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

Omar – Joe’s Sporting Goods

How long have you been working on skis?
Been working on skis for 48 years and I have been at Joe’s for 18 years.

What is the highest end athlete equipment you have worked on?
It was actually a snowboarder – Mike Schultz (USA Paralympic team). I have worked for countless USSA and High School athletes as well.

When a Ski Challenge racer brings in their skis, what is typically the biggest issue you see with their equipment?
Not enough handwork done (sidewalls not pulled back, edges not sharpened). Another issue is over grinding. Many skis I see have been ground too much and it makes proper tuning and grinding very difficult.

How often should a Ski Challenge Racer get their skis tuned/ground?
Factory tunes are getting better and better every day so it’s possible you don’t need a tune when you first get them. Feel the ski out and see how it performs.
When the ski quits responding the way you expect it to. Sometimes through excessive scraping and waxing the base becomes concave (low in the middle) or Convex (High in the middle). Another time to get a grind is when you have excessive base burn (white near the edges of a ski). Wax doesn’t like going into base burn and it’s very difficult to get out without grinding.

How often should a Ski Challenge racer wax their skis?
Everyday! Every time you use your ski! Snow is extremely abrasive and wax is your friend against abrasion.

What are three pieces of advice you would give any racer who waxes/tunes their skis?
Don’t scrape dark! When you scrape the wax off of the skis, in most cases when you see black mixed in with the wax: you are scraping your structure and base away!
Be consistent in your process. Find out what works for you and stick with it.
Make sure you have the right tool for the job! No Multi-Tools or Files are needed!

What are three tools that every racer/parent should have in their bag?
A decent iron,  a handful of good brushes for the different stages of waxing/tuning, and
a decent side edge tool and stone.

What are two things a racer should NEVER do to their skis?
1. Do not change/mess with BASE BEVEL! No files or stones when the base is showing!
2. Don’t use PTEX candles on the base for base repair. Bring it in and have the repair done correctly!

IN YOUR OPINION: What is THE ONE THING that a Ski Challenge racer could do with their skis to help lower their HCP/times?
Maintain your edges. GS is an ‘Edge Sport’ (Spend more time on edge than not) and having properly prepared edges is critical for best performance.

Final Question: How many skis do you work on a season?
Wow, that’s a good question. I would have to estimate about 1,000 pairs a season come through the shop.

Joe’s Sporting Goods
33 East County Rd B – St. Paul, MN 55117
Store: 651-209-7800

Eric -Pierce Skate and Ski

How long have you been working on skis?
Got into this in 1998 and I have been at Pierce for 21 years.

What is the highest end athlete equipment you have worked on?
I have a handful of names: Isaiah Nelson (Current US Ski Team Member), Michael Ankeny (Former US Ski Team Member, Featured Athlete on the World Pro Ski Tour, Current Ski Challenge racer on BHTUES), and Paula Moltzan (Current US Ski Team) when she was with the Buck Hill team.

When a Ski Challenge racer brings in their skis, what is typically the biggest issue you see with their equipment?
I actually have a few:
Skis that have been worked on with a lack of information or misinformation. Sometimes people heard that a specific tune or set-up worked well for someone else and they, without knowing why, have it done to their equipment and it kills their performance. The other big issue is that people ‘overbevel’ their bases. Don’t touch the bases!
Not getting their race skis tuned when they get them. Factory tunes are not your tune!

How often should a Ski Challenge racer get their skis tuned/ground?
Ideally, once if you maintain and care for your equipment. The tune should last quite a while. If you notice that ‘something is off’, bring them in for a check-up.

How often should a Ski Challenge racer wax their skis?
As often and as much as possible! This is particularly true in cold, extra aggressive/abrasive, conditions.

What are three pieces of advice you would give any racer who waxes/tunes their skis?
Learn the importance of ‘why’ you need to do what you do. Don’t just do something because someone else told you to. Understand the tools you have and the gear you are on. Use the right tool for the job! This is important as too many people try to use tools that are not made for the task.

What are three tools that every racer/parent should have in their bag?
A good side edge tool and stone
A good quality iron
2-3 waxes you feel comfortable with

What are two things a racer should NEVER do to their skis?
Flat file (putting a file or stone on the bases) and trying to adjust the base angle
SEE #1!!! This is the number one thing you should NEVER do

IN YOUR OPINION: What is THE ONE THING that a Ski Challenge racer could do with their skis to help lower their HCP/times?
If you cannot tell: I like to have an understanding of the why of things. That being said; the number one thing an athlete can do is to work with someone to make sure they are in the right equipment and have a tune that works for them. Don’t just do what everyone else is doing.

Final Question: How many skis do you work on a season?
With our machine, we can get through 30-40 a day. We have a lot of demo skis/race skis that we work on during the summer as well. 12-15k a year?

Pierce Skate and Ski
208 West 98th Street – Bloomington, MN 55420
(952-884-1990 Phone
(888) 754-1996 Toll-Free

The 2024 USSS Alpine Masters Nationals will be hosted in the midwest for the first time ever at Granite Peak Ski Resort in Wausau, WI. If you love ski racing, you need to be there Feb 6-10! With an age range of 18 to over 90, racers compete in age classes of five-year increments and can race in GS, Parallel GS, SG, and SL. Social parties and awards nightly!

• Do I need to qualify? No! Anyone can race and all abilities are welcome!
• Equipment rules? No ski requirements but you must have a FIS stickered helmet. See this video for details.
• What can I win? You compete only in your age class and gender. There are medals for each event as well as an overall. The fastest racers are named to the National Masters Team and are eligible to receive exclusive official Kappa race gear!
• What’s the Cost? Masters License $135 plus $45 per race. Coached training $45. Daily lift tickets are $75 or use your Indy pass. We are working on a significant discount for those new to Masters.
• Schedule, How to Register, Lodging, and more: See the Event Fact Sheet.
• Want to geek out on Masters rules? See our Competition Guide.
• Questions? Email [email protected] or tune in to our live Q&A session 7:30pm Sunday, Jan 14 on the US Alpine Masters Facebook page.

SCHEDULE CHANGES – CHECK IN / AWARDS CHANGES

• DOUBLE RACE FOR BUCK SUNDAY AM
  No Sunday AM race on January 14
  Sunday, January 21 we will be having a double race.  This will be considered week 2 & 3.
• MONDAY RACING
  No Monday race on January 8. Week 2 is January 15.
• WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17 RACES
  Wednesday DAY – Meet in Hutch / Awards in Hutch – Must be out of Hutch by 3:30 pm
  Wednesday PM – Check in – Bib Pick Up – Guests Sign up in Slopeside Room under Bar / Gather in Bar after Race.

LIFT TICKETS AT BUCK HILL
All racers must purchase a separate lift ticket or have a season pass from the ski area.  Buck Hill offers a discount if you purchase your ticket ahead of time online. Make sure you have your lift ticket visible when riding the lift. They will periodically be checking for lift tickets.

BUCK HILL EVENT CENTER ROOM / BUCK ‘54
Pre-orders – Don’t forget to use the pre-order forms and write when you estimate you will be coming in.  That way you will get your order in a timely manner.  If you order after you get it in, it will take a lot longer to get your food.

FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM
You can find us on Facebook and Instagram!  We share many things on social media including our league racers of the week and photos from each race.  We also post information about schedule changes and cancellations.  Sponsor events and sales are shared too!

INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM RANKING REPORTS
Want to see how you rank as an individual within your age group and overall?  Or, how your team is doing compared to the other teams in the entire league?

• OVERALL FEMALE RANKING
• OVERALL MALE RANKING
• INDIVIDUAL RANKING BY AGE GROUP AVERAGE RATED HANDICAP
• INDIVIDUAL RANKING BY AGE GROUP BY ALL TEAMS
• OVER ALL TEAM RANKING

TEAM PHOTOS
Tuesday – January 23
Wendesday DAY – January 24
Wednesday PM – January 24
Thursday – February 1
Sunday AM – February 4
Sunday PM – February 4
Monday – February 5

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

WEEKLY PHOTOS

You can see all of our weekly photos on Facebook and SmugMug.   On SmugMug we post high-resolution photos that you can download for free including our Team Photos.

IN THIS NEWS

• Course Colors
• 7/11 Course Week!
• Meet your Course Setters
• Racer Confirmations
• Rosters and Running Orders
• Pacesetting for 2024
• Ski Challenge Scoring System
• Guest Racing
• Buck Hill Information
• General Rules

COURSE COLORS

The course colors will be Blue and Red at Buck Hill this year.  These colors will be used to match the new Start Shack lights!  The Blue course will be on Racer’s Right (left looking up the hill) and Red course will be Racer’s Left (right looking up the hill).  Results posted on the NASTAR website will still show Orange and Green as course colors.

7/11 COURSE WEEK

This season all the course setters will be picking one week to have a 7/11 course week.  What this means is one of the dual courses will have 7 gates and the other 11.  We will give each league notice of when this will happen.  It most likely will be around week 5 or 6.  No need to wear different skis.  Your normal race skis should be able to handle each type of course!

MEET YOUR COURSE SETTERS

Andrey Ryvlin

• What Leagues/Events do you set: I really enjoy setting courses. I set Wednesday afternoon Ski Challenge, other than Buck Hill I set for Masters, also set at some other areas around the state
• Years Setting at Buck Hill: about 5 years
• What do you do when you are not setting courses: When not setting courses I work as a software developer at Idemia Corp, I like to travel with skis and without, I am busy helping with remodeling projects at my church, I also enjoy playing tennis (when there is no snow on the ground)
• What skis do you race on: Mostly on Atomic skis
• Favorite wax to use: Mostly use FastWax (#1), Swix, and Toko
• Best Ski Challenge/Ski Racing memory: Best Ski Challenge experience was last year at Giants where our team won the big trophy.
• Favorite Buck 54′ food/meal or Drink: At Buck 54 I like beer and good company.
• About Me: Skiing and ski racing is a big part of my life. I’ve been doing it since I was a kid and will keep doing it as long as God allows me to.

Morgan Rapp (aka: Turd Ferguson)-

• What Leagues/Events do you set: Thursday PM SC, Friday GS Clinics, SC State
• Years Setting at Buck Hill: 17
• What do you do when you are not setting courses: Senior Product Owner in digital marketing at Ameriprise Financial. Also, National Sales Rep, Fast Wax Ski Wax
• What skis do you race on: Volkl Racetigers
• Favorite wax to use: Fast Wax HS0
• Best Ski Challenge/Ski Racing memory: The old Friday night family leagues I set for many years, and sending kids from the bottom of the ramp too scared to go from the top
• Favorite Buck 54′ food/meal or Drink:  Hot Chicken sandwich
• About Me: “Whenever I’m about to do something, I think ‘Would an idiot do that?’ And if they would, I do not do that thing.” Motto serves me well in life, especially in coursesetting.

Scott Flanary

• What Leagues/Events do you set: SUN PM
• Years Setting at Buck Hill: 8 years
• What do you do when you are not setting courses: Coach Breck Alpine Ski
• What skis do you race on: Rossignol Hero 23m
• Favorite wax to use: No idea…” Skiing Ian” (Ian Montgomery) is my ski tech.
• Best Ski Challenge/Ski Racing memory: Every Season that Premature Release Dominates the Thursday night SC League
  

Brent Wasti

• What Leagues/Events do you set:  SUN AM 
• Years Setting at Buck Hill: I think at least 12. 
• What do you do when you are not setting courses: Woodworking or Underwater Basket weaving
• What skis do you race on: Blizzard WC GS (25m)
• Favorite wax to use: Dominator Rocket
• Best Ski Challenge/Ski Racing memory: Beating regional pacesetter Jack Miller at State Championships
• Favorite Buck 54′ food/meal or Drink: Pizza
• About Me: I’m not funny.

Reed Anderson

• What Leagues/Events do you set: WEDS PM
• Years Setting at Buck Hill: 20+ (Grizzled vet)
• What do you do when you are not setting courses: Retired from working full time. Play golf, ski, and spend a lot of summertime at the cabin in Northern Minnesota.
• What skis do you race on: Rossignol Master (23M)
• Favorite wax to use: Toko
• Best Ski Challenge/Ski Racing memory: I’m too old to remember.
• Favorite Buck 54′ food/meal or Drink: Surly Furious
• About Me: I have enjoyed Ski Challenge since 1987 and hope my body holds out long enough to continue for years to come.
• *Wednesday PM participants – I wish I could come out and set what I want every week, but sometimes with at least 2 other races on the hill before the evening race, I must set what the hill safely allows. Racer safety is the priority and I appreciate your patience!*

Thor Morales

• What Leagues/Events do you set: MON PM, TUES PM, Ski Challenge NASTAR, Ski Challenge State (King of the Hel), Dabbling with Masters
• Years Setting at Buck Hill: 16
• What do you do when you are not setting courses: Account Representative at Power/mation (Industrial Automation). Attempt to play golf frequently.
• What skis do you race on: Atomic RS 183 (24m)
• Favorite wax to use: Fast Wax Thunderbolt+ 20 (Get it at Joes!)
• Best Ski Challenge/Ski Racing memory: Got told by Daron Rahlves that the course I set for Pacesetter trials ‘Was Decent’.
• Favorite Buck 54′ food/meal or Drink: Gotta be the Wings. I think I get them every night I am hungry there.
• Funny lines to share: “Its Ski Challenge, Not Ski Easy” or “It’s Giant Slalom, not Mini Downhill”.

RACER CONFIRMATIONS

A confirmation email will be sent out to all rostered racers.  This confirmation will include race dates, times, check in information.  It will also include links to registration status, running orders and schedules.

ROSTERS AND RUNNING ORDERS

Rosters and running orders for the season are posted online.  Rosters are updated periodically and show registration, waiver and payment status.  We do not show personal information online.  Each captain has received an updated roster that includes personal information for each team member.  Captains will also receive a Captain Packet at the first race of the season.

Running orders will be posted at check in and at the top of the race run each week.  These running orders rotate each week with each team moving down one slot each week.  The bottom team on each side will rotate to the top each week.  Running orders were determined by the order that team deposits were made.

GO HERE TO SEE ROSTERS & RUNNING ORDERS

PACESETTING FOR 2024

NASTAR is not holding any Regional Pacesetting Trials this season.  And, with the mild December, we did not have an opportunity to run a trial.  We will be using last year’s pacesetting numbers for the start of the season.  We will periodically review numbers and see if any adjustments need to be made.

Because we are participating in NASTAR again this season, we are required to use pacesetters that have been approved by NASTAR.  If you are currently a pacesetter in our system and do NOT want to be, please notify Ski Challenge and we will take you off the list.  If you are not a pacesetter currently and average a 12 or less for handicap and want to become a pacesetter, contact us and we will get you a number.

GO HERE FOR THE CURRENT LIST OF PACESETTERS AND HANDICAPS.

GO HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PACESETTING

SKI CHALLENGE SCORING SYSTEM

A handicap system is used to determine medals.  A new handicap is achieved for each race run and is strictly the percentage slower than the par time (zero handicap).  The par time is determined by picking a pacesetter for each run and determining a par time based on their established pace handicap and their time.  Each racer’s best handicap of the two runs is used to determine medal and team points. Medals are awarded at each race at an awards ceremony. Refer to the official Ski Challenge Scoring Chart for details on the scoring system. The top six scores from each team count for team points. These accumulate weekly through Race 7 to determine team placement in league standings. Racer points for  #7, #8, #9 racers (and bonus points, how many points a medal is achieved by) will be accumulated each week to determine any tiebreakers at the last race.

GO HERE FOR MORE SCORING INFORMATION

GO HERE TO SEE THE SCORING CHARTS

GUEST RACING

You are allowed to guest race two times per regular season race league. The fee is $15.  We recommend that all guests register and pay online at least TWO hours before course inspection.  If you are unable to do this, you can show up at the hill and pay and sign up there.  Follow this link to register:  GUEST REGISTRATION.

BUCK HILL INFORMATION

Lift Tickets – must be worn at each event.  Tickets will be periodically checked.  Buck Hill offers online tickets deals and offers a late night lift ticket deal each night starting at 7 pm.  Check it out here:  BUCK HILL LIFT TICKETS

Event Center – NO Outside Food or Beverage allowed in the Event Center or Buck ’54 Restaurant.  You will have an opportunity to purchase food and beverage at each of our race events.

GENERAL RULES

Ski Challenge has a list of rules to keep things fair and running smoothly.  Here are some highlights of the rules concerning roster changes and substitutions.

Roster Changes
Additions or changes to teams (up to the roster limit of 10) can be made at any time until race 5.  Re-entry of participants is not allowed.  Open spots may be filled at any time.  You may not switch racers in and out of a roster.

Your week 5 roster will be the set roster for Championships.  No Changes after week 5.  You can only make one roster change per bib number.  Once a change is made, it remains for the remainder of the season*.

Substitutions
Roster substitutions are NOT allowed.  Guest racers may race with a particular team, but cannot count for the team scores or take the place of a missing rostered member for the week.  Each racer number is assigned to a rostered participant and all of their information (ie birthdate, gender, age, previous week’s handicap).  This is permanent until an official roster change has been made.

Switching Teams or Guest Joining Teams
If a member switches from one team to another in the same league, all race results before the switch will remain intact on the original team.  If a guest racer joins a team, his or her race results from his or her guest race in that league will be added to the team they joined.

GO HERE FOR COMPLETE LIST OF RULES

A chill is in the air and Halloween is in the rearview mirror! That means it’s time to think about SKI RACING! Our 2024 season kicks off on Tuesday, January 2! We’re excited to dive into our 39th season of Ski Challenge. The schedule is shaping up to be a fun-filled season with lots of ski racing to be had!

Our Race Camp at Jackson Hole is going strong with close to 20 participants. We will be out there December 7, 8, 9. This camp offers racers three full days of skiing, coaching, gates, and video analysis, not to mention a ton of camaraderie.

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.

Ski Challenge will once again host the Saturday night NASTAR Open Races at Buck Hill this year. We have six Saturdays on the calendar in January and February. These races allow for as many runs as you can get in 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! We may have one preseason race in December if Buck Hill is ready to go with their new chairlift and start ramp!
Championships at Giants Ridge is scheduled for March 1, 2, and 3, 2024. 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 up with a Sunday Fun-day race day put on by the Midwest Masters. All teams are invited to participate.

INTERESTING FACTS FROM 2023

101 – Total Teams
92 – Total Events
885 – Registered Racers
47 – The average age of participants
The highest concentration is in the 60-69 age groups (24%)
23% – Female
77% – Male
5,472 – Total Racer Starts ALL EVENTS
4,727 – Total Racer Starts Leagues
3,777 – Buck Hill Racer Starts
960 – Wild Mountain Racer Starts
480 – Racer Starts at Giants Ridge
60% – of participants surveyed who purchased season passes
69% – of participants surveyed took at least one ski trip outside of the Minnesota regional area
Ski Challenge was #1 Club in NASTAR Rankings

You can see our full demographics review by following this link:  DEMOGRAPHICS REVIEW FOR 2023