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News delivered to you! Yes, we've finally gotten our "email blasts" working
so we can send out news updates to members, along with others interested
in receiving email messages with news and race updates.
All current and recent members who've provided email contact information on their Far West Masters
membership application have been automatically added to the news mailing list.
If you'd like to be added, just visit news list information page and sign up!
Got News?!
If you have information you think is appropriate to post on the Far West Masters news page
and circulate to our members, send your message in an email to news@farwestmasters.org.
The moderators will review your request to ensure that the information provided is appropriate
and relevant to our members.
- February Schedule Updates
Due to the lack of snow at Northstar, we are cancelling one day of
racing. We will race on Saturday, February 11th, (probably 2 races) but we
will *not* race on Sunday, February 12th.
As announced last week, the Mamnmoth SG event is being rescheduled
as a one-day event with 3 SG races on Fri. Feb. 17.
We must have the minimum fifty registrations by
Fri. February 10th in order to be able to hold this event.
The reschedule of the Heavenly Viva Italia SL races has been confirmed for
Friday Feb. 24, the day before the Mt. Rose McKinney Cup
race weekend.
[02-Feb-2012]
- Web Site Improvements
Online Member Lookup is back! You can now check your Far West
membership status and related race registration information (bib, age class, license status)
using the Member Lookup feature.
Updates are reflected immediately when membership VP Marcie Pettigrew
processes membership applications and renewals.
We've also added a new Links page to collect useful links
related to masters ski racing. Links to some of our favorite
weather forecast and blog sites are included.
[01-Feb-2012]
- Jeff Gray in Ski Racing
Be sure to check out Bill McCollum's Masters column in the latest
issue of Ski Racing. Always a featured stop for regular fans,
this one is of special interest to us here in the Far West
with new racer Jeff Gray featured as one of the competitors
profiled.
Jeff describes his background and his path to the race hills this season.
(He's not kidding about hopping straight into a training course
as his first run in years - eyewitnesses confirm he looked pretty good after his layoff, too!)
Great stuff, and we're thrilled to have Jeff and other new racers joining
us this season. The more people we get out to play with us, the more fun for all!
Props to Hamish Butler for helping Jeff find his way to our races.
We should all think which of our skiing friends might enjoy the challenge
and camaraderie of masters
and encourage them to try racing with
Far West Masters. Bring a friend!
[31-Jan-2012]
- FIS Criterium
The FIS international masters World Criterium is being held March 26-31
at Mammoth Mountain.
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.
FIS international masters competitions are open to racers 30 years or older by Dec. 31, 2011.
In addition to your USSA alpine masters license, you'll need to purchase
a FIS Masters license from USSA - this is only $30, print out the application
and mail to USSA by the Feb. 25 entry deadline.
There are no special equipment rules other than a minimum length requirement
for SG skis - 185 cm for men, 180 cm for women. (In past years FIS masters equipment rules have been
different than USSA masters rules, but this is no longer a concern.)
American racers who have competed in international masters events
report that it's a great experience and they have made friends from
around the world.
This is a unique opportunity to sample international competition
on our home slopes of the Far West and Mammoth has a well-earned reputation for putting
on outstanding events, so give some thought to this event if you aren't
already signed up!
[30-Jan-2012]
- Mammoth SG's Rescheduled
We have rescheduled the Mammoth Super-G races to a one-day fun-filled three-race event
on Friday, February 17, at Mammoth Mountain.
That's three races on the Friday before Presidents Day Weekend.
We didn't want to take away from the Northstar races the weekend before
or from the Heavenly and Mt. Rose races the weekend after, so we purposely made this a one-day event.
*** We need at least fifty entries to put on the race ***
We need a minimum of at least 50 competitors in order to hold this event,
as putting on a safe speed event requires a significant commitment from the organizer
for course preparation and hill space.
Please sign up on SkiRaceReg.com or mail your entry to Mammoth Mountain Race Department.
We must have the minimum fifty registrations by Fri. February 10th
in order to be able to hold this event.
Thursday training:
Mammoth Race Department will provide open SG training on Thursday from 11-2 for all
competitors. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this generous offer - having
a chance to do speed training will increase your enjoyment of Friday's racing,
as well as making it a safer event by allowing all competitors an opportunity
to ski the race hill at speed.
[29-Jan-2012]
- January Wrapup
We're nearly to the midpoint of the 2012 race season and winter has finally arrived!
While the cancellation of our races last weekend at Mammoth is disappointing,
the multiple feet of snow that's fallen at all the Sierra ski areas is
most welcome. Everyone can finally break out the powder boards, and those
good new race skis gathering dust in the back of your closets waiting for
conditions to improve.
The February race schedule opens with the Western Region championships
at Big Sky MT on Feb. 2-5. Big Sky has great race venues and has been reporting
excellent conditions even before the storms of the past week, so this
should be a great event. Consider taking a mid-season trip to the northern
Rockies, it should be a lot of fun.
The Far West division schedule resumes the following weekend
with 3 GS's at Northstar on Feb. 11-12. We'll have 3 runs each day,
with the middle race split across Sat/Sun.
This year's Far West division Gala fundraiser is being held in Squaw Valley
on Saturday Feb. 11, during our Northstar GS weekend.
In addition to be a fundraiser to support Far West junior athletes,
this event is a lot of fun according to past attendees.
This year's event has a Mardi Gras theme, with Cajun and Zydeco music
completing dinner, live and silent auctions.
[23-Jan-2012]
- Mammoth GS's Cancelled
The GS races scheduled at Mammoth Mountain this weekend (replacing the originally
scheduled SG races) have been canceled due to significant snowfall and high
winds as the first strong series of winter storms this season has been
hitting the Sierras since Thursday night (with one more coming in tonight
and tomorrow).
Mammoth and all Tahoe area resorts are reporting multiple feet of snow.
With the early part of the storm series coming in fairly warm, this snowfall
should provide a great base layer for the colder storms arriving today.
The winter of 2012 has finally begun!
[22-Jan-2012]
- Mammoth SG's changed to GS
The decision has been made by Far West Masters and Mammoth Race Dept.
to change the SG's scheduled on Jan. 20-22 to 3 GS races on Jan. 21-22.
There is no way we can safely run a speed event right now - the
coverage on the SG course World Cup run is solely man-made and there's just
not enough to set a speed course and safety fencing. Weather forecasts are for
continued dry and warm through this week; the longer range forecast models
into next week are still inconclusive, but even with possible
"pattern change" that would allow the storm track to shift into
the Sierras we have no reasonable prospect for conditions to change
significantly enough to make a speed event feasible.
So the decision to change from SG to GS is being made now to allow
competitors to adjust their plans.
Mammoth will be offering open GS training on Fri. Jan. 20,
so competitors who have had limited training opportunities at their home areas
will have an opportunity to get on the race hill for training.
Event schedule details will be available later this week.
The plan is to have 3 race runs (1-1/2 races) each on Sat and Sun Jan. 21-22.
[10-Jan-2012]
- Mammoth GS's
January's race schedule opened the new year with adjustments necessitated by the
extremely dry, warm weather on the west coast this year. The Heavenly Valley Viva Italia
SL races are being rescheduled for later in the season and the Sierra at Tahoe races
were moved to Mammoth Mountain, whose Race Department stepped up to accommodate our
event along with junior races moved from Northstar in an already- busy weekend.
With snow cover limited to man-made, the Mammoth snow-making and grooming crews
did an amazing job when the temperatures finally got cold enough to make snow again.
Although we raced on a short course from a lower start, the racing conditions on
Andy's Double Gold turned out to be excellent - firm, consistent, and grippy.
So for all competitors who made it to Mammoth this weekend, we had great weather
and two days of very good GS racing.
Complete results are posted on the Race Results page
along with the updated Season Standings rankings for 2012.
[08-Jan-2012]
- Mammoth GS Schedule
As announced just before the holidays, our Jan. 7-8 races have been moved
from Sierra at Tahoe to Mammoth Mountain. The Fri. Jan. 6 SL races at Heavenly
are being rescheduled for later this season. With the extremly dry, warm conditions
throughout the Sierras this season, Mammoth is one of the few areas with the
ability to host racing at this time and we greatly appreciate their willingness
to host our races.
***Please note start times and inspection periods.
Mammoth stepped up and was willing to add our races to an already-busy weekend,
so our “usual” race-day schedule is being adjusted to accommodate the slots
when we can have hill space and race crews for our events.
We will be racing on Andy’s Double Gold (ADG) both days, which has the best coverage.
Inspection time will be shortened to a half-hour, but with easy access from
Broadway Express (chair 1) there will be plenty of time for all competitors
to have an adequate inspection – just be sure to plan your race day to be there
promptly and make good use of the available inspection period.
Details and daily schedule are provided in the race announcement flyers.
On Saturday, we will have inspection at 12:30-1 with a 1:15 start; racer checkin
will be at the Race Department in the Slopeside building (just west of the Main Lodge
and Broadway Express loading area).
Sunday's race will be at 9:30, with inspection from 8:45-9:15; checkin will
be in Roma's Room (3rd floor Main Lodge, east end).
Open Training on Friday!
Mammoth Mountain Race Department is offering free GS training
on Friday from 10:30 to 12:00 on ADG (our race hill for Saturday and Sunday).
Please thank Pierre, Tom and all involved with the Mammoth Mountain Race
Department for providing this opportunity to all competitors!
[03-Jan-2012; updated Wed 1/4]
- Heavenly SL's postponed
With no break yet in the warm, dry weather pattern that has persisted in the Sierras
throughout the early part of this season, we've agreed with the organizers at Heavenly
that the Viva Italia SL races scheduled for Fri. Jan. 6 will be postponed until later
in the season.
Tentatively we hope to reschedule on Fri. Feb. 24, the day before
the Mt. Rose race weekend, which will allow for geographic proximity to make
a great 3-day race weekend with the Viva Italia and McKinney Cup trophy races.
The rescheduled date will be confirmed during the first week of January.
