Race Day 101
Overview (for Parents) on Race Day
Slalom (SL) – Slalom is a timed event requiring the execution of many short, quick turns through two different courses. The slalom features the shortest course and quickest turns. As in the giant slalom, each skier makes two runs down two different courses on the same slope. The competitors are required to pass between all the gates, alternate red/blue pairs of poles. Both runs take place on the same day. The times are added together, and the fastest total time determines the winner.
Giant Slalom (GS) – Giant slalom is characterized as the discipline that requires the most technical skill: skiers race down the mountain through a faster and more open course than in Slalom. Giant slalom is similar to the slalom, with fewer, but wider and smoother turns. Each skier makes two runs down two different courses on the same slope. Both runs take place on the same day, usually with the first run held in the morning and the second run in the afternoon. The times are added together, and the fastest total time determines the winner.
Super-G (SG) – Super G (super giant slalom) combines the elements of speed from the downhill, while integrating high speed technical turns from the giant slalom. The course is shorter than downhill but longer than a giant slalom course. Each skier makes one run down a single course and the fastest time determines the winner.
As soon as the race communication comes out from PMRT Head Coach
Register for each race as far in advance as possible, some races fill up quickly (do sign up for the waitlist, you never know!). You will need your child’s USSA number the first time you register. (Sign up for MARA and NHARA races on the Admin Ski Racing online registration site.)
At least one week before the race
Make a plan to tune your race skis: make sure your racer’s skis are race tuned the night before the race. If you are not doing this yourself, book with one of the local tuning shops. Check with the tune shop to find out how far in advance you need to drop them off.
LABEL EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME!
Night before the race
Ensure skis are race tuned, bag packed (extra socks, neck, gaiter, hand and foot warmers and prepare for changes in weather), eat a good dinner and get a good night’s sleep. Some older racers (U14 and up) bring a second pair of skis to use as 'slip skis'. Slip Skis are used while 'slipping the course' so the the wax does not come off your race skis. Parents and other spectators should have warm clothing and sturdy snow boots. U8, U10, and U12 CAN NOT use slip skis.
Morning of the race
Arrive early, its important to be there about 2 hours before race start time - do not be late especially if your coach has communicated a specific time/location! At registration, each racer will receive a bib, lift ticket and start list. They should then boot up. All racers U14 and older must have a FIS sticker on their helmets for GS races. GS suits are optional.
After booting up, the racers should look for their coaches for course inspection. Again, during course inspection, racers will be taken through the course twice in small, coach-supervised groups which is called ‘slipping the course’. (Athletes should make sure they know where and when to meet their coaches throughout the day.)
Depending on the start order, racers may want to have something to eat while waiting.
It’s a good idea to bring a variety of healthy snacks, sandwiches and bottles of water.
Race – Run 1
The 1st Run race order is usually youngest ages to oldest as follows: U8 Girls -- U8 Boys -- U10 Girls -- U10 Boys -- U12 Girls -- U12 Boys etc. U16+ start order is based on USSA points. Within each group, racers will go from lowest bib # to highest bib #. Racers must keep track of position (bib) number. Coaches will be at top of race positioning racers for start, in the middle of the course to identify/communicate any trouble spots, and at the end of the course to provide feedback and encouragement. At the end of the 1st run, racers can go back inside the lodge for quick snack/lunch. A volunteer will carry down jackets and pants in a bag and leave them to be collected by the athlete at the end of the race course. It is the athlete's responsibility to make sure they collect their belongings.
Keep in mind if the ski pass is left in a jacket and it is not collected at the end of their run,
they may not be able to go back up a ski lift.
Parents can keep track of the unofficial race results at USSA Live-Timing. Just search for state, host mountain, and race/run that your child is participating.
Race – Run 2
The 2nd Run course inspection will begin approximately 20-30 minutes after last racer of 1st run and follow the same procedure as the 1st course inspection. The course is often reset for the 2nd run…so pay attention! As in the 1st run, race order is usually as follows: U10 Girls – U10 Boys – U12 Girls – U12 Boys. But now, within each group, racers will go from highest bib # to lowest bib #. Racers must keep track of position (bib) number. For U16 and up this is completely different, the top 30 are flipped or it goes in order of their timing from the first run.
Once a racer has completed their 2nd run and returned their bib, they’re free to collect their slip skis, ski/eat/leave if necessary but we always encourage cheering on your teammates and staying for the awards that usually follow shortly.
Any questions, ask your athlete's coach or email us at pleasantmountainraceteam@gmail.com