WELCOME TO THE 2026 SEASON!
A chill is in the air, the first snow has arrived, and with Thanksgiving this week, the holidays are officially underway — which means it’s time to start thinking about SKI RACING!
Week 1 of the 2026 season runs Sunday, January 4, through Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Please note: the Sunday AM league will kick off its season on Sunday, January 11.
There will be Sunday PM racing only on January 4.
We’re gearing up for a fun-filled season packed with great racing, and we can’t wait for colder temps and plenty of snow-making to get things rolling!
Ski Challenge is Minnesota’s premier recreational ski racing league — with more members than any other group in the state! Last season marked our 40th year, and what a celebration it was. We packed in races across seven leagues at Buck Hill, enjoyed Saturday night NASTAR events, and wrapped up with an incredible Championships weekend at Giants Ridge.
As we look ahead to another exciting season, we’re eager for more fun, racing, camaraderie, and the shared love of winter that defines Ski Challenge. Our amazing members are truly the heart of this program — your enthusiasm and passion for the sport keep us going strong!
And here’s a fun fact: Ski Challenge began in 1985 with just 35 participants. Today, we coordinate racing for nearly 1,000 racers across seven leagues, plus a variety of open NASTAR nights throughout the season.
BONUS LEAGUES FOR 2026
For the upcoming season, we’re excited to offer three bonus leagues at Buck Hill!
- Sunday Evening and Wednesday Afternoon leagues: Take up to 4 race runs — 2 on each course.
- Monday Night league: Take up to 3 total runs — with your choice of blue or red for your third run.
LEAGUE STATUS FOR 2026
Our leagues at Buck Hill continue to grow, and there’s still room for both individuals and teams in all of our leagues! If you’d like to join a team or form a new one, contact the Ski Challenge office at info@skichallenge.com to get started.
You can also check out our current rosters—which include payment and waiver status—as well as the updated running orders for the season. Follow the links below for more information.
SCORING UPDATES FOR 2026
Ski Challenge has updated its scoring charts to align with the NASTAR scoring system for the 2026 season.
- Women’s scoring remains unchanged.
- Men’s scoring has been updated for certain medal requirements in the 35–89 age groups.
PACESETTING
There will be no pacesetter trials this season. We will begin the year using the pacesetting numbers assigned by NASTAR last season. A complete list of pacesetter handicaps is available on our website and on the NASTAR website.
If you’re interested in becoming a Ski Challenge pacesetter, please get in touch with the Ski Challenge office. We will submit a request to NASTAR, and they will assign a pacesetting handicap for you. Ski Challenge pacesetters are asked to maintain an average handicap of 12 or under.
To see current pacesetter points follow this link: PACESETTER POINTS
WHAT TO DO AT THE FIRST RACE
Whether you’re new to Ski Challenge or returning for another season, plan to arrive early for the first race. First, check in at the registration table at the front of the room. All leagues will meet in the Event Center at Buck Hill – above ski school, next to the restaurant.
Check-in times:
- Weeknights: 6:00 – 7:15 PM
- Wednesday afternoons: 12:00 – 1:15 PM
- Sunday mornings: 8:30 – 9:45 AM
- Sunday evenings: 4:00 – 5:15 PM
Check in by your last name, not your team. The staff will verify if you’ve completed all your liability forms—if not, you’ll need to fill one out. You must sign the form and confirm payment before receiving your racing bib and T-shirt. Participants under 18 must have a parent-completed online waiver if parents aren’t present. No one can race without a signed liability form.
Each participant is assigned one bib number for the seven-week series. This number is tied to your information in our database—no one else may wear your bib or use your number. Once you receive your bib (and T-shirt), locate your team table to get ready. Table toppers with team names will guide you.
Courses are set 30 minutes before race time.
OPEN NASTAR RACES
Ski Challenge will once again host the Saturday Night NASTAR Open Races at Buck Hill this season, starting in January—plus an additional race on Thursday, December 18. These events allow for as many runs as possible between 7:00 and 8:30 pm and are open to everyone, including non–Ski Challenge racers. It’s a great way to get your friends out to try ski racing!
All scores will be submitted to NASTAR and posted on their website.
2025–26 Schedule:
- Thursday, December 18, 2025
- Saturdays: January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2026
- Saturdays: February 7, 14, 2026
Follow this link for the full race schedule and more details: NASTAR OPEN RACES
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.
Adult Race Clinics at Buck Hill taught by the Buck Hill Race Staff
Wednesday Race Clinics
- Skier Type: All ages and abilities
- Dates: Starting TBD
- Time: 10:15 AM – 12:00 PM
- Course: Crossroads
- Fee: $30 per day
Friday Race Clinics
- Dates: Starting TBD
- Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
- Fee: $35 per day
Follow this link for specific clinic dates and times: BUCK HILL CLINICS
SAVE THE DATE for the 2026 MIDWEST ALPINE CHALLENGE
Get ready for the 2nd Annual Midwest Alpine Challenge, scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, 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. While the race is competitive, camaraderie and fun are the main focus—so gather your team and get ready for an exciting day on the race hill!
CHAMPIONSHIPS AT GIANTS RIDGE 2026
Championships at Giants Ridge are scheduled for February 27 – March 1, 2026. This fun-filled weekend is packed with racing! Teams are divided into divisions with competitors of similar abilities, and there are also additional team and individual races that everyone can participate in—including non–Ski Challenge members.
The weekend concludes with a Sunday Fun-day race hosted by Midwest Masters, and all teams are invited to attend.
NEW THIS YEAR: Teams from other ski areas are welcome to join the competition! If your team competes in a league at a ski area other than Buck Hill, we’d love to have you participate. Teams will need an established roster, and division placement will be based on team members’ average handicaps and medals earned during the season.
Looking for Lodging for the Championships Weekend? The Lodge at Giants Ridge and The Villas are both offering discounts to Ski Challenge members.