overcome numerous age, and health issues to make the This fall, it was my privilege to be a part of Bill U.S. team is awsome. We as Masters are probably more generous Skinner’s camp for sniveling, over-the-hill ski racers in Chile. It was than most in giving back to our sport. If you’re interested in learn- great fun as we broke trail for an hour through a couple of feet of ing more about Hailey Duke, go to her website: haileyduke.com. new snow, in a blinding blizzard, at 11,000 ft, to make it to a There are two dates to keep in mind this winter for some awe- slalom race, on a course the Chilean army had polished into a some racing. The first is Feb. 6–9 for the Western Regionals and FIS sheet of ice, but that’s what makes us Masters racer tough. The ef- Masters cup races at Park City, UT. The second is Mar. 17–22 for the fort was well worth it, because we came back drenched with South Phillips 66 Masters Nationals at Okemo, VT. I’ll be there—will American medals. Bill, of course, considered it a character builder; you? Remember: keep those ski tips pointed downhill! my compatriots and I, on the other hand, considered it more like climbing Mount Everest. 2014 ALPINE MASTERS SCHEDULES Congratulations, Ted Ligety! The Pla ce To Go For Y our Race Eq uipment And S First place Solden GS. ervice Needs

Our Masters schedule poster boy won the opening men’s World Cup. ALAS K A ALPINE M Jan. 4 ASTERS Alye Jan. 25 ska Aly G Feb. 8 eska S Alye G Feb. 22 ska S Alye G Mar. 1 ska S Aly NE Mar. 8 eska SL W ENGLA D ND MAST Mar Alyeska SL ec. 14-15 ERS/SISE Your membership fees support the U.S. Ski Team during this important . 29 Killin CUP Aly Jan. gton For inf eska SL 4-5 ormation. J Sunape GS/SL 907 call Gary R GS an. 18-19 e .242.2927 andall at Midd GS/S Jan. 24 lebury L Wach SL/GS SOUTHER Jan. 25 usett N MASTER CENTRAL Stra Clini Dec. 22 S (SARA ALPIN Jan. 26 tton c Br ) Dec. 1 E MASTE B Dec. 2 yce Resort 4 RS Jan.3 romley GS 6-27 De Buck Hill 1-Feb. 2 Ja Sugar Mt GS c. 15 Ne F Whitefa SL n. 4 n. Buck lson Clinic eb. 8 ce Bryce SL/GS Dec. 21 Hill Pat' 2SG/GS/S Jan. 12 Resort Olympic year! Go team! Bo SL Feb. 9 s Peak L B yne /SL ryce SL Jan. 4-5 Rag Jan. 20 Resort B Koznick C Feb. 22 ged Mt. SL W Jan. 1 rule linic Jan. intergreen SL 8-19 3 Feb Cannon GS 25-26 FIS/W Lutsen SL/3GS . 23 F Sugar M GS estern Cha Eastern Loon M SL eb. 1-2 tn. Fe mpionshi Champio 2SG Mar. 1 t. Snow SL/GS b. 6-9 ps Feb nships Da Feb. 8-9 shoe, WV Park . 7-9 Mar. 2 rtmouth GS T S Feb. 10-1 City Marqu Feb. imberline L/GS 2 So SG/SG/SL South ette Suicide S GS 17 . Feb. 2 ldier Mtn /SL ern Regio 2SG/2GS/2 Sise Cup ix F Winterg SL/GS 1-13 . F n Champs SL Finals SL eb. 22-23 reen M Wolf Mtn DH/DH eb. 22-23 Mar Win S ar 7-9 . Gran . 7-8 For inf tergreen L Snow GS/SL/G Feb. 24 ite Peak Waterv ormation. G For info basin S Contact your division chairman or pick up some posters at your first race -26 B 2SL Nation ille 540 call Horst S/SL rmation. c SG/G / . L a S Feb. uck Hill 2GS al Champi GS/S 856.2121 • ocher at 435.6 ll Amy Lan /GS 3-5 Ma onships L www.skis 49.5751 • zel at Buck Hil 4GS r. 17-22 ara.org www.inter Northe l Okemo mountainm rn Champ 4S For inform D FA asters.or Ma ionships L ation. cal H/SG/GS/ R WEST M NOR g r. 8-9 802.23 l Bill McCo SL ASTERS THERN M Spirit M 4.9561 • w llom at Dec. 2-6 J ASTERS For inform tn. ww.nemas Mam an. 3-5 ation. call 2GS/2S ters.org Dec. 7-8 moth Red L 612.501 Ryan Fulle L M C Jan. 17-1 odge, MT .3268 • ww r at NEW Y Dec. ammoth amp 9 Su GS/GS S w.midwes ORK MA 21-22 Feb. 6 n Valley, I /SL ummer Fu tmasters.o Jan STERS J Alpine M SL/2GS -9 D 2SG n Nationa rg . 5 an. 10 eadows Fe Park City /GS/SL July 19- ls Swain Heav SL/S b. 20-23 , UT 20 M and spread them around! Jan. 11 Jan. 11- enly L Schw 2SG/2SL R Mer t Hood, O 12 ei O i S R Togg GS/SL Sie SL/ Mar. 7-9 tzer, ID CKY MOU tratton 54 Jan. 12 enburg. Jan. 2 rra at Tah SL Sno 3SG/GS/S NTAIN M 1.387.3674 GS/SL L S 3-26 oe For inf wbasin, U L Jan. 12-13 ASTERS Molecul Jan. abrador M L/SL Fe Mammot GS/GS ormation. T SG/ Co e F Nation 25 t. b. 22-23 h 406 call Toby C GS/SL Jan. 1 pper Mt. Jan al Speed J Holimo GS/GS Squa 2DH/4SG .541.0866 hapman a 8-19 . 10 Series an. 26 nt Mar. 8-9 w Valley t Fe Ski Coope GS/GS Park C Holid GS/G M 2SL b. 15-17 r Jan. 24-25 ity, UT Jan.31- ay Valley S F t Rose /GS Aspen DH/GS Ma S Feb. 2 W S ar West F P Mar. 8-9 Feb. 1 mmoth, CA G Feb hiteface L/SL inals GS/GS ACIFIC N Sk 2SG/2 -2 D . 15 2S Mar. 27 ORTHWE Mar. 2 i Cooper DH Feb 49degrees H/SG Hunt H G/GS/SL -29 Jan. 4-5 ST MAST 9 trD . 6-7 N, WA Feb. 22 ollow For Mammoth Su ERS Fo Loveland H/2DH Park C SG/SG Son GS/G informati SG/SL Jan. mmit at S r informa Feb. 11-1 ity, UT (FI Feb. 23 g Mtn. S on. call Ma /GS/BBQ 11-12 noq t tion. call G SG/GS/SL 2 So S Cup) SG/ 530.583.6 rk Mirviss J Crystal rGS/GS 719.510. raham Sm Feb. 1 ldier Mtn., SG New Greek Pea SG/SL 971 • www at an. 31-Feb 0747 • ww ith at 5-17 ID York Fin k .farwestm . 2 49 D GS/G w.rmmskir Fe Aspen, C DH/DH als GS/GS asters.org Feb. 15- egrees S acing.org b. 20-21 O Mar. 2 16 W Schwe SG/DH Swa INTERM Feb. illamette P 3SG Mar. 8-9 itzer, ID For inf in OUNTAIN 20-23 ass Sk SG/ ormation. G Jan. 3 MASTE M Schweitz SL/GS NAT Mar. 1 i Cooper, C SG 585 call Jack E S/GS -5 RS/ JANS ar. 1-3 er IONAL C 7-20 O D .288.4554 • isenschm Ja Red Lodg CUP Steve 3SG/GS/SL P HAMPION Okemo, V H/DH www.nym id at n. 10-12 e Mar. 8-9 ns Pass hillips 66 M SHIP EV T (Nationa asters.or Park GS/GS/SL S SL/GS/ asters N ENTS ls) DH/SG g Jan 17-1 City Mar. ki Bowl 2SG Mar. 17 ational Ch 9 Su SG/SL 15-16 -22 O ampionshi Masters Jan. 2 n Valley /GS A Alpenta SL/GS Bill kemo, VT p adult rac 5-26 SG pr. 2-6 l Skinner 43 DH/SG skie ing: Age cl Snow Kin /GS/SL Mt B 2SL/S 5.647.2633 /GS/SL rs 18 year ass compe g For info achelor L Phillip c s and olde tition for GS/GS rmation. c SG/SG/G s 66 FIS M ontact Bil r. For mor www all Ann Oz S/SL Ch asters Cu l Skinner a e informat .pnsamas una at 509 ampionsh p/Wester bskinn t 435.647 ion ters.org .993.2283 ips n ner@ussa. .2633 or Feb. 6-9 org Park Sche Bill Skin City, UT dules are s ner 435.64 SG/SG/SL ubject to c 7.2633 /SL F hange. or comple te informa visit ww tion on Ma w.ussa.org sters Raci and searc ng Student ski racers h Masters Masters Membership News USSA Masters would like to invite you to attend a Masters ski race. by Bill Skinner, USSA Masters Manager In past, your USSA Student membership enabled you to race Mas- ters. Now you will either need a Competitor membership, a Tem- Welcome to the 2014 USSA Masters race porary membership, or join us as members and be eligible for all season. We have 197 Masters races in 10 Masters races, including the Nationals and Region Champi- divisions across the country this year. onships. Masters class 1 now starts at age 18.

