By Rees Palermo

Welcome to the 2026 ski season filled with memories yet to be.

As I enter my 45th consecutive season of Masters racing, I have to ask myself why I do it? This seems to be the same question. I have asked myself for about 44 years now. With only two years interrupted by  injury, I consider myself lucky, and I consider ski racing a part of my life that is irreplaceable.  It is motivational.  Perhaps you can relate?

If you stop completely in GS, Super G, or Downhill, your run is over. In slalom, you can continue if you don't interfere with the next racer. If you miss a gate in slalom, climb back to pass it correctly—unless that would interfere with the next competitor. If something blocks your racing line or interferes with your run, stop immediately, ski out, and request a provisional rerun from a race official. Don’t turn up at the start claiming you were interfered with during your run without first reporting to an official on course.

If you're new to Masters racing, you might be wondering what equipment you need to get started. The good news? Masters racers have far more flexibility in their equipment choices than World Cup athletes, but that freedom can also make decisions feel overwhelming.

Keep all equipment (packs, skis, and personal gear) behind the fences and away from the racecourse. When watching the course, position yourself well back from the course rather than right next to it. If you see something unsafe, alert race officials or course workers immediately.

Through small changes in our behavior, we can provide a cleaner, safer field of play for Masters athletes.

By Melissa House

Last week, SkiRacing magazine posted an article called "Good Skiing vs. Fast Skiing." The premise is simple: good skiing and fast skiing aren't always the same thing. Sometimes the cleanest, most technically correct approach isn't the fastest one.

This isn't a new idea. I've heard versions of this from Coach Mark Mirviss at Palisades and coaches at other programs (shout out to the Tahoe Donner Masters program) for a while now, but something about reading it last week made it click differently. The idea fits with what I’ve been remembering about my final training day last season.

We are thrilled to announce this year's Far West Masters Scholarship Program recipients! Since 1992, our program has supported deserving junior alpine skiers through a combination of academic excellence, citizenship, leadership, and financial need. Thanks to the generous contributions of Masters racers, families, and supporters, 100% of donations go directly to these talented young athletes.

Far West Masters has launched online merchandise stores for the 2025-2026 season, offering members two options for FWM-branded gear.

FWM Treasurer Hamish Butler is already sporting his new Sync Pano Canvas jacket in size Large.

Unfortunately, we have to cancel the Mammoth camp (December 2 - 5) and races (December 6 - 7) due to lack of snow. There isn't enough snow on the mountain to set gates, and there's no snow in the forecast.

Unfortunately, we have to cancel the Mammoth camp (December 2 - 5) and races (December 6 - 7) due to lack of snow. There isn't enough snow on the mountain to set gates, and there's no snow in the forecast.

NCAA / RMISA Nevada Invitational Returns to Mt. Rose After 16-Year Hiatus

Far West Masters racers, mark your calendars for late January! The University of Nevada-Reno Wolfpack will host the RMISA Nevada Invitational at Mt. Rose—the first time Nevada has hosted a collegiate race in 15 years and the first Nevada Invitational since 2010.