[30-Dec-2011]
- Schedule updates for Jan. 6-8
Heavenly still has hope that they will be able to host the Viva Italia
Slaloms on Friday, January 6. But, should they not have enough snow, we
have tentatively scheduled a back-up date of February 24, which is the
Friday before the Mount Rose races. We should know Heavenly's status by
Wednesday Dec. 28th.
The races scheduled for Sierra at Tahoe on January 7 and 8 have been moved
to Mammoth Mountain. Unfortunately, due to lack of available terrain,
Sierra at Tahoe is unable to accommodate any racing at this time. We
searched for a substitute location in the Tahoe area,
but we weren't able to find a race hill open. The Mammoth
Mountain Race Department graciously offered to host the races, and we gladly
accepted. We will have a GS race on Saturday afternoon and a GS race the
following Sunday morning.
Due to the dismal snow conditions in the west, this is the only game in town
right now! I know that there will be a strong showing of attendance from
the racers south of Tahoe. We would love to see an equal amount of racers
from the Tahoe area and other parts of the Far West Masters come to Mammoth
and support this race. The next scheduled event is not until January
20th-22nd. Losing the GS races at Sierra at Tahoe and not trying to come
up with another venue was way too long for us not to race. Remember, we are
in the business of putting on races and we are doing everything possible to
keep that promise to our members.
Once again, please come down to Mammoth and support our organization. This
should be great event!
[Mark Mirviss, President]
[24-Dec-2011]
- Regionals, Nationals, FIS Criterium
Registration is now open for the regional, national, and international championship events of the 2012 season.
The Western Region championships will be held February 2-5 at Big Sky, MT.
The regional championships are a 4-discipline SC/SG/GS/SL event, with super-combined included in the combined scoring
for the overall regional class champion awards. The SG race also counts in the
2012 National Speed Series.
The National Championships will be held Mar 19- 23 at Park City, UT.
The nationals will include 4 events, with a Super-Combined (SC) race along
with the 3-event SG/GS/SL races for the combined age class champions scoring.
The national DH championships will be held at Ski Cooper, CO on the weekend of March 10-11. T
he national championship DH and SG races are the final events in the
2012 National Speed Series.
A special highlight of the 2012 competition will be the FIS Masters World Criterium,
hosted in North America this season 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.
Online registration is now open for all major events.
[22-Dec-2011]
- Warren Hellman
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of
Warren Hellman. When I first started skiing Masters and training a Squaw
Valley, I met Warren and his wife Chris. They both trained and raced with
us. Soon after, I met their Daughter, Tricia Gibbs, who was a former U.S.
Ski Team member and also competed with us.
Warren's passion for life was exhibited in his passion for sport. He played
NCAA water polo while a student at Cal Berkley, he ran ultra marathons, and
of course competed in skiing. Warren's love of sport drove him to co-found
the Stratton Mountain School in 1972, a skiing academy that stressed
academics as much or more than just success on the slopes. One of his
primary reasons for the founding of the highly successful school was to
enable his children to be highly educated while at the same time, become
highly competitive skiers. Not to rest on his laurels, Warren repeated the
process by founding the Sugar Bowl Academy for the benefit of all young
skiers including his grandchildren.
Warren will always be remembered for his philanthropy and for this; a street
in Golden Gate Park was recently re-named in his honor. Warren said, "What
does move me is the philanthropic stuff," he told Forbes magazine in 2006.
"Giving really does move me. Part of it is selfish. It's fun to be
appreciated. But the other part is that good things really are growing."
Warren died last Sunday at the age of 77 from leukemia. The family has asked
that, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the San Francisco Free
Clinic (founded by Warren, and now run by Tricia), the Bay Citizen and the
San Francisco School Alliance. The family also requests a donation of blood
or platelets to a local blood bank.
[Mark Mirviss - Far West Masters president]
Warren's passing was widely noted, reflecting his influence and passion
in business, sports, and culture
[21-Dec-2011]
- Mammoth Race Photos
Expert race photographer Susan Morning was out shooting our opening races at Mammoth on Dec. 3-4.
If you didn't have a chance to stop by Mammoth Photos in the Main Lodge, you can check out
the race photos online at Mammoth Memories photos -
select Race for the Location and the date of Dec. 3 or Dec. 4 to see the race photos.
[20-Dec-2011]
- Mammoth Season Opener
The 2012 Far West Masters season opened this weekend with 3 days of SL racing
at Mammoth Mountain. The original schedule of 2 SL's on Friday and 3 GS's on the
weekend was modified due to limited early season coverage to 3 SL races.
The preceding week featured some excellent SL training for those able to attend
the Mammoth Masters training camp. Sidelined Mammoth Masters head coach
Pierre Jeangirard worked on 1 ski all week due to an early season calf injury,
but even with limited mobility his leadership and coaching tips in video analysis
were an asset. Unfortunately several athletes were lost for the weekend races
due to training injuries - Marcie Pettigrew, Marietta Frinnell, Randall Sussek,
and Bob Davis - best wishes for rapid recovery to all!
After a strong cold front blasted through the West Coast on Thursday,
with 100+ mph winds in the Sierras and Southern California producing widespread
power outages and downed trees, our race season opened on Friday with brisk but
clear weather and excellent firm racing conditions on the Andy's Double Gold (ADG)
race hill. The action continued on Saturday with a brisk NE wind producing single-digit
morning temps that challenged the racers with another day of firm conditions.
The Saturday post-race party at Giovanni's pizza provided us with a warm welcome
and plenty of food to go with the apres-race socializing.
Wrapping up on Sunday, the temperatures moderated to a more typical Sierra range
and we finished the weekend with a spectacular scenic day of clear blue skies
and calm winds.
The weekend standings were topped by #1 bib holders Matt Savage and Deb Lewis,
who backed up their 2011 overall rankings with strong skiing to open the 2012 campaign.
Complete results are posted on the Race Results page
along with the initial Season Standings rankings for 2012.
[04-Dec-2011]
- Revised Mammoth Schedule
First the good news, the snow at Mammoth is good and firm. Now for the bad
news, due to the limited amount of snow, our weekend races will be as
follows:
- Friday - Slalom
- Saturday - Slalom
- Sunday - tbd (decision on Saturday)
Sunday's race (either slalom or GS) will be determined Saturday. We
would like to have a GS, but for that to happen, we will either need for
more snow to be made, or to fall. So once again, we are dependent on the
weather and snow gods.
For those of you that are already training at Mammoth and planning on
participating in Thursday's morning early bird GS training be advised that
if the wind appears to be extremely strong, you can call the Mammoth Race
Department (760) 934-0642 for a status update at 6:30 AM tomorrow morning.
[Mark Mirviss - President, Far West Masters]
[30-Nov-2011]
- Mammoth Schedule Update
Due to limited terrain, our race schedule for the season opening races
this weekend at Mammoth is being revised to one race per day.
We will still be racing the disciplines as scheduled, with one SL race on Friday
and one GS race each day on Saturday and Sunday.
Any entries submitted for the second SL race on Friday and the middle GS race split
across Sat/Sun will be torn up.
[28-Nov-2011]
- Season Kickoff This Weekend
Hopefully everyone had a good Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.
The Far West was gifted with a beautiful weekend, with early-season skiing
available at Mammoth and Tahoe areas.
Mammoth's masters camp training week kicked off on Sunday afternoon,
leading up to our season opening races next weekend on Fri Dec. 2 - Sun Dec. 4.
Saturday's party will be at Giovanni's (see race info flyer for details).
Terrain is somewhat limited but coverage is adequate - we WILL be racing this weekend!!
If you haven't yet done so, please get your race entries in now! Entry deadline is Wednesday Nov. 30.
As a reminder, the first time you log into your SkiRaceReg.com account
this season for submitting online race entries, you'll be asked to (re)activate your account for the current season.
Your login and password are unchanged, the activation procedure is to let you review/update your contact information
at the start of the new season as well as to enter the credit card information that will be used for any entry fees.
Remember, there's no additional charges for using SkiRaceReg.com for submitting race entries and you will only
be charged when a race that you have entered is held.
Far West Masters membership is still done separately by sending your membership application and check to Membership VP
Marcie Pettigrew - see the How to Join page for program details
and the membership application form. USSA masters competition licenses must be obtained through USSA.
[27-Nov-2011]
- Race Registration is Open
Race registration is now open for the 2012 season!
Complete details for each event on our season calendar
is provided on the Season Schedule page.
The popular online entry system on SkiRaceReg.com is back this season,
or you can stay "classic" and print an entry form to mail with checks to the organizer.
Online race entry is encouraged - it's easier for both racers and organizers, so check it
out and give it a try if you aren't already on the system. All racers will need to
activate their SkiRaceReg.com account for the 2012 season to verify contact information
and payment account for this season; you'll be shown the signup pages the first time you log in.
[04-Nov-2011]
- RMS Race Night
It's that time of the year again...
Far West Masters sponsor Reno Mountain Sports
will host its 17th annual race night on
Friday,October 21st from 4-9pm.
All masters racers are invited to join fellow masters racer Dave Garner,
the RMS staff, and ski industry race techs from your favorite brands.
Don't miss the special pricing on all the high performance
equipment and clothing in the store.
So pull up your calendar and book RMS for Friday evening at 155 E. Moana Ln in Reno.
For racers outside the Reno/Tahoe area who may not be able to get to the RMS race night,
check with your local shops for their plans for race-related events.
Command Performance in Mammoth is having their annual race weekend on Oct. 22-23.
Owner Robin Falkingham will be on hand throughout the weekend, along with race reps and gear for the coming season.
[18-Oct-2011]
- Training Camps & Programs
With a surprise winter storm rolling in bringing 1-2 feet of snow in higher elevations of the Sierras
the first week of October, it's definitely time to be planning your on-hill training program for the coming season!
The Training information page has been updated with the information
we currently have available on preseason camps and masters training programs offered in the 2011-2012 season.
Mammoth will once again be offering a 5-day masters training camp the week following Thanksgiving, leading
into the opening race weekend on Dec. 2-4. This will be a 5-day program, kicking off with a Sunday afternoon
session and 4 days Mon-Thu with 4 hours training daily. Sign up for the full week or participate on a daily basis
as your schedule permits; this is a great way to ramp up for the 2012 Far West Masters race season.
