2021 marks the 36th season of Ski Challenge!  It looks like it’s going to be a little bit different kind of season this year due to the Pandemic.  We know no matter what, our racers are die-hards!  The members of Ski Challenge make our program the success that it is.  You are enthusiastic for the sport and can’t seem to get enough!

This year we will be focusing on racing and enjoying the great outdoors.  We may need to modify our traditional awards ceremonies or may not be able to have them, but we will do all we can to post results quickly online and honor all of our racers.  We will know more as we get closer to the season.  The safety of our racers and staff is our main priority!

We’ve added a COVID update page to our website.  Check back for updates as we get closer to the season.

Did you know that Ski Challenge started in 1985 with around 35 people?  It has grown to over 1,000 racers.  This year we will have 12 different leagues to choose from for regular season as well as a couple open races in December.  We’ve added four Saturday night open races to our schedule at Buck Hill.  These races will offer participants a chance to just run gates, get times and handicaps.  Two of the races we are planning on offering a lane of slalom!

We are still planning on our Championships at Giants Ridge this Spring.  We will know more about the format and schedule as we get closer.  Hopefully we will be in a much better position with the pandemic by then.

Updated:  February 27, 2021

GIANTS RIDGE

• 15 people will be allowed at a time in the Sprung building for check in and booting up.
• All bags and equipment must be stored in your vehicle or lodging
• Masks must be worn at all events, on ramps, in lift lines (may be taken down while racing in the course)
• GIANTS RIDGE COVID POLICY

BUCK HILL

• You must boot up and warm up in your vehicle. Inside is not open for this.
• Inside is open for purchasing food and beverage and restroom use only.
• Ski Challenge will have a table in Hillside Room (under bar) for any check in, bib pick up, guests. We will be there 45 minutes prior to course inspection.
• BUCK HILL COVID POLICY

WILD MOUNTAIN

• Ski Challenge participants may continue to boot up in the Bear’s Den room. All bags and belongings must be stored in your vehicle and not left in the room.
• Ski Challenge will have a table in the Bear’s Den room
• WILD MOUNTAIN COVID POLICY

At our Practices and Events:

• Masks – everyone is required to wear a mask inside all facilities and when outside – except when in the course – masks must be worn during inspection.
• Each team is considered a “Pod”.  Each pod must remain 12 feet apart from other pods.
• Inspection will start 1/2 hour prior to start time.  You will need to remain 6 feet apart, wear your mask and space out at the top while waiting to get in the course to inspect.
• RAMP – 6′ off distance must be  kept on the ramp.  Please stay in bib order.  DO NOT line up in a crowd at the bottom or on the ramp.  Stay 6 feet apart in the area around the ramp while waiting.  Keep an eye on what bib numbers are going so you can get to the top at the right time.
• When you complete your run you can watch your team.  You all must remain 6 feet apart at the bottom of the run.  Once your team is done you need to move on to allow for room for the next team.
• Everyone is assigned one number that will be used throughout the entire seven week series.  No one else can wear your bib or use your number.  This bib number is tied directly to your information on our database.  Once you pick up your bib for the season, just show up at the top of the hill each week for your runs.  If you forget your bib, please alert the starter.  There is no need to check in after the first race you are in.
  • Your bib number is our way to track who was at each event for contact tracing.

Registration and Liability waivers:

• Register online
• Pay online or mail in a check
• Guest Racers register and pay online by 3 PM the day of night races.  Sunday races and day races register and pay online by two hours prior to inspection.

Check in, getting ready for the race, racing

• All CDC and State Guidelines will be followed
• FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR CHECK and RACE IN PROCEDURES
  

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SKI CHALLENGE COVID-19 Preparedness Plan at Buck Hill

SKI CHALLENGE COVID-19 Preparedness Plan at Wild Mountain

BUCK HILL GUIDELINES

WILD MOUNTAIN GUIDELINES

 

We understand that this is an ever changing situation and are honestly shocked and disappointed that we are still having to worry about it for our January races.  We will do our best to give you the best racing experience possible under the circumstances.  And, we thank you for your support to keep our program alive.

