www.ussa.org autumn 2009

Great major event sites for 2010 makes for a great season! It's time to start your season race schedule planning.

USSA Skier’s Edge Masters Nationals Skier’s Edge Regional Championships undulating venues, impeccable grooming, Sun Valley, Idaho • March 29–April 2 Western: Park City, Utah free-flowing course-sets, and solid race or- SC/SG/GS/SL February 4–7 • SC/SG/GS/SL ganization, Okemo is tops on most Mas- If there is a favorite Masters Nationals Park City Mountain Resort and the Inter- ters’ favorite racing sites. Its central location venue, it's Sun Valley. This year will feature mountain Masters will be hosting the 2010 is also a plus in drawing a large, competi- the SG and GS held on the popular and Skier’s Edge Western Regional Champi- tive field. Masters-friendly Warm Springs run. A Super onships Feb. 4-7, 2010. Site of the 2002 This year’s schedule of events will be Combined will start the week of racing, fol- Olympic Winter Games, Park City Moun- similar to last year, with SG training on lowed by SG/GS/SL. These three events will tain Resort looks forward to welcoming the Thursday, the Championship SG race on count for the combined and Spyder Masters Western Regional Championships. Races Friday morning, followed by a one-run SL, National Team. Super rates on lodging, in- for 2010 will include SG, SC on Payday and which will be combined with the SG to cluding lift ticket, can be found on the GS and Slalom races on CB’s and Picabo’s form an SC competition. The SG and SC USSA Masters web site. Field size limited to in the Eagle Race Arena. Remember, overall will count toward the overall Eastern 300 filled through your division quotas. class winners will be named to the Western Championships scoring, along Region team and receive embroidered Re- with the SL and GS. The slalom USSA Skier's Edge Masters Downhill gion Team vests. race will be held on Saturday Championship (with separate A/B and C/D Aspen Buttermilk, Colorado Eastern: Okemo, Vermont courses) and the GS will wrap February 13–14 March 12–14 • SC/SG/GS/SL up the program on Sunday. TrDH/DH This season’s Skier’s Edge Eastern Masters Awards parties at the Championships will be hosted by one of nearby Okemo Golf Course In coordination with the Molecule F Speed the more popu- clubhouse on Friday and Satur- Series speed weekend, Rocky Mtn. divison lar sites on the day afternoon will include the will host our national downhill champi- Sise Cup tour, usual array of food, video, raf- onship event. Two SGs and Okemo fles, and prizes. And in a three DHs will be in- Mountain. change from past years, the cluded in the speed Because Eastern Championship races championships. Registration will be online of its will be included in the year- through the Rocky Division web site. long, long scoring for the Sise Cup. Nate Schwing, Masters S. American champion 2009, cuts through the fog These companies support Masters Ski Racing, so please support them!

speed overlays News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 2

More Masters Racers! by Steve Slivinski, Masters national chairman

We are more powerful than a 3-gate with gold and platinum pins, tell them where the next Masters race flush, we are faster than a pair of 216 is. If a beer leaguer starts bragging about how fast they are, buy him DH skis, and we can leap up to the or her another beer and invite them to the next Masters race. In winner’s podium in a single bound— other words it's up to each one of us to guarantee the continued we are Masters racers. There are no success of Masters racing. limits to what we as masters racers can This coming year should be an exciting one for Masters rac- aspire to. And, best of all, we challenge ing. The Eastern and Western Regionals are at Okemo, Vt. and Park ourselves and others in the most spec- City, Ut., respectively. The Nationals are at a little place in central tacular of all outdoor sport settings. Idaho close to where I call home, named Sun Valley. Because there What other sports lets you volunteer to is no DH venue at Sun Valley we are using the annual speed series stand around for an hour dressed in a at Aspen for the National DH championships. I plan to attend thin layer of spandex, on top of a everyone of those championship races, and hope to see a whole lot mountain where its 10 below zero with a 30 knot wind trying to of you eager, fun-loving Masters racers there, too. blow you off? We are the most fortunate, if not hardy, sports com- A little word about the United States Ski and Snowboard As- petitors in the world. As your national chairman, my main objec- sociation, USSA, during this Olympic year. Your membership in tive is to ensure our opportunity to participate in Masters racing USSA not only gives our Masters races validity and stature, but goes continues for the foreseeable future. To obtain this objective, we a long way in supporting our Olympic hopefuls. This year's need to continue to energetically recruit new members. I need not Olympics are right next door, in Vancouver, Canada, so it’s more remind everyone that these are challenging economic times. Each important than ever to support our Olympic skiers. By being part division has its own unique membership environment and oppor- of USSA and bringing new Masters racers into USSA, we go a long tunities, and therefore has to approach the drive for new competi- way in supporting our young athletes’ quest for gold. So go out tors a little differently, but we’re all in this quest together. there this winter with enthusiasm and energy. Keep your ski tips Next time you see someone pulled over by the ski patrol for pointed downhill, and while you're at it, sign up a couple of new speeding, sign him or her up. If there's a NASTAR participant laden racers, so we can continue to enjoy this sport we love.

ship levels. Please help new racers you see on the hill, and help Masters: State of the “Union” them in inspection. Share the enjoyment of racing. Encourage rac- by Bill Skinner ers who purchase temporary memberships to join us full-time. • I can’t emphasize enough how grateful I am—and all Masters You can print your membership card online by going to should be—to those members from each of our divisions who step www.ussa.org. Click “membership tools” and “member look up.” up to organize all the fun we have on the hill and race courses. Enter your name and click you number—and voila, you will see and Please thank your division volunteers and help them, as it is a can print your card. • tough job to keep the trains running on time. The USSA Masters website is updated. Go to www.ussa.org, click Our major sponsors are back supporting us. Skier’s Edge “news,” then “masters.” Our 2010 Master comp. guide is on line has stepped up once again as our primary title sponsor for the Na- with rules and event info, national, regional and international. You tionals and Regionals, Molecule F is behind the expanded 2010 can connect onto all division web sites through the “division web Speed Series and Rossignol printed and distributed our Masters links” under “Masters news.” • schedule poster. New this year, USSA Coaches may race in Masters races with their coaches card if 39 years of age or under. Participants between the Member News ages of 18–24 holding a student or competition membership may • Our Nationals will be split this year between Sun Valley (all tech also race in Masters events, except for Regional and National events plus a Super combined) and Aspen Buttermilk, who will Champions. To race in championship events, all racers must hold a host our Downhill championship. Masters membership and be at least 21 years of age. • We have sent our 2010 Masters schedule poster to all our mem- • A change for the coming season: temporary Masters memberships bers. A priority is to increase or at least maintain Master member- for entry-level racers will be available for one race weekend only. News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 3

(Subject 2010 Alpine Masters Schedules to change)