Two of our strongest programs, the Mammoth Masters Team and the Squaw Valley Masters program, are back
this season offering full-season training programs. Other long-established and popular masters
training programs are offered at Northstar, Mt. Rose, Alpine Meadows, and Sugar Bowl.
Racers in southern California should check out the Big Bear Masters, who train at Snow Summit.
Many of the season training programs have early signup deadlines approaching soon,
so if you're interested contact the organizers and get your signup in before prices go up!
The Squaw Masters program early-pricing ends this coming weekend Sat. Oct. 15,
while the Mammoth Masters early-registration pricing ends Oct. 31.
Don't hesitate to ask your fellow masters races about any of these training programs - we're all happy to share information
and tips about our home areas and training programs and to help new racers find their way to a program that fits their needs.
Check out our Far West Masters page on Facebook to post questions and share opinions.
[11-Oct-2011]
- Fall Newsletter & Membership Package
The Fall issue of the Forerunner newsletter is in the mail this week.
All members who have joined within the past few seasons will receive a copy.
Click the link below to view online; previous issues of the Forerunner
are available on the Newsletters page.
The fall issue also includes the Far West Masters membership package, with information
on the 2012 program and membership application for new and renewing members.
Please get your Far West Masters membership in to Membership chair Marcie Pettigrew
by Oct. 31 so she has time to process everyone's application
and ensure that our membership records and bib assignments are up-to-date for the
coming season.
Reminder: don't forget your USSA masters competition license! Renewals will be charged a $25 late fee after Oct. 15,
so get your license renewal in to USSA if you haven't already! You can print and mail USSA license form, or
use USSA's online member service to renew online.
[06-Oct-2011]
- Officials Clinic and Fall Board Meeting
We will be holding our annual Far West Masters Officials Clinic and Quarterly Board Meeting October 15th 2011
at the home of Danielle and Maurice Palermo in Verdi, Nevada. Their address is
12105 Silver Fox, Verdi NV - they're located just northwest of Reno, maps and directions available on request.
The official’s clinic will begin at 9:00 AM and continue through 3:00 PM.
The Quarterly Board Meeting will convene immediately following the official’s clinic and will last approximately two hours.
A continental breakfast and a lunch will be provided. If anyone has any topics they would like addressed by the board,
please forward them to president Mark Mirviss via email at mmirviss@farwestmasters.org.
A note from president Mark Mirviss:
For those of you who are concerned about the cost of ski racing, becoming an official provides the opportunity to save on costs.
When you officiate a race, your lift tickets are provided by the hosting ski area. At some venues, this equates to a savings of over $100.
But the most important reason to officiate is that it allows you to give something back to our organization.
As most of you know, we are a volunteer organization that is exclusively dependent on our members to schedule,
provide for registration, set courses, host award parties, and officiate races.
If you are not volunteering to help out, it weakens the strength of our organization.
So please do your part in the upcoming season and become a volunteer.
Mark Mirviss, President, Far West Masters
[29-Sep-2011]
- Fall is Coming
Labor Day has come and gone and our great West Coast late summer weather
is starting to offer hints of fall. It'll be ski season again before too long,
so it's not too soon to start planning for the coming race season!
The Far West masters membership packages and the Fall newsletter will be out this
month - copies will be mailed to all recently active members and posted here
on the web site. The preliminary schedule is posted on the
Season Schedule page (the final schedule
will be posted as soon as we settle a few remaining details, but the basic event
schedule is in place).
Don't forget to head over to ussa.org
to sign up for your master's competition license for the coming season if you haven't already
done so. You can register online or print and mail an application (be sure you sign up
for the Masters's competitor license). More information and links are on
the How to Join page.
Information about preseason training camps will be posted as information
is available. Coming up in just a few weeks is a fall dryland training camp
with Olympic and national team racer Stacey Cook. This is a 3-day camp
in Mammoth where you'll have a chance to learn training techniques and philosophies
direct from one of our most successful American racers.
For a change of scene in your early season, the California Fire/Police Olympics
organizers have put together a camp in Kaprun Austria Oct. 22-Nov. 5.
The package includes transportation, lodging, and up to 12 days of skiing
with coach Thomas Gardtman.
More information on training camps and preseason race events at area shops will be posted
as available, including details on Mammoth's annual Masters Camp week Nov. 28-Dec. 1
before the opening races on Dec. 2-4.
[11-Sep-2011]
- Summer Board Meeting
Minutes from the summer board meeting held July 9 at president Mark Mirviss's home in Squaw Valley are posted on the
Board records page (posted in the FWM Documents section).
Principal topics were to review the draft 2012 race schedule and
planning for the upcoming race season. We will once again be using SkiRaceReg.com
for online race entries; this has been very successful with racer participation, although
there are some "back-end" operations aspects that we will work on improving next season.
We'll also continue the emphasis in recent years on publicizing the Saturday post-race parties
and promoting social gatherings and race sponsorships.
[30-Jul-2011]
- Preliminary 2012 Schedule
The preliminary 2011-2012 race schedule is now available.
Mike Braun has stepped in for his first season as our Far West race scheduler
and has been working hard to put together an attractive schedule since spring.
This season's schedule features over 20 races on our division race series calendar,
along with a very special event at the end of March with Mammoth Mountain
hosting the FIS International Masters world criterium (the season finals).
As always, we've tried to put together a race schedule which provides a variety of
disciplines at the best possible venues. We're continuing to schedule 3-races-in-2-days
events where feasible, to provide maximum racing opportunity for your weekend
investment of time, money, and travelling.
The season will open with our traditional stop at Mammoth in early December, where
early-season snowmaking and great support from the organizing area has always provided us
with a solid opening event. Recognizing the December and the holidays are
a busy period for many with year-end ad family commitments, the schedule resumes
in January with a 3-day weekend on the South Shore of Tahoe, starting with the classic
Viva Italia SL races at Heavenly on Friday and moving over to Sierra at Tahoe
for the weekend. Our next event is a 3-day SG event at Mammoth, which has
become a favorite for many and will be the opening event of the 2012 National
Speed Series.
The Western Region Champships are being hosted this season in Intermountain
Division on Feb. 2-5 at Big Sky, MT, which has fantastic race hills.
February continues with a GS weekend at Northstar and the McKinney Cup
at Mt. Rose. In an action-packed March, Squaw Valley hosts the Bernard Cup and the
USSA Masters National Championships will be at Park City UT on Mar. 19-23,
before finishing with the International Masters Criterium at Mammoth Mountain CA
on Mar. 27-31.
The Far West season wraps up in April with the season finals moving back
to the North Shore of Tahoe. The finals carnival opens with DH/SG races
at Northstar and continues with a return to Sugar Bowl for the final GS/SL
races of the 2012 season and our traditional year-end season banquet.
[29-Jul-2011]
- Jeff Wattenmaker Scholarship
Jeff Wattenmaker Scholarship -
Jeff Wattenmaker was an avid Masters racer who supported the Masters Scholarship Program and its ideals.
Prior to his recent passing, he generously arranged to donate funds to expand the Masters Scholarship Program
and to thereby make available funding for a University education to members of the Program.
The Jeff Wattenmaker Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship to be used towards college expenses.
This scholarship will be given out yearly to a member of the Far West Masters Scholarship Program.
The Far West Masters Scholarship Program is pleased to announce the winners of the Jeff Wattenmaker Scholarship for 2011.
Scholarships are awarded based on a combination of (and in order of importance) citizenship, exemplary work ethic,
academic scholarship, financial need, and alpine ski race results. This year's winners are :
- Sal Monforte (North Tahoe High School)
- Brian Tidd (North Tahoe High School)
- James Clifford (Sugar Bowl Academy/Middlebury College)
- Amie Lonza (Mammoth High School)
You can read their scholarship applications on the
Scholarship Program News page -
it's well worth a few minutes to learn about some great kids who are successfully
combining accomplishments in both ski racing and their education.
The application form for junior athletes who wish to apply for a 2011-2012 season
scholarship is now available. Applications are due September 15, 2011
[09-Jul-2011]
- Summer News
The summer solstice and the 4th of July holiday have been celebrated
and the 2011 ski season is slowly winding down at last,
with Mammoth and Squaw both offering holiday skiing before
closing for the season. There's still a lot of snow
in the high country, but summer activities are on now
in full swing for most.
The major events schedule for the 2012 season is in place,
highlighted by the FIS International Masters World Criterium
at Mammoth Mountain on March 27-31.
This is the FIS masters season finale and a big event for the Europeans,
and we can expect a top-quality racing event from Mammoth.
Western Regionals will be hosted by Big Sky on Feb. 2-5,
with the National Championships at Park City
on Mar. 19-23. Both the regionals and nationals will offer
4-event SC/SG/GS/SL racing. Because Park City is not able
to hold a downhill, the national championship downhill
will be hosted by Rocky Mountain at the Mar. 10-11 Ski Cooper DH.
Mt. Hood camps will be running this summer on a great base
from last winter. The Summer Fun Nationals
will be held Jul. 22-23 - this is a fun race weekend
with a GS and SL, see link below for info and online registration.
For something a bit more exotic, consider a South American
race camp in September including an International Masters race
to establish your seed points for the Criterium.
Olympic and national team downhiller Stacey Cook is organizing
a fall dryland training camp weekend for masters in Mammoth at the end
of September. The camp will include strength and fitness training
sessions, along with the priceless opportunity to learn
from someone who's at the top of her sport.
[08-Jul-2011]
- Teddy Cantanho Memorial
A note from Teddy's family:
Our mother, Teddy Cantanho, passed away last Friday, June 24.
It was very unexpected, as she was feeling up and on top of her game.
This happened during a heart procedure at Renown Hospital in Reno,
as she was having some symptoms the cardiologist wanted to address through an angiogram.
Family and friends are very much in shock, but we would like to honor her life with an
Open House at her home (425 Claire Ct., Gardnerville, NV 89460) on Friday, July 15, from 2-5pm.
Thea Norum and David Cantanho
If you would like to make a memorial contribution in Teddy's honor,
the family has asked that gifts be made to the Scholarship Program
in honor of Teddy's love of ski racing.