The following shows the total number of registered racers and participant numbers per week.

GOGGLES FOR DOCS ~ ~ So, this story began with a request on Saturday, March 28, 2020 from a NYC Doctor wanting to help bridge the gap until more eye protection could arrive.  By Sunday morning, the east coast ski community erupted with a HUGE groundswell of support providing snowsports goggles. By Sunday mid-day, https://gogglesfordocs.com/ was born. Goggles for Docs is a grassroots effort by collective of hundreds of skiers, riders & snowsports media and manufacturers coming together to offer possible solutions to help during an unprecedented public health crisis.

Here’s what YOU may do to help:

1. Collect goggles ~ Clean out your boot bags & closets!
2. Prep your goggles for distribution:
   • • Sanitize/wipe goggles & place goggles in a ziplock bag
3. Check the Goggles for Docs website for locations that are in need of protective eyewear
4. If you can overnight them directly to a listed facility ~ DO IT (It will get protective eyewear into their hands quickly) -or- Drop-off your prepped donation (sanitized and bagged):Gear West (Long Lake)
   Hi Tempo & The Foot Lab (White Bear Lake)
   Joe’s Sporting Goods (St. Paul)
   Sun & Slope Outfitters (Wayzata)

It is our hope that our healthcare professionals & 1^st responders get the official PPE that they need and these donations aren’t needed.  But, we want to be there to help bridge the gap until they do.  Thanks so much for your support and generosity!

Questions… please call Lezlie at 612-708-6810 or Lpinske@frontiernet.net

Looking for some Ski Challenge Gear?  Follow the links below to shop our online store!

New Ski Challenge Mesh-Back Hat – $26 online

ORDER HATS HERE

We can deliver for free to your race league or ship for a small fee.

We will ship to you!

CLICK HERE to ORDER

BACK TO GENERAL INFO HOME

Items from 2020 Giants Ridge

Items from Buck Hill – Black Diamond Meeting Room

Did you know you can fill an open spots on your roster any time?  Even after week 3?  The best thing to do is fill your 10 roster spots prior to the season.  But, we understand that people commit and then drop out at the last minute.  We also understand that once in a while someone gets hurts or just can’t race anymore.

If you have a spot filled by someone who now can’t race, you can “sell” their spot to someone else.  Just make sure that you notify the Ski Challenge office and have them check in at the registration table prior to racing.  That way we can make sure they are in the computer and get their proper points and medal.

If you have an Empty spot that has not been paid for yet and have someone to fill it.  Contact the Ski Challenge office to find out about rates.

If you add someone who wants to participate in the Championships at Giants Ridge, they need to have at least one race in by Week 5.  No roster CHANGES after week 5.

Remember, there are no refunds.  You can go here for more info on our REFUND POLICY

Ski Challenge budgets and rates are based on how teams are filled.  By filling your team, you help keep fees down.  Unfortunately, when rosters aren’t full, the fixed costs need to be covered somehow, so fees rise.

Ski Portillo is the newest Gold sponsor for The Ski Challenge.  Some of you might have heard of us, as Bill Guidera, who is a racer in the club, is our owner’s brother-in-law.

Ski Portillo, Chile will be opening for the 2020 season on June 27 and will stay open until Oct. 3 providing a unique ski experience high in the Chilean Andes. An all-inclusive Ski Portillo vacation provides the perfect “ski-in-summer” getaway for northern hemisphere winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy an unforgettable vacation and create memories of a lifetime with family and friends.

Our terrain is renowned worldwide as a destination for big mountain skiers, ski racers and avid skiers of all levels looking for a unique experience. On top of 80% sunny days, exquisite Chilean cuisine and wines, and the perfect setting to enjoy quality family time, old friends or make new ones, there is no reason not to come.

We want to extend an invitation to visit us this upcoming season. If you would like more information feel free to email us at carol@skiportillo.com or visit our website www.skiportillo.com