Download pdf - Far West Ski Association

Racing is Fun& Helps ImproveTechnique!by Bob EllisPresident - FWRAAnother opportunity to race willbe at the FWSA Ski Week in Aspen.Jackson Hole racer photo by Ken Calkins2013 FWRAChampionshipsto be held atAlpine MeadowsApril 5 - 7The 2013 FWRA Championships willbe held at Alpine Meadows Resort April 5--7. Racers from Open League (BAC); SinglesLeague (BAC); Sierra League (SierraCouncil); PACRAT League (NorthwestCouncil); Schusski League (Orange Council);ROKKA & ULLR Leagues (LAC) andSan Diego League (San Diego Council) willparticipate in this end of season race event.Individual awards will be awarded to topfinishers in each age group. Special recognitionawards will be presented at theFWSA Convention in Reno to the raceleague with the most points, the league withthe most points per racer, and the leaguewith the most points in the Junior Racer Division.Every so often when you are at ski areas,you will see skiers or boarders on race courses.There is an avenue for you to try racing,through ski clubs that participate in Leagueski races in Oregon, Northern California,Southern California and Nevada. Anybodywith any skiing or boarding ability, can participatein these races.We separate racers by their age, abilityand gender, so everybody has an opportunityto be competitive in their own little group ofpeers. Juniors and seniors can all have fun ona controlled, well groomed race course and asafe environment. We stress safety at ourevents and also try to move people throughthe courses quickly, so there is plenty of timeto free ski or ride on the hill and very littletime waiting to run on the race course.There is no special equipment needed toparticipate, only a helmet, however, you willperform better with all-mountain or race skisor a race snowboard. Our program is veryeconomical as most season racing fees areunder $120 per year, or you can drop in foronly $20 to try it out. Some clubs have firsttime racer programs so you may be able to tryit at no cost, your first time around. As a clubmember, you may also receive lift ticket discountson race days at most ski areas wherewe race.At most events, you can sign up in themorning before the race and normally therewill be a sign-up location somewhere visiblein the ski lodge of the ski area. Be sure to askany of the organizers of the event, and theywill gladly help you out and get you signed upfor some real fun. When you sign up, you willprobably receive a race bib, which you willwear on the race course, so we know who ison the course.Let the organizers know that you arenew to this, and they can set you up with anexperienced racer that can help you out withsome tips throughout the day. Racing itself isa lot of fun, and it will help you improve yourtechnique, plus, it is a great way to meet newfriends that you can ski and board with later.We are always looking for new racersthat want to learn or have fun, so come joinus and have a great time with our racinggroup! ▲▲Far West Skier’s Guide 2O12 - 2O13 23