Donations are tax-deductible; checks should be made out to
Far West Masters Scholarship Program with a note indicating
In Memory of Teddy Cantanho.
Mail to scholarship chairman Eddie Mozen at:
In Memory of Teddy Cantanho
C/O Far West Masters Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 3718
Olympic Valley, Ca 96146
Memories of Teddy... Be sure to check out George Crezee's Jan. 2010 video interviews
with Far West masters racers Kurt Beldon, Gate de Mattei, and Teddy Cantanho, you'll get a smile listening to her!
Teddy's family shared a photo of Teddy on the podium at the 1995 national championships
in Alyeska AL - a big smile from the national SL champion that day!
We've posted it on the Photos page.
[05-Jul-2011]
- Teddy Cantanho
It is with great sadness that we share the news that Teddy Cantanho
passed away last weekend.
Born in 1922, Teddy turned 89 this year and was active, alert, and
still skiing to the end. It was sudden and unexpected when her heart
gave out, only a month after the passing of longtime partner Max.
Teddy was a passionate skier and traveler with many interests and
friends. She had no pretentions about being the fastest ski racer, but
she loved the sport and surely was the happiest racer on the hill.
Teddy had incredible grit as well, coming back more than once from
serious injuries that would have ended the skiing career of someone
less determined.
It was truly a privilege and a pleasure to have known Teddy and shared
skiing experiences with her. We will miss her very much.
[30-Jun-2011]
- Summer Meeting
The summer board meeting of the Far West Masters will be held
Saturday July 9th at 2:00 PM
at the Mirviss residence in Squaw Valley (450 Forest Glen Road, Olympic
Valley, CA).
Food and beverages will be served immediately following the meeting.
All members are welcome to attend the meeting or just come for the party
and socializing.
Please RSVP by July 4th if you are planning on attending the meeting.
Agenda items can be emailed to chairman Mark Mirviss at president@farwestmasters.org.
[23-Jun-2011]
- FWM Suggestion Box
If you have an idea for improving Far West Masters or suggestions about how we could do things differently
to make our racing better and more appealing,
take advantage of our new Suggestion Box and
send an email message to suggestionbox@farwestmasters.org to share your ideas.
Please sign your message with your (real) name so ideas can be properly credited and we can follow up on your input.
You'll receive an acknowledgement message when your suggestion has been recorded by the system.
All suggestions are reviewed by Far West officers and we will do our best to respond and incorporate
good ideas into our program.
[26-Apr-2010]
- Spring Training
The 2011 race season may be over, but there's still plenty of racing experiences
available this spring. With many Sierra ski areas reaching record season snowfalls,
it'll be a long ski season with a number of spring race camps offered at Mammoth and Tahoe areas.
The Squaw Valley Masters program is offering extra weekends of training on April 22-24 and April 29-May 1.
The Program will operate the same hours with gate training and free skiing
from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and free skiing from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost
is $70 per day or $210 for each three-day weekend session. A minimum of ten
skiers people a day are required to cover the costs of training.
Please e-mail Sid in race services at raceservices@squaw.com to sign up.
PointZero1, founded by US Ski Team alums Phil McNichol, Erik Schlopy and Bryon Friedman, is
running two sessions of their Mammoth Camp in May. This is an an adult ski racing camp focused
on GS/Super-G, Slalom and Big Mountain skiing progression. Along with morning gate training,
there will be optional afternoon big mountain skiing with coaching.
The camp provides the opportunity for skiers of all abilities to improve their skiing while
experiencing what it's like to train on a World Cup Team.
The 4-day sessions will be on May 7-10 and May 12-15.
Visit the pointzero1.com web site or contact Mike Cremeno by email mike@pointzero1.com
or phone 603-340-3915 for details and to register.
[19-Apr-2011]
- Mammoth Spring Finale
The season finals event for 2011 was held at Mammoth Mountain
on Apr. 13-17. The spring party was briefly interrupted by a short dose
of lingering winter weather on Wednesday, with high winds and snowfall
forcing cancellation of the day's scheduled DH races. But sunny
spring conditions returned for Thursday's SG races and held through
the following days as we competed in a GS on Friday and the final scoring race
of the season with Saturday's SL.
Saturday evening's season banquet brought everyone together for a final
gathering to celebrate the completed season and share plans for summer activities
and next season's skiing. After a pleasant buffet dinner catered by the Mammoth
Mountain staff, race awards and the overall season awards were presented.
Special recognition was given to several first-time racers, along with the
season rookie awards to Leslie Marcacci and Adam Gooch and most-improved
awards to Mary Feddis and Mark Eisen.
Scholarship program activities included introducing the attending athletes,
raffle prize drawings, and a silent auction which provided attendees with
some enticing items to bid on, resulting in some great deals for buyers
and funds to support junior athletes. Thanks to all the sponsors and donors
who supported the scholarship program this season and to all who donated or
participated - our junior athletes in the Far West appreciate the assistance
and the role that we masters play in supporting the sport of ski racing.
Complete results
are posted on the Race Results page
along with the final Season Standings rankings for 2011.
-
Season awards (age class awards, 2012 leader bibs, and special awards)
[18-Apr-2011]
- General Membership Meeting
The Far West Masters will have a General Membership Meeting
at approximately 2:00 PM Friday April 15th following the GS race
(exact time subject to completion of the day's racing).
The meeting will be held in the "Slopeside" building where the Mammoth Race
Department is located (the small building located on the west side of the Main Lodge,
just past the base of Ch. 1 Broadway Express lift).
[09-Apr-2011]
- February Forerunner newsletter
The February Forerunner newsletter is out! Editor Ingrid Braun got a bit behind
schedule, but she's catching up and the new issue is worth the wait!
The February issue has news, results, and pictures from the first half of our 2011 season,
up through the Western Regionals at Mammoth; the upcoming spring issue
will cover the second half of the season, including Nationals and the April
season finals at Mammoth.
[08-Apr-2011]
- Season Finals & Banquet
Our Far West Masters Season Finale will be held April 13th through 17th at
Mammoth. The Finales will include two Downhill Races (plus a training run)
two Super G Races, a Giant Slalom Race, a Slalom Race, and will conclude
with a Dual Slalom Race.
Saturday night (April 16th) will be our end of the year banquet. This
banquet will be held at the Mountainside Conference Center in
the Mammoth Main Lodge, catered by Mammoth Mountain.
Registration for all of the events is currently available on line at
skiracereg.com. The price for the banquet is $35.00 if you sign up by April
14th. After the 14th, the price will go up to $40.00.
(The reason the price
goes up is due to Mammoth not having the ability to purchase the food in
bulk for folks that do not sign up in a timely fashion.)
Banquet and race info, along with details on the scholarship fundraiser silent auction and dual race:
- Mt. Rose McKinney Cup
After 100+ mph winds forced Mt. Rose to close on Saturday,
the 2011 McKinney Cup came down to a spring GS battle on Silver Dollar.
In a strong comeback from a January injury that kept her off the hill through
the heart of the season, Linda Crowell (W07) took the women's title,
while first-year FW masters racer Seth Cronin-Wilton (M02)
showed he knows how to tackle a challenging race hill as he edged out
newly-crowned M07 national champ Pierre Jeangirard for the men's title.
Complete results
are posted on the Race Results page
along with the updated Season Standings rankings for 2011
going into the season finals at Mammoth on Apr. 13-17.
Race photos by Flowski Pix
are available online at Mt. Rose McKinney Cup GS (Sun Apr. 3).
[04-Apr-2011; updated 4/9]
- Spring Races
Don't forget to get your entries in for our final two race weekends
of the 2011 season.
This coming weekend is the annual McKinney Cup at Mt. Rose on Apr. 2-3,
with SL on Saturday and GS on Sunday on the "Slide side",
as well as a special Friday SL training w/lift package.
The season finals race event will be held at Mammoth on Apr. 13-17, along
with the season banquet on Saturday evening.
See the April Races news post for details.
[30-Mar-2011]
- National Championship Results
The Far West division team competing at the Copper Mountain national championships
posted some outstanding results during a week of challenging racing.
Matt Savage celebrated his birthday week with a dominating sweep of M01
as the fastest man on the hill in every event. Pierre Jeangirard
torched the final day's GS to claim a come-from-hehind victory in the
always-strong M07. Ara Papazian took the overall title in M04 for his
first-ever national championship in a gratifying "recovery year" return
from last year's blown knee. Mike Braun posted two silver medal podium
finishes in M04, Jim Dugan had two bronze medals in M10, and
Buck Thys was back on the race course after a year lost to injury
with two silver medals in M12.
The traditionally strong Far West women also posted their share of podium results,
led by Sandy Hogan's outstanding SG silver medal and gold in SL in W09
and podium finishes by Marietta Frinell (W10)and Marcie Pettigrew (W09).
In a tight race that went down to the final day, Eastern division edged out
Far West to take the Division's Cup trophy.
Our team made a good run at the cup, despite the loss to injury of usually-reliable
point contributors Deb Lewis and Don Smith.
Complete results for the Copper Mountain national championships
as well as the Ski Cooper national DH championship are posted on
ussamasters.org:
[29-Mar-2011]
- April Races
Following the March national championships at Copper Mountain CO next week,
Far West Masters have two final race weekends on our 2011 season schedule
in April. Opening the spring leg at Mt. Rose on Apr. 2-3 is the annual
McKinney Cup trophy races. This year we will be racing on the "Slide side"
of Mt. Rose, with Saturday's SL on Sunrise Bowl and a full-length GS on Sunday
on the Silver Dollar trail. Mt. Rose is always a welcoming venue, treating
us to a continental breakfast at registration, good racing, and reasonably
priced lift tickets. A special SL training session is offered on Friday - for
only $40 you get your lift ticket and 9:15-11:30 SL training.
Our season finals will be a full program of racing at Mammoth
on Apr. 13-17. Wednesday opens with DH racing - a training run followed
by two DH races and we continue on Thursday with two SG races.
Friday and Saturday will be GS and SL, the final scoring races of the
2011 season, with the season banquet held Saturday evening.
