WELCOME TO THE 40TH SEASON OF THE SKI CHALLENGE!
A chill is in the air, and the holidays are officially underway with Thanksgiving this week—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.
NOTE that the Sunday AM league will kick off its season on Sunday, January 11. There will only be Sunday PM racing on January 4.
We’re putting together a fun-filled season packed with great racing, and we can’t wait for colder temps and lots of snowmaking to get things rolling!
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.
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.
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.
Follow this link for specific clinic dates and times: BUCK HILL CLINICS
PACESETTING FOR 2026
There will be no official pacesetter trials this season. We will begin the season using the pacesetting handicaps assigned by NASTAR last season. NASTAR will continue to monitor handicaps and make updates as needed.
If you do not have a pacesetting number and would like to become a pacesetter, contact the Ski Challenge office at info@skichallenge.com. 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, please contact Ski Challenge.
To see current pacesetter points follow this link: PACESETTER POINTS
SAVE THE DATE for the 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
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.