In this November 2024 Newsletter

• Race Camp at Jackson Hole
• League Status for 2025
• Open NASTAR Races
• Start Ramp Improvements at Buck Hill
• Clinics and Practices
• Pacesetting for 2025
• Save the Date for the “Midwest Alpine Challenge”
• Championships at Giants Ridge
• Interesting Facts from 2024

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

Click on the Headlines below to go directly to story

• 2025 marks the 40th season of Ski Challenge!
• Registration Fees go up November 1
• 2024 League Champions
• Changes to NASTAR
• Race Camp at Jackson Hole

2025 marks the 40th season of Ski Challenge!

Ski Challenge is the premiere Recreational Ski Racing league in the state, with more members than any other group. Last season was a little tricky with the unseasonably warm winter, but with the state-of-the-art snowmaking at Buck Hill, we could get all our races in! We are looking forward to a great year, and are crossing our fingers for cooler temperatures! We know our racers are die-hards, no matter what! The members of the Ski Challenge make our program a success. You are enthusiastic about the sport and can’t seem to get enough!

Did you know that Ski Challenge started in 1985 with around 35 people? It now coordinates racing for close to 1,000 racers. This year, we will have seven different leagues to choose from for the regular season, in addition to many open NASTAR nights.

Many of our leagues allow participants of all ages. We still offer “bonus leagues,” where you get more than two runs per race.

A big group of racers is heading to Jackson Hole at the beginning of December for our annual race camp. It looks like Jackson Hole has already gotten a little bit of snow! This camp is a great way to get ready for the season while enjoying the beautiful views and terrain at Jackson Hole.

We can’t wait to see all of you soon!

Registration Fees go up on November 1!

Early Registration fees of $175 increase to $180 on November 1. Register now to avoid the higher rate!

You can register and pay online or register online and mail in a check. When you fill out a registration form online, you will also complete your waiver for the season.

MORE REGISTRATION INFO

2024 League Champions

Changes to NASTAR

NASTAR is under new ownership for the 2024-25 season. The first thing the new ownership has done is remove the paywall. All results, rankings, and race records are freely accessible to everyone. They believe your achievements and progress should be available without restriction, empowering all participants to engage fully with their NASTAR experience.

NASTAR Nationals: A Strategic Pause
The new owners have decided to pause the National Championships for this season. While Nationals have been a cherished event, they serve a small segment of the NASTAR community. Their priority is to refocus on the broader NASTAR community, enhancing the experience at the resort level to benefit all racers.

PACESETTING
There will be no pacesetter trials this season. We will start the season using our pacesetters’ Ski Challenge-rated handicaps from last season. NASTAR will look at pacesetters as the season progresses to see if any changes need to be made.  To see more information on pacesetting and/or pacesetting points follow this link:  PACESETTING

OPEN NASTAR RACES
These races are for individuals. No team is needed. Courses will be ready for inspection at 6:30 pm each night. For $20 (does not include lift ticket), you can take as many runs as you want from 7-8:30 pm. Scores will posted on NASTAR.com and skichallenge.com

2024-25 SCHEDULE
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Saturdays January 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025
Saturdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22, 2025

MORE INFO

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I sign up?
You can join any of the racing leagues individually or with a few friends or start a new team. A racing league meets on the same day and in the same area for the seven-week series. We have something for all ages. Register online at skichallenge.com/register. To form a new team, contact the Ski Challenge office.

What does it cost?
REGULAR SEASON
$175* before November 1
$180* after October 31
*Additional fees if using a credit card

I’m not a very good skier/boarder/telemark Skier. Will I have fun?
Everyone in a Ski Challenge race receives an award every time they race. In addition to recognizing the fastest skiers and honoring all teams, we also recognize the most improved individuals each week and at the end of the season. Door prizes donated by our sponsors are given out at award programs following the races. Camaraderie, fun, and competition run high in the chalet as the season progresses.

All levels of skiers/boarders/telemark skiers are welcome. Ski Challenge does not designate leagues into racing levels. Any level skier can join any league. Family members and friends of different abilities can race together on a team.