Sunday we wind up with a dual "fun race", with family and friends welcome
as we form teams that mix masters and junior athletes for a day
of head-to-head racing that's always a fun time for all.
[15-Mar-2011]
- Bernard Cup results
The 2011 Bernard Cup races at Squaw Valley offered a busy schedule of
racing on the always-challenging Exhibition race hill. With 2 SL races
on Saturday, the Squaw race crew worked hard all day on course setting
and maintenance and provided us with 4 excellent courses and all runs
going off as scheduled. Sunday's GS had everyone watching the skies
as an approaching storm system loomed, but the race came off well with
only light snowfall on the second run.
Saturday's post-race party was a fine addition to the Squaw tradition
of good parties with plenty of raffle prizes and food for all.
Special thanks to Brian Smith for providing us with some excellent BBQ
from his Kinder's Barbeque in Reno.
The Bernard Cup trophy for the overall weekend champion,
founded by Bob Bernard and using an age-handicapping scoring he invented
to "level" out racers across the wide range of age classes,
was won by Deb Lewis (W07) and Kurt Beldon (M06). We all owe a great
deal to the inspiration and contributions of Bob to make masters racing
a challenging sport for competitors of many ages.
Complete weekend results
are posted on the Race Results page
along with the updated Season Standings rankings for 2011.
[14-Mar-2011]
- Squaw Bernard Cup
The annual Bernard Cup races will be held this coming weekend Mar. 12-13
at Squaw Valley. This year we'll have 2 SL races on Saturday, with a GS race
on Sunday. The overall Bernard Cup will be award to the fastest man and women
based on age-handicapped total time for the weekend.
Entries are due by Thursday Mar. 10 - no late entries will be accepted
after Thursday!
[07-Mar-2011]
- Nationals Entries Still Open
Late entries are still being accepted for the Copper Mountain Masters National Championships.
Entry information and the preliminary competitor list is posted on the Nationals page
of ussamasters.org.
Entry form and instructions for submitting to the race secretary are provided.
The national championship DH will be held the weekend prior to the nationals on Mar. 19-20
at nearby Ski Cooper. A speed training camp is being offered on Thursday and Friday.
Details and links for submitting entries through the Rocky Masters section of SkiRaceReg.com
are also on the ussamasters.org Nationals page.
[06-Mar-2011]
- Northstar GS's CANCELLED, Squaw SG(t) ADDED
The Northstar GS races scheduled for this weekend on Sat/Sun Feb. 26-27
are ***CANCELLED***
As anyone who's been watching the weather forecasts this week is aware,
a very strong storm system is moving into the Sierras today, with up to
3-4 ft of snow predicted before the system moves through on Saturday,
along with high winds and hazardous travel conditions on Friday.
Reluctantly, the organizers have concluded that the conditions will not
allow for putting on a safe racing event this weekend and are making
the cancellation decision early in the best interests of traveling
competitors.
The Squaw SG's scheduled for Monday Feb. 28 at STILL ON!!
The Squaw race department believes that they will have sufficient opportunity
with the weather clearing on Saturday to prepare properly for Monday's
races.
Squaw has also decided that they can step up and
run a third SG race
provide a SG training run
on Monday for us, so if you're entered and looking forward to a
challenging day of speed competition you now sign up for an additional SG run!
NOTE CHANGE TO REVISED PLAN!
On Thursday afternoon when replanning occurred in response to
the cancelled Northstar races,
Squaw offered to add an additional SG race. However, we were unable
to obtain the required USSA sanctioning agreement on Friday due to the
short turnaround, so instead the third run on Monday will be a SG
training run for $20. All signups for the SG #3 on SkiRaceReg.com
will be converted to training run signups and the competitors notified.
[Sat 8m]
[24-Feb-2011 [Thu 4pm; updated Sat 8am]]
- Northstar, Squaw races next weekend
The President's Day holiday weekend brought a nice storm cycle into the
Sierras to "freshen up" the snowpack everywhere and bring some fluffy powder
following weeks of clear, sunny weather.
Racing resumes next weekend with a 3-races-in-2-days GS weekend
at Northstar on Feb. 26-27,
followed by a Monday SG double-header at Squaw Valley.
Please get your race entries in to assist the organizers in preparing to host
these races. Both of these areas put on good races for us, so this should be
a great weekend to get out and have some fun on challenging race courses.
If you haven't cracked open your latest issue of Ski Racing, take a few
minutes to check it out! The Masters column features a great story on the
Western Regionals at Mammoth (p. 59 of the Feb. 17 issue).
[20-Feb-2011]
- Mammoth DH week cancelled
Due to the lack of sign ups and interest the Far West Open Series
Downhills scheduled for February 21 - 24, 2011 have been cancelled.
Consequently, our masters downhill races that "piggybacked" on the Far West
USSA race schedule are also cancelled. All entries received to date will be torn.
Speed racing alternatives include the SG doubleheader at Squaw on Mon Feb. 28
following the Northstar GS weekend.
In the National Speed Series, the Soldier Mountain DH's are back this year Feb. 28-Mar. 2,
along with PNSA's Schweitzer SG's on Feb. 24
- see the 2011 Speed Series page on ussamasters.org
for event announcements and details.
[14-Feb-2011]
- Midseason Break
Racing news is quiet this week in the Far West, following a truly fantastic
4-day event at Mammoth for the Western Regionals featuring great weather,
outstanding racing conditions, and challenging competition.
The high-pressure ridge that's been sitting over the West Coast since
the big holiday storm cycle looks to be finally breaking down,
so fresh snow for the Sierras is in the outlook for the coming week.
Racing resumes next week following the upcoming President's Day holiday weekend.
The Photos page has been updated with links to 2011 race photos
from the western regionals races by Sasha Glushenko. He also shot photos at the opening
Mammoth GS races in December and the Sierra at Tahoe SL races in early January,
so take a few minutes to check out his photo albums!
[13-Feb-2011]
- Western Regionals
The 2011 Western Regional Championships were hosted by Far West division
at Mammoth Mountain on Feb. 3-6. Competitors were treated to 4 days of spectacular
racing conditions - clear, sunny, good course conditions. The Mammoth Race Department
did a first-class job, with excellent course preparation and execution.
Complete event results and regional champions team are posted on
the Western Regionals page of ussamasters.org.
The 4 races of the Western Regionals are also scored in the Far West Masters season standings,
as are all races held in our division.
See the Race Results page for complete results
and the updated Season Standings rankings for 2011.
Also, be sure to check out the race photos
from the weekend races by Sasha Glushenko. He also shot photos at the opening
Mammoth GS races in December and the Sierra at Tahoe SL races in early January,
so take a few minutes to check out his photo albums!
[06-Feb-2011; updated Sat 2/12]
- Regionals Schedule
The Western Regionals start on Thursday at Mammoth - the weather forecasts
for the weekend predict clear weather, so we're expecting great racing conditions.
Open GS and SL training is available for all competitors on Wednesday.
Early registration for bib pickup will be available at the Mammoth Race Department
on Wednesday afternoon, located in the "Slopeside" building just west of the
Main Lodge and the base of Chair 1/Broadway Express, at the foot of the race hills.
Race day registration will be 7:30-9 each morning in the Mountainside Conference Center (MCC)
in the Main Lodge - this is at the east end of the lodge on the 3rd floor (cafeteria level).
The race schedule for groups A/B (men's classes 1-7, ages 21-59) and C/D (all women and men's
classes 8 and up, ages 60+):
- Thu: C/D Super Combi (SC), A/B SG (SG on Hair Jump/Terrie's; SL on Fascination)
- Fri: A/B Super Combi (SC), C/D SG (SG on Hair Jump/Terrie's; SL on Fascination)
- Sat: A/B GS, C/D SL (GS on Hair Jump/Terrie's; SL on Fascination)
- Sun: C/D GS, A/B SL (GS on World Cup/Terrie's; SL on Fascination)
Results will be posted daily on farwestmasters.org and on ussamasters.org.
All regionals events will be scored for Far West season points; the SG is
scored as part of the National Speed Series.
Daily Event Schedule:
[01-Feb-2011; updated 2/2]
- Mammoth SG's - "Spring Fling" racing!
It was springtime in January as 3 days of SG racing at Mammoth Mountain featured
fantastic weather and racing conditions. The weather provided comfortable temps in
the 40's (perfect for stripping to speed suits), light winds, and sun or light overcast
all weekend, yet the north-facing track from Hair Jump at the base of Cornice Bowl
down onto Terrie's run held up well and provided excellent racing through 2 runs
each day. Each day's course featured a different course setter to provide an interesting
and challenge range of courses.
Open training on the race venue was available to all competitors on Thursday,
with a timed training run on Friday morning providing all an opportunity to
experience the race venue at speed. The opening race on Friday afternoon
and the morning race on Saturday were the opening events of the 2011 National
Speed Series and we welcomed several travelling racers from PNSA and Rocky.
Following the second race on Saturday, competitors split up to enjoy the
free-skiing or relax at the end of the day before gathering for a post-race
party at Giovanni's pizza, where raffle prizes and race video and plenty of pizza
gave everyone a chance to unwind. Sunday's wrapup day offered two more races
on the fastest course of the weekend, leaving everyone with a final shot of
adrenaline to close out an outstanding weekend.
See the Race Results page for complete weekend results
and the updated Season Standings rankings for 2011.
Speed series standings are on the NSS results page at ussamasters.org./2011/nss.
[24-Jan-2011]
- FW Skiing Fiesta Fundraiser
The Far West division is holding the Fiesta Fundraiser next Saturday Jan. 29
at the Olympic Village Lodge at Squaw Valley, with all proceeds going towards
athlete development. The event features food, music, raffles, and some great auction items.
There are also prizes for an online trivia question contest - this week's questions
are about our own Far West Masters scholarship program, so we masters should have an advantage!
Details are available on the http://www.fwskiing.us web site.
[23-Jan-2011]
- Mammoth SG weekend
The MLK holiday weekend has offered great weather and skiing in the Sierras,
with the big December snowpack combined with warm sunny days.
