November 2024 News – Welcome to the Season!

In this November 2024 Newsletter

WELCOME TO THE 40TH SEASON OF THE SKI CHALLENGE!

A chill is in the air, and Halloween is in the rearview mirror! That means it’s time to think about SKI RACING! Our 2025 season kicks off on Thursday, January 2, 2025! We’re excited to celebrate the 40th season of Ski Challenge. The schedule is shaping into a fun-filled season with lots of ski racing!  SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SEASON!

RACE CAMP AT JACKSON HOLE

Our Race Camp at Jackson Hole is coming quickly, with 17 participants already signed up. The camp runs Thursday through Saturday, December 5, 6, and 7. Jackson Hole added a discount to coaching during that time, so our camp price dropped!  If we can get a few more participants, it will be even less per person. This camp offers racers three full days of skiing, coaching, gates, and video analysis, not to mention a ton of camaraderie.

The Alpenhof is offering great lodging deals for our camp. You can even add a few days on the front or back end of the camp.

To see all the details, including pricing, follow this link:  2025 JACKSON HOLE CAMP.

You can still sign up!  Contact the office ASAP or fill out the online REGISTRATION FORM.

LEAGUE STATUS FOR 2025

Our leagues at Buck Hill are continuing to grow, with many “younger” racers joining up and forming teams! We still have room for individuals and teams in all of our leagues. Contact the Ski Challenge office at  [email protected] to get started.

You can find a list of current Rosters, including who has paid and filled out a waiver.  We also have current running orders for the season posted.  Follow these links for more information

ROSTERS AND RUNNING ORDERS

OPEN NASTAR RACES

Ski Challenge will once again host the Saturday night NASTAR Open Races at Buck Hill this year plus one race in December on Thursday, December 19.  These races allow for as many runs as possible between 7 and 8:30 pm. Everyone is welcome, even non-Ski Challenge racers. This is a great way to get your friends out to try ski racing!  Follow this link for a full schedule of races and more information:  NASTAR OPEN RACES

START RAMP IMPROVEMENTS AT BUCK HILL

Buck Hill has worked hard over the off-season to finish the new start ramp. A new fence has been built on the North Side of the ramp, and a platform has been added.

CLINICS AND PRACTICES

Buck Hill offers GS Clinics and Practices on Wednesday mornings and Friday nights throughout the season.  Clinics start in December. Buck Hill Race Clinics help prepare you to take on challenges that will elevate your skiing prowess to uncharted heights.  For All Ages: Whether you’re a junior racer with aspirations of category domination or a seasoned adult skier on a journey of skill refinement, the Buck Hill clinics are open to individuals of all ages and abilities.

Follow this link for specific clinic dates and times:  BUCK HILL CLINICS

PACESETTING FOR 2025

There will be no pacesetter trials this season. We will start the season using each pacesetter’s Ski Challenge-rated handicaps from last season. NASTAR will examine pacesetters as the season progresses to see if any changes need to be made.

If you do not have a pacesetting number and want to become a pacesetter, contact the Ski Challenge office at [email protected]. Pacesetters are racers who consistently score a 12 or lower handicap. If you are currently listed as a Ski Challenge pacesetter and would like to be removed from the list, contact Ski Challenge.

To see current pacesetter points follow this link:  PACESETTER POINTS

SAVE THE DATE for the MIDWEST ALPINE CHALLENGE

Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Welch Village. Teams of six racers will compete in a 2-run GS race against teams from Midwest Masters, MRL, Ski Challenge, and ski areas across the Midwest. Details will be coming soon, so start organizing your posse! 

CHAMPIONSHIPS AT GIANTS RIDGE

Championships at Giants Ridge are scheduled for February 28 through March 2, 2025. This event is a fun-filled weekend with a lot of racing! Teams are divided into divisions with teams of similar abilities. There are also additional team and individual races that everyone can participate in, including non-Ski Challenge members! The weekend is finished with a Sunday Fun-day race day hosted by the Midwest Masters. All teams are invited to attend.

We are working right now on getting lodging deals for our weekend.  Stay tuned!

INTERESTING FACTS FROM 2024

77 – Total Teams
63 – Total Events
691 – Registered Racers
47 – The average age of participants
The highest concentration is in the 60-69 age group (24%)
21% – Female
79% – Male
4,258 – Total Racer Starts ALL EVENTS
3,697 – Total Racer Starts Leagues
352 – Racer Starts at Giants Ridge
Ski Challenge was #1 Club in NASTAR Rankings

You can see our full demographics review by following this link:  DEMOGRAPHICS REVIEW FOR 2024