Can I get a sub?
Temporary roster substitutions are NOT allowed. Guest racers may race with a particular team but won’t count for team scores or replace a missing rostered member for the week. Each racer number is assigned to a rostered participant and tied into all their information. This is permanent until an official roster change has been made.

Cancellations
It is not the Ski Challenge policy to cancel or postpone races. However, if the ski area closes or needs to cancel the race, an announcement will be made as soon as possible. If a race is canceled, we will do our best to make it up, but this is sometimes difficult with the short season and the tight schedules the areas have. No refunds are given for canceled or missed races.

Injuries
If you sustain an injury before the start of the season that will prohibit you from racing and you have already paid, please get in touch with the office.

If you sustain an injury during the season that will prohibit you from racing further, you can “sell” your spot to someone else. The payment arrangement will be between you and whoever buys your spot. The office needs to be notified of the roster change. This can be done any time up until week 7.

MORE INFO

SKI CHALLENGE RACE CAMP AT JACKSON HOLE

December 5,6,7

You don’t need to be a seasoned racer. Coaches help each participant work toward individual goals. You need to be able to ski on Blue and possibly blue/black runs. All runs will be groomed.

Cost: around $900 per camp participant based on 15 participants. This price will decrease if we get more participants or increase if we get fewer. A Deposit of $400 is required by November 1

CAMP INCLUDES EACH DAY
Coaching from 9 am – 3 pm
Skiing and doing drills.
Gates from 1 – 3 pm (Thursday & Friday)
Gates from 9 am – 12 pm (Saturday)
Video during gate time (Thursday & Saturday)
Video Analysis from 3 – 4 pm (Thursday & Saturday)
Saturday only: Skiing and Drills from 1 – 3 pm with Coach OR Free ski with Coach

SPECIAL LODGING AT THE ALPENHOF
The Alpenhof will once again offer camp participants a special deal on lodging and lift tickets. You can even come early, stay later and purchase extra days of lift tickets. Race Camp Lodging

MORE INFO

Our last race of the season for BHMON is Monday, February 26.  Buck Hill is holding the “Slide for Support” event that night and will be using the event center room.  The Slide for Support is dedicated to honoring the memory of Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge, and Adam Finseth, who tragically lost their lives on February 18th, 2024 while serving in the line of duty in Burnsville.

You can boot up and leave your bags in the Hutch.  After the race is done, head up to the Buck ’54 bar where we will be conducting our end-of-year award ceremony and celebrating the end of the season!

Even though we will be skiing that night and not tubing, you can still donate to this great cause.  Follow this link to donate:  DONATE TO SLIDE FOR SUPPORT

If you would like to attend the event, follow this link for more information:  SLIDE FOR SUPPORT

Ski Challenge Championships at Giant’s Ridge will be here before you know it!  We are looking forward to another thrilling, fun-filled weekend filled with racing, friends, and good vibes.

Events are planned for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Giants Ridge will provide beverages and food for purchase all day on Friday and Saturday!  Scroll down to get it figured out!

• PRACTICE GATES ON INNSBRUCK AND HELSINKI – FRIDAY
• SKI CHALLENGE OPEN TEAM RACE – FRIDAY
• TEAM DIVISION RACING – SATURDAY
• KING AND QUEEN OF THE HEL – SATURDAY
• AWARDS AND END OF THE SEASON PARTY SATURDAY NIGHT
• MIDWEST MASTERS SUPER G AND SLALOM – SUNDAY FUN DAY
• REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT INFORMATION
• SCHEDULE
• CHAMPIONSHIPS FAQS

PRACTICE GATES ON INNSBRUCK AND HELSINKI – FRIDAY – 11 AM – 1 PM

Everyone is invited to participate in this race.  No need to be a Ski Challenge member.  Run gates on Innsbruck and Helsinki as much as you want between 11 am and 1 pm.  If you have a young racer interested in participating in the practice, they need to be able run gates on their own.  There will be no assistance with the chair lift.