Coming up with weekend on our race schedule is a 3-day SG event at Mammoth Mountain.
We'll be doing "double days" with two runs per day to get the most value (and fun!)
out of the preparations required to host a speed event.
The weather forecasts call for more of the same - warm and sunny - and we'll be racing
on the "frontside course" from Hair Jump onto Terries, the same venue where the
Western Regionals will be contested the first week of February. This is a fun, safe SG
course, so if you're new to the discipline this is a good opportunity to try out
your first speed event. For the experienced "speed nuts", this course offers a mix
to test both your gliding skills on the top section and high-speed turns on the final
section of Terries.
Mammoth will be offering open SG training to all competitors on Thursday afternoon
from 12-2:30 (in addition to the timed training run on Friday morning before the first
race), so if you can arrive early you'll have plenty of opportunity to get get up to
speed on the course.
All 5 SG races will be scored for FW Masters season standings. The first two races
(Friday afternoon and the morning Saturday race) are also the first two events in
the 2011 National Speed Series.
Reminder to Open class competitors: if you wish to compete in open class, you must
elect to be moved into the OP class on the start list no later than the day before the
event, when entries are due. We will *not* have open class in the two
NSS races - those will be run with (only) standard national age classes for NSS scoring.
[17-Jan-2011]
- Nationals Entries
Entries for the Copper Mountain national championships Mar. 22nd through March 26th
should be submitted to Far West president Mark Mirviss by Feb. 1 - send by mail
(address on Contacts page)
or deliver at the next race.
For entry form and instructions visit the
nationals page on ussamasters.org
or use the Nationals Entry button on our own
Race Entries page.
Please write one check to Copper Mountain for all events, as described on the entry form.
To be eligible, you must have a USSA Masters competition license and be a current member of Far West Masters.
Because each division has a quota based on their USSA memberships, our Far West team selection criteria is that
you should have raced in four FW Masters races in the current 2010-2011 season or six in the prior season.
We do expect additional entry slots to be available after the initial submission from all divisions
under their quota limits on Feb. 15, so by all means send an entry if you'd like to compete.
If you don't make the initial Far West team selection you'll be placed on a waiting list that
we will draw from after the first round of division entries are completed on Feb. 15.
Entries for the national championship Downhill, which is being held at Ski Cooper CO on March 19th and 20th
(the weekend prior to the Copper nationals), should be made through
SkiRaceReg.com - select the Rocky Mountain Masters
race series to enter.
[14-Jan-2011]
- Western Regionals Entries
The 2011 Skier's Edge Western Regional Championships will be held on
Feb. 3-6 at Mammoth Mountain, CA. This is a 4-day, 4-event championship
event, opening with super-combi and SG racing on Thursday and Friday
and the GS/SL technical events on the weekend. Mammoth's experienced
race crews know how to put on a great event and as the host division
this season this is will be a highlight of our racing season.
Entries are due by Wed. Jan 26; late entries in the final
week prior to the event are subject to $15/race late fee, so get your entries in now!!
Entry forms can be printed and mailed to Mammoth with a check,
or register online
at SkiRaceReg.com.
Discounted lodging packages are available at the Mammoth Mountain Inn. Daily air service
to Mammoth is now available as an option for traveling competitors, with connections
from Reno, San Francisco, San Jose, and LA.
The Mammoth Race Department will be offering open training on Wed. Feb. 2
to all regionals competitors. The plan is to have GS in the morning from 9-11:30,
followed by SL from 12-2:30.
[11-Jan-2011; updated 1/17]
- Heavenly Viva Italia, Sierra Tahoe SL Results
After a relentless series of storms rolled through the Far West in late December and through
the holiday period, the new year brought a respite and a return to the sunny skies
we're more accustomed to enjoying. Welcoming the abundant snow and the fair weather,
the January race calendar opened with a Friday SL double-header at Heavenly for the
classic Viva Italia race, followed by two great days of SL racing at Sierra at Tahoe
for a full and enjoyable three day weekend of racing on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.
The weekend started out with the Viva
Italia Cup held at Heavenly Valley's World Cup event hill. Four race runs
(two races) were completed with excellent weather and course conditions.
Many thanks to the hard-working Heavenly race crew, who once again put
on an outstanding event for us,
and to Viva Italia sponsor/party host extraordinaire John Gianotti.
The 2011 Vivia Italia winners are Julie Rolfe (W07) and Kurt Belden (M06).
On Saturday, we moved our version of the white circus to Sierra at Tahoe.
After some initial delays to resolve timing setup problems, accommodated
in good spirits by the competitors on a lovely day, our Slalom race on
the challenging "Lower Main" run was again held on near perfect snow with slightly hazy skies.
With the race hill right above the base lodge, it was a great venue
for family and spectators to view the racing action.
While the snow held up perfectly for the competitors, race workers were
constantly challenged to replace gates being knocked out by our fierce
competitors.
Sundays race went very smoothly, with another day of good weather
(and continued challenges to the course crew to keep gates planted!).
See the Race Results page for complete weekend results
and the updated Season Standings rankings for 2011.
[story contributions by Mark Mirviss, Marietta Frinnell, and Marcie Pettigrew]
[09-Jan-2011]
- Conrado Services
Listed below is the tentative schedule of services for Rick Conrado.
If you plan to attend, please email Mike Braun at lapdski@verizon.net.
We will provide an update of any changes to the schedule.
Viewing and Rosary: (note changed time/location)
Tuesday, January 4, between 6:30 to 9:00pm
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 344 W. Workman Ave, West Covina, CA 91724
Funeral Mass Service:
Wednesday, January 5, 1100 hours
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 344 W. Workman Ave, West Covina, CA 91724
Burial Service (immediately following mass)
Queen of the Heaven Cemetary,
2161 S. Fullerton Rd, Rowland Heights, CA 91748
[31-Dec-2010]
- Wild West December Wrapup
It's been the Wild Far West Masters this December as we wrap up the
end of the first month of our 2010-2011 season. The season started
with excellent early season conditions throughout the Sierras at Thanksgiving,
giving everyone opportunity to get on snow before our successful 3-race
opening weekend at Mammoth Mountain.
The "storm door" opened big-time in mid-December, with the scheduled
Squaw SL weekend sacrificed to a week-long onslaught of "copious precipitation"
as a relentless series of storms pushed through the west coast.
Many Tahoe areas received 6-8 feet of snow or more, while Mammoth
accumulated a 10-15 ft total before the sunshine finally returned.
The storm track has continued to pump through
the Sierra ski resorts over the holidays, with many areas reporting record
December snowfalls.
We've also had some sad moments this month, with the loss of our two good friends
Dave Smith and Rick Conrado. They will both be missed.
[31-Dec-2010]
- Nicole Brill named to US DeafOlympics Team
We recently received a note from Nicole Brill, who's raced with Far West Masters in recent years
and trains with the masters at Mt. Rose, with the news that she's been named to the US team
for the 2011 Winter Deaflympics. Here's a bit more from Nicole about the Deaflympics:
For those who don't know me, I'm a 35 year old deaf mother with two boys who's married to a flight instructor
operating a small business out of Stead Airport. I also have a full time job as a hydrologist.
The U.S. Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) has selected me for the second time to represent the U.S.
for the 2011 Winter Deaflympics in Slovakia. This elite international athletic event will be held on
February 18-27, 2011. The U.S. is sending 45 athletes to Slovakia to compete in
Alpine and Nordic Skiing, Curling, and Ice Hockey. I am only deaf female alpine skier who will be competing in the
Alpine event at Vysoke Tatry.
Being selected on the US Winter Deaflympics Team is an honor and a major achievement.
The biggest challenge that I face after being selected to the team is to not only prepare for the competition
but also secure funding to represent the USA at the Deaflympics.
Unlike hearing Olympians or Paralympians, elite deaf and hard of hearing athletes
do not receive financial support from the United States Olympic Committee
and must raise their own funds for international competition.
Each of us must raise $3,500 to cover all costs, including international airfare,
room and board, training expenses, fees and apparel. So far, I've raised over $1400 from local businesses in Reno.
If anyone wants to help support Nicole's fundraising, contact her at deafskibum@yahoo.com or make a donation
in her name through the USA Deaf Sports Federation, PO Box 910338, Lexington, KY 40591-0338. (USADFS is registered 501(c)(3) non-profit,
so contributions are tax-deductible). To learn more about the Deaflympics,
visit http://www.2011deaflympics.org.
[30-Dec-2010]
- Rick Conrado
It is with great sadness that I inform our racers of the passing of Enrique "Rick" Conrado.
As some already knew, Rick fell ill with flu like symptoms days before our first race of the year at Mammoth.
He felt too ill to race that weekend, but tried to train the following week.
After skiing one run, he was convinced by his friends to seek immediate medical attention.
The doctors (in Mammoth) discovered eight emboli in one of his lungs, and began immediate treatment.
He was eventually hospitalized and diagnosed with pneumonia in one lung and an abscess in the other lung.
After undergoing two surgical procedures, he passed away yesterday on Dec. 28, 2010
at the age of 46.
Rick had dedicated his professional and personal life to helping and protecting others.
He was a member of the Los Angeles Police Department, and was in an elite assignment with the Major Crimes Task Force.
Rick loved skiing, his friends and family. Rick is survived by his parents, his wife Veronica,
and his step children Lizzie and Christopher.
[Mark Mirviss, President, Far West Masters]
[29-Dec-2010; updated 04-Jan-2010]
- Squaw races CANCELLED
Squaw Valley has decided to cancel this weekend's races. The weather
service is predicting a strong storm series throughout the weekend with
high confidence of "copious precipitation", heavy snow, and difficult
travel conditions.
A number of competitors have already withdrawn their entries and the
prospects for being able to hold the races and for competitors to be
able to travel safely make canceling the event a regrettable but
appropriate decision.
[16-Dec-2010 11am]
- Race Entry Reminders
A few reminders about submitting race entries, deadlines, cancellation etc.
This note summarizes information that is already provided in several places on the web site
(season Schedule page, Race Entries page for printing event entries, the Race Rules summary
of our division rules and operating procedures) and has been standard policy for many years,
but here's a refresher for both new and renewing members.