Thank your officials and division volunteers New rules to remember for 2014 Take the time show your appreciation to In DH, SG and GS, if you fall and come to a stop, you are a DNF our division volunteers, and in a big way to and cannot continue. In SL, you may fall and climb, but if the next our Masters officials that ensure quality racer approaches you must clear course and are a DNF. venues, an even playing field and safety management. Our officials are our own fellow racers and friends, who show a deep regard for Masters ski requirements the condition of racecourses and fairness of race management de- USSA recommends that competitors in USSA Masters events com- cisions. Please thank them when you see them on the hill. They pete on equipment designed for the particular discipline (DH, SL, are critical to the continuation of our sport. GS, SG), but does not make any recommendations in regards to ski length, radius or profile width. For FIS Masters races (Park Big newsletter mailing City), ski length rules are: For SG, minimum for men is 185 cm In an effort to promote our races, this newsletter is going to 2,685 and women 180 cm. There is no length, width or ski radius restric- Masters and past Student members, 334 Temporary racers (hope- tion for ladies above 55 and men above 65 years of age. fully will join us full-time), 327 USSA clubs, and to 2,553 NASTAR platinum medalists, whom we would like to have join us for a Nationals and FIS Cup race registration Masters Ski race. The sign-up and the latest information for U.S. Masters Nationals and FIS/Western Championships is at skiracereg.com. Field size is NASTAR platinum medalists limited to 300 for Nationals and 200 U.S. entries for FIS Cup. Reg- Congratulations on your 2013 medal! We would like to invite you istration starts Dec. 1. to join us for the next step in your racing progression. Check out our race schedules and please join us for a race—or a full season 2014 Masters Competition Guide of competitions. For more info and to join us, go to It’s now available online at ussa.org/masters, or if you would like a ussa.org/masters. hard copy to add to your collection, send me an email with deliv- ery address. News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 3

(Subject 2014 Alpine Masters Schedules to change)

Alaska Alpine Masters Southern Masters (SARA) Rocky Mountain Masters Jan. 4 ...... Alyeska ...... GS Dec. 26–27 . . . .Sugar Mtn...... SL/GS Dec. 14 ...... Echo Mtn...... SL/SL Jan. 25 ...... Alyeska ...... GS Jan. 4 ...... Bryce Resort ...... SL Dec. 15 ...... Loveland ...... SL/SL Feb. 8 ...... Alyeska ...... GS Jan. 12 ...... Bryce Resort ...... SL Jan. 4–5 ...... Copper Mtn...... GS/GS Feb. 22 ...... Alyeska ...... SL Jan. 20 ...... Wintergreen ...... GS Jan. 11–12 . . . . .Winter Park ...... GS/SL Mar. 1 ...... Alyeska ...... SL Jan. 25–26 . . . .Sugar Mtn...... SL/GS Jan. 12–13 . . . .Copper Mt...... GS/GS Mar. 8 ...... Alyeska ...... SL Feb. 1–2 ...... Snowshoe ...... SL/GS Jan. 18–19 . . . .Ski Cooper ...... DH/GS Mar. 29 ...... Alyeska ...... GS Feb. 8–9 ...... Timberline...... SL/GS Feb. 1 ...... Ski Cooper ...... GS Info: Gary Randall 907.242.2927 Feb. 17 ...... Wintergreen ...... SL Feb. 9 ...... Loveland ...... SL/SL Feb. 22–23 . . . .Snowshoe ...... GS/SL Feb. 15–17 . . . .Aspen ...... 2SG/2DH Central Alpine Masters Info Contact: Horst Locher 540.856.2121 Mar. 1–2 ...... Powderhorn ...... GS/SL Dec. 14 ...... Buck Hill . . .Nelson Clinic www.skisara.org Mar. 8–9 ...... Ski Cooper . . .trDH/2DH Dec. 15 ...... Buck Hill ...... SL/SL Mar. 29 ...... Loveland ...... SG/GS/SL Dec. 21 ...... Boyne . . . .Koznick Clinic Far West Masters Apr. 5–6 ...... Breckenridge . .SG/SG/GS Jan. 4–5 ...... Brule ...... 3SL/3GS Dec. 2–6 ...... Mammoth ...... Camp Info Contact: Graham Smith 719.510.0747 Jan. 18–19 . . . .Lutsen ...... 2SG Dec. 7–8 ...... Mammoth ...... SL/2GS www.rmmskiracing.org Eastern Championships Dec. 21–22 . . . .Alpine Meadows . . .SL/SL Feb. 7–9 ...... Marquette . .2SG/2GS/2SL Jan. 10 ...... Heavenly ...... SL/SL Jan. 11–12 . . . . .Sierra at Tahoe . . . .GS/GS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS Southern Regional Championships Jan. 23–26 . . . .Mammoth . . . . .2DH/4SG Feb. 22–23 . . . .Granite Peak . . . .2SL/2GS Feb. 22–23 . . . .Squaw Valley . . . . .2SL/GS Feb. 24–26 . . . .Buck Hill ...... 4GS Phillips 66 Masters National Championship Mar. 8-9 ...... Mt Rose ...... GS/GS Feb. 3–5 ...... Buck Hill ...... 4SL Mar. 17–22 . . . .Okemo, VT DH/SG/GS/SL Far West Finals Bill Skinner 435.647.2633 Northern Regional Championships Mar. 27-29 . . . .Mammoth SG/SL/GS/BBQ Mar. 8–9 ...... Spirit Mtn...... 2GS/2SL Info contact: Mark Mirviss 530.583.6971 Phillips 66 FIS Masters Cup/ Info: Ryan Fuller 612.501.3268 www.farwestmasters.org Western Championships www.midwestmasters.org Feb. 6–9 ...... Park City, UT SG/SG/SL/SL Intermountain Masters/ JANS Cup New England Masters/Sise Cup Bill Skinner 435.647.2633 Jan. 3–5 ...... Red Lodge . . . . .GS/GS/SL Dec. 14–15 . . . .Killington ...... GS/SL Jan. 10–12 . . . . .Park City . . .SG/SG/SL/GS Summer Fun Nationals Jan. 4–5 ...... Sunapee ...... GS/SL Jan 17–19 . . . . .Sun Valley . . . . .SG/GS/SL Jan. 10 ...... Wachusett ...... Clinic July 19–20 . . . .Mt Hood, OR . . . . .GS/SL Jan. 25–26 . . . .Snow King ...... GS/GS Jan. 17 ...... Cochran’s ...... Clinic Meri Stratton 541.387.3674 Feb. 1–2 ...... Bogus Basin ...... GS/G Jan. 18–19 . . . .Middlebury ...... SL/GS Molecule F National Speed Series Jan. 25 ...... Stratton ...... GS Fis Western Championships Feb. 6–9 ...... Park City . . .SG/SG/SL/SL Jan. 10 ...... Park City, UT ...... SG Jan. 26 ...... Bromley ...... SL Jan. 24–25 . . . .Mammoth, CA . . .DH/SG Jan.31–Feb. 2 . .Whiteface . . . .2SG/GS/SL Feb. 10–12 . . . .Soldier Mtn...... DH/DH Feb. 21–13 . . . .Wolf Mtn...... GS/SL/GS Feb. 1–2 ...... 49degrees N, WA . .SG/SG Feb. 8 ...... Pat's Peak ...... SL Feb. 6–7 ...... Park City, UT (FIS Cup) . . Feb. 9 ...... Ragged Mt...... GS Mar. 1–2 ...... Canyons ...... SL/SL Mar 7–9 ...... Snowbasin . . . .SG/GS/GS ...... SG/SG Feb. 22 ...... Cannon ...... SL Feb. 11–12 . . . . .Soldier Mtn., ID . .DH/DH Feb. 23 ...... Loon Mt...... GS Info: Amy Lanzel 435.649.5751 www.intermountainmasters.org Feb. 15–17 . . . .Aspen, CO ...... SG/DH Mar. 1 ...... Suicide Six ...... SL Feb. 20–21 . . . . .Schweitzer, ID . . . .SG/SG Mar. 2 ...... Okemo ...... GS Northern Masters Mar. 8–9 ...... Ski Cooper, CO . .DH/DH Sise Cup Finals Jan. 3–5 ...... Red Lodge, MT .GS/GS/SL Mar. 17–20 . . . .Okemo, VT (Nationals) Mar. 7–8 ...... Waterville ...... GS/SL Jan. 17–19 . . . .Sun Valley, ID .2SG/GS/SL ...... DH/SG National Championships Feb. 6–9 ...... Park City, UT . . . .2SG/2SL Mar. 17–22 . . . .Okemo . . . .DH/SG/GS/SL Feb. 20–23 . . . .Schweitzer, ID .3SG/GS/SL Masters adult racing: Age class competition Info: Bill McCollom 802.234.9561 Mar. 7–9 ...... Snowbasin, UT .SG/GS/SL for skiers 18 years and older. For more in - www.nemasters.org Info: Toby Chapman 406.541.0866 formation contact Bill Skinner at 435.647.2633 / [email protected]. New York Masters Pacific Northwest Masters Schedules subject to change. For complete Jan. 5 ...... Swain ...... GS/SL Jan. 4–5 ...... Summit at Snoq .trGS/GS info on Masters Racing visit www.ussa.org Jan. 11 ...... Toggenburg...... SL/SL Jan. 11–12 . . . . .Crystal ...... GS/GS and click “Masters.” Jan. 12 ...... Labrador Mt...... GS/GS Jan. 31–Feb. 2 . .49 Degrees ...... 3SG Jan. 25 ...... Holimont ...... GS/GS Feb. 15–16 . . . .Willamette Pass . . . .SL/GS Jan. 26 ...... Holiday Valley . . . . .SL/SL Feb. 20–23 . . . .Schweitzer . . . .3SG/GS/SL Jan.31–Feb. 2 . .Whiteface . . . .2SG/GS/SL Mar. 1–3 ...... Stevens Pass . .SL/GS/2SG Feb. 15 ...... Hunt Hollow . . . . .GS/GS Mar. 8–9 ...... Ski Bowl ...... SL/GS Feb. 22 ...... Song Mtn...... SG/SL Mar. 15–16 . . . .Alpental ...... 2SL/SL Feb. 23 ...... Greek Peak ...... GS/GS Apr. 2–6 ...... Mt Bachelor SG/SG/GS/SL New York Finals Info: Ann Ozuna 509.993.2283 Mar. 2 ...... Swain ...... GS/GS www.pnsamasters.org Info: Jack Eisenschmid 585.288.4554 www.nymasters.org News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 4 2013/14 FIS Masters Cup by Bob Davis