SKI CHALLENGE OPEN TEAM RACE – FRIDAY – 2 PM INSPECTION / 2:30 RACE

This is a fun race that everyone can participate in.  Everyone is invited to participate in this race.  No need to be a Ski Challenge member.  Sign up as a full team of 6, or sign up as an individual and be placed on a team.  To see running orders and rosters click on the links below.  AWARDS will immediately follow the race in the garage at the bottom of Helsinki.

TEAM DIVISION RACING – SATURDAY – STARTING AT 9:30 AM

Team Division racing takes place all day Saturday on Innsbruck. Scroll Down to see race times.  Teams are placed in a division by using the medal average of each racer based on their rated handicap.  The top six racers’ points (same point system as used in leagues) are then added up for a team total. The 7th, 8th, or 9th racers may be used to break ties. Divisions are formed by grouping the teams with similar points together.

AWARDS / RESULTS:  Divisions 2, 3, and 4 will be presented in the garage following each race.  Giants Ridge will have food and beverages available.  Division 1 awards will be presented at 7 pm at the Saturday night party in the Lodge at Giants Ridge.  This is due to the King of Hel race starting immediately after the completion of Division 1.

DOOR PRIZES:  Each participant will receive a door prize ticket to fill out at check in for each division he or she is participating in.

BIBS:  Racers will wear regular-season bibs for racing.  Everyone participating will be required to check in so we can make sure you have the correct bib and have paid.  Racers who do not check-in and have not paid will be unable to race.

WHAT IF I’M ON MULTIPLE TEAMS IN ONE DIVISION?   No Problem! You will be able to count for all of your teams. You need to wear the bib for your highest-ranked team – the team with the better running order. RUNNING ORDERS  Our software program automatically transfers your times from your race runs to all of your teams. THIS ONLY WORKS IF YOU WEAR THE PROPER BIB!

KING AND QUEEN OF THE HEL – SATURDAY – HELSINKI – 2 PM

Race Format:  SINGLE COURSE DOWN HELSINKI!  Two runs on the same course.  Everyone is invited to participate in this race.  No need to be a Ski Challenge member.

A specific pacesetter is not used in this race.  Everyone in the race will have their rated handicap entered into the race and an “average par” will be determined.  If someone does not have a Ski Challenge rated handicap, his or her NASTAR National average will be used.

Running order will be based on rated handicap with highest rated handicaps running first on down to the lowest rated handicap running last.  A special concession will be made for those racers ages 70 and up – they will run first regardless of their rated handicap.  THIS IS DIFFERENT THAN IN YEAR’S PAST.  Second run the same order as first run  LATE SIGN UPS AT HILL (anyone after the pre-sign up deadline of Wednesday, Feb 28) – These racers will race at the end of the order for each run no matter what their rated handicap is.

To see how results and awards are figured, follow this link:  KING & QUEEN OF THE HEL

The Midwest Masters crew will also be providing some interval timing, so you can see how you stack up against the field on each section of the course. They’ll also be checking your speed with a speed gun so you can see how fast you’re going! Finally, we are thrilled to share that a videographer will be on-site, along with our usual fabulous photographers, documenting the whole shebang! Raw videos and photos will be on display at our End of the Year Party on Saturday night.

AWARDS AND END OF THE SEASON PARTY – SATURDAY – 7 PM AT NEIGHBOR’S BAR AND RESTAURANT AT THE LODGE AT GIANTS RIDGE

We are also super stoked to host a party on Saturday night at Neighbor’s Bar and Restaurant in The Lodge at Giant’s Ridge! We want to bring everyone back together after a few years of what felt like a departure from our usual togetherness. We want to celebrate another fantastic season with all of you and share some stories, laughs, and maybe a drink or two!

HEAD HERE TO SEE ALL THE DETAILS

MIDWEST MASTERS SUPER G AND SLALOM – SUNDAY FUN DAY STARTING AT 9 AM

Midwest Masters takes over on Sunday with their Sunday Funday festivities! The day kicks off with a Super G.  This willThis is will be a 2-run combined time SG. If you have a need for speed, this race is for you! Interval timing will be set up for the SG, so you’ll be able to analyze your times even more than normal 😉 Shortly after the conclusion of the SG, they will move into a Slalom race down Helsinki. This will also be a typical two-run combined time race. Please note – these races are open to ANYONE! You do not need to have a Master’s license to participate.