(Note that we have not made any changes to our entry procedure this season.
The same policies apply both for the new online registration system as
well as for hardcopy entries with checks sent directly to the race organizer
the "old-fashioned" way)
From our Race Rules page:
- Entries should be sent so that they are received at least 5 days prior to the event (allows organizers to properly plan and staff the event). Entries received
less than 5 days prior to the event and day-of-race signups are considered late entries. Late entries may or may not be accepted, according to the policy determined by each race organizer, and in some cases may be subject to a late fee.
- (torn check policy) Your entry check will be destroyed if you cancel by the day before the event is held or if the competition is cancelled (e.g., due to adverse weather conditions)
Late fees have always been a contentious topic - we want to get racers on the hill and we try to remove barriers to accepting entries.
Most of our organizers have been accommodating in recent years about not charging late fees for entries received less than one week
prior to the event. But they can't provide a quality event if competitors don't get entries in so they can plan for the field size.
So please - help our organizers by getting your entries in at least a week before the race.
Our torn check policy is designed to allow you to submit your entries even if you're not sure ahead of time whether
you'll be able to make it to an event. There's no penalty for canceling an entry up until the day before the event, so
there's no downside to submitting your entries when you're considering but not certain that you can compete.
These policies have been in place for a number of years and one of our considerations with adding the online registration
service this season was to ensure that we could implement our existing entry procedure policies.
If you enter online through SkiRaceReg.com
(and we hope you do!!), the service is configured to support the same procedure as we have for the
traditional "mail an entry card and check(s)" technique.
Your Rights and Responsibilities:
You can enter and cancel without penalty at any time up
until the entry deadline, which closes the day before the start of each event. For the typical Saturday/Sunday
race weekend, this means that registration closes on Thursday night so that the organizer has Friday to prepare
the weekend start lists.
You are responsible for canceling your race entries under the torn check policy.
It's easy using the online system: just log in and uncheck the races. Otherwise, you must contact the race
organizer directly.
To withdraw from a race after the entry deadline (i.e., on the day before the event starts or while the event is underway),
you are responsible for contacting the race organizer directly and notifying them that you will not compete.
Refund of your race entry fee after the entry deadline is at the discretion of the organizer; typically they will consider
extenuating circumstances such as an injury that occurs on race day.
[15-Dec-2010]
- Dave Smith
With sadness, we pass on the news from Dave Smith's wife that Dave passed away
last week on December 7. "It was a very tough battle the last few months, but he fought hard,
with much determination, courage and strength. We miss him tremendously already."
Fellow racer Tim Stewart shared some of his memories of Dave:
The Far West Masters lost a valued member and I lost a friend this last week.
After a two year battle with brain cancer, Dave Smith died in Sacramento last week.
I first met Dave in New Zealand as our skiing trajectories briefly crossed.
I was leaving ski racing and becoming one of the freestyle yahoos while Dave was
starting to seriously polish his ski racing skills. Twenty years and an ocean later
our paths crossed again - we both had sons doing Tahoe League races.
A few years later I tried my hand at Masters racing and Dave's times would
routinely remind me who was the better ex-New Zealand ski racer.
Dave was a gifted and dedicated pediatrician. He is survived by his wife Cookie,
son Tim and daughters Rebecca and Stephanie.
We share the loss felt by his family.
[11-Dec-2010; updated 04-Jan-2010]
- Squaw Valley SL weekend
This coming weekend Squaw Valley will host a pair of SL races on the
Exhibition race run. This should be a good event and a chance to get your
feet moving before the upcoming holiday break in the race schedule.
Please note that Squaw will not accept late entries
after Dec. 16, so be sure to get your entries in ASAP!
Take advantage of our new online race registration at
SkiRaceReg.com
to take the pain out of mailing entries - once you've opened an account,
your race entries are merely a click away, no worrying whether mountain postal
delivery got through. If you have questions or need assistance setting up
your account, send a note to raceadmin@farwestmasters.org and we'll
help you through the setup process.
[12-Dec-2010]
- Race Day Checkin Reminder
Just a reminder: yes, you DO need to check in
at registration on race day!!!
Even if you are at your home area and don't need to purchase a racer lift ticket,
you need to check in to verify that you are correctly entered on the start list
and to find out about any adjustments in the planned race day schedule.
It's your responsibility as a competitor to check the schedule and announcements,
as the race organizer and jury may need to adjust the day's plans for
weather or other unexpected conditions.
With everyone getting new bibs this season, it's important to verify that
the your bib number on the start list corresponds with the bib you have.
(If you still haven't renewed your membership, do it BEFORE race day,
otherwise we can't have your new bib available for you and you will need to
race wearing the temporary bib number that is assigned when the entry list
is prepared the day before the race.)
When a racer arrives at the starting gate with the wrong bib, it makes it more
difficult for the race crew to run the race and ensure accurate times for all
competitors. Help them do their job by doing your part - be on time for your
start and ensure you are wearing the correct bib.
[10-Dec-2010]
- Membership Packages & New Bibs
REMINDER: WE HAVE NEW BIBS THIS YEAR!
We have new sponsors this year and our bib colors and design have changed.
Some of you will retain your old number, while others will be getting new numbers.
Just a reminder, the old bibs will no longer be accepted for races.
(You do not have to return your old bib, but it can no longer be used.)
If you have not renewed your membership, you will be assigned a temporary bib
for the next race you enter.
To all who have sent in their membership renewals and did not pick up their bib last weekend
at the Mammmoth opening weekend races, membership VP Marcie Pettigrew mailed
your membership package this week to your address on record per your membership application.
Please be on the look out for your packet, if you have any questions contact Marcie
at membership@farwestmasters.org.
[09-Dec-2010]
- Mammoth GS Races
The 2011 Far West Masters race season kicked off with a 3-GS race weekend at
Mammoth Mountain. With Mammoth reporting their best November snowfall in over 20 years,
the mountain was in full operation and an excellent week was enjoyed by participants
in the Masters training camp week prior to the race weekend. Every day new faces
showed up and by the weekend a field of 80+ racers were prepped and ready to go.
The weekend weather forecast of showers turned into moderate snowfall and
somewhat reduced visibility on Saturday, but the hard-working Mammoth race crew
worked constantly to maintain the track despite the accumulating inches
and we successfully pulled off 3 race runs to complete the day's schedule of 1-1/2 races.
Prospects for Sunday's conditions weren't encouraging, but the weather backed
off, Mammoth's grooming crews packed and prepared the race hill to a good surface,
and we ended up with a good day of racing with mixed sun and light overcast.
The first morning run completed GS race #2 and with the evening storm lingering to the
west both runs of the third GS race were held to complete a busy weekend.
See the Race Results page for complete weekend results
and the first Season Standings rankings for 2011.
With a great opening event setting the standard for the season, we look forward
to an off week on the schedule followed by a pre-holiday pair of SL races
at Squaw Valley on Dec. 18-19. All areas in the Sierras have excellent early season
conditions this year, so there's plenty of opportunity to get some miles under your skis
before our next event in 2 weeks!
[06-Dec-2010]
- Mammoth Season Opener
After a Thanksgiving holiday weekend blessed with abundant early-season snow
and great weather, all areas in the Sierras are open with good snow
and plenty of skiing. Definitely something to be thankful for!
Our opening race weekend of the 2011 season is coming up with weekend
with 3 GS races at Mammoth Mountain. We'll be holding 1-1/2 races each day - the
first run of GS #2 will be held on Saturday following the completion of GS #1,
with the second run going off on Sunday morning and followed by both runs of GS #3.
(Note adjustment to original plan of 2 races on Saturday - after discussions
with the organizers we decided to split the second race across 2 days, as 4 race
runs on a single day for the first event of the year is lot to tackle for our warmup event).
Saturday afternoon's post-race party will be held from 4-6pm at Giovanni's
(in the Von's plaza in town). There'll be plenty of pizza for all and chance
to relax with old and new friends, so don't miss this!
You can enter our races online this season at http://skiracereg.com.
This is fast and easy - there's no charge to open your account and no additional fees
for race entries - just the standard entry fee. Race entry charges are processed when the event is
held, so you're free to enter or cancel with no penalty up through the close of race registration.
There's been some confusion about opening your account on SkiRaceReg.com for race entries - the
site signup says you're "renewing" if it recognizes you as an active Far West Masters
competitor, but this is NOT related to our FWM membership dues - membership
is sent to membership VP Marcie Pettigrew
(see the How To Join page for info
and application form). SkiRaceReg.com does NOT know anything about
our FWM membership, it just provides race entry services.
If you have any difficulty getting your account open or have questions, send a note
to raceadmin@farwestmasters.org and we'll do our best to get you set up.
[30-Nov-2010]
- Carving Cup at Northstar
For those of you in the Tahoe and Bay areas, Pavel Bosin has provided
information about a Carving Cup race that Sierra League is holding on Sunday, Dec. 12 at Northstar.
This is a "off weekend" on the Far West Masters race schedule, so this
is a chance to check out a different kind of racing.
Here are the links to some videos, which will give you an idea of this race format.
What makes Carving Cup different from other Alpine disciplines? A lot!
First, the course:
It is set with buoys instead of gates. Think of water slalom. But in every turn there may be from one to three buoys. In every turn you make a choice which bouy to ski around. Blue is usually is an inside one. Red is outside, which makes you ski wider. Yellow is in between.
Second, the scoring.:
It is not just the time of your run, but also points. When you clear a Blue buoy, you get 3 points. A Yellow buoy nets you 4 points and a red 5 points. All the points in each turn are added to your total points value. The winner has the smallest ratio of time divided by total points. If you ski wider, it takes longer, but gives more points. Figure it out! In the two runs race the best run counts.
Third, the equipment.:
You don't need speed suits, protective gear, and poles. Actually all of these are not allowed on the course, j
ust ski in your comfortable ski clothes.
The start order will be the following: Legends women, Jr women, Vet women, Open women, Legends men, Jr men, Vet men, Open men.
There will be no class levels nor snow board vs skier class differences. The start order within each class will be based on registration order. Register earlier - get earlier start.