Alaska Alpine Masters Feb. 13 ...... Labrador ...... GS/SL Pacific Northwest Masters Jan. 16 ...... Alyeska ...... GS Feb. 21 ...... Song Mtn ...... GS/GS Jan. 2–3 ...... Snoqualmie . . . . .trGS/GS Jan. 23 ...... Alyeska ...... GS Feb. 27 ...... Swain ...... GS/SL Jan. 9–10 ...... Crystal Mt...... GS/GS Feb. 7 ...... Alyeska ...... SL Eastern Regionals Jan.29–31 . . . . .49 Degrees N. . .trSG/3SG Feb. 20–21 . . . . .Alyeska ...... SL/GS Mar. 12–14 . . . .Okemo, VT . . . .SG/GS/SL Feb. 13–14 . . . .Alpental ...... 2SL/SL Mar. 6 ...... Alyeska ...... GS Info: Jack Eisenschmid 585.288.4554 Feb. 19–21 . . . . .Big Sky . . . .SGtr/2SG/1SG Mar. 20 ...... Alyeska ...... SL www.nymasters.org Feb. 25–28 . . . .Schweitzer Info. Gary Randall 907.242.2927 ...... trSG/2SG/GS/SL Southern Masters (SARA) Mar. 6–7 ...... Mt. Hood Med. . . . .SL/GS Central Alpine Masters Dec. 26–27 . . . .Sugar Mtn ...... SL/GS Mar. 12–15 . . . .Stevens Pass Dec. 12–13 . . . .Wild Mtn...... 2SL/2GS Dec. 28–29 . . . .Bryce ...... GS/SL ...... trSL/SL/GS/SG Jan. 9–10 ...... Mt. LaCrosse . . . .2SL/2GS Jan. 9 ...... Bryce ...... SL Mar. 20–21 . . . .Lookout Pass ...... GS/SL Central Masters Championships Jan. 9–10 ...... Snowshoe ...... GS/SL Apr. 8–11 ...... Mt. Bachelor Jan. 22–24 . . . .Marquette . .2SG/2GS/2SL Jan. 10 ...... Massanutten ...... GS ...... trSG/2SG/GS/SL Jan. 30–31 . . . . .Welch Village ...... 4SL Jan. 23–24 . . . .Wintergreen ...... GS/SL Info: Ann Ozuna 509.9932283 Feb. 13–14 . . . .Chestnut Mtn...... GS Jan. 30 ...... Beech Mtn...... SL www.pnsamasters.org Mar. 13–14 . . . .Spirit Mtn...... 2GS/2SL Jan. 31 ...... Sugar Mtn...... GS Info: Steve Lindemer 651.635.9181 Feb. 7 ...... Massanutten ...... GS Rocky Mountain Masters www.midwestmasters.org Feb. 15 ...... Wintergreen ...... GS Dec. 5 ...... Copper ...... GS SARA Championship Dec. 12–13 . . . .Loveland ...... 2GS Michigan Masters Feb. 20–21 . . . . .Snowshoe ...... GS/SL Jan. 9–10 ...... Winter Park ...... GS/SL Dec. 6 ...... Nub’s Nob ...... GS Info Contact: Horst Locher 540.856.2121 Jan. 22–24 . . . .Keystone ...... 2DH/2SG Jan. 8 ...... Nub’s Nob ...... GS www.skisara.org Jan. 30–31 . . . . .Beaver Creek ...... GS/SL Central Masters Championships Feb. 13–15 . . . .Aspen ...... 2SG/3DH Jan. 22–24 . . . .Marquette . .2SG/2GS/2SL Far West Masters Feb. 20–22 . . . .Vail ...... SL/GS/2SG Feb. 5 ...... Nub’s Nob ...... GS Dec. 5–6 ...... Mammoth ...... GS/GS Mar. 13–14 . . . .Loveland ...... 2SL Feb. 19 ...... Nub’s Nob ...... SG Dec. 19–20 . . . .Squaw Valley ...... SL/SL Mar. 20–21 . . . .Ski Cooper ...... 3DH Mar. 5 ...... Nub’s Nob ...... GS Jan. 9–10 ...... Heavenly ...... SL Info Contact: Rocky Mt. Masters Mar. 21 ...... Nub’s Nob ...... SG Jan. 23–24 . . . .Sierra at Tahoe . . . .GS/GS 303.285.9222 Info: Scott Stillings 231.526.6629 Feb. 20–21 . . . . .Squaw Valley . . . . .GS/GS www.rmmskiracing.org Mar. 5–7 ...... Mammoth ...... 3SG/SC New England Masters/Sise Cup Mar. 18–21 . . . .Northstar . . . . .DH/GS/GS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS Dec. 12–13 . . . .Killington ...... GS/SL Mar. 27–28 . . . .Mt. Rose ...... SL/SL Jan. 2–3 ...... Ragged Mtn...... SL/GS Apr. 13–18 . . . .Mammoth .DH/SG/GS/SL Skier’s Edge Masters National Championship Jan. 9 ...... Crotched Mtn...... SL Info contact: Mariettaf Frinell Mar. 29–Apr. 2 Sun Valley, ID SC/SG/GS/SL Jan. 10 ...... Gunstock ...... SL 760.934.6972 Bill Skinner 435.647.2633 Jan. 15 ...... Stratton ...... SG www.farwestmasters.org Jan. 16–17 . . . .Middlebury ...... SL/GS Skier's Edge National Downhill Championships Jan. 23 ...... Stratton ...... GS Intermountain Masters/ JANS Cup Feb. 14–15 . . . .Aspen, CO . . . . .trDH-DH Jan. 24 ...... Bromley ...... SL Dec. 19–20 . . . .Snowbasin ...... SL/SL Bill Skinner 435.647.2633 Jan. 29–30 . . . . .Cranmore ...... GS/SL Jan 15–17 . . . . .Sun Valley . . . . .SG/GS/SL Jan. 31 ...... Attitash ...... GS Jan. 30–31 . . . . .Snow King ...... GS/GS Skier’s Edge Western Region Championships Feb. 5–7 ...... Sugarbush . . .DH/2SG/SC Feb. 4–7 ...... Park City . . .SC/SG/GS/SL Feb. 5–8 ...... Park City, UT .SG/SC/GS/SL Feb. 20 ...... Cannon Mtn...... SL Feb. 19–21 . . . . .Big Sky . . . .SGtr/2SG/1SG Park City RD 435.647.5428 Feb. 21 ...... Loon Mtn...... GS Feb 27–28 . . . . .Park City ...... SL/GS Feb. 27 ...... Ascutney ...... GS Mar. 5–7 ...... Wolf Mtn. . . . .GS/SL/GS Skier’s Edge Eastern Region Championships Feb. 28 ...... Suicide Six ...... SL Mar 12–14 . . . .Snowbasin . . . .SG/GS/GS Mar. 12–14 . . . .Okemo, VT .SC/SG/GS/SL Eastern Championships (finals) Bill McCollom 802.234.9561 Mar. 12–14 . . . .Okemo . . . .SC/SG/GS/SL Mar. 20-21 . . . . .Pebble Creek ...... SL/SL Sise Cup Finals Apr. 8–11 ...... Mt. Bachelor Rooly Summer Fun Nationals Mar. 19–21 . . . .Burke Mtn. . . . .SG/GS/SL ...... SGtr/2SG/GS/SL July 24–25 . . . .Mt Hood,OR ...... GS/SL Info: Jim McKeon 802.558.8557 Info: Amy Lanzel 801-808-3089 Meri Stratton 541.387.3674 www.nemasters.org www.intermountainmasters.org Molecule F National Speed Series New York Masters Northern Masters Feb. 5 ...... Park City, UT ...... SG Jan. 3 ...... Bristol ...... GS/GS Jan. 15–17 . . . .Sun Valley . . . . .SG/GS/SL Feb. 6–7 ...... Sugarbush, VT . . . .DH/SG Jan. 10 ...... Swain ...... GS/SL Jan. 23–24 . . . .Snowbowl ...... SL/SL Feb. 13–15 . . . .Aspen, CO . . .SG/DH/DH Jan. 17 ...... Brantling ...... SL/SL Jan. 30–31 . . . . .49 Degrees N . . . .2SG/SG Feb. 19-20 . . . . .Big Sky, MT ...... SG/SG Jan. 23 ...... Holiday Valley . . . . .SL/SL Jan.30–31 . . . . .Snow King ...... GS/GS Feb. 26 ...... Schweitzer, ID . . . .SG/SG Jan. 24 ...... Holimont ...... GS/GS Feb. 19–21 . . . . .Big Sky . . . .SGtr/2SG/1SG Mar. 5–6 ...... Mammoth, CA . . . .SG/SG Jan. 30 ...... Greek Peak ...... GS/GS Feb. 25–28 . . . .Schweitzer Mar. 12 ...... Okemo, VT ...... SG Jan. 31 ...... Toggenberg ...... SL/SL ...... trSG/2SG/GS/SL Mar. 20–21 . . . .Ski Cooper, CO . .DH/DH Feb. 6 ...... Hunt Hollow . . . . .GS/GS Info:Rick Murphy 406.471.1573 Mar. 31 ...... Sun Valley, ID .SG (Finals) Feb. 12 ...... Bristol ...... SG/GS www.northernmasters.org Info: Bill Tabar 801.856.1722 News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 4 National Downhill and Speed Series

The Skier's Edge National DH champi- https://ussamasters.bookaspensnow Molecule F National Speed Series onships will be held is conjunction with mass.com Feb. 5 Park City, UT (Regionals) SG Rocky Mtn. Masters Speed events Feb. tele. 877.292.8747 Feb. 6-7 Okemo, VT (Eastern) SG/DH 13–15 at Aspen Buttermilk, Racer’s Edge Feb. 13-15 Aspen, CO (Nat’l Downhill) SG/DH/DH Run. Registration will be done on the The 2010 Masters National Speed Se- Feb. 19-20 Big Sky, MT (Northern) SG/SG Rocky web site www.rmmskiracing.com. ries to be held in six divisions, with Feb. 26 Schweitzer, ID (PNSA) SG/SG Two Downhills and one Super G will sixteen events. Season long awards Mar. 5-6 Mammoth, CA (Far West) SG/SG count for the Molecule F Speed series. will be presented to overall fastest Mar. 12 Okemo, VT (Regionals) SG lady, younger man (59 and under) Feb. 13 Sat. 2 Super G Mar. 20-21 Ski Cooper, CO (Rocky) DH/DH older man (60+) with custom belt Feb. 14 Sun. trDH/DH Mar. 31 Sun Valley, ID (Nationals) SG buckles going to the top three season Feb. 15 Mon. Nat’l Champ. DH/DH Registration for all events, except Regionals and Nationals, long age class winners. This series will will be done through host division including the Aspen Lodging info: Rooms will go fast, as it’s give those Masters with a taste for DH title event. Presidents’ Day weekend! Aspen Inn has speed the opportunity to crown the a limited number of rooms at 30% off. Masters National Speed Champions.