The first four races for any of the following races, you will of the season are need to contact Bill Skinner at bskin- March: in the books. [email protected] to be entered into the races. 1–2 Zagreb, CRO SL/GS Chile hosted two In order to participate in the FIS races, you 8–9 Forni di Sopra, ITA SL/GS GSs, a SG, and a must hold a valid FIS license, and be a cur- 15–16 Pec Pod Snezkou, CZE SL/GS SL under great rent USSA member. 25–29 FIS Criterium Hockar, AUT conditions. FIS-ski.com is the link to all the in- SG/SL/GS/GS South America formation for Masters racing in Europe. had an abundance of snow, and the Each race venue usually has an associated April: races went off without a hitch. website to give you the information you 11–12 Abetone, ITA / Finals SL/GS need to travel to a particular race venue. Bill Skinner’s annual Valle Nevado Chile Winner, winner, December: race camp was a great success. Training Chile dinner. took place alongside several national 14–15 , ITA SL/GS teams prior to the South American races. 21–22 Hochfuegen, AUT SL/GS

Park City will host four races this year on January: Feb. 6–9: two SGs and two SLs, all on Pay- 4–5 Cerkno, SLO SL/GS day run. These races will also be part of the 11–12 Veysonnaz, SUI SL/GS USSA Speed Series and be the Western Re- 18–19 Kaprun, AUT SG/SG gion Championships. U.S. racers will be 24–26 Serre Chevalier, FRA SG/SL/GS competing to be named and receive 2014 Masters Western Region Team jackets. We February: anticipate a large European field; U.S. Jan. 31–Feb 2 entry will be limited to first 200 sign-ups. Megeve, FRA SG/SL/GS be sure to get your entry in early. 6–9 Park City, UT SG/SG/SL/SL If you plan on traveling to Europe 15–16 Bischofswiesen, GER SL/GS

NASTAR for Masters by Bill Madsen

Nature Valley NASTAR ily teams and teams of friends. Teams will ley NASTAR race courses from coast to racing will take place at be scored using NASTAR Team Points, so coast providing Masters with accessible 115 resorts this winter that age and gender can be used to handi- racing and training opportunities. Every and there will be two cap racers. Get your team together and reg- time you race you earn a handicap that regional events that ister online today. represents the difference between your will provide great rac- The regional events will be used to time and the time of the national paceset- ing, fun parties and an qualify racers for the Nature Valley NAS- ter Ted Ligety. Results are posted on the opportunity to qualify TAR National Championships: NASTAR.com website and participants are for the Nature Valley National Championships: Snowmass, CO ranked with their peers in their ability NASTAR National Championships: March 26–30 group at the host resort, in their state of residence and nationally The Nature Valley NASTAR National Eastern Championships: Okemo, VT Streamline your NASTAR experience Championships will take place in the Spi- Feb. 1–2 at the host resorts by registering to race on- der Sabich Race at Snowmass Vil- line. If you registered in the past, there is Midwest Championships: Welch Village, MN lage, CO, and for the first year, SL racing no need to register again; we know who Feb. 15–16 will be included in the event. Ted Ligety, you are. Simply go to nastar.com and Steve Nyman, Stacey Cooke and Nolan search for your last name and login. There These events will include individual races Kasper will be setting the pace, along with is no fee to register, and your NASTAR on Saturday, with participants divided into U.S. Ski Team alumni AJ Kitt, Kaylin registration can be used as a bib number age and ability groups. On Sunday, there Richardson and Heidi Voelker. Don’t miss anytime you race. Your number will always will be a Race of Champions to determine this opportunity to compete against the begin with the first three letters of your last the fastest racers, using handicapped times best GS racer in the world. name, so it’s easy to remember. and raw times. In addition, there will be a There are 115 resorts with Nature Val- team race with separate divisions for fam- News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 5 Okemo to Host 2014 Masters National Championships by Bill McCollum