Go here for more information:  MASTER’S SUNDAY FUN DAY AT GIANTS RIDGE

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT INFORMATION

You can register and pre-pay for championship events online up until Thursday, February 29 at 10 am. If you are paying by check, we need to receive it by Wednesday, February 28. Even if you don’t pre-register or pre-pay, you are welcome to participate. It will be $5 more per event if paid after Feb 29 at Giants Ridge.

REGISTER FOR EVERYTHING

SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEKEND

SCHEDULE

We are SO looking forward to another great weekend! If you have any questions, please see FAQs below, or see our website for more details. And as always, you can contact us at [email protected], or via our Facebook or Instagram pages.

Championships at Giant’s Ridge FAQs:

Q: I wasn’t on a Ski Challenge team this year, can I still race?

A: YES! All are welcome to participate in Friday’s gate practice, the Ski Challenge Team Open Race, King and Queen of the Hel AND both races for Masters’ Sunday Funday.

Q: Do I need to check in?

A: YES. Check-in for all events will be held in the Sports Pavilion at the base of the hill, just to the skier’s left of the Helsinki chairlift. For the practice, you’ll need to check in and receive a NUMBER STICKER. For the Open race, we use our set of reusable white bibs (most of you are familiar with). We NEED THOSE BACK at the end of the race as they are reused for King and Queen of the Hel. So, if you’re doing both the Open and King and Queen of the Hel, you’ll need to check in on Friday AND Saturday. For division racing you will wear your regular season bib.  You will need to check in and make sure we have the right bib number for you and also make sure you have paid!

Q: Can I sign up online?

A: Yes, and we prefer this way as it makes check in a piece of cake! You can sign up for all events on the Ski Challenge website. Pre-registration closes on Thursday, February 29th at 10AM.

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO REGISTER AND PAY FOR ALL EVENTS!

Q: Can I sign up at the hill?

A: Also yes! However, keep in mind that slots are limited and they fill up – especially for the Open race and King and Queen of the Hel. If you decide to sign up on-site, we’ll do the best we can to get you in. Please note for King and Queen of the Hel, if you sign up at the hill, you’ll be tacked on at the end of the running order as long as there is room.  Also, if you pay at the hill it will cost you $5 more per event.  Even if you are pre-registered.  NO REFUNDS FOR ANY EVENTS.

Q: I’m on multiple teams in the same division. How does that work?

A: No Problem! You will be able to count for all of your teams. You need to wear the bib for your highest-ranked team – the team with the better running order. (RUNNING ORDERS are made after the completion of week 7 and will be posted soon) Our software program automatically transfers your times from your race runs to all of your teams. THIS ONLY WORKS IF YOU WEAR THE PROPER BIB!

Q: How do I know which division my team is in?

A: Divisions can be found on the Ski Challenge website under Events & Leagues/Championships/Divisions.

Q: Are there discounted lift tickets?

A: Yes! Giant’s Ridge is offering a discount to Ski Challenge racers. A 1 day ticket is available for $61, a 2 day for $115, and a 3 day for $165. You can purchase lift tickets through the link on the Ski Challenge website and pick them up either at Guest Services at the hill or one of the pickup boxes via QR code.  LIFT TICKETS

Q: Can I bring my own food/beverages to the hill?

A: Yes and no. Giants Ridge welcomes racers to tailgate in the parking lot; however, no outside food or beverage will be allowed inside Giants Ridge facilities (including the Sports Pavilion and the garage). Food and beverages will be available for purchase on both Friday and Saturday in the garage where awards are held and we encourage you to support Giants Ridge with your purchases!

Q: I’ve never done a Masters race – can I still participate in Sunday Funday?

A: Yes, and it’s encouraged! This is the perfect introduction to Masters racing if you’ve never done it before. If you don’t have a USSA/Masters license, that is no problem! Masters will take care of that for you on the back end. Just head to the Ski Challenge website for a link with more info on how to sign up, or go straight to Midwest Masters’ site. If you decide the weekend of you’d like to give SG and/or slalom a try, Masters will also be set up in the Sports Pavilion to help you get registered and answer any questions you might have.

MORE INFO ON MASTERS SUNDAY FUN DAY

Q: Where can I stay?

A: As we are entering the final days before the big weekend, your on-site lodging options might be limited. You can try calling The Villas at 800-843-7434 to see if there is any last-minute availability. You get 10% off by mentioning Ski Challenge when booking, or entering SKIC2024 online. Another option is The Lodge at Giants Ridge. You can get 10% off if you book online. Another great option, if you’re willing to drive a bit, is the Comfort Inn & Suites in Mountain Iron! You can either call 218-741-7411 and request the 2024 State Championships rate, or click the link on the Ski Challenge website to reserve online. There are many other hotels, motels, and AirBnbs in the area if you want to look into one of those options!

LODGING INFO

Q: Are photos/videos provided?

A: Heck yeah! We have some amazing Ski Challenge racers who will be out on the hill taking some killer action photos during each race. We’ll also be sure to document the awards ceremonies and fun times outside of the actual racing. All these photos will be available for FREE both on the Ski Challenge website and on our Facebook page as soon as possible after the event. We are also THRILLED to share that we will have a videographer on-site for King and Queen of the Hel who will be taking video of everyone’s runs and putting together a cool little edit for us. Raw video will be shown at the End of Year Party on Saturday evening.

Q: What is this party you speak of?

A: On Saturday at 7PM, we will be gathering in the bar at The Lodge at Giants Ridge. While we will be presenting awards for Division 1 and King and Queen of the Hel during this time, the purpose of this party is to bring everyone together to celebrate another fun and successful season together. We encourage everyone to grab a bite at Neighbor’s BBQ (the new restaurant in The Lodge) beforehand and then mosey on over to the bar area for a drink or two, a chance to win some great prizes, and some great camaraderie! We will also have the video and photos from the day on display. Please join us!

• Championships at Giants Ridge
• 7/11 League Race Nights
• Postponement / Race Make-Up Information
• Alpenhof at Jackson Hole Deals

CHAMPIONSHIPS AT GIANTS RIDGE

Championships at Giants Ridge is a fun-filled weekend of racing which all Ski Challenge teams can participate in. Championships weekend is not required, but it’s not to be missed.

Every team is placed in a division with like scoring teams, making each division a fun, close competition for all teams. All team racing takes place on Saturday. The majority of the races will be held on Innsbruck. Depending on scheduling we may have one division race on Helsinki. You must be a Ski Challenge member on a participating team to race in the Team Division races.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEKEND

FRIDAY
11-1 Practice Courses on Innsbruck and Helsinki
2:30 pm – Team Open Race – Innsbruck
3:40 pm – Awards for Team Open Race in Garage

SATURDAY
Division Racing – Times TBD
Awards mid-day and afternoon for Division races in Garage
2:30 or 3 pm King & Queen of the Hel
7 pm – End of Year Party and King & Queen of the Hel Awards – at The Lodge at Giants Ridge

SUNDAY
Midwest Masters Sunday Funday
Slalom & Super G

SCHEDULE

DIVISIONS FOR TEAM RACING

Divisions are now posted.  Teams are placed in a division after week #5 by using the medal average of each racer based on the average handicap after the best and worst are dropped. Whatever roster is listed on Week #5 will be your Championships roster.  No changes after week 5.  All rostered racers must have participated in at least one league race by week 5 to qualify for the team and participate at Giants Ridge.

MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE DIVISION BREAKDOWN

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

You can register for all events at Giants Ridge Online!  Pay by Credit Card (fee included), or check (if received by Feb 28).  You can also pay at the hill with a Check or Cash.  We will have envelopes with registration information and forms at each team table at weeks 6 & 7

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

CHANGES TO KING/QUEEN OF THE HEL RACE

Running order will be based on rated handicap with highest rated handicaps running first on down to the lowest rated handicap running last. A special concession will be made for those racers ages 70 and up – they will run first regardless of their rated handicap.  THIS IS DIFFERENT THAN IN YEAR’S PAST – Second run in the same order as the first run. Awards will be based on point improvement compared to rated handicap, not % improvement compared to rated handicap.

LATE SIGN UPS AT HILL (anyone after the pre-sign up deadline of Wednesday, Feb 28) – These racers will race at the end of the order for each run no matter what their rated handicap is.

AWARDS:

• Best handicap improvement by rated handicap groups:
• Fastest of the Race: Male and Female lowest handicap earned.
• King & Queen of Hel:  Ranked by biggest point improvement of rated handicap. We will take your average rated handicap for the season and compare to your handicap in this race. Whoever improves by the most points from their season rated handicap will be the King of the Hel (Men), Queen of the Hel (Women).
• Princess and Prince awards – Male and Female who scores a handicap closest to their rated handicap from the season
• “Joker” award: Male and Female who scores handicap the highest away from rated handicap from the season. (Will not be given if person does not want to be recognized for this)

LIFT TICKETS

7/11 LEAGUE RACE NIGHTS

7/11 is coming to week 6 or 7 depending on the conditions! This means that one of the dual courses will have 7 gates and the other 11. No need to wear different skis. Your normal race skis should be able to handle each type of course!

POSTPONEMENTS / RACE MAKE-UP INFORMATION

TUESDAY

• Week 6 – February 13 – Meet in Event Center
• Week 7 – February 20 – Meet in Event Center

WEDNESDAY DAY

• Week 6 – February 14 – Meet in Event Center
• Week 7 – February 21 – Meet in Event Center

WEDNESDAY PM

• Week 6 – February 14 – Meet in Event Center – Final League Awards this night
• Week 7 – February 21 – Get Ready where you can – Regular League race – Our check-in table will be in the Slopeside Room

THURSDAY

• Week 6 – February 15 – Meet in Event Center
• Week 7 – February 22 – Meet in Hutch

ALPENHOF DEALS

We are working with the new owners of The Alpenhof to continue our sponsorship deals throughout the season.  If you are planning a trip out to Jackson Hole and are planning on staying at the Alpenhof, let the Ski Challenge (Barb) know and we will work on getting you the deal.  You can email to [email protected]

MAKE UP DATES FOR TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY RACING

TUESDAY

• Week 6 – February 13 – Meet in Event Center
• Week 7 – February 20 – Meet in Event Center

WEDNESDAY DAY

• Week 6 – February 14 – Meet in Event Center
• Week 7 – February 21 – Meet in Event Center

WEDNESDAY PM

• Week 6 – February 14 – Meet in Event Center – Final League Awards this night
• Week 7 – Get Ready where you can – Regular League race

THURSDAY

• Week 6 – February 15 – Meet in Event Center
• Week 7 – February 22 – Meet in Hutch

Well, super El Nino is really kicking our butts.  Sure, it’s nice to get some sunshine and a few mild days but come on!  We are so appreciative of Buck Hill taking the opportunity to make as much snow as possible during the cold snap.  We also appreciate your patience with the conditions.  The Buck Hill course crews are doing their best to keep the races flowing, slipping the courses, shoveling, and setting to the conditions. They are doing a great job keeping the courses fun and as safe as possible!

Oftentimes, people ask us if Buck Hill will be making more snow overnight during these warm periods.  A few things to remember – making snow can’t be done anytime.  Conditions must be optimal with the air temperature and humidity adding up to a certain number.  Even if temperatures fall below freezing for a few hours during the night, this doesn’t mean the snow guns can be cranked up. Here is a table that details this a bit more:

Buck Hill attempts to groom each night.  The snow needs to set up after grooming.  This normally happens when temperatures are below freezing for many hours.

Grooming right before race time is NEVER a good idea. Grooming right before the race may look nice, but without ample time for the snow to set up, it makes for bigger ruts and piles.  The best plan is to slip the course during inspection.  A wider, lower, later line is better for slipping! Also, pushing out the piles is really helpful when it’s this warm.

Looking ahead, it does appear that the temps are dropping towards the end of next week. We are hopeful this makes for an exciting week 7 with better conditions!

One other thing to consider is that while Giants Ridge has been getting warmer temperatures, they have not been as high as in the cities. We may get the best snow of the year up there this year! Come on out!

If the boot fits….. “Boot Doctor”, “Boot Wizard”, and “Guy who makes boot hurt less”: All are some of the names and nicknames that Ski Challenge racer Dave Hinz goes by. When he is not out at the hill helping with the Wednesday morning GS clinics, he spends his time helping Olympians, adult racers, High School racers, and the everyday ‘I go out west once a year’ skier with their boots. Ski Challenge sat down with Dave to discuss the importance of boots and what they can do, or prevent you from doing, for every skier.

Pictured-Current US Ski Team Athlete Isaiah Nelson after fitting with Dave

SC: How did you get into Boot Fitting?

DH: “Started 17 years ago at Pierce Skate and Ski. Learned from some other master boot fitters and then really dove into it around the 06/07 season. I ended up getting boot footing certifications and then I got REALLY into it and started to read medical textbooks on how everything works together from the foot, ankle, and muscles.”

SC: Who is the highest-end athlete you have worked on boots for?

DH: “Paula Moltzan, Issiah Nelson, Michael Ankeny—Just to name a few.”

SC: When an athlete comes in with a pair of boots that you haven’t worked on; What are some of the biggest issues you see with boot fits?

DH: “Typically, it’s when the boot hasn’t been properly modified for the foot. Many athletes have the thought that ‘My boots hurt, but they’re race boots so it’s okay’. THEY ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO HURT! If you are thinking about the pain: how can you focus on improvement or getting better? IF YOU ARE FIGHTING THE BOOT FIT AND TRYING TO GET BETTER: IT’S NOT GOING TO WORK.”

SC: Does EVERY racer need a custom footbed/insole? What about Canting?

DH: “Not necessarily. The first thing I do is to make sure the foot/arch is properly supported. This may take a custom footbed, but it may not. In my opinion: Canting needs can be more necessary due to an incomplete boot fit. Now, there are times when people need canting due to a skeletal issue, but not as much as canting is pushed.”

SC: In your opinion: How much does a properly fitted boot help with HCP or times? What is the time difference between a good boot fit and a poor boot fit?

DH: “Ha. It’s incalculable. I have had athletes come in with an older pair of boots, get fitted, and the next time I see them they say things like ‘I went from a Cadillac to a Porsche!’ or ‘I can feel the ski a lot more now’. Really hard to put a raw time on those statements”

SC: What’s the average lifespan of a boot?

DH: “This another tough question as it’s based on usage. If the boot is properly taken care of, and you ski on it a couple/few times a week? You can get 3yrs or so before the liner starts packing out and you have to start buckling tighter/etc. I believe that every 5 years or so the technology or materials change enough that you should look at a potential change. Boot technology has come a long way since I have been doing it and now.”

SC: Final Question: How many Boot fittings do you do a year?

DH: “I would have to guess 300-400 a year? I did some math and I think I have about 22,000 hours into just boot fitting.”

DAVE HINZ IS THE MASTER BOOT FITTER AT PIERCE SKATE AND SKI

ALPENHOF SOLD

We have just learned that the Alpenhof at Jackson Hole was sold.  We knew this was going to eventually happen.  We aren’t sure where the new owners stand with our 2024 Ski Challenge discount.  We will contact them soon to find out if they will honor it.  You can find out more about the sale by clicking on the link below

ALPENHOF SALE

TECH CORNER

Now that the first week of the 2024 season is in the rear-view mirror, many racers are starting to think about ski maintenance and how to get the most out of their skis! Ski Challenge is very fortunate to have two of the best shops in the state as Platinum sponsors – Joe’s Sporting Goods and Pierce Skate and Ski. Both Pierce and Joe’s have extensive experience in ski tuning and maintenance. We had the pleasure of sitting down with the service managers at both shops to pick their brains and we are thrilled to share their knowledge and recommendations with you. If you need assistance with your skis, whether that’s for a professional tune, equipment, or advice, be sure to stop into Joe’s or Pierce! Both shops are fantastic options and we are so grateful for their continued partnership and support all these years.

OMAR – JOE’S SKI SHOP

ERIC – PIERCE SKATE AND SKI