RACE VOLUNTEERING
All ski racing events are primarily run by parent volunteers. It is important that at most weekend events that someone from your family is stepping up to volunteer their time to help ensure our races are run efficiently. We have an amazing group of families that do this each weekend and we are thankful for all that they do!
Midwest Alpine Racing (MWAR): There are a variety of jobs available to support races that do not require certification or special training. The MWAR website outlines these jobs and descriptions. We will have a parent coordinator to secure volunteers for each race weekend. Be on look out for volunteer opportunities!
US Ski Races: There are a variety of jobs on a given weekend. Please visit the Region 2 Central US Ski website for a list of jobs available and further details on how to sign up for a job on the DIBS page. Note that some jobs require an Alpine Officials Certification, require that you purchase an officials US Ski license and possibly go to an Alpine Officials Clinic. US Ski races are in need of more race start and finish referees as well as people to help in timing. To start the certification process, you first get an officials license on the US Ski website to become a member. This includes a background check for all of our volunteers. Second, complete this training and test online to become a Competition Official. Once completed, you can then participate in our annual Alpine Officials (AO) Clinic to gain additional certifications (such as referee or timing and calculations). The next AO clinic is scheduled for TBD in Wausau; one day attendance is all that is necessary. Visit the R2 website for details on the AO clinic and to sign up.
Thank you for your time! It truly makes an impact and we are grateful for all that you do.
EQUIPMENT & RULES
Not sure where to start with equipment? Please review both our general equipment recommendations chart and ski length chart.
US Ski: For any athlete that plans to participate in a US Ski races during the season, they are required to conform to the US Ski equipment standards. For all US Ski Equipment Rules please refer to rules page on the USSA website. This link will ensure you are seeing the most recent versions of all information.
MWAR: To review the full MWAR rules please go here. There are not any specific rules on skis for MWAR but you are required to wear a hard shelled helmet at all events and you are not allowed to have slalom guards on poles while competing in giant slalom events.
TRAINING DAY - WHAT TO EXPECT
Coaches develop a training plan for each evening with each of our groups. The training plans are designed to provide a strong progression each evening while keeping in mind the bigger picture of the season, goals, competitions in the future, etc. Athletes should arrive on-time each evening and should plan to stay the full evening. We understand this is not always possible but arriving late could mean that the athlete misses important instructions and progressions. We HIGHLY encourage additional free skiing before practice to warm up.
Please come prepared to practice with the right equipment and clothing layers. We practice in all conditions! With that said, if we find we need to cancel practice due to weather or concerns with the safety of conditions, you will receive an email as soon as possible that day but no later 2 hours prior to the start of practice.
Athletes should check in at the Team Room and the bottom of B and C lifts at the start of practice. What we are training and where will be posted on the calendar page of the SportsEngine App. Once the athletes are warmed up they will move into a drill progression followed by gate training. Earlier in the season will be more drill focused for all groups. U12 and under athletes throughout the season will focus much of their time on building a strong foundation in and out of the course environment. The older athletes will also work on refining their foundation but will progress into gate training a bit sooner. Athletes will receive frequent feedback during the evenings but should not expect it each run. Change takes time and lots of repetition! It is also essential for the athletes (especially as they become U14 and U16s) to be able to self evaluate. The more they understand their body, how it functions in relation to their equipment/terrain/etc., what works and what doesn't for them, the better they will be able to make adjustments.
RACE DAY WHAT TO EXPECT
Pre-Race: Each race we attend has a fact sheet associated with it. The timing of the fact sheet release depends on the competition but typically you will see the US Ski fact sheets posted on the Region 2 website two weeks in advance. The MWAR fact sheets come out the week before the race and will be emailed out by your coach. Typically one or two days in advance of the race, you will receive an email from the program director or head coach outlining all of the weekend details.
Race Day: Athletes should plan to arrive at the ski hill at least 45 minutes prior to the posted course inspection time. This will allow enough time to get dressed, purchase a discounted lift ticket and possibly take a warm-up run. Your athlete should plan to be at the top of the course at the start of the inspection window to meet their coach. For larger races and all MWAR races, this often means you should be in the lift line 15-20 minutes prior to inspection to be on-time. After inspection, the athlete should be prepared to be at the top of the course for their first race run. We suggest arriving to the top at least 15 minutes before they are scheduled to run. Check the start list and schedule to confirm the approximate time they should arrive. Note that the race organizers try to stay on the posted schedule throughout the day but sometimes they get behind schedule. If that is the case, changes to the schedule are typically posted and/or announced. Between race runs athletes should refuel with a healthy lunch and/or snack. We also encourage that the athletes to get out and SKI to keep their muscles active. Please don't sit in the lodge for long periods of time. Race days are busy for the coaches and we make every effort to have a coach at the top of the course and at or near the bottom of the course to support the athletes. Athletes should actively seek out their coach after each race run to receive feedback. Awards are typically given out after the race is completed.
Video: Our goal is to video the majority of race runs for the athletes to view. If the schedule allows, we will review this video on the hill between race runs. For US Ski racers we often do video review at the hotel after a race day. For MWAR racers, our goal is to review video during a future practice session.
Live timing/Posted Results: Typically most races use live-timing to post athlete results. Note that these are unofficial results so there are occurrences when times are posted incorrectly or instances when an athlete is disqualified for improper course execution (i.e. missed a gate). Disqualifications are typically posted near the finish area within 15 minutes of the race completion.
Race Results: Official race results are posted online within in a couple of days following the race. MWAR results click here. US Ski results click here, search for the event.
TAKING CARE OF EQUIPMENT / TUNING
Taking care of your equipment is important. MWAR and SIDECUT have some great educational content for those looking for support as they learn how to tune and wax skis.