With the 2014 Masters National Champi- setting, length of courses, and optimal well represented at Okemo events, as a re- onships slated for Okemo Mountain, Ver- snow conditions. sult. mont, racers from across the country will Okemo was the first choice for the get to see why Okemo is the most popular Convenience Matters Nationals for all in the east. Masters ski Masters ski racing site in the east. What Multiple ski-in/out housing options are racers from all over the country are invited makes Okemo Mountain such an attrac- available at the mountain, and additional to attend this event on Mar. 17–22 to find tion among the Masters? well-priced lodging can be found in the out why. village of Ludlow. This quintessential rural Be there! Size Matters Vermont town is nestled at the foot of the Topping out at close to 4,000 feet with mountain. Mountain options include the The Mountain Lodge at Okemo (1br con- 2,200 vertical feet of fall-line skiing, upscale Inn at Jackson Gore, or guests may dominiums), Kettle Brook (1,2 and 3 br Okemo is a serious mountain. Throw in bring it down a notch to housing units condominiums) and Winterplace (2 and 650 acres of skiable terrain, 97% of which surrounding the base of the mountain. 3br condominiums) are no doubt the clos- is covered by snowmaking, and 120 trails, Dining choices abound as well, at both the est locations to the racing venues. On the serviced by 19 lifts, and Masters ski racers mountain and in the other hand, Soli- will be treated to plenty of skiing options. village. With all the par- The Chief. tude Village and ties at the bar at the Jackson Gore are Terrain Matters base of the mountain our newer lodging The Masters-friendly venues are one of the and the banquet at the facilities and offer primary attractions for Masters ski racers. Inn at Jackson Gore, upscale options. The Chief Racing Trail, site of the DH, SG, it’s a tidy, logistically- Here are a few and GS events, is long and rolling, with friendly package. lodging rates based opportunities for air, fall-aways, or air- on a six-night stay plane turns in the speed events. Race or- with arrival on ganizers have the option of running the Monday, Mar. 17 DH from top to bottom, which would and departure Sun- yield winning times in the 80-second day, Mar. 23: range, or the start or finish could be al- Depending on the length of stay, we will tered to shorten the course by about 10 extend a discount ranging from 15–35% seconds. Course setters also have the same with the following guidelines: options for SG and GS. But what makes • 15% off on three nights racing on the Chief special is its rolling • 20% on four nights pitches over varied terrain, which makes it • 25% on five nights a challenge for the best—and fun to ski for • 35% on six or seven nights all. The Chief Racing Trail is serviced by a high-speed detachable quad, which pro- 1. Mountain Lodge at Okemo vides a turnaround time of less than 10 1br / 1 bath condo (sleeps 2–4) minutes. Full-service lodges are available at $1,070 or $179 per night the top and the bottom of the courses. 2. Kettle Brook The SL race will be held on the adja- 2br / 2 bath condo (sleeps 4–6) cent Wardance Trail. The fastest times may for $1,747 or $292 per night vary between 40 and 50 seconds, depend- ing on the set and placement of the finish. 3. Winterplace 3br / 2 bath condo (sleeps Racers kick out of the start house and ne- 6–8) for $2,362 or $394 per night gotiate a consistently moderate pitch, 4. Solitude Village 2br / 2.5 bath condo which gradually flattens out toward the (sleeps 4–6) for $2,151 or $355 per night finish. The hill is plenty wide enough for 5. Jackson Gore Inn 1br / 2 bath condo- two courses. Bill McCollum at minium (sleeps 4) for $1,911 or $319 per the 2013Nationals. night Experience Matters Call 866-706-5366. Ask for Masters This is a race organization that is on the go rates. from the beginning of Dec. through the Proximity Matters end of Mar. All the trails are FIS homolo- Proximity is another reason that Okemo is Other Lodging options include: gated and the Okemo race organization number one among the eastern Masters. Castle Hill Resort and Spa runs all levels of racing, from NorAms to It’s a two-hour drive from Albany, Burling- 802.226.7688 peewees. Having hosted so many Masters ton, and Manchester airports, and three www.castlehillresortvt.com ski races over the years, the race organiza- hours from Boston or Montreal. The New tion is well versed in appropriate course York and Canadian contingents are always News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 6

2014 Molecule F Masters National Speed Series by Luke Keenan

The 2013–2014 USSA Alpine Masters Na- a series of S turns off the flats toward a finish arena. tional Speed Series, sponsored by Mole- medium pitch then a huge fall away left- Insider’s tip: Booking straight to Aspen in- cule F, consists of a series of 17 SG and DH footed turn, then it’s off to the stead of Denver can be less than $200 speed events, 10 SGs and seven DHs. The races, grab your tuck to the finish. extra and you don’t have a 4-hour white- races will be held around the country in Insider’s tip: Make sure to grab drinks and knuckle drive down I-70. Rental cars at five divisions (Far West, Intermountain, meal at The Chalet Restaurant and Alpine Aspen airport are under $20 a day. Rocky, PNSA, and Eastern). The series con- Room. Then order their amazing beef cludes with the National Championship stroganoff - fresh pasta with mushrooms, Schweitzer DH and SG at the National Champi- creamy sauce and a full aged steak cooked SG, SG, Feb. 21–22, 2014 onships in Okemo, VT, March 17–21, to order on the side, all for less than $30. A great entry-level SG. Gentle, rolling ter- 2013. rain and fairly slow speeds make this a Park City Mtn. Resort Park City Mtn. Resort great course to get started on. This race SG, SG Feb. 6–7, 2014 also features full-course SG training on the SG, Jan. 10, 2014 The two SGs in the FIS Masters Cup will 22nd, GS race on the 25th, and an SL on This SG opens the year on Payday run. It also count toward the Molecule F series the 26th. There is a great banquet up at the will be on the same course as the FIS Mas- this year. Don’t forget you need an FIS resort on Friday night, and usually a fire- ters Cup, so it’s a great way to get some ex- Masters license to enter the races. Two SLs works show to catch as well. perience on the FIS Masters Cup SG hill. follow the two SGs. Additionally, this will Insider’s tip: Stay up at the mountain and The race is followed by a GS and SL. It is a be the Western Regionals, and points will relax in the alpine atmosphere. The race fairly gentle hill, so a great first SG, all in count toward the Western Regional Team. takes place on the backside of the moun- all. Park City is also one of the closest ski Insider’s tip: Make sure to grab drinks and a tain, which only has a very small lodge at areas to a major airport at 45 minutes, so a meal at Adolph’s restaurant. They serve the bottom. It also lacks cell service on the very easy race to attend. Swiss and European fare, but more impor- back side, so be prepared to spend extra Insider’s tip: Rental cars can be as low as tantly, the place is packed with ski racing time at the top of the course. That means $20 per day including fees and taxes from memorabilia and where else do you find bring a few extra layers. hotwire or similar sites. Places like the that? Sweetwater Lift Lodge can be found close Ski Cooper to the lifts for a great price as well. Soldier Mountain 2 DHs, Mar. 8–9, 2014 Two DHs, Feb. 11–12, 2014 Mammoth Mountain A glider’s course for sure, make certain you A true downhill with big jumps, long flats, bring fast skis! A great course for the DH & SG, Jan. 23–26, 2014 uphill sections, and big turns. The closest novice downhiller, come out and give DH New to the series this year, Mammoth is place to stay is in the tiny town of Fair- a try. Lots of practice runs available before adding a DH. It will run down the same field, ID, so book early. The resort is only the race. It features long flats, a few rollers, run as the SG, but instead of starting at open to racers during this race, so you are and long corridor-type turns with the top hair jump, you will get to jump it! The SG able to free ski as fast as you want! skiers touching 70mph. Thanks to the is the fastest on the circuit, whether it goes Insider’s tip: Speed on the course, not Wolfs, they have the best start haus in the down Fascination or Terry’s Run. The through Fairfield, or you will get a ticket. country. It even has a warming room for course starts on somewhat of a flat and the On the course, in really long sections, pick the racers that fits 10 or so. pitch slowly starts to increase and so does a point three or four gates down the hill Insider’s tip: Look to stay in the fall line and the speed. You reach the final pitch at over and aim for that spot while trying to ride in your tuck. Being aerodynamic and clean 50 mph and it’s all high-speed turns until the flattest possible ski, rather than focus- is more important here than being tight on you reach the finish line. Now you have to ing on staying near the gates, which causes the gates. Bring extra clothes for the slow catch your breath, as the finish arena is the ski to edge harder. ride up and stash them at the finish line. above 8,000 feet in elevation! Insider’s tip : Mammoth is very high, with a Aspen Okemo peak elevation of over 11,000 feet. Come a SG, DH, Feb. 15–17, 2014 DH, SG, Mar. 19–20, 2014 day early to get acclimated. They also usu- This race used to take part on the slowest These are last two Molecule F races of the ally have training on the day before the lift ever. I believe if you had to take the season. The National DH and SG champi- race, so look into it. combo of Tiehack lower and upper to get onship titles, as well as the Molecule F ti- 49 Degrees North to the top the total time would be around tles, will all be decided here. Make sure to 23 minutes. A brand new express lift will bring your A game to these races or you SG, SG Feb. 1–2, 2014 serve the course this year! The new lift will won’t be bringing any hardware home. A new addition to the series this year, two replace both upper and lower tiehack, Insider’s tip: Stay as close to the mountain SGs will take place at 49 Degrees North in making the total trip seven minutes! I can’t as possible. All the events, ceremonies, and Chewelah, WA. This place is like stepping say enough about this improvement. The cocktail hours are a lot more fun and re- back in time; it has a very nice rustic feel course is great, too: long flats on top, fol- laxing if you can just walk from the wax and hasn’t aged since the early 80s. This lowed by an open, rolling section, then room beforehand and few feet back your hill features a medium pitch at the start, a dropping down a fairly steep pitch into the home after. small jump followed by a flat section, then News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 7 Masters and the 2014 GS Skis by Chris Smith, Product Development and Promotions