Registration in the Northstar Village from 7:30 till 8:30 am.
The cost will be $15 per racer for 3 runs: practice run and two race runs.
Sierra League awards will be given at the lodge after the race
Training course will be set during Masters Clinic on Saturday Dec. 11.
[30-Nov-2010]
- Online Race Registration is Open!
Race registration is open for the 2010-2011 season. And... we're online at last!!
We've been trying for a number of years to put together a solution for online
race registration and now for 2011 we're finally there. Far West Masters, along
with other masters division programs around the country, are collaborating
to bring the benefits of a system originally developed by the Rocky Mountain Masters
to all our division programs. We're pretty excited about this and believe it
will be a benefit to both competitors and organizers, making it easier, faster,
and more reliable to submit race entries.
The registration site is SkiRaceReg.com.
When you go through the signup process to open your account, enter your name and email
according to your Far West Masters membership and the system will attempt to locate
your known membership information to simplify your account setup.
Online registration is fast, simple, and safe - just click on the races you want to enter;
you can cancel without penalty anytime up through the close of race registration
(generally two days before the first race of the event to allow the race organizer
adequate time to prepare event registration and start lists). There are no up-front fees
and no charges until the event is actually held. The registration site uses
secure communications to protect your information; your payment information is stored
on a secure server managed by the payment processor, who must meet the highest standards
for protecting payment information and internet transactions.
So check it out and please give it a try - we think this will make race entries easier
and more reliable for both competitors and organizers.
[15-Nov-2010]
- Get Connected for 2011!!
In addition to our Forerunner newsletter, sign up for our news mailing list
to get email updates on news and information throughout the season.
The news list is open to anyone interested in joining - instructions
on how to sign up are provided on the Communication page.
(You will be automatically added to the news mailing list
when you join Far West Masters, as long as you provide email information
and agree to email contact. If you're not receiving the news emails
but think you should, your email information in our membership records
is probably out-of-date, so contact membership VP Marcie Pettigrew to
provide corrected contact information).
Masters racing is also on Facebook!
We have a Far West Masters group and encourage everyone to join - it's a great way
to keep in touch with your fellow racers and allows everyone to share information,
post tips on racing and travel and gear, ask questions, and get help.
There's also an active USSA Masters Facebook group, along with a twitter feed,
and many other divisions also have their own Facebook groups.
Looking to buy or sell equipment? We've got some suggestions over on the Classifieds page
New this season is a classifieds service on the Mammoth Ski Team blog...
this is a classified ad (free service) created by the Mammoth team give ski team families a chance to buy and sell equipment.
Check out their site at mmstgear.com to see what's available;
instructiions of posting your ad are provided on our Classifieds page
or contact them directly at mmstgear@gmail.com.
[30-Oct-2010]
- Fall Newsletter
The Fall issue of the Forerunner newsletter is here!
Print copies of the September issue of the Forerunner were mailed to all recent Far West Masters members
in September, along with with the membership information package
and membership renewal forms
If you've joined FW Masters anytime in the past 5 seasons, you should have received the
program information and membership application along with the newsletter.
(If you didn't receive a copy, contact membership VP Marcie Pettigrew - if your mailing
address is out of date in our membership database, help us get your information updated!)
Back issues of the Forerunner are available on the Newsletter page.
Additional information about joining Masters is provided on the the How To Join page.
[29-Oct-2010]
- RMS Race Night
Reno Mountain Sports will be hosting a Race Night Promotion
Friday October 22nd from 4:00 to 9:00 PM.
In addition to Dave Garner and the RMS shop staff, reps will be on hand
Friday evening to answer questions and help you get set up with race gear for the coming
season, including reps from Atomic, Fischer, Head, Rossignol, Volkl, Marker, Holmenkol, Swix,
Leki, Scott, Tecnica, Superfeet, Nordica, Hot Gear, Sun Valley Ski Tools, and more!
Merchandise will be discounted for all Far West
Masters members on Friday evening and through the weekend,
so this is a great way to kick off your race season.
For racers from Mammoth and SoCal who may not be able to get to the RMS race night,
Command Performance in Mammoth is having their annual race weekend on Oct. 23-24.
Owner Robin Falkingham will be on hand throughout the weekend, along with race reps and gear for the coming season.
[27-Sep-2010]
- Early Season Training
Fall has officially arrived with a warm sunny weather on the west coast,
but it's not too soon to start thinking about getting on snow soon!
We'll update the Training information page as we receive updates about
training programs throughout the season, but there are several preseason
camps that we've got details on.
Mammoth will once again offer their full-week masters training camp on Nov. 29-Dec. 3,
following the Thanksgiving holiday and providing a tuneup week going into the season
opening GS races at Mammoth on Dec. 4-5. Drills, gates, and video session with a focus on GS
will be provided, with coaches from the Mammoth masters and ski team.
You can attend by the day or for the full week; see the info flyer for details
on lodging discounts.
Carl Pomey is looking for fellow racers who'd be interested in getting together for a technical camp in November.
He says: "Gregory Gurshman is a technical consultant/coach with the Austrian & Swiss ski federations
working with world cup & eurocup racers. He would be willing to do a 5 day technical camp this fall.
It would involve a lot of drills in free skiing and very little in gates.
The cost & location would be determined by attendence (6-12 racers) & snow."
Carl says Mammoth would be first choice for location if coverage is adequate; other possibilities would be Copper Mountain CO.
If interested contact Carl Pomey at 530-583-8212 or carlphillip@earthlink.net.
And from Gary Moss of the Rocky Masters here's some info on a Masters Nationals Training Camp on Nov. 28-Dec. 3 (Sunday-Friday)
at Copper Mountain CO, host of this season's masters national championships in March.
This will be a 6 day training camp with 3 days GS and 3 days slalom training.
Training will focus on gate training with video analysis and feedback from coaches
using current US Ski Team training methods and fundamentals.
Some training will be on runs that will be used for the 2011 Masters Nationals.
Optional Masters race is available on Sat. Dec. 4
Great quality training at reasonable costs, training is $50/day, with greatly reduced lodging and lifts available.
If interested, email Gary Moss at mossman14@q.com.
[27-Sep-2010]
- Membership, Bibs, Sponsors
The fall Forerunner newsletter will be out soon and includes the 2011
Far West Masters membership package for new and renewing members.
The fall newsletter/membership mailing will be sent to all recent FWM members - if
you've joined in of the the past few seasons you'll be receiving your copy soon!
All members will be receiving new bibs this season. Membership director Marcie Pettigrew
will handle bib assignments. Renewing members with bib numbers under 200 can keep
their current bib numbers or request a new number, as long as you renew by
the Oct. 31 renewal deadline. After that time,
all unassigned bib numbers will be reassigned.
We're extremely pleased to welcome
Reno Mountain Sports
as our new bib sponsor this year, along with returning sponsor
Lausmann Lumber.
Also contributing bib sponsorship support is Skier's Edge,
the primary sponsor of our regional and national USSA Masters championship events.
Many of you know Reno Mountain Sports owner Dave Garner, a long-time standout masters competitor,
and his shop is a reliable source for racing gear and information.
[26-Sep-2010]
- Foll Meetings
Our annual officials clinic will be on Saturday October 23, 2010 at the home of
Mark Smallhouse in southwest Reno from 9:00AM to 1:00PM.
(directions will be provided)
After a break for lunch the fall board meeting will start at 2:00PM.
The officials clinic provides an annual refresher for our licensed officials,
as well as training for new officials. We are always in need of volunteers
who can officiate at our races, as we are responsible for providing
a referee and a Technical Delegate (TD) at each race we hold.
While officiating does take some of your time on race day, it also provides
a rewarding experience. You'll gain a deeper understanding of our sport
as you learn the rules and procedures and have the opportunity to meet and work
with the race organizers and crews at our host areas.
(Oh yes - and officials are provided with a lift ticket in
return for their service on race day!)
If you're interested, get in touch with head masters official Don Smith.
The agenda for the fall board meeting will be finalized over the next few weeks,
so if you have a topic that you would like addressed by the board prior to the
start of the 2011 race season, send your request to president Mark Mirviss
or submit your idea to the Far West Masters suggestion box
(see the Suggestion Box section on the Commununication page
for details).
[20-Sep-2010]
- 2011 Membership
The membership renewal package with membership application and season information will be
mailed to all recent Far West Masters members in September with the fall issue of the Forerunner
newsletter. If you've joined FW Masters anytime in the past 5 seasons, you'll be receiving the
program information and membership application.
Complete information including links for the USSA masters alpine license and our Far West Masters membership
are also provided here on the web site on the How to Join page.
If you have any questions, contact membership VP Marcie Pettigrew
at membership@farwestmasters.org.
New bibs for 2011 All members will be receiving new bibs for the 2011 season.
Details from membership chair Marcie Pettigrew will be posted later this week to explain the process.
[08-Sep-2011]
- Preliminary 2011 Schedule
The preliminary 2010-2011 race schedule is now available.
Mark Mirviss has been working on the schedule since last spring,
joined this summer by Mike Braun who will be taking over race scheduling
now that Mark has moved into a larger role as president of Far West Masters.
This season's schedule features over 30 races on the calendar and includes hosting the
Western Regional championships on Feb. 3-6 at Mammoth Mountain.
As always, we've tried to put together a race schedule which provides a variety of
disciplines at the best possible venues. Following up on our initial
experiments last year, we're going to continue trying to schedule 3-races-in-2-days
events where feasible, to provide maximum racing opportunity for your weekend
investment of time, money, and travelling.
The season will open with our traditional stop at Mammoth in early December, where
early-season snowmaking and great support from the organizing area has always provided us
with a solid opening event. December continues with a SL weekend at Squaw Valley prior to
the holiday break. Events in January, February, and March provide opportunities to compete
in all disciplines, culminating in April with the season finals back at Mammoth.
The national championships this year will be hosted at Copper Mountain CO in "prime time" spring
period of Mar. 22-26. The DH national championship will be held at nearby Ski Cooper the weekend
of Mar. 19-20, immediately prior to the Copper nationals.
[07-Sep-2010]
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