2009/10 FIS Masters Cup by Anne Nordhoy • [email protected]

The season has al- Austria (www.kaprun.at) with two SGs. March 5/6/7: Megeve, France. This ready started! In Kaprun is located about a 1½ hour drive race is organized by the Kandahar Ski Club September there South of Salzburg and 2 hours east of of Great Britain (www.kandahar.org.uk). were four races in Innsbruck Megeve is a charming old town and the Chile: The Brazil- December 19/20: Next is Kaunertal races are usually well run. More Super G. ian Champi- (www.kaunertaler-gletscher.at), also in (www.csportmegeve.com) onships were held Austria. It is a couple of hours by car from March 12–14: Pec Pod Snezkou, Czech in Valle Nevado and Innsbruck, up the road from Landeck. Republic (www.pecpodsnezkou.cz). About the Chilean, in La Slalom on Saturday and a one-run GS on 160 km NE of Prague. Another three days Parva. The SG in Sunday. of racing, Super G, Slalom and GS. Valle Nevado and January 9/10: The French are having March 20/21: Veysonnaz, Switzerland the SL in La Parva their race in Crest Voland (www.veysonnaz.ch). The last week end of were FIS Masters Cup races. (www.crestvoland-cohennoz.com), about racing before the Criterium. Veysonnaz is This year, we had unbelievably good 70 km from Geneva, near Megeve. near Scion. conditions, lots of snow and perfect tem- January 15/16/17: Gerlitzen/Kaernten, March 22–26: Meiringen/Hasliberg, perature. We even had brilliant sunshine Austria (www.gerlitzen.com). Three days of Switzerland. (www.meiringen-hasliberg.ch) on the two super G days! There were over racing, including a Super G. Gerlitzen is in The Criterium is the world championship 100 participants from 11 nations. Think the South of Austria, not far from Villach. for masters, with Super G, Slalom and GS. about it for next year! January 23/24: Bishofswiesen, Ger- The GS on March 26 is the final FIS Mas- To make it easier to find the location many (south of Salzburg). The GS on Sat- ters Cup race. of ski areas in Europe, I have included the urday is at 6pm. The first race on Sunday In order to participate in FIS races web sites to the areas and/or clubs holding (9am) is a Slalom and at 12 noon is The you must be 30 years or older, belong to the races. Also, always check out the offi- Bavarian Open, a one-run GS. the USSA and have a valid FIS license. You cial FIS Masters web site: www.fisski.com (www.bischofswiesen.de) can get the FIS license by contacting Bill to make sure there are no cancellations or January 30/31: Kalpalinna, Finland. Skinner ([email protected]). Bill is also other changes. The calendar web site lists Two days of Slalom. These races are not the only one who can enter you in a race; the race organizer and/or the local tourist part of the FIS Masters Cup. so, before you go, let Bill know which office. (www.kalpalinna.com) races you are going to. The first ever WORLD WINTER February 5–7: Piancavallo, Italy. An- There are 31 FIS Masters Cup races. MASTERS GAMES will be held in Bled, other Super G, in addition to the GS and In order to qualify for the Cup you must Slovenia from January 25–31, 2010. Since Slalom. Piancavallo is about one hour’s participate in 7 races and your best 9 re- l985, there have been Summer Games. The drive north of Venice. Last year the Cri- sults count (new this year). last one was in October, 2009 in Sidney, terium was held there. Points: 25 for 1st, 20 for 2nd, 15 for Australia, with over 20,000 participants. (www.piancavallo.it) 3rd, 12 for 4th, 11 for 5th down to 1 for Check out their web site for events and February 26–28: Vallnord, Andorra 15th place. Maximum points are 225 qualifications: (www.fae.ad). In 2011, the Criterium will (25x9). www.2010mastersgames.com. This race is be in Andorra. Andorra is a small country Race results and Cup standings will not part of the FIS Masters Cup Series. in the Pyrenees Mountains, between be posted on the FIS Masters web site. December 12/13: We start in Kaprun, France and Spain. /PU
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&2%%$%-/$6$ "NFSJDB   L_[ / iʛ£Ê/iV ˜ˆV>Ê-ŽˆÊ œ˜`ˆÌˆœ˜iÀʈ˜ÊÌ iÊ7œÀ`Á :RPLYZ,KNLJVT / iÊ-ŽˆiÀ½ÃÊ `}iÊ œ“«>˜Þ 0ARK#ITY 5TAHs   ÝVÕÈÛiÊ"vvˆVˆ>Ê-Õ««ˆiÀÊ̜ÊÌ iÊ7œÀ`½ÃÊ iÃÌÊ-ŽˆÊ/i>“ÃÒ ¥ 4HE3KIERS%DGE#OMPANY News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 5 Bridging the Generation Gap! by Mark Wolcott • Photos by Brian Robb