For the 2013–14 ski season, all FIS athletes Where does that leave the Masters in shorter radius and Masters needs. Fischer must ski on 30-meter skis for the ladies and looking for real race skis? A number of man- uses the same race plates, edge material, race 35-meter skis for the men. From summer ufactures are making Masters specific GS base, and internal materials as all World testing at Mammoth, Mount Bachelor, and skis. Fischer has a line of skis made just for Cup skis. The benefits of the Fischer Masters Mt Hood, the consensus is the new radius the Master racer. Fischer has a 183, 23-meter skis are they perform just like the World skis are not as bad as we thought they were and 188, 25-meter GS ski. Both skis are Cups skis, just turn much more easily and going to be for athletes. are more fun to ski. On hard snow, the new Atomic, Head and Volkl shape and advancements also have a line of Mas- in materials technology ters shaped GS skis. mean the new skis are With the new turning quite well and are Bobby Skinner does rule change for GS, SG, still fast. his thing at Big Sky. and DH it is important The new 30- and 35- to point out that the SL meter FIS skis are now skis rules have not narrower under foot changed for the 2013–14 <=65mm. All World Cup season. women must ski on a 188, All the speed-ski 30-meter GS ski and men length, radius, and must ski a 195, 35-meter under-foot measurement GS ski. This rule is in af- has changed with the fect for all World Cup, Eu- new rules. If you are in ropa Cup, Nor Am, and the market for new World JRs. At the FIS level, speed skis, this is the athletes must ski the new year to take advantage of 30- and 35-meter radius skis but can ski made with the same materials as the longer- the rule change. Retailers and racers will be them 5cm shorter if needed (183, 190). radius World Cup skis, but in a shorter looking to sell old speed ski sizes to make These rules are not in affect for Masters. length, radius, and ski flex, to match the room for the new radius skis.

25th Summer Fun Nationals a Family Affair

The 25th annual Summer Fun Nationals at kissed, fun-filled weekend. summerfunnationals.com, and more photos Mt Hood was a real success, with well over Coplete race results may be viewed at are at brianrobbphotos.com. 100 racers, including nine families, compet- ing for the “Eigenvector Fastest Family” Winter sport meets award, which was won by the New York summer fun. Does it get family of Aaron Donnan. better than this? The competition was top level, where the fastest man and woman were Cannon O’Brien (Amy Lanzel’s nephew) and Lauren Salko, from New York. The Skoch Cup Com- bined fastest men (following O’Brien) were Jake Jacobs, Tim Hill, Jake Keith, Toby Chapman, Pat Burke, Franz Fuchsberger, Willy Scroggins, and Pepi Neubauer. Race conditions were the “best ever,” under sunny skies, warm temperatures and firm snow. The weekend finale was the pool party at the Timberline Hotel, where , socializing and awards capped the sun- Ted Ligety after a good warm-up wins for the third time at Sölden. “Think Those confid

Plan “B” you can pace and control your mental If you want to do it on race day, then you state.“ Additionally, “your self-confidence is After some pivoting drills, have to do in training. This includes having directly influenced by attention and emo- Fritz Dopfer skis into a an alternate plan. Stick to your initial plan, tion.” According to “Dr. Dan the mental 1st-run third position but don’t be married to it. Understand that man,” “each racer must develop mental during the Schladming ski racing is a variable environment. The skills to regulate emotion, attention, and vi- night SL. racer in front of you may not show up, sual tracking. We teach these mental skills which pushes you up the start order. This to all our racers and they are gradually im- will change your timing, and if you are too proved over time. With our team [U.S. set in your ways, you will be disrupted. Ted Women’s Alpine team], we call these men- Ligety likes the warm-up course, but if it is tal skills ‘coping strategies’ and recognize half blown apart by the earlier racers he just that they are unique to each racer. Think of skis by, not getting too jacked out of shape Jedi skills from the Star Wars movie. Those by not being able to run. are the coping skills that will help you blaze confidently from the start house.” The Night Before Tuning, waxing and getting your gear in Warm-up order should help you get a good night's Start your physical warm-up by getting that exaggerate movements will wake up sleep. The only caveat is that this is not the blood flowing to the muscles. This is essen- motor neurons that will be firing key mus- time to put that extra degree of side bevel tial for fast, accurate movements. Technique cles after you leave the start house. on the ski. Ski the ski like it was in training: will falter and reflexes will be slow if the Ted Ligety likes to free ski with what he if this is your race pair, make the tune iden- body is not warmed up sufficiently. Move refers to as “looking for his ankles,” or get- tical. through full ranges of motion but do not ting the feel for those critical joints. This is hold stretches—this is not the time to work the time to emphasize skills that will be The Morning Of on increasing joint range-of-motion. Pro- greatly utilized and challenged in the race. Eat a good breakfast on training days so prioception is enhanced by skiing. Drills German SL specialists Fritz Dopfer and you can eat a good breakfast on race day. Felix Neureither After that, what goes on inside your head both like to needs some pacing. warm up with Sasha Rearick, U.S. Ski Team men’s pivoting exer- head coach, says the best racers are the ones cises knowing that know how to control their mental state that that their before the race. There are many changing rotary skills will variables in ski racing that racers need to be taxed after cope with such as start time, line quality they explode and weather. Dr. Dan Freigang the Perform- out of the start ance Psychology Consultant to the U.S. house. Women’s Alpine team points out “that to be successful you need to have strategies so Ted Ligety after “finding” his ankles during warm-up lays them over at Sölden. Felix Neureither pivoting in the Zagreb SL in 2013.

of Jedi skills from the Star Wars movie. e are the coping skills that will help you blaze dently from the start house.”Dr. Dan the Mental Man

Inspection buckled. You are allowed to place your DNFs (Did Not Finish) in slalom. The goal of course inspection is to mini- poles over the start wand. Take care to get a Having a thorough plan and consis- mize surprises. It should equip you to race good purchase with the pads or in the tently practicing like race day is the key to with a proactive approach, as opposed to snow. In the start take in one or two deep excelling on race day. Master’s racers can racing with reactive impulse. This does not breaths, and no more. Aim your skis to probably learn a lot from a very young ski mean memorizing every gate—the gates are where you want your line. This is not racer. Seventeen year old SL World Cham- brightly colored and 180 cm above the straight at the gate but about a meter out pion attributes her lack of snow. You will see them. Inspecting terrain from the gate. Have in your mind’s eye nerves on race day to preparation that and snow is underappreciated. Think of the where the second gate is. This will be the makes race day “feel like it is just another course in sections, including where there is end of the first turn and the initiation of training day.” rhythm and where the rhythm changes. The the second turn. The rule of thumb is look skiing surface is less obvious at speed and is red to red and blue to blue…this is on a more variable than the gates. Dips, rolls course when the gates alternate red and and sidehills should all be noted during the blue. inspection. Take care on large rolls that you Mikaela know the location of the next gate. Lower Between Runs Shiffrin, your stance so your eyes will be at skiing Eat and drink right away and don't count 2013 SL world height. This will let you know if you can on the cafeteria. Packing food and drink in champion. see, or when you can see, the oncoming your backpack will be easier to get to than gate. that long cafeteria line and leave you less stressed for getting to Start Strategy the second run in- Five to ten minutes be- spection on time. fore your start is called, Sport Scientist Dr. begin moving to elevate John Seifert has stud- your heart rate. This in- ied the dietary needs crease in heart rate will of ski racers. He sug- ready your body for the gests carbohydrate rigor of the ski race and start house. and protein after that allow for easier and first run. This can be faster energy utilization, eaten or consumed ultimately delaying lac- in a drink. His stud- By Ron Kipp tate build-up during the ies have shown that race. drinking one cup an Photos: Getty Images Have a ritual that re- hour along with Ron Kipp is the USSA minds you that your hel- carbo and protein Alpine Sport Education met is buckled, goggles can reduce muscle Manager. He has worked are pulled down, armor damage while skiing with the U.S. and is secure and boots are and even decrease Norwegian Ski Teams. News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 10 Division News

