About Masters Racing

What is Masters Ski Racing

Masters ski racing is the premier adult ski racing series in the country. Masters racing is governed by the United States Ski Association (USSA), the sanctioning body for all organized ski racing in the US from local junior races all the way up to international and Olympic competition.

For adult, NASTAR, club racers, and good skiers in general, Masters ski racing provides challenging competition within an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie. We welcome racers of all levels - from beginners who enjoy exciting race courses, to former Olympians, U.S. Team Members and everyone in between. The competition is exhilarating!

What is Far West Masters

The Far West Masters organizes masters ski competitions in the Far West division, which consists of California, Nevada, and Arizona. We are an open, volunteer group and welcome all who wish to participate.

Our races take place primarily at ski areas in the Sierras, from Lake Tahoe in the north to Mammoth Mountain in the south. Our yearly schedule consists of Slaloms, Giant Slaloms, Super Giant Slaloms and Downhill.

Races follow USSA rules, with some adjustments to fit Masters racers. Racers range in age from 21 to over 80 years old, competing in five-year age groups (21-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, and so on).

Each year, the USSA holds a National Masters Championship. This year, these championships are being held at Park City UT on Mar. 19- 23. Regional championship events are held in East and West; the 2012 Western Region Championships will be in the Northern division at Big Sky MT on Feb. 2-5. In addition, some members compete internationally in the FIS/International Masters Cup series. These races are held in Europe, North and South America.

A special highlight of the 2012 season will the the FIS Masters World Criterium, which is being hosted in North America at Mammoth Mountain CA on March 26-31. The Criterium is a premier event of the 2012 international masters competition season and a major event that is expected to draw top competitors from around the world

With the increased interest in adult racing, many areas hold clinics during the season or have season-long training programs. You can find out more about training opportunities from this web site and from other Far West Masters competitors.

Our races give you ample opportunity to test your courage, improve your skiing, and to just participate and have fun.

Who Can Join

We welcome racers of all ability levels. While the competition can be intense and the courses challenging, camaraderie and fun are an integral part of the program. We hold awards parties on most race weekends, which are great opportunities to get to know your fellow racers.

Racers range in age from 21 to over 80 years old, and we run in five-year age groups (21-29, 30-34, 35-39, and so on). We follow a standard age-group start order at each race, which allows our older racers to ski on cleaner courses.

Racers must hold a valid USSA Masters license or may purchase a two-day temporary license valid for one race weekend. Far West Masters membership required if you race more than one weekend - membership entitles you to a permanently-assigned stretch bib, along with our newsletter, email updates of news during the season, eligibility for season awards, and access to members-only features on this web site. Visit the How to Join page for details and membership application forms.