ver the past few summers, I have correct line and pressures the outside ski constantly watching our athletes’ stance in organized a trip for our ski team throughout the turn, they’re going to have the boots to make sure their ski boots are Oto train on the Palmer Glacier at a fast run. On the other hand, if the JII ath- properly canted. Ski boot alignment today Mt Hood. I have conveniently scheduled lete is in balance and can start the turn in a is critical for making fast, clean turns on our training camp to end at the start of the solid stance, they’re going to be fast too. modern race skis. Unfortunately, many Summer Fun Nationals held each year in When I am coaching junior racers, Masters racers don’t have a coach watching late July. While the Summer Fun Nationals it’s usually not the hot new race technique them all the time like the juniors. So make is technically a Masters race, the event also that’s creating a breakthrough in their ski- sure your ski boots fit, have them checked includes a junior class, so any licensed ing, but focusing on solid fundamental for cants, and don’t forget to work on your USSA competitor can race, from juniors skiing. For example, many young ski racers stance while free skiing. through all the Masters age categories. can be very fast in sections of a slalom or Another area where junior and During the race, I am amazed at the level GS course, but find themselves hitting the Masters can learn from each other is physi- of competition, as in recent years, this cal conditioning. Ski racers must be in event has attracted everyone from young great physical shape if they want to ski at a juniors to former and current Division I high level and prevent injury. During the college racers. This summer’s Super Seed Summer Fun Nationals, I overheard a (top ten) included racers from age 17 to number of Masters talk about their off- their mid 50s, so the age diversity was snow interests like mountain biking, quite remarkable. triathlons, tennis, windsurfing, waterski- I have been coaching ski racing for ing, rock climbing, etc. These Masters set a over twenty years and the Summer Fun great example and demonstrate that ski Nationals gives me the opportunity to race racing can be a lifetime passion and not along side some of my junior racers. As ski just a grind to see who can climb the high- coaches, we’re often viewed as former rac- JII racer Max Sertl, est on the USSA ladder before their junior ers whose primary function is to set who grew up on shaped skis, career is over. Meanwhile, Masters can courses and critique our racers. However, I lets it rip at Mt. Hood. watch junior racers get incredible angles still love to ski and run gates on a regular with their hip only an inch or two off the basis. Masters racing has given me the op- brakes, falling or missing a gate. As a snow as they pass the gate. This kind of portunity to pursue my passion for ski rac- coach, I often hear; “Gee coach, I really skiing requires lots of core strength and ing whenever time allows. Over the past had it going that run, but I missed another flexibility. Still, many junior and Masters fifteen years we have seen many changes in gate on that steep icy section.” In those racers focus so much on the equipment as- alpine ski racing technique with the intro- cases it can be as simple as teaching them pect of our sport and not enough taking duction of shaped skis. As a result, I be- to ski with a good pole plant (actually a care of the engine (body) that’s driving lieve that Masters and junior racers can pole touch) in order to develop more tim- those skis down the mountain. Natural learn a lot from each other. Let’s not forget ing and rhythm in their skiing. The best athletic ability and fast skis can only go so that ski racing technique is constantly way to teach a young athlete to ski with a far, so don’t forget to hit the gym this fall! evolving and many racers will naturally pole plant is to spend time free skiing in During the Summer Fun Nationals, emulate a combination of old and new ski all types of terrain. Have you ever tried to I enjoyed inspecting the race courses and racing styles. ski a steep mogul run without a pole talking tactics with my son, Michael, who The Summer Fun Nationals brings plant? Watch a top Masters racer and they is now a JI competitor. After the first run of together two, three, and even four genera- usually have a good pole plant! On the the GS, I was a bit frustrated with my time tions of ski racers. It’s really quite amazing other hand, some Masters racers may com- and Michael suggested that I needed to get to watch a modern JII athlete race along plain, “I felt great on that run, but my time a little more angulation at the gate. I have side a Class VI athlete, with two different was really slow. I am just getting too old been coaching Michael since he was three, techniques, and finish with a similar time. for this stuff.” Often it may be a matter of and now he’s giving me advice! It was good For example, a younger racer may ski in a helping the Masters racer improve their advice, as I skied better on my second run. wider athletic stance and execute a more stance on their skis. A little wider and The Summer Fun Nationals is a great way direct line to the gate, with lots of recover- more athletic stance enables the racer to to get back in the race course and share ies in between. Meanwhile, the Class VI pressure their skis earlier and handle our passion for ski racing with the next racer may ski a more conservative higher higher speeds. So remember, if you’re free generation. line, maybe a narrower stance, with a simi- skiing in a stance that is too narrow, then lar result. That’s where years of developing you’re probably going to race in one, too. Mark Wolcott is a Masters racer and coach for sound fundamentals can really help both One way to help Masters racers improve the Hunt Hollow Race Team in upstate New athletes. Sure the Masters racer may have a their stance is to make sure their ski boots York. narrower stance, but if he or she skis the are properly aligned. As race coaches, we’re News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 6 Less Is More A Ski Tuning by Mike de Santis must-read and save for emember when things like Cera F off the base more than .5mm, which a certain way and WetJet came on the scene? equates to .5 degree of bevel! In order to for decades Masters! RThose were the days when we World analyze your race prep, use a “hairline” does not neces- Cup technicians used to say, “If a little is true bar with a mark residing 60mm from sarily make it good, then more is better.” We live, we one end of the bar, and orient it over the correct or valid today. learn. Those days are over, and the days of base edge with the ski held up into the Equipment has changed rad- “less is more” are upon us. Things like light with no light behind you. Tilt the bar ically, and these changes have a definitive over-filing, over-hot waxing, over-brush- to close off the gap of light that resides be- impact on how it should be prepared for ing, and over-fluorinating are some of the tween the base edge and the bar. The optimal, consistent performance. things that immediately come to mind. height of the bar off the base at its oppo- Now that you have had a race prep Traditions can be hard things to leave be- site end must not be any higher than installation, and have identified that your hind. But let’s be realistic, if you mire .5mm off the base to equal .5 degree of base bevel truly resides between .5–1.0 de- yourself in tradition you’ll automatically base bevel. Try and get your eye really ac- grees, your side edge is a proper 3 degrees, close the door on leaving room for newer, quainted by looking at a mm ruler, to see and your base grind is smooth and slick, and in fact, better. Take this time to put on just how thick .5mm is. Based on this line you can now take the “less is more” ap- your “common sense caps” and see if you of sight, when you analyze your own skis, proach to maintaining it. can’t teach that old dog some new tricks. chances are they probably have what Here’s all you really need: The truth is that as I have moved through amounts to a bit more than a “true” .5–1.0 • A properly-calibrated true bar with a my career I realize that, given the opportu- degree of bevel. mark 60mm from one end. nity to change the things I used to do for The side edge angle is what allows a • A good Valorbe chrome file, 13 teeth per my USST athletes, and plug in the things I ski to be tipped on edge and keep it from cm. now know, would have surely resulted in a chattering. 1 or 2 degree angles are simply • One 4” Strawberry or Panzer file few more podiums and medals…Darn insufficient if your goal is to allow your • 3 degree side edge file guide and clamp that hindsight! body to properly inclinate, rotate and re- • One med. and 1 fine diamond stone Let’s get one thing straight. There main confident at the same time. Most • Bronze/horsehair brush exist literally fewer than a handful of people perceive that it’s the skis that move • Horsehair brush shops across this country you can trust and out from underneath the body, but it’s ac- • WaxWhizard from Ray’s Way have a rapport with while you’re in pursuit tually the body that moves to the inside. • A good base prep wax and an all-temp of “race room” quality work. When you It’s all about trust. A 3 degree side edge Hydrocarbon wax find yourself a shop technician who’s into angle is optimal in that it’s not difficult to • A good iron with temp readout his job, understands proper stone grinding maintain, and it keeps the ski from chat- rules and ceramic disc machinery, one can tering at all angles of attack. The way to After many years of testing various meth- get themselves a preparation that no free- properly identify it is to take a 3 degree file ods of base wax impregnation, the follow- hand can match. It’s a fact that most, if not guide and hold the ski up on your shoul- ing sequence optimizes wax penetration all, factory race rooms utilize this technol- der into the light, using the same hand to while protecting the base from overt heat ogy here and abroad. Those who embrace hold the guide flush with the side edge. stress. it realize that there is no better way to Use the other hand to take your true bar Remember that a proper base finish achieve high levels of consistency, virtually and hold it onto the side edge and the is as smooth as the base will ever get. The eliminating the tune as a variable. guide. There should be no light under the moment you hit the snow, the abrasive ac- So, this article is not about how to bar, indicating that the angle on the guide tion starts. Soft waxes offer the best protec- create the ultimate ski prep; it’s about matches the angle on your edge. tion from abrasion, as they offer better being handed a ski that has had a “prepa- The base-grind and finish is what penetration and consistent extrusive deliv- ration installation” and how to identify it truly makes a ski fast. A properly stone- ery to the base surface than hard waxes. and maintain it. ground finish utilizing modern techniques Follow this simple process when you bring Let’s start with edge angle verifica- is ready to race right away. Hard to believe? your fresh preps home: tion. Whether you’re giving the skis a race If you have a good technician, then he • Iron temp at 120 Celsius, drip 2 rivulets prep or you’ve found a trustworthy shop, should know how to use his stone grinder of base wax up and down the length of the this is what you need to look for: The base to accelerate the wear of the structure. ski. edge bevel, perhaps the most important What this technique does—except much • Make 2 steady passes from tip to tail, variable of all must live at a true .5–1.0 de- better—is mimic the wear that occurs which is enough to fully melt the wax be- gree for optimal performance and ease of through repeated waxing and brushing cy- fore it begins to disperse. turning on ALL skis. This is verified by the cles that people have done for the last 50 • Let skis cool 20 minutes. 60mm rule. Take a hard look at the .5 de- years. Trust me, if your skis could talk after • Bring ski back to the bench and repeat gree SVST Final Cut tool and the thickness they’ve been sufficiently beaten with hot the same process of the shim that angles the file. It’s exactly metal and steel brushes, they’d be begging • Let skis cool .5mm thick. The distance from the file for mercy. • Repeat. As wax layers build up you can shim to the cutting sight on the tool is Moving forward in regards to ski begin to make 3–4 steady passes. 60mm. This means that the height of the preparation and tuning means realizing true bar utilizing this formula may not lift that just because something has been done Continued on page 15 MODERN

GIANT 5 TED 6 LIGETY 7

8

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his downhill ski to align his hips over his up- 10 hill leg, putting his weight onto his new (up- hill) ski while it is still underneath him and still on the uphill edge. This early move to the new ski is important. He moves forward 11 over the new ski while rolling it onto its turn- ing edge with knee and ankle rotation into the new turn. You can think of creating this move forward by imagining the down stroke We build stance from the ground up. of backwards pedaling on a bike. Pushing the What is happening at your feet is the most foot back with ankle flexion pushes the hips important aspect. As the slalom article in last forward and the inside leg up helps direct the fall’s publication pointed out, the right boots weight to the outside ski. With a platform are key to be able to perform the proper created over the turning edge through ankle movements. Too many Masters are in boots and knee angulation, you move your center t can be said that giant slalom is the Holy that are too stiff. Forward ankle flexion is the of mass forward and into the turn. In this Grail of skiing. If you can master giant foundation for a solid athletic stance, so you photo sequence (frames 7 and 8), Ligety does Islalom technique, you can conquer any- need to be able to flex your boots—even a little steering at the top of the turn due to thing on skis. Giant slalom is the foundation when it's cold! Stiff boots lead to stiff skiing, the steepness and sharpness of the turn, but from which skills are built in all the disci- no matter how hard you try to stay forward. by extending forward over the new platform plines. So how does a Masters racer take their Take a look at the montage featuring (frame 6) he gets in position for perfect bal- GS skiing to the next level? Let’s focus back Aksel Svindal, paying attention to his stance ance to carve cleanly by frame 9 through the on the fundamentals, with a hint of what the and balance. This photo was taken on a finish of the turn. Generally, the goal is clean latest thinking is at the elite levels. steep, turny section of the Beaver Creek carving turns, but if adjustments need to be In the latest series of instructional World Cup. His stance is hip-width, shins are made, steering can be used at the top of the DVDs, USSA Sport Education unveiled a sim- parallel, hips up over feet, and hands are in turn. Steering adjustments at the bottom of ple five-point analysis of slalom skiing using front of his body throughout. His ankle flex- the turn are speed killers. the technical areas of stance and balance, ion is evident in his aggressively forward shin There is a lot of emphasis at the top carving and transitions, and upper body posi- angle (a great thing to check when watching levels on proper rhythm and timing relative tion; and the tactical areas of rhythm and tim- your own video is the angle created between to the fall-line and its relationship with tac- ing relative to the fall-line and tactics. This the ski forebody and your shin; it needs to be tics. To cleanly carve the initiation of the framework is useful to evaluate giant slalom less than 90 degrees). How do you do it? turn, you must choose a line that allows con- skiing, and for the purpose of this discussion Let’s start to look at carving. The key sistent pressure through the turn. This means we’ll combine upper body with stance and to speed and the “elusive challenge,” as US that at the point you cross the fall-line above balance. Our demonstrators, Ted Ligety and Ski Team coach Chip White puts it, is to get the gate, your skis should still be pointed Aksel Lund Svindal, provide the visual stimu- good edge pressure over the outside ski at the outside the turn; they should not be pointed lation—now let’s dive into how they make it top part of the turn. The goal is to carve into straight down the fall-line yet. The result of happen. (Photos courtesy of Ron LeMaster the fall-line. Ligety demonstrates this move carving into the fall-line too soon results in a from his new book “Ulitmate Skiing,” well. Look at his transition through frames 2 double turn and heavy edge pressure at the www.ronlemaster.com) through 8. In frame 2, he is pushing off of bottom of the turn, making it more difficult By Jon Nolting

1 2 3 4

Photo montages by Ron LeMaster SLALOM to stay forward through the next transition. Note that in these montages, particularly with Svindal, the skis are pointed down the fall-line SKIING along a line drawn straight up from the gate, but this is due to the steering required. Their trajectory is still moving to the outside of the turn to get them into a good position to pres- sure cleanly once the steering is done. On a more moderate pitch, you would see the skis directed more away from the gate, giving them room to keep the carve going Applying forward edge pressure early in the turn with line in the right place allows for smooth pressure through the turn and less AKSEL pressure at the end of the turn. This eases the LUND forces acting on the skier at turn completion, allowing an easier and more forward move to SVINDAL the new ski. To get the feel for proper timing of early pressure, move to the new outside ski early, roll the knees and ankles to get the ski on edge, and when you feel the platform from the outside ski established underneath you, ex- tend aggressively forward and into the turn. Master the timing outside of gates, then trans- fer these feelings into the course. These concepts carry over into slalom and the speed events as well. Clean carving ski- ing is the goal, and proper balance remains the key fundamental skill to attain it. Through the movement patterns above, Masters racers can unlock this key to speed. Check out the new Center of Excellence TV site at www.ussa.org (click the link at the bottom of the web page) for great video demonstrations of the latest techniques in all events.

Jon Nolting is the USSA’s Alpine Sport Education Manager, Winter Park Competition Center direc- tor 2000–2009, and the 2002 Masters Nationals Super G class champion. News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 10 Division News

New England Masters former Olympian and downhiller extraor- specializing in HUD/FHA insured com- Nadine Price, chair dinaire Doug Lewis and Rich Hutchinson’s mercial project loans. Rockport’s sponsor- www.nemasters.org New England Speed Cup series to produce ship will give the weekend a new look, as Although some of you may what promises to be a spectacular event. It the Gibson Cup will be held at Mount still be thinking about sum- will include a DH, two SGs and a Super Cranmore on Friday and Saturday and fol- mer activities, here in north- Combined. The Downhill is Doug’s own lowed on Saturday by a party. We will then ern New England, we are well into our Legends Downhill. This has been a mar- be returning to Attitash, after many years’ almost-winter season (also known as au- quee event at Sugarbush for some time absence, for a GS on Sunday. tumn in warmer climes!). The mountain and this year, for the first time, it will be One addition to our schedule that tops are frosty, some areas are open and part of our series. The DH will be held on we have been hoping for and talking about more are slated to open soon. And while Friday with a training run first so that for a few years has finally transpired. This you were busy lounging on the beach or those who cannot get there on Thursday season, in addition to the venerable whacking that silly little ball around, the will be able to participate. The race will be Janeway Cup, Stratton will be hosting a Board of Directors was diligently searching followed by a party, where significant cash Super G. Last season, we instituted the for a new executive director and making prizes will be awarded to the day’s fastest overall discipline awards with men’s and plans for the coming season. As those of competitors. There will be two Super G’s women’s overall SL and GS titles. This sea- you on our email list know, our search was on Saturday (also followed by a party!) son, with the addition of the Sugarbush very successful and over the summer we and the Super Combined will be on Sun- Speed Week and the Stratton SG, we will welcomed Jim McKeon of Rutland, VT, to day; Super G first, followed by SL. The also recognize men’s and women’s overall the New England Masters family as our races will be preceded by a three-day speed speed titles. new executive director. We put Mac right camp run by Doug Lewis. The camp will The Sise Cup Finals will be a ban- to work and it’s shaping up to be a great be limited and we expect it to fill up ner event. We will be returning to Burke season with some exciting new events, a quickly, so if you are interested, sign up Mountain for the first time in quite a few couple of venues we haven’t visited for a early. More details will soon be available years. Burke is playing host to NorAm and while and lots of parties. on the Sugarbush website. As soon as they Eastern Cup finals the weekends before We will be kicking off the presea- are, we will have a link on our website and and after our finals, so with this kind of son at the Boston Ski Show with a booth include it in our next e-newsletter. fast company, you know it will be a special sponsored by USSA. The show runs No- One more thing about the Speed occasion! Sunday’s fun SL will be a dual— vember 19th through the 22nd. This is a Week… The DH and the first SG will be with a whole new angle on the word great opportunity for us to increase our part of the Molecule F Speed Series. These dual—and we expect a few hangovers as visibility and to recruit. It is also great fun! races, along with the Super G at Regionals, we are planning a real season-end banquet We collected contact information for will give easterners three chances prior to on Saturday night! Stay tuned for more de- about fifty potential new racers last year Nationals to score points, meaning east- tails! This promises to be a great time. and converted that into more than a dozen erners will have the opportunity to be As always, we want to thank our starts. This season we are setting our sights competitive in this series that has tradi- sponsors, those who have loyally sup- a little higher and hope to sign up a cou- tionally been dominated by westerners, ported us for years and those who are new ple of full-timers. If you are planning to due to the fact that most of the races have to our organization, who we hope will stay go, make sure you stop by and see us. been in the west! So make sure to take ad- with us for years to come. Please visit their Regarding our first races, we have, vantage. websites and if you are in the market for after great effort and negotiation, con- And speaking of Regionals… This any of their services or products, think of firmed our season opening event for the year, they will be at Okemo, with four them first! Without them our series Sise Cup. We will be at Killington for GS events, Super G, Super Combined, GS and wouldn’t be what it is! and SL Saturday December 12th and Sun- SL, and did I mention, Parties! Our East- Rockport Mortgage Corporation day the 13th. We will be combining forces ern Coordinator, Bill McCollom, has been (www.rockportmortgage.com) with ASRA for this weekend to have an ex- working assiduously with Peter Cornish Artech (www.artechski.com) citing kick-off. In addition to the Saturday and the folks at the mountain as well as Swix (www.swixsport.com) and Sunday races, ASRA will be running a with USSA to craft a very special event. Denby (www.denbyusa.com) GS on Friday, which will be open to all, so Okemo has always been known for its ter- SkiChair.com (www.skichair.com) you will have a chance for a warm up race rific race venues and it’s been a perennial Booster Strap (www.skimetrix.com) before the first official Sise Cup event. favorite for Masters. It will be a real treat to And, for those really looking to start the spend the weekend there for Regionals. Just a couple of reminders: First, if you season with a bang, there will be a training More details will be available on our web- haven’t already done so, send in your New camp preceding the races to be run by our site soon, including some lodging options. England Masters Skiing race fee. The fee own Jimmy Mac. For information about This season, the Mount Washing- for the 2009–2010 season is $25.00 if paid the camp, contact Mac at director@nemas- ton Valley weekend will be graciously by November 1, 2009, thereafter $35.00. ters.org brought to you by Rockport Mortgage Cor- New members are $25.00. Please send it to This season will see the inaugural poration. Rockport Mortgage Corporation, Jim McKeon, Phillip Terrace, Rutland, VT. New England Masters Speed Week at Sug- located in Gloucester, Massachusetts, is Or contact Mac at [email protected]. arbush Resort. We have joined forces with one of the top ten firms in the country And secondly, There have been a few News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 11 Division News changes to the schedule since it was put on pleased to welcome former TeamSki mem- membership, relying instead on our elec- the poster and the USSA website so before bers who are impacted by the discontinu- tronic newsletter (SnowNews) and our you make any plans, please make sure to ance of that program this year. We believe weekly blast messages to keep our mem- check the New England Masters website you will find Masters a fun and rewarding bership informed of events. Many thanks for the latest information. We will be send- experience, so please give it a try! to our office manager Debi Davis, as well ing send out future e-newsletters with up- Under the guidance of our market- as our IT experts Jim Montgomery and to-date information on a regular basis Jennifer Kauffman and Hanz Wolf receive Doug Briggs for keeping us on-line. through out the season, but it is always a President’s Service Award from Jim Roberts (center) Our annual Fall Party was held on good idea to check the website. October 24th, marking the official The schedule for this season is var- beginning of the RMD Masters sea- ied and offers many opportunities for ex- son. The party proved to be a big citing single-weekend participation, and success again this year, with over also makes it easy to get in the nine scor- 120 people in attendance. We cele- ing races for the overall season-long com- brated last year’s results and pre- petition. With the addition of two paper pared to greet the upcoming season. combined races, Ascutney/Suicide Six and RMM is extremely fortunate to have Middlebury/Middlebury, three weekends is a very strong group of sponsors. We all it takes to be a season-long contender. welcome the return of our Title Hopefully, we will see you at every race, Sponsor AltaColorado, as well as but if you can’t make them all, there’s Swissam/LRC, Tecnica/Blizzard, plenty of incentive to cherry pick a great ing director, Anne Haggar, RMM is sport- Skier’s Edge, FuxiRacing USA, SKS and oth- weekend or a few! See you at the races! ing a brand-new logo this year, and a ers. We could not operate without the On a final, sad note, we lost a whole new line of RMM branded apparel combined efforts of our sponsors and our dear member of the Masters family a and accessories. We are also streamlining board. couple of weeks ago when Heinz our website as part of our marketing image We are finalizing our schedule, Paul Wieser passed away. Heinz Paul update. which again features events in all four was an ardent competitor and a We surveyed our membership over alpine disciplines. Our season kicks off humble champion. He will be dearly the summer, and are pleased to report that this year in early December with a GS at missed. Our thoughts and sympa- the efforts undertaken by the board to en- Copper Mountain followed by a GS/SL thies are with his wife Anna and the hance the overall race experience are being weekend at Loveland. Our complete race rest of his family. well received. Our mission continues to schedule is posted on our website focus on providing a world-class race day www.rmmskiracing.org with links to the experience for our members. We have ad- on-line registration system. Please be sure Rocky Mountain Division justed our schedule to try to provide more to check the website regularly for any Jennifer L. Kaufman, Vice President time off between race weekends this year, changes to posted schedules or events. As and Division Chair allowing time for training and free skiing. always, we welcome Masters from other di- www.rmmskiracing.org And of course, our social director Hans visions any time! The early-October opening of Love- Wolf has a full slate of post-race parties We look forward to seeing you on land and Arapahoe Basin officially planned to ensure the fun does not end the slopes! launched the 2009/2010 ski season when the race is over! The long-time vi- in Colorado! The board of Rocky sion of President Jim Roberts to give away Mountain Masters worked hard over a free pair of skis at every post-race party Alaska in the Masters Mix the summer preparing for another was realized last year and we are continu- Gary Randall, chair fun-filled year of racing. We are ing that tradition again this season. We have a exciting schedule pleased to report that economic con- We’ll also continue with our ever this year, with a couple of ditions have not dampened our en- popular Sponsor-A-Race Day program. night races and two or three thusiasm or innovative spirit and we This program allows racers to “buy” a race races scheduled with the JIII would like to mention some of the and comes with naming rights as well as & JIV. new initiatives that we are rolling out special recognition at post-race parties. Alyeska Resort has made a number in Rocky Mountain. This program is an important fund raiser of improvements to the area, with a new In an effort to increase partici- and provides another portal for member- start shake at the slalom start. The area did pation from “younger masters,” we are es- ship engagement. All of our 2009/2010 some clearing on the mid and upper tablishing a new fee structure for any USSA races have been purchased and this year’s mountain which will make for some great licensed racer aged 18–24. Every race or sponsors are already working hard to dis- GS races. training run will be $5. We are marketing tinguish their races by involving more Alyeska Masters are excited about this fee structure to our local collegiate members and contributing swag for party the Nationals at Sun Valley and we hope to teams, to help college skiers and other raffles. bring a contingent of 10 to 15 competitors young racers experience Masters racing first In our second year of officially to complete for the Nation’s Cup. hand. “going green,” we have eliminated nearly Well, that's about all from Alaska Rocky Mountain Masters is also all paper-based communication with our we will ski you soon! News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 12 Division News

PNSA host a training site for our men’s US the 2009/2010 season. Snowmaking begins By Ann Ozuna Olympic team. 2006 Gold Medalist Ted before Halloween, keeping the skiing www.PNSAmasters.org Ligety and newly-announced returning going until Mother Nature does her job Snow is falling in the Pa- team member Bode Miller will be at Mis- with the natural stuff. cific Northwest, we’ve sion Ridge this February training before To continue with the pattern of kicked off the season with competing at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic being first, Far West Masters will host the the PNSEF Snow Ball fundraiser, and Mas- Games. Other probable members of the first Masters race in the nation on the ters racers are tuning skis and fitting boots 2010 United States Men's Olympic Slalom weekend of December 5 and 6, kicking off in anticipation of an epic season. Richard Team include Jimmy Cochran and Tim Jit- the season with two Giant Slalom races at Zimmerman has passed the title of PNSA loff, according to the US Ski Association. Mammoth Mountain, vying for the Dave Masters Chair to Ann Ozuna. Thanks, Zim, The training, taking place February 21–25, McCoy GS title. December 19 and 20, we for all your work these past few years. I 2010, will prepare the athletes for the move up to Squaw Valley for a weekend of have talented boots to fill. As you can see slalom race at Whistler, B.C. on February Slalom racing. After the holidays, we re- from the picture, I am ready to take the 27. turn to the Tahoe region for two Slaloms at plunge. Masters racers will be able to race Heavenly Valley, competing for the Viva Masters opened their hearts and both SL and GS on the same weekend in Italia trophy on January 8. Returning to a wallets at the Summer Fun Nationals in Oregon, Washington and Idaho in March. newly-found favorite racing area, the com- July to sponsor training expenses for The Skiyente Ski Club starts the month off petition will heat up at Sierra at Tahoe for Michael Bansmer, son of Masters racer with a SL and GS at Mt Hood, while the two GS races on January 9 and 10. After we Michael Bansmer. The younger Michael Penguins make a weekend into four days return victorious from Regionals in Park gave us all a slalom lesson in a forerun. with SL training, SL, GS and then an SG City, Far West Masters will revisit Squaw PNSA racers Tim Hill and Willie Scroggins the middle weekend of March. Lookout Valley for the Bernard Cup, two GS races, led the challenges to raise funds from Pass, on the Idaho-Montana border, hosts on February 20 and 21. competitors from all across the country. its first official PNSA race on March 20 and Now for some speed! Come on out The upcoming PNSA Masters 21, and invites all to stop by on the way to to Mammoth Mountain March 5–7 for 2009–2010 season officially starts in early Nationals at Sun Valley. three (yes, three!) Super Gs and one Super January at Snoqualmie Summit and Crys- 2009–2010 Season Champions will Combined. Two of the SGs are part of the tal Mountain with two weekends of GS be announced at Mt Bachelor, Oregon, National Speed Series. Two weeks later, on races. SG racers can warm up for Western April 8–11. Two SGs and a training day March 18 and 19, we will be tearing up Regionals at Park City with three SGs and a precede the weekend GS and SL, to bring Northstar with a Downhill and two GS training day at 49 Degrees North in Janu- the year to a close. See all the details at races. March 27 and 28 brings us to Mount ary, and then travel to Big Sky, Montana www.pnsamasters.org and join us on the Rose for one each of Slalom and GS. and Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho in Febru- hill for fun and friendly competition. New Rounding out the season, we return to ary to continue to go fast in the Molecule F racers are especially welcome! where we started at Mammoth Mountain. Speed Series races. Gate-bashing fanatics For our season finale, we will race one of have three slalom races at Alpental in mid- each: Downhill, SuperG, GS and Slalom. Ski Season Starts Early in the Far West! February to play on the short skis. Just for fun, we will run a dual GS with our Several PNSA racers have secured a By Ingrid Braun scholarship athletes on our last day, with place to be working and witnessing great www.FarWestMasters.org many of the adults hung over and broke racing at the Olympics in Whistler, BC, Pat Thanks to a very early snowfall in the east- from the banquet and spectacular auction Murphy and Jim Doudna from Schweitzer ern Sierra, Far West Masters happily the night before. among them. The rest of us will have a claimed the earliest opening ever at Mam- That brings us to our main pur- chance to see some world-class slalom rac- moth Mountain on October 16, 2009. poses beyond ski racing. Far West Masters ing up close at Mission Ridge prior to the Mammoth Mountain enjoyed over two sponsors junior racers every year, provid- Olympics. Mission Ridge at Wenatchee, feet of snow at the base of the hill and as ing scholarships to deserving athletes. To WA, was chosen over other NW resorts to much as five feet at the top, earning brag- fund this effort, we raise money mostly ging rights to be the first resort to open for through raffling and auctioning off quality

The Western Regional Team at the 2009 Skier’s Edge Western Regional Championships News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 13 Division News

products donated by sponsors and our own SL at Toggenburg. are great race venues, and will give us more members. If you come to a Far West Masters We begin February with a return trip opportunity to compete with our friends post-race event, you can buy raffle tickets to Hunt Hollow for two GS races on the 6th. from the Chicago area. and have the opportunity to win items from We finish our second of two races at Bristol There are some changes to the sched- generous companies such as Rossignol, Dy- Mountain on the 12th for one of our fa- ule as listed on the USSA website, so if you nastar, Uvex, Swix and more. At our Season vorite races, two SGs on Comet! We then are planning on attending any of our races, Finale banquet, we auction off more good head back to the Syracuse area for a GS/SL please check the updated schedule at stuff, including US Ski Team items donated race at Labrador on February 13th, and then www.MidwestMasters.org. (note all events by successful graduates of our scholarship a return trip to Song for a two-race GS. We are subject to change, check the website for program. We are proud of all of our athletes; finish the year and close out our NY Masters the latest race info.) we sponsor them out of our love for the schedule at Swain for a GS/SL race. We hope everyone has a great season sport of ski racing and our desire to keep it This year, the 2010 Eastern Regionals and we will see you in Sun Valley. strong. will return to Vermont March 12–14 at If you live in the Far West region, or Okemo Mountain. The Masters finish the want to travel to some great racing, please 2010 season with the Nationals, taking place Southern Alpine Racing Association come out and join us. Check our website, at Sun Valley, Idaho, March 28th–April 1st. Horst Locher, chair www.farwestmasters.org, for schedule up- As always, the NY Masters have a http://www.skisara.org dates, race results and other news. great day of racing, getting in two 2-run During this summer, we had several Masters races by 2:00. This leaves time for free ski- racers who checked their racing courage by ing, as well as our fun aprés race parties. taking a zip line tour at Bryce Resort in Vir- 2009 New York State Snow Masters Series This year, we are hoping to increase our race ginia. The latest news is that Liberty Univer- By Jack Eisenschmid, chair attendance, so we welcome any new racers, sity in Lynchburg, Virginia, opened a skiing www.nymasters.org as well as any past Masters racers. center on Labor Day weekend that offers Welcome to the 2010 season! Check out our website, www.nymas- year-round skiing on plastic mats. Now that fall is finally here, it will ters.org, for the 2010 schedule, contacts and In fall, the first ski area that to host not be long before we can get on the skis registration information. Also please visit the Masters will be Sugar Mountain. The and do what we all like to do best—race! links to our many sponsors that help make area usually opens before Thanksgiving, and This will be the 38th season for the NY Mas- our series great. See you all at the start! is drawing the early birds of Masters racers. ters, and we will once again have a great race No wonder they can do it—the highest schedule. This year we have added a couple mountain of the east is Mount Mitchell more races back onto our schedule and have Central Division’s National Championships (6,684 feet), which is not far away. Actually, increased from 20 races and 10 ski days in at Sunday River, 2009 the Masters racers coming from Charlotte 2009, to 24 races and 12 ski days this year! Steve “Stevo” Lindemer, chair and Atlanta are in good hands at Sugar We were a little concerned about the status www.midwestmasters.org Mountain, because they get tutored by for- of Swain, but were happy to say we will be Here in Minnesota, we were treated to an mer world junior ski champions and ski back in 2010. They always put on a great early snow on October 10. Unfortunately it team members Krista and Kim Schmidinger. race! We’ve also added Brantling and Song did not last, nor did the subsequent weather Kim is married to Gunther Jochl, and with back to the schedule this year. cooperate for snowmaking. As of October Eric Schmidinger also based at Sugar Moun- This year, we will not start the season 27, we are still waiting for the cold so snow- tain, it is a southern ski racing power house. until after New Year’s and the season opener making can begin. Fortunately, none of this We southern and mid-Atlantic racers will be at Bristol Mtn. on January 3rd with has dampened the spirits of our Central Di- are getting ready for our smaller racing hills two GS races on Comet. This should be a vision racers, who are still celebrating bring- throughout Virginia, West Virginia and good test to see who trained last summer. ing home the Cup from Masters Nationals. North Carolina and some Masters are look- The Bristol race crew always does a great The Cup win was icing on the cake of ing forward to be at the Nationals next year. job, on one of our favorite GS hills. After a great year for the Central Division, Bristol, we will be at Swain for a day of both in terms of races and participation. GS & SL on January 10th. The coming 2009–2010 season will be no Northern Division Masters We follow the first of two Swain races exception. We have a full schedule, with 12 Rick Murphy, chair with a two-slalom race at Brantling, after Slalom and 12 Giant Slalom races to be run www.northernmasters.org taking last year off. We then head to Holiday over 12 separate days. On top of that, we It’s started. Valley and Holimont for our first of three have our Central Masters Championship This is our year. This year combined weekend races for the season. January 22–24 at Marquette Mountain, all the parts come together. January 23rd will be a two-race SL at Holi- Michigan. This is our qualifier for Nationals, Past disappointments are forgotten. New day Valley, followed by a two-race GS at and is always well attended by our friends goals are made. This year, the early season Holimont, on the 24th. Both race crews do a from Canada and the Chicago area. training will pay off. Turns will be early and fantastic job. We close out January with an- We have also added two new venues crisp. The line we see and the line we ski other combined weekend. We will be at to our schedule this year, Cascade Mountain will be one. All arcs, all the time. Greek Peak on January 30th for the Joan in Portage Wisconsin, and Chestnut Moun- I can’t wait. Skiff memorial GS, followed by a two-race tain in Galena, Illinois. Both of these areas News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 14 Division News

Intermountain Michigan Masters petition. Division Scott Stillings After each night race, enjoy the Amy Lanzel, chair This nine-race series is pri- award party, with great food from local www.ussa- marily for GS and Super G sponsors. Nub’s Nob is a very generous imd.org/masters skiers. Michigan Masters fea- host area, anf prizes are provided by Intermountain Mas- tures six races at Nub’s Nob, Marker/Volkl, Bahnhof Sport and The ters is gearing up for including a portion of The Winter Sport Schools. Friday night speed one of the most exciting ski seasons ever! Marker/Volkl Speed Series and the Central events, great snow “under the lights,” a Plans are well underway as we get ready to Championships held annually at Mar- nice group of competitors and your week- host two of the biggest Masters events this quette Mountain. Including The Central end is still ahead! year—The Nationals at Sun Valley in the Championships, Marker/Volkl Speed Se- The Central Championships, Janu- end of March, and Western Regionals at ries and The Dorie Sarns Open, there are ary 22–24, are administered by Midwest Park City in February. We are aggressively five day and four night races. Masters and feature multiple events on the working to put on world-class events as we The Michigan Masters schedule is fabled Rocket Run at Marquette Mountain. first welcome our western neighbors and bracketed by two great traditional Nub’s Make reservations early to enjoy a week- then the nation to our neck of the woods. Nob events. December 6, The Dorie Sarns end of racing in this legendary winter city New this year to Intermountain Open GS kicks off the Michigan racing sea- on Lake Superior. Marquette Mt. is one of Masters will be an aggressive effort to re- son and the high-speed Marker/Volkl the top venues in The Great Lakes, and cruit new members and increase funding Super G, March 21, annually hosts Cana- they do a fantastic job with all levels of to our organization. We will be hosting the dian and US national competitors on one USSA competition. first annual “Ski with a Masters legend” of Michigan’s toughest slopes, Scarface. For a complete listing of Michigan program. The program will offer a day of The middle of the season highlights Masters USSA races, please click on skiing, lift ticket and lunch with your own four night races held on “The Midwest’s www.ussa.org, look under events, go to personal Masters ski guide. Who better Best Snow.” As part of the Marker/Volkl “Masters,” and click away You may also knows the mountains of the intermoun- Speed Series, there are three GS races and access the schedule through Nub’s Nob tain west than the group who free skis one Super G held between January 8 and Racing, a USSA club, at them the most! If you know anyone who March 5. Racers of every era certainly ap- www.nubsnob.com. Under “Sports is heading out west to ski, contact us for preciate the great job done by the Nub’s Schools,” simply click on “Training & the perfect set up. More information com- Nob race and snow crew. Officials, course Racing Schedule.” ing out soon to your division leaders. setters and coaches from the local USSA Have a fast, fun, safe and snow- We are ready and eager for new sea- club, Nub’s Nob Racing, assist in adminis- filled season son to begin. So let it snow, let it snow! tration of some very fun Friday night com-

Official’s Report by Chris Hoss Reprinted from the Rocky Mountain Masters newsletter

n years past, I used this forum as a allow gate judges and other race officials be asked to do a vertical slip as their first recap to the rules of ski racing that to safely get into position and to allow inspection run. Normally this will be re- Ispecifically impact Masters, discuss Timing to complete their pre-race duties. quired when Mother Nature has blessed us rules changes, etc. This year I am taking a Quite honestly, we do not think about with a stash of powder the night before different approach. We all receive the Mas- how long the line is in the lodge for lunch race day. As on-hill area budgets become ters Comp. Guide and I ask that you be- when determining inspection times. more stressed, we may be asked to assist in come familiar with it. I would like to We all understand, I hope, why in- course preparation and maintenance. Par- discuss why we do what we do as officials spection should be done in a slow, con- ticipation by all racers only will enhance and how those actions impact the conduct trolled side-slip or modified snow plow. our race experience. of a race. The safety of the racers, officials and I know this is a small issue, but the The first item I would like to dis- course workers all are under consideration need to know one’s time—though impor- cuss is Inspection. Why is there a window here. Inspection cannot and will not be a tant to the individual—in the grand of time allowed for inspection to occur replacement for training. With the excep- scheme of things, is not of great concern to and the methods of proper inspection? tion of some Super G events, there should the operation of a race. We need to under- Masters racers enjoy very generous time be no free skiing within a race arena. I am stand that times posted on a scoreboard limits compared to other levels of ski rac- happy to say that this aspect of our race are unofficial and the lack of a posted time ing. There is a need to close inspection in a program has shown the most improve- does not suggest the lack of a proper time. timely manner, to allow course workers to ment over the past three years. Thank you complete their course preparation, to for that attention. On occasion, racers may Continued at right News & Info of the Alpine Masters Page 15

Less Is More continued fromDivision page 6 News

• This process is most important for speed upper layer of sidewall cheek and edge, ex- the snow more, and going straight will be skis, where waxing can have an impact on posing the lower part of the edge for the only thing the skis are good for. Many making them fast. proper filing. people just don’t want to believe this is the As you can see, there’s no scraping • Use the med. diamond stone to prepare case. Just take a minute and put that “com- or brushing, just constant layering, expos- the edge for filing after back cutting, run- mon sense cap” on, it’ll sink in eventually. ing the ski to short periods of heat. The ning it along the side edge and carefully • Instead of some fancy wax job on techni- layering allows for consistent protection matching the base edge, as well. cal skis, stick with a nice all-temp hydro- from the hot iron, and each cycle allows • File edge until proper sharpness has been carbon wax. You can’t miss! In technical the wax to slowly fill the pores in the base. reached. If sidewall gets in the way, make events, you’re lucky if the wax accounts for Perform this process several times a day another back-cut pass. .5% of your success! until the season starts. When it’s time to go • When finished, take the fine diamond • I have never found, throughout my ca- skiing, thoroughly scrape and brush. No stone and polish the side edge bringing it reer, that mixing different brands of wax is need to apply any other wax for the first to a nice hone. After, bring the stone to the a bad thing. I’ve had skis win in Vail with day. More and more people are realizing base edge to remove the “hanging burr” Toko, and that same pair win in Lake that good base prep wax is also very fast in created from the side edge work and then Louise on Swix, so that blows that theory many conditions. Base waxes, in my opin- make a couple of very light passes on the out of the water. ion, are the only waxes that should be side again. • Skis do not need excessive waxing to ac- used with an iron. Race day and training • Check for any hanging burr by running tually be fast and win races. I’ve taken a day waxes should be “pressure waxed” uti- your fingernail from the base over the base fresh DH ski, waxed it once then sent it lizing the Ray’s Way tool religiously every edge, and then lightly run your finger tips out for a training run. My athlete won the day before skiing. This miracle tool utilizes down the edge points making sure the run, so that’s another theory blow out of the principle of “line contact pressure” and edge is smooth AND sharp! the water. “friction” to literally force the wax down • Brush the ski out and wax accordingly. So moving toward modern ski prep into the pores. After 9 years of testing this • All done! and maintenance is a step you just can’t af- product, I have found there’s nothing that ford to pass up. It allows you to spend indicates that daily ironing is better. Re- Here are some other critical tips in the pur- more time on the hill and less time on the member, keep an open mind. Just because suit of total variable reduction: bench, toiling for no reason other than the processes I have described are very sim- • All skis from SL to DH should have iden- someone said “its always been done this ple, does not mean they are not extremely tical edge prep. The only differences are way.” Take a chance on being unconven- effective, as there is much beauty in that speed skis need more detuning. This tional, allowing common sense to be your simplicity. prevents the athlete from having to adapt guide, instead of tradition. As I mentioned to a different tune each time they switch earlier, I know for a fact that if I had the Edge Maintenance skis. The only variable is the discipline of machinery and the common sense ap- Every day after training, edges must be the ski. I can’t stress the importance of this proach to ski prep I’ve developed since re- checked for damage and sharpness. Some enough! tiring from the World Cup, my athletes’ days will require filing; other days may just • Always work with edge damage, as seek- success would have surely been need stoning. When filing: ing to remove damage completely will re- greater…Sorry, girls. • Place strawberry file on file guide with sult in shortened life and possible an even reveal that covers just the height of deformation. I’ve won many World Cups Mike de Santis owns and operates SkiMD lo- the side edge and sidewall cheek above. on less-than-perfect skis. cated in Framingham, Ma. Feel free to visit • Roll the guide up past its intended angle • Never base bevel speed skis more! They www.skimd.com for a more detailed look at and draw down the length of the ski. This already have less side cut, making them proper ski prep. Or contact [email protected] is called “back cutting” and removes the more difficult to turn. Raise that edge off with any questions.

Official’s Report continued from page 14

USSA ski races require a primary and sec- workers and officials are unpaid volun- but on the entire organization of Masters ondary electronic time and most areas pro- teers. We are on the hill to support our racers. Soap box is now put away. I look vide a primary and backup hand time. kids, to give a little back to a sport or per- forward to seeing everyone at the Masters Pounding on a timing shack door or haps for a free lift ticket. Take the time to National Downhill Championships at hounding a scoreboard recorder will not thank them for their work. If you know Aspen. speed the process in any fashion and in folks that work at the area, comment how many instances interject a level of stress much you appreciate their support of our Chris Hoss has been a race official for 15 neither needed nor necessary. sport. Remember that regardless of where years, a technical delegate for 8 years, and a The final item requires a small soap you are—lift line, free skiing, or in the bar TD for more than 50 Masters events in the box. As a Master racer, individually, we are grabbing a beer—you are the face of the past four years, including National the face to the public of the entire body of entire organization. Any foul language or Championships. racers nationwide. The majority of course improper conduct reflects not only on you 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 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Eastern/New York: Jack Eisenschmid Rocky Mountain: Jennifer Kaufman USSA Masters Manager tel: 585.288.4554 tel: 720.855.8427 Bill Skinner e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] P.O. Box 100 Eastern/Southern: Horst Locher Park City, UT 84060 tel: 540.856.2121 tel: 435.647.2633 2010 Skier’s Edge fax: 540.856.8567 fax: 435.649.3613 Regional Championships e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Western: Park City, Utah, Feb. 4–7, 2010 Far West: Marietta Frinell Super Combined/SG/GS/SL tel: 760.934.6972 DIVISION CHAIRPERSONS Eastern: Okemo, Vermont, Mar. 12–14 e-mail: [email protected] Alaska: Gary Randall Super Combined/SG/GS/SL tel: 907.243.4259 Intermountain: Amy Lanzel e-mail: [email protected] tel: 435.649.5751 2010 Skier’s Edge National Championship e-mail: [email protected] Sun Valley, Idaho, Mar. 29–April 2 Central: Steve Lindemer Super Combined/SG/GS/SL tel: 651.635.9181 Northern: Rick Murphy e-mail: [email protected] tel: 406.471.1573 e-mail: [email protected] 2010 Skier’s Edge Downhill Championship Eastern: Bill McCollom Aspen Buttermilk, Colorado Feb. 20–21 tel: 802.234.9561 trDH/DH e-mail: [email protected]

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.

Non profit U.S. Postage PAID 4753 P.O. Box 100 Salt Lake City Park City Utah 84060

Intermountain’s Craig Norton