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Welcome to the Far West Masters!
If you are a new visitor to our site,
visit the Information pages to learn more About masters racing.
The How To Join page has for membership information
and applications. We are open to all and welcome new racers!
Masters ski racing is the premier adult ski racing series in the country.
We are governed by United States Ski & Snowboard competition rules,
the sanctioning body in the US for organized ski racing at all levels from juniors
up through international and Olympic competition.
Far West Masters organizes US alpine masters competition in the
Far West division.
Our yearly schedule includes all disciplines (SL, GS, SG, and DH),
with races held mainly at ski areas in the central Sierras.
Racers from 21 to over 80 years old compete in ten-year age groups.
Top News Items
- Mt Rose schedule change
The Mt Rose McKinney Cup GS races originally scheduled for Sat-Sun Feb. 26-27
will now both be held on Saturday Feb. 26.
[DATE_POSTED]
- Mammoth DH/SG Speed Races Info
Next up on the Far West Masters race calendar are the DH/SG speed races
at Mammoth Mountain on Thu-Sun Jan. 20-23. This is a favorite event that
many of us look forward to every season and conditions are shaping up to be
outstanding! The snowpack is fantastic after the December storms and should
settle in to an excellent race surface with the weather forecasts for the next
two weeks calling for for a pattern shift to high pressure and clear weather.
The DH races will be held on Thursday and Friday. DH training on Thursday is REQUIRED
in order to compete in the two Friday DH races. Saturday and Sunday are two SG races each day.
The first DH race on Friday and the first SG race on Saturday are the opening races in the
2022 US Masters National Speed Series.
Please note the registration deadlines for this event. Early registration deadline is
Fri 1/14; $5/race late fee applies for entries received after 1/14. Registration
on SkiRaceReg.com/fw closes at 8pm Mon 1/17.
No late entries will be accepted after registration closes.
Mammoth is an Ikon pass resort. Racer price lift tickets must be purchased online in advance
by Mon 1/17 (see event announcement for link). Event lodging package offer is provided in
the Mammoth race announcement (link below); cutoff date is Thu Jan 12.
[09-Jan-2022]
- Alpine Viva Italia SL races
The 2021-2022 Far West Masters race season finally got going with 2 SL races
at Palisades Tahoe (Alpine Meadows) on Fri Jan. 7. It was famine and feast through December,
starting with ridiculously warm and dry weather that radically flipped to two weeks of
strong storms, high winds, road closures, and major dumps through the holiday period.
With the weather finally calming down, all the ski areas in the Sierra dug out and
kicked into full operation with the new year.
Despite a cloudy day with light snow, the Alpine race crew kept
the program moving and pulled off 4 runs of SL on Kangaroo. The flat light
made it challenging, but racers maintained good spirits - it was great to finally
get back to racing!
In addition to being our season kickoff, these races were scored for the Viva Italia cup,
a combined award based on age handicapped total times. John Gianotti would have been
proud of the spirit of our racers carrying on his tradition. The 2022 Viva Italia winners were
Linda Crowell (W09) and Wenceslao Lada Munoz (M08).
Complete race results and the Viva Italia rankings are
posted on the web site on the Race Results page
along with the first Season Standings rankings for 2022.
And wait, there's more! Race photos!! Follow the link below to see Peter Day's race photos.
Digital images are very reasonably priced and support Peter being out there taking our race photos
on a day when conditions were challenging for the photographer as well as the racers. Thanks Peter!
[09-Jan-20222]
- 2022 Open Class
Far West Masters races are conducted following the standard US masters age class rules.
An additional option is used in Far West, allowing competitors may elect to be scored in the
Open class drawn from all age classes rather than their age class for race awards and season scoring.
So all competitors start within their age group in the start order but may choose to be
scored for race awards based on the overall ranking of Open class participants rather than their age class.
The season leader bibs are awarded based on the rankings of the Open class.
Note: due to limited racing in the 2021 "covid" season, the 2021 season leader bibs are carried over for 2022
so that competitors have a chance to wear the season bibs they earned in 2020!
To elect Open class, contact scoring director Deb Lewis at dlewis@farwestmasters.org.
Open class participants will be noted on start lists and when possible on the finish board so that
all competitors know who is competing within their age class and who is being scored in the overall Open class.
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
to participate in the Open class for any event, you MUST elect Open
no later than the close of the start list the day prior to the race.
Day-of-race Open class changes will not be accepted
[2022-01-03]
- January races are on!
Happy New Year! After a slow start to winter in the Sierra, the weather did a full 360
on us (or maybe that was a full 720 reverse flip?!) and dumped for two weeks through the holidays.
Ok, we're good - we got snow now!
Our first races of the season will be Friday Jan. 7 at Alpine Meadows, with 2 SL races.
Alpine is grooming the Kangaroo race hill to pack in all the new snow and prepare the race surface.
Kangaroo is a good race hill to start the season - not too long or steep, fun racing for everyone.
With no racing this season at Heavenly, our traditional stop for the Viva Italia trophy cup event,
the Alpine SL's will be the Viva Italia event this season. The rankings are determined by
the top man and women based on age-handicapped combined result from both races, so competitors
of all ages have a shot at the trophy!
Early registration deadline for Alpine entries on SkiRaceReg.com/fw is Sunday 1/2.
Prices go up Monday, so get your entries in! Registration closes 8pm Wed 1/5.
Signups are also open for the Jan. 20-23 DH/SG speed races at Mammoth. (We'll get info
on lift ticket purchases for those who don't have an Ikon pass and Mammoth lodging packages
as soon as we have details).
[01-Jan-2022]
- January race reminders
What a difference a week can make in a Sierra ski season!
We've gone from much-too-warm-and-sunny to full-on feet of snow dumping,
and all our Sierra ski areas are open for a very white, very merry holiday!
Just a reminder to sign up for our January races, with two SL races
at Alpine Meadows on Friday 1/7 and 4 days of DH/SG speed racing at Mammoth
on Thu-Sun 1/20-23. All races on our season schedule are available
for signup on SkiRaceReg.com/fw.
Both Alpine Meadows and Mammoth are part of the Ikon pass, but also
offer racer-price lift tickets if you don't have an Ikon pass.
(MUST be purchased online, in advance - see race announcements for details).
For Alpine Meadows, liability release is REQUIRED for all competitors
and must be filled out online in advance.
Details on lodging offers at Mammoth for the speed event will be provided when available.
All event participants must follow all Covid guidelines at our host ski areas.
Currently, most areas generally require face masks in all indoor settings
and on public transportation, but not outdoors or on lifts. As has been the case since
the start of the pandemic, covid requirements may change in response to evolving conditions
so please be sure to review the area policies whenever you visit a ski area this season.
[19-Dec-2021]
- 2022 Regional and National Events
The 2022 race season feature the return of both Eastern and Western regional championships,
along with the national championships and a full schedule for the 2022 National Speed Series (NSS).
Information and event details are published on the US Masters "Events and Schedules" page
on usskiandsnowboard.com. The Western region championships are a joint event
with the FIS Masters Cup races at Beaver Creek CO on Feb. 4-6.
The national championships are at Sun Valley ID on Mar. 21-25.
Signups for the FIS Masters Cup/Western Region championships at
Beaver Creek CO on Feb. 4-6 and the national championships at Sun Valley ID
on Mar. 21-25 are open on SkiRaceReg.com.
[19-Dec-2021]
- Mammoth SL camp and races cancelled
The SL training camp and races scheduled for Mammoth on Dec. 1-3 and the weekend of Dec. 4-5
are cancelled. There is not enough coverage to be able to set gates and protective fences.
Despite an encouraging late October storm that dumped several feet and allowed Mammoth
to open early, the weather since then has been warm and dry, limiting snowmaking operations
that ordinarily would be in full swing by now.
Mammoth *is* open for skiing out of Main Lodge, including the upper mountain,
so you can still get out on snow and get in some early season skiing if you already
have your trip planned! If you made reservations using the event lodging block,
Mammoth will allow you to cancel without penalty - call immediately and be sure to
mention the event name "USSA/FIS Early Season Races 2021", Group ID: 32302
to request cancellation.
We will explore the possibility of rescheduling the SL races for another date.
In the meantime, everyone enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and do your snow dances
for some weather changes in December!
[23-Nov-2021]
- January race signups open on SkiRaceReg
Signups for our January SL races at Palisades Tahoe (Alpine Meadows)
and the Mammoth DH/SG speed races are now open on SkiRaceReg.com/fw,
along with the December Mammoth SL camp and races. (Signups for our Feb-Mar-Apr races will be added soon)
SkiRaceReg tip: how to find ALL the upcoming race signups!
Many of you are confused when you only see the next few races listed in the sidebar when you log into
your SkiRaceReg account to sign up for races. You may not realize that the races section in the sidebar
only has room to show up to 5 races, even when there are more listed on the complete calendar.
For example, the December Mammoth SL camp and races has 4 signups for the training camp and two more
for the weekend races, so there isn't room in the sidebar for the sixth signup for Mammoth SL #2.
If the race signup you're looking for "isnt' there", don't give up quite yet! Check the complete calendar
listing of races by clicking on the "Upcoming Races" item in the sidebar or the "Races" item
in the page header options.
[19-Nov-2022]
- Officials Training
Just a quick reminder that the Far West division officials training clinics are this weekend.
Details and signup links are on the fwskiing.org web site.
Race officials are an important part of putting on quality ski races that meet the
standards of US Ski & Snowboard alpine competitions.
Volunteer members of Far West Masters serve as Technical Delegate (TD) and Referee at our events
and we are always working to maintain an adequate pool of certified officials.
Mark Mirviss wrote an article in the October Forereunner newsletter explaining
more about the process of becoming certified and what you get out of that experience.
Get in touch with Mark if you're interested and want to learn more, or head over to the
fwskiing.org and sign up for an officials education clinic!
[01-Nov-2021]
- December Mammoth SL camp and races
Get ready for 2021-2022 racing! Mammoth and Palisades Tahoe have opened early
thanks to a surprise late October storm and the ski season is underway!!
Our Far West Masters race season kicks off in early December with
a 3-day SL camp and 2 days of SL racing at Mammoth Mountain CA.
Signups will be online at SkiRaceReg.com/fw.
Training camp signups are due by Sunday, November 28, 2021 at noon. Register for all 3 days or separately for specific days.
Race entries close 8pm Wednesday 12/1. The early registration deadline is Sunday 11/28, with $5 late fee after that.
See the race announcement and camp info for details on lodging package offer.
Mammoth is an Ikon pass resort.
If you need lift tickets, racer lift tickets must be purchased online in advance by Nov. 29.
[30-Oct-2021]
- Fall Forerunner newsletter
The fall issue of the Forerunner newsletter is out!
The President's Update message from Ray Tulloch describes the
latest news we have on plans for the upcoming ski season.
This issue also includes other information about membership
and the season schedule plans. Sadly, there is also news on
the unexpected passing for former Far West Masters president Mark Antis.
We're looking forward to a much more "normal" race season for 2021-2022.
While COVID guidelines will still be a factor for travel and racing,
in general ski areas have more limited masking requirements (indoors, dining)
and fewer reservation requirements than last season.
Note: the primary distribution method of the Forerunner newsletter will
be electronic publishing through our news email list and here on the web site.
All current members of Far West Masters should receive the newsletter. If you
have any questions or have been subscribing to receive a print copy, contact
us at forerunner@farwestmasters.org for assistance.
[15-Oct-2021]
- 2022 Membership
Far West Masters membership for 2021-2022 is now open for new and renewing members
on SkiRaceReg.com/fw. Activate your account for the season and pay your
Far West Masters dues online. Race registration will open in November.
Don't forget to renew your US Ski & Snowboard Alpine Master membership before
the early registration deadline of Oct. 15, 2021.
The "Getting Started" page from US Alpine Masters has a helpful overview of everything
you need to know for your US Ski & Snowboard membership:
[08-Oct-2022]
- Season Schedule and Membership
Get ready for the 2021-2022 Far West Masters race season!!
The 2022 season schedule is posted here on farwestmasters.org
on the Season Schedule page.
Far West Masters membership will open in October here on
skiracereg.com/fw and race signups will open in November.
2022 Membership Reminders
- US Ski & Snowboard membership renewal deadline is October 15.
Late fee of $25 charged on renewals after that date. (late fee does not apply to new members)
- Most masters should select the "Alpine Master" membership type.
Only select the "Alpine Master w/ requirements" membership type if you are required to have SafeSport training
and background checks due to your engagement with junior athletes through a US Ski & Snowboard club role.
- Most masters should select "No Club Affiliation" for the US Ski & Snowboard club affiliation.
Do NOT select the club at the area where you ski and train unless you are actually a member - the clubs
are generally associated only with junior alpine competitor programs.
- Your Far West Masters membership is IN ADDITION to your US Ski & Snowboard Alpine Master membership.
Your FWM membership dues supports organizing our division race calendar and provides you with a permanent
race bib for all our Far West masters races.
- Far West masters membership is not required for first-time racers or competitors from other divisions.
We will provide a temporary bib for your use.
2022 Rules Reminders
- New in 2022: FIS-certified race helmet is REQUIