Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ski Challenge?

Ski Challenge began in 1985 as a Twin Cities Metro Area recreational ski racing program allowing adults to ski on teams in leagues similar to softball or bowling leagues.  Approximately 35 members raced in the first year of the program, today more than 1,000 racers of all ages participate in the leagues and as guests each week.

Teams consist of 10 members.  You don’t have to have a team of 10 to participate.  If you are an individual or have a few friends who want to join, Ski Challenge usually doesn’t have a problem finding you a team to join.

Ski Challenge racing is considered GS (Giant Slalom) racing.  No need for shin guards or face masks, however we encourage all members to wear helmets.  At each race, we set two mirrored GS courses.  You take one run on each course.  We count your best score out of the two runs.  You can use any kind of ski you want.  There are no rules when it comes to equipment.  Most of our participants either ski on recreational “cheater” skis, or all-mountain skis.  Some compete on full-blown GS race skis with a little less side cut than the “cheater” skis.  And some of our women compete on Jr GS skis.

The Ski Challenge has evolved into the finest and largest team-oriented recreational ski racing experience anywhere!  As far as we can tell, it is the largest league of its type anywhere in the world!  Ski Challenge’s size and long-time commitment of its members testify to the exciting racing and quality experience it provides.

How do I sign Up?

Any adult 18 or older may join any of the adult racing leagues as an individual, with a few friends, or start a new team (on a space-available basis). Individuals join a race league and race in that league (same day and area) for the entire seven-week series. Kids are welcome in any of the all-age leagues.

If you are forming a new team, contact the Ski Challenge office to get on the Captain’s email list. Call Ski Challenge at 952-894-9220 or e-mail [email protected].  A new team can be added any time as long as there is still room in the league.

If you are an individual, go here for registration information: REGISTRATION

What if I don’t have a team?

Individuals are welcome to sign up for any league. Just fill out a registration form and pay online with a credit card or mail in a check.  We will also give you a call to see what kind of racer you are and what kind of team you are looking for.  We’ll put you on a waiting list until we find a team for you to be on. After the existing team rosters are submitted in November, we will know where we have openings and will notify you. We are usually pretty successful in placing individuals. We will refund your money if we can’t place you on a team.

How are teams formed?

Each team may have a maximum of 10 permanent racers (no substitutes).  A team does not need all ten racers present to compete.  Each member may participate on one team per race.   Racers can be on more than one team just so the teams are in different races.

Individual captains generally form teams. Ski Challenge does not usually form teams. Ski Challenge can place you on an existing team if you are looking for a team. Ski Challenge will do its best to place you on a team that best matches your preferences and abilities.

I haven’t skied for a while.  Or, I have never raced before. Does that matter?

Our league is designed for all levels of skiers, whether you have never raced before, raced in High School, or done NASTAR racing.  The Ski Challenge allows you to get out every week for 7 weeks starting in January and/or two weeks in December. Courses are set on hills designed for intermediate skiers. Ski Challenge has staffing available to help you learn how the race works. Staff will be at check-in and out on the hill to help you line up and show you how everything works. The host ski areas also offer racing clinics at various times.

I’m not a very good skier. Will I have fun?

Everyone in a Ski Challenge race will receive an award every time they race. In addition to recognizing the fastest skiers and honoring all teams, we also recognize the most improved individuals every week and the most improved for each team for the entire 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 are welcome.  Ski Challenge does not divide leagues into various levels of racing.  Any level can join any league.  If you have a spouse who is an experienced racer and you have never raced before, you can participate on the same team and enjoy all the fun and benefits of the program.

How long does the season last?

The regular season leagues start the first Thursday in January and continue for seven weeks.  Our season wraps up the first weekend in March with our Championships at Giants Ridge.   For a complete schedule, go to our calendar of events.

What does it cost to join a league?

Open NASTAR Races at Buck Hill
PRICECREDIT CARDDEADLINE
Jan 6, 20, 27 Feb 3, 10, 17, 2024$20+FeeFor pre-pay and
pay at door.
REGULAR SEASON - (Starting In January - 2025)
CASH/CHECK(CREDIT CARD)DEADLINE
Regular Season - Before Oct 31$175$175 + CC FEEOct 31
Regular Season - After Oct 31$180$180 + CC FEEAfter Oct 31 and at
1st race participating In

This price does not include lift tickets. Note that no one will be allowed to race on the course until payment is made, and no race uniform/bib or t-shirt will be distributed until the racer has paid in full.

Click here a complete fee schedule and registration due dates

What does the fee cover?

Your fee covers all race event administration, including your t-shirt, uniform/bib, two timed runs per race, scoring and awards at each race, trophies and medals at the final league race, chances to win door prizes at each race, result newsletters, a web site with updated scores every week (including scores sent into Nastar), team photo, and staffing for each event. Note that your fee does not completely cover all the above expenses, so the fee is subsidized with sponsorship money.

Ski Challenge does not charge or credit on a per-race system. Note that fees include much more than the racing itself. There are NO REFUNDS on Race Fees. If we cannot have an entire season, measures will be taken to make a fair refund to participants who have paid.

Lift tickets are NOT included in your fee for The Ski Challenge. You must purchase lift tickets from each ski area to use the hill.

What do I do at the First Race?

Whether you are new to Ski Challenge or back for another season, you should arrive a little earlier for the season’s first race. Before racing, check in at the registration table in the designated room. At Buck Hill we meet in the Event Center room above the ski school.  Sometimes our meeting place changes due to events going on at Buck Hill.  We will alert members as soon as possible to any venue changes.

At the check-in table, you check in by your last name, not your team. The Ski Challenge staff will check to see if you have completed a liability form. If not, you will need to fill one out. You must sign the form and verify that you have paid before you can get your racing uniform/bib and T-shirt.  If you are under 18 and your parents will not be with you at the first race, you must have an online waiver completed by a parent before you can participate. No one will be allowed to race in any race without a signed liability form.  If you have not already registered and/or filled out a waiver, Go here to fill out a liability form.

You will only need to check in once.  The same bib you were issued at this check-in is the one you will use for the entire season.

MORE INFO

Can I get a sub if I am unable to attend one week?

Temporary roster substitutions are NOT allowed.  Guest racers may race with a particular team but cannot count for the 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 (i.e., birthdate, gender, age, previous week’s handicap).  This is permanent until an official roster change has been made.

Roster Changes for a particular spot can only be made once. Changes to teams (up to the roster limit of 10) may be made up to and including the fifth league race.  Re-entry of participants is not allowed. You can only make one roster change per bib number. Once a change is made, it remains for the remainder of the season. (Check with the office for substitution for injuries.)  Empty roster spots can be filled at any time.  Additions are expected to pay the full Ski Challenge fees.

Do I need my own equipment?

The Ski Challenge does not provide equipment, but the ski areas do offer rentals.  All our sponsor shops have the right equipment to fit your needs. Many of our sponsor shop employees participate in the Ski Challenge and are very familiar with what a Ski Challenge member may need. Tell the participating shop you are in The Ski Challenge. All of the participating shops offer some discount.

Am I required to wear a helmet? – Ski Challenge does not require helmets, but helmets are strongly recommended. Any of our sponsor shops can help you find the perfect helmet for you.

For more information on Equipment Suggestions, CLICK HERE

Can kids and families participate?

Yes! Children 4-17 may join any of our All Age Leagues.  13 Years and up may join any of our Adult leagues.

All Age Leagues – Kids and Adults can be mixed on teams.  Kids and Adults will be combined for individual awards such as Fastest, Fast, and Most Improved at each race.

Adult + Kids League – BHSUNA – Kids and Adults can be mixed on teams.  Kids and Adults will be separated for individual awards such as Fastest, Fast, and Most improved at each race.

Follow this link to see more information on what leagues are available for kids and teens:  LEAGUE DESCRIPTIONS

Parents are not required to race but are strongly encouraged to be present at each race. Adults and Kids can race on the same team but are not required to. A liability release form will need to be signed by a parent for each child before the child racing. These forms will be available online at this link: Liability Form.

Can I try it out before I join?

If you want to try out the Ski Challenge before signing up for a race series, you can participate as a guest racer. Guests are invited to race at any Ski Challenge race. If you are new to Ski Challenge, you can try it for free the first time. CLICK HERE for more information and to download a free Guest Pass. If you are currently signed up for Ski Challenge and you bring someone new to guest race, you and your guest can guest race for free!* Download two passes at the above link. **

If you want to guest race again or are a current Ski Challenge racer, the fee is $15. You can only guest race twice per regular season league during the year.  We do not allow guest racers at Championships. You must check in 1/2 hour before the start of the race to guest race.  For more information on Guest racing, go here: GUEST RACING

If you are a current Ski Challenge racer, you can bring a guest to try racing for free to a current race you are participating in. But only your new guest will race for free. You will not get any discount on your race. If you bring a new guest to a race you are not currently signed up to participate in, you both can guest race for no charge.  Lift tickets must be purchased.

How many races do I need to attend to participate in the Championships at Giants Ridge??

You need to have raced in at least one weekly race on the team you will be going to championships with by the completion of week 5.  The current team roster at week 5 determines the team’s division at Championships and is the roster that will be used at Championships.  NO Roster changes after week 5.  All Teams are eligible to compete in the State Championships.  Full teams of 10 are not required.