New England Masters tential racers. We expect to see a large Masters ski racing, and we have reached a Nadine Price, chair number of last year’s participants on our few more folks who just didn’t know that www.nemasters.org start lists this year and we have scheduled it’s never too late to start ski racing, or get Summer always seems too the clinic a bit earlier, in hopes of getting back into it. We will be offering free mem- short here in northern New more participants to join us this season. bership in NEMS for new members who England, but this year the re- We are also adding a second clinic a little signs up at the Expo and will have other ally warm autumn (most places haven’t later in January (the date is almost con- giveaways, raffles, games and everything even had a frost yet!) extended it just firmed but check our website for details!) else we can think of to get attention! If enough so that almost everyone is eagerly at the Cochran’s ski area in northern Ver- your plans include a visit to the Expo, awaiting the first snow. The gardens have mont to reach and attract another group of make sure to stop by. been put to bed and the leaves chased into recreational racers. USSA has also agreed Thanks to the tireless effort of the the woods. Skis are being waxed, the fore- to continue the temporary license structure scheduling committee, we have a great casts are being scrutinized and the snow and will be permitting the use of two tem- schedule of races this season. In what has guns are quivering in anticipation. And porary licenses per individual and provid- become a very popular new tradition, we here at NEMS, we’re ready! ing “funded temps.” This proved to be a will be kicking things off at Killington in As last season ended, we rolled out very helpful recruiting tool. Last season, December with our fourth almost-annual our new website to wide acclaim. We temporary licenses accounted for about a joint venture with ASRA, a ski racing or- tested the site extensively before going live hundred starts in New England and we ex- ganization with races in Vermont and and tweaked it a bit more over the sum- pect a number of those will purchase full points a little west and south. Events will mer. It’s easy to use and totally ready for licenses this season. include an SL, the season’s first Rockport prime time (i.e. race season)! We’ve been Once again, with USSA’s generous Mortgage Corporation GS se- working with USSA and pursing some of assistance, we will be starting the season ries race and, of course, a the successful initiatives introduced last with a New England Masters booth at the Saturday evening party! season. We will be widely distributing the Boston Ski Expo. This will be our sixth sea- After the holidays we National Masters posters and brochures son at the Expo and we hope to keep will be visiting Sunapee, and will once again be holding a clinic to building on the very positive experiences which, in addition to its recruit new racers at Wachusett we have had. Each ever popular GS, will Mountain, in Massachusetts, on year, we are find- also be hosting an SL. January 10. The clinic last year ing fewer peo- January will include a was wildly popular and really ple who have weekend at Middle- helped introduce Masters rac- never heard bury and the Janeway ing to a whole new of and Ineson Cups at group of po- Stratton and Brom- ley. Then it’s on to Whiteface, that amazing bastion of ski rac-

East’s Hans Truckenbrod News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 11 Division News ing, with NY Masters for two SGs, a GS Alaska starts the season with a chance to run GS and an SL. Although we won’t be having By Gary Randall and SG with the kids in Dec. at the Russ an official Eastern Regional championship alyeskaskiclub.org Reed race, and ends it with multiple SGs as this season due to the location of Nation- We are looking for- part of the Championships in April. 49 als, the weekend at Whiteface promises to ward to a good year of Degrees North, in skier-friendly Chewelah, be a real banner event. These will be the Masters racing, here in Washington, is planning off-the-hill events only Masters races on the calendar in the Alaska. The sun is shining and the along with three SG races and a “go fast” Northeast Jan. 31–Feb. 2, and we look for- mountain biking is still great. Last camp at the end of Jan. Rewax your SG skis ward to a spectacular weekend. Before the weekend, we had our annual ski swap and head to Schweitzer Basin in Idaho just series finals at Waterville in early March, and sold $79,000 worth of equip- after President’s Day for three more SG we will be visiting some traditional fa- ment, of which the ski club gets 30%. races, along with a speed camp. Seattle rac- vorite venues and going back to a few that They just finished the replacing ers have two SG races close to home in have been absent from our schedule for a the upper lift with a new high-speed quad Mar. at Steven Pass. The 49N and little while (Pat’s Peak SL and Loon GS). and named it the Glacier Express. This lift Schweitzer SG races are part of the na- The Sise Cup Finals will be at Wa- will be 10% faster than the old quad. tional Molecule F Speed Series. terville this year Mar. 7–8. There will be a We have eight races this year, and we If you like to make turns, PNSA starts GS Friday and an SL Saturday, 2014 off with the Kickoff GS and a GS both counting toward season- training day at Snoqualmie Pass, following long standings. There will be a it up with a GS weekend at Crystal Moun- gala banquet and awards cele- tain in Washington. Oregon racing oppor- bration on Saturday evening. tunities include both GS and SL courses at And we will have some great raf- Ski Bowl with off-the-hill fun provided by fle prizes, including a brand new, the Skiyente Ski Club in Mar. or a chance super high-end KHS road bike. to travel south to race SL and GS with the And now for the really kids at Willamette Pass in Feb. Along with big news: as you may have no- their SG races, both Schweitzer and ticed, Okemo, always one of the Stevens Pass offer both GS and SL races as most popular stops on our schedule, isn’t might try and throw in an SC. part of their race series. Alpental, on Sno- on our regular schedule at all this year but Our sponsor is back for another year. qualmie Pass, offers a three-SL race week- will instead be the host of the 2014 USSA The Odem Corporation is supplying all end in Mar. Masters National Championships. The the swag, beer and wine for our award par- The full schedule is available in a dates are Mar. 17–22, and will include all ties. This year, we are going to try to get number of places: on the PNSA Series page four events: DH, SG, GS and SL. We are some of our younger racers to return by of- at skiracereg.com, as well as at pnsa.org thrilled to be hosting Nationals and we an- fering a discount program fee, so they can under schedule/masters or at pnsamas- ticipate an exciting, action packed, and train and run gates. I have talked ters.com, or on our Facebook page. Skiers fun-filled week. Although no one who has with a number of the youth competitors can create an account at skiracereg.com ever raced at Okemo will want to miss who can’t afford the program fee, but and enter all but the Mt Bachelor races these Nationals, we should take every op- would like to train some gates. with no additional credit-card fees. Mt portunity to share our excitement with our That’s about all from the far north. Bachelor takes entries at mbsef.org. colleagues out west! Hope to see you all at Park City for the FIS Potential racers may have up to two With less than two months to go, and Western Regional! temporary race licenses in a season, each it’s time to ramp up your training, go hike good for a full race weekend experience. a mountain, get to the gym, start waxing New racers may credit the cost of those those skis. We’ll see you at Killington! PNSA two temporary licenses to the cost of a full As always, our series is made possi- By Ann Ozuna season license at any time during the sea- ble and enhanced by our sponsors. Our GS pnsa.org son. The temporary licenses are a great way series has been generously sponsored by to experience the thrill of a longer course Rockport Mortgage Corporation. We wish Pacific northwest weather and see your times in age-bracketed results. to thank them most sincerely. Our endur- forecasters are predicting a Many areas offer coaching, especially ing gratitude goes to Artech, for its gener- cool—not cold—winter for the Masters athlete. Information on ous and continued support. We welcome with lots of precipitation—perfect for the coaching opportunities in areas all over Uvex and KHS to our family of sponsors. thirty-plus race starts for Masters skiers and the Northwest is available at And we thank Booster Strap, SkiChair.com, friends. With so many opportunities, there pnsamasters.com. Denby, Reliable Racing Supply, Liftopia is something for everyone on the schedule. Questions? Contact Peter Christian, and Green Ice Wax for their continued We love to go fast in PNSA, as proven membership chair, at christianx4@com- support. When you have need or use for on the podium at last year’s nationals. To cast.net or Ann Ozuna, PNSA Masters any of the products or services our spon- get comfortable going fast, our racers get Chair at [email protected]. We’d love to sors provide, we hope you will visit them to hone their skills at SG races on Masters- see you at our races, either as a race helper, first. friendly hills in Oregon, Washington and official or a smiling participant. Come Idaho throughout the season. Mt Bachelor check us out. News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 12 Division News

Intermountain Once again, we are proud to be part- We’ve already had a sneak preview of win- Masters—It’s a wrap! nered with Jans Mountain Outfitters. Be ter in the form of two small snow storms, By Amy Lanzel sure to check out jans.com for all your but that’s enough to get our minds geared www.Intermountain- needs and the latest in race equipment. up for our coming season of ski racing. We Masters.org This web site makes it easier to locate and in the Far West will be hosting a great race Fall is in the air and get product at incredible Master racers- schedule, and we’d love for some of our frost has covered the only discounts, while at the same time en- Masters friends from around the country ground. We are now hancing their sponsorship with to come out west and race with us! officially a month away from multiple ski Intermountain Masters with a small mone- Highlights of this season’s schedule resorts opening in ! This year, we have tary give-back of all items sold online. include our first race of the season at added two new race venues, Bogus Basin We welcome back our long-time race Mammoth Mountain, two GSs and an SL, (The Canyons) and Red Lodge (Montana). sponsors, team orthopedic surgeon and Dec. 7–8; six speed races at Mammoth We are expecting our numbers to grow Master racer Dr. Phil Davidson, Team consisting of two DHs and four SGs. One through better marketing, word of mouth Healthcare, Dr Don Cofer, Tommy Rein- DH and one SG will be National Speed Se- and sweeter deals. We have also enhanced erth of Dominator wax, Brent Amsbury at ries races, Jan. 23–26. As mentioned, these the variety of race offerings. Park City Ski Boot and Sun Valley's For- are just the highlights! Please go to far- This year’s schedule includes seven mula Sports for their support of the Sun westmasters.org for the rest of our race SGs, 12 GSs and eight SLs. Where else in Valley Skoch Cup races. Race sponsors are schedule. And please come out and join us the country can you get that? Please check a funny thing: without them we simply in the sunny west for any and all of our se- our Intermountain Masters website sched- would not be. Whenever you visit any of ries of races. We know you’ll love it! ules closer to the race date for any changes, our sponsors,please be sure to let them To top it all off, Squaw will be hosting the at IntermountianMasters.org. know you shop their store because of their U.S. Alpine Championships for the second Exciting changes this year include the support to Intermountain Masters. Show year in a row. Unfortunately most of us Sun Valley Skoch Cup races. SG and GS the love! won’t qualify to race in that race, but come will be held on Warm Springs run! The We look forward to another exciting, out, watch and enjoy! Those who came to best run on the mountain is finally all competitive racing party-filled season. Get Squaw for Nationals last year were unani- ours, and Park City Mountain Resort will your boards out and sharpen the mous in proclaiming the event to be the be hosting the super popular Loritz Cup edges…It’s game time. finest and most entertaining U.S. Nation- three-day race series in January and the FIS als ever held. Please come out and be a Western Regionals in February. Far West part of ski racing in the west. I hope to see all of you soon! Signing up for Intermountain races is By Mark Mirviss easy using the online race registration site, www.FarWestMasters.org Skiracereg.com.

Deb Lewis at Big Sky. News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 13 Division News

Central and Spirit Mountain, and will be returning Northern Division Ryan Fuller, chair to Granite Peak this season for our South- Masters www.midwestmas- ern Championship. Toby Chapman, chair ters.org tobyandali@ OUR GOALS THIS SEASON SEASON PREVIEW yahoo.com This season, Midwest Before last season, Midwest Masters de- Northern Division Masters intends to vised a 3-year plan for the program, as well once again will have a capitalize on changes as specific initiatives to meet the goals set joint race schedule implemented last year and continue mov- in this plan. To know whether we are with PNSA and Intermountain. The race ing forward to better the program. Here being successful, we need to measure our season will start off in Montana at Red are some highlights for this season: performance from year to year. This plan Lodge with a joint junior/Masters race con- relates to many things including training, ● Continue to aggressively market using sisting of two GSs and one SL Jan. 3–5. member recognition, and sponsorships. Red Lodge does a great job putting on this multiple channels including Facebook, Most important, however, is that we plan YouTube, and Constant Contact. race, with the Masters racers getting to go to reverse the trend that we have seen in first down the course! The other joint races ● Continue with our prototype member- membership over the last few years and in- during the season will be Intermountain ship pricing system geared toward making crease the number of new faces we see and divisional races at Sun Valley, Idaho, Jan. it easier for the “casual racer” to race with build momentum for future seasons! 17–19 for two SG/GS/SLs—which in my USSA Masters. Here’s a quick summary of the metrics opinion is the best race venue around— ● Hold TWO “Give it a try” Fall Masters SL we are using to measure ourselves this and Snowbasin, Utah Mar. 7–9 for an SG camps coached by former Olympians year. In a nutshell, we’re trying to increase and and GS races. The joint PNSA race will Tasha Nelson and Kristina Koznick. the number of new faces (the number of be at Schweitzer, Idaho, Feb. 20–23 for the distinct members) and the level of utiliza- ● Continued reorganization of our board Don Brooks Memorial, consisting of two tion (how often each distinct member to make it easier to contribute as a volun- SGs/two SGs/GS/SL. Two of the SG races at races with us), while stemming the loss of teer. the Don Brooks Memorial will, once members from last season. again, be part of the Molecule F Speed Se- ries. Central Division End End Goal Yr/Yr% This year’s Nationals will be a four- Metric (includes temps) 2012 2013 2013 Change event venue with a DH and SG for the Distinct Members: how many speed freaks, and an SL and GS for the members we have 146 146 163 12% technical events at Okemo, VT. From what Utilization: how often our members race I’ve heard, Okemo is a great race venue. with us; starts per distinct member 6.8 6.5 7.1 9% I’ve never raced there myself, and am look- ing forward to the competition out east. Attrition Reduction: the percentage of Western Regionals this year will also members we lose from season 1 to season 2 28% 22% 15% n/a be an FIS Master’s Cup event at Park City, UT, Feb. 6–9. However, it will consist of Last season, we saw flat membership ● New Midwest Masters customized GS two SGs and two SLs that will crown the growth, a bit of a dip in utilization, but a Western Region champions instead of the suits. reduction in attrition. This season we hope Last season Kristina Koznick, perhaps typical SC/SG/GS/SL races. This is a great all metrics will be positive! race for both the speed freaks and techni- our nation’s best World Cup SL skier of all We believe in publishing these num- time, graciously accepted our invitation to cal skiers. bers to our Membership so the Midwest Gate training opportunities are avail- coach a camp for adult ski racers. The Masters board is held accountable! We’ll camp was a huge hit, and she had so much able throughout the Northern division, so report back on these numbers again next check your local ski areas and clubs for fun she’s coming back this year! Tasha Mc- Spring. Crank (Nelson), another Central division training opportunities. For training oppor- tunities at Lookout Pass Ski Area, contact native and former Olympian, is also set to LOOKING FORWARD coach at the Buck Hill camp this season. Toby Chapman at 406-541-0866, or email We have high hopes for this season and me at [email protected]. Red Lodge We are extremely grateful that both of are excited to get started racing. We’re also these immense talents have offered their ski area contact is Lisa Densmore at 406- very excited for Nationals at Okemo, as 690-0190, and Big Sky Ski area contact is time to help coach us Masters racers! conditions out east favor us racers in Cen- We plan to continue to use skirac- BSSEF Ski Team at www.BSSEF.com. tral. The last time Nationals were in the Look forward to seeing you all this winter! ereg.com as our membership and race reg- east, Central won the Divisions Cup. We’re istration system, and to also continue hoping for a repeat this year, so look out! using our own FIS-style divisional points If there are any questions about Midwest system complete with points lists and our Masters, please send an email to pro- own ability-class racer classification. Both [email protected] and of these have been very successful parts of we will get back to you. our program. We continue racing at many We’ll see you on the hill! of the familiar venues, including Buck Hill News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 14 Division News

Rocky Mountain • Offer a season race entry pass to reduce New York State Snow Masters Series Graham Smith, the cost per race for those active partici- By Jim Spillane and President and pants. Jack Eisenschmid, chair Division Chair • Offer a one-time purchase five-punch www.nymasters.org www.rmmskiracing.org race entry card for those who want a dis- Welcome to the 2014 season! Being this great pro- With winter gram’s new president fast approaching, Sequence: Luke Keenan has been an experi- it won’t be long shows form at Speed ence akin to taking a drink of water from a before we get Series event. fire hose. I have a huge responsibility in back on our skis taking over this very successful and active and do what we race group from the incredibly hard-work- all like to do ing president for the past seven years, Jen- best… race! This nifer Kaufman. Fortunately, she has only will be the 42nd retired from the administration piece, not season for the the ski racing part. (Sorry all you W03s, NY State Masters she’s still gonna be on the start lists.) Be- and we once cause of her strong guidance and enthusi- again will have a asm, I don’t know what our program great race sched- would have done without her. Thanks, Jen, ule. This year we from all of us in Rocky Mountain Master ski racing for all your hard work and dedi- cation. count to race in As we start this 2013/14 season, we more than one or will all gather at our fall party on Nov.12 two races. to celebrate all of this past season’s • Continue special successes, and welcome the new season’s race entry pricing potential. Our new VP, Wiebe Gortmaker, for those under 25. has been hard at work putting together a • And for newbies, season race schedule that is both varied we now have two and competitive, with a few new venues weekends of re- like Echo Mountain, and a return to Beaver duced race entry Creek, as well as our old reliable areas like rates with a temp li- Aspen, Copper, Loveland and Ski Cooper. cense, which, if they Our Sponsor-A-Race program will be ac- love it, can be rolled tive, and my expectation is that again we’ll over into a perma- have 100% of our season’s races covered nent Masters li- with the generous support from our mem- cense. will have a total of 20 races and nine race bership. And speaking of sponsorship sup- Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to days. We also have a very nice blend of port, we at RMM are very thankful for our thank the great members of RMM board races consisting of nine GSs, seven SLs, corporate involvement with aCOS, Racer’s who have made my transition to the presi- and three SGs to test all abilities! We’re Edge, Foothill Ski and , FUXI Ski Rac- dent’s role fairly painless. They are Wiebe also very pleased that the National series ing, Greenlight Collaboration, Saucer Wax Gortmaker, vice president; David Velasco, will be in the Northeast! The Nationals and SKS. We could not do this without treasurer; Lauren MacMath, scheduling; will be held at Okemo from Mar. 17–22. their generous support and prize dona- Pat Palm, sponsorship; and our indefatiga- Also exciting news is: the New York Mas- tions. We are also very pleased to again ble office diva, Stacy Estelle. Thanks, guys. ters will be racing at Whiteface, Jan. host (for all you speed freaks) some of the On a final note…we, the entire Mas- 31–Feb. 2. This is a joint race with New Molecule F National Speed Series (NSS) ters ski racing community were all sad- England Masters & ASRA. This will be an events at Aspen and Ski Cooper. We wel- dened by the loss of Harold Westcott and SG, GS and SL event. come all other division racers to not only Gene Timmons, and now the RMM group This year, we will begin the season come to the NSS races, but any other races are additionally mourning the passing of again with a GS and SL at Swain on Jan. 5. that might fit into your own schedule. longtime Rocky Masters racer Jay D. Mey- Swain always does a great job, and we’re In these austere times, we on the ers. All three had a tremendous love for ski pleased to be able to begin our season RMM board have come up with a couple racing and their inspiration, passion, there, as we have done in the past. After of new initiatives we hope will attract ad- courage and sense of adventure inspire us Swain, we will head to central New York ditional race entries, recapture some of all. They will be sorely missed. for the first of three weekend combined those who have left our ranks, and reward I’m looking forward to seeing every- races. We will be at Toggenburg for two SL those existing members that loyally try to one on the race hill! Ski fast and take races on Jan. 11, followed by two GS races compete in all our offerings. some chances! the following day at Labrador. After a week News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 15 Division News off, we head to western New York for an- willing to assist in any way necessary to all NY Masters join Facebook, for the best other combined weekend beginning with a help the series. David will be greatly missed up-to-date information. two-GS race at Holimont on Jan. 25, fol- by everyone associated with the New York See you at the Start! lowed by a two-SL race at Holiday Valley Masters. on the 26th. After Whiteface, and a week Similar to last year, the Whiteface races off, we head to Hunt Hollow for a two-race will be earlier in the season to ensure we Southern Masters GS. Hunt Hollow always does a great job have the best possible conditions. This By Horst Locher, chair putting on a very challenging race. The fol- year’s event will take place at Whiteface www.sararacing.org lowing weekend we head back to central Mountain in Lake Placid Jan. 31–Feb. 2. The Southern Alpine New York for our final combined weekend The Masters will then finish the 2014 sea- Race Association is beginning with a two-race SG, and two-race son with the Nationals returning to the looking forward to have SL at Song Mountain. The next day, we re- northeast and will take place at Okemo, some great races this turn to Greek Peak for a two-race GS. The VT, Mar. 17–22. year in Virginia, West Greek Peak race is a very special event, as As always, the NY Masters will have a Virginia and North Carolina. We hope that we once again pay tribute to both Rockett great day of racing, getting in two-run races we can enroll some new Master racers from and Joan Skiff. To finish the season, we re- by 2:00. This leaves time for free skiing, as the Washington, D.C. region this winter. I turn to Swain to finish our series with an- well as fun après race parties. This year, as am sure our racers will be ready to apply other two-run GS and two-run SL. with every year, we are hoping to increase their skills for carving and skidding at our We would also like to dedicate the first our race attendance, so we welcome any first GS race at Bryce Mountain in the weekend series in Syracuse at Toggenburg new, as well as any past, Masters racers. Shenandoah Valley. But being south of the and Labrador to David Bennett. Sadly, Check out our website, nymasters.org, Mason-Dixon line and having a race before David passed away in September. David for the 2014 schedule, contacts, and regis- Christmas, it is really up to mother nature was an avid skier and a true friend to the tration information. We have also added a to make it happen. New York Masters Series. He was a constant NY Masters Facebook page for everyone to Sugar Mountain, in North Carolina, presence at all of the races and was always access as well. We also ask that you please is scheduling their yearly refresher clinic for visit the links to Masters who resid in the Asheville and our many spon- Charlotte area. Diann Roffe, 1994 Olympic sors that help gold and silver medalist, will return as this make our series year’s celebrity coach, for three days of non- great. stop individual instruction and attention Make sure to from accomplished skiers and certified in- check the NY structors. Clinics include a three-day lift Masters webpage ticket, coaching fees, tuning clinic, video and Facebook analysis, and a scrumptious Saturday night page for any up- dinner. The clinic is scheduled for Dec. dates & changes 13–15. to schedules! We We are very proud of our Kathy Hur- recommend that dcarrillo, who travelled last Mar. to the Mas-

Chris Probert, ters Championships at Big Sky. There, she Jans Cup entered all events and represented our Southern Master racers at her best. Having the National Championship at Okemo in 2014, I am sure it will generate some inter- ests for us to travel up north. P.O. Box 100 Non profit Park City Utah U.S. Postage 84060 PAID 4753

Group inspection in Chile.

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

USSA Masters Contacts ......

National Masters Chairman Eastern/New England: Nadine Price Rocky Mountain: Graham Smith Steve Slivinski tel: 802.746.8850 tel: 719.510.0747 tel: 208.726.3442 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Eastern/New York: Jack Eisenschmid USSA Masters Manager tel: 585.288.4554 2014 Major Events Bill Skinner email: [email protected] P.O. Box 100 Eastern/Southern: Horst Locher Park City, UT 84060 Phillips 66 tel: 540.856.2121 tel: 435.647.2633 FIS Masters Cup/ fax: 540.856.8567 fax: 435.649.3613 Western Region email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Championships Far West: Mark Mirviss Park City, UT, Feb. 6–9 SG/SG/SL/SL DIVISION CHAIRPERSONS tel: 530.583.6971 email: [email protected] Alaska: Gary Randall Phillips 66 Masters tel: 907.243.4259 Intermountain: Amy Lanzel National Championships email: [email protected] tel: 435.649.5751 Okemo, VT, Mar. 17–22 email: [email protected] Central: Ryan Fuller DH/SG/GS/SL tel: 612.501.3268 Northern: Toby Chapman email: [email protected] tel: 406.541.0866 The Masters email: [email protected] Division Cup Eastern: Bill McCollom tel: 802.234.9561 Pacific Northwest: Ann Ozuna email: [email protected] tel: 509.455.7944 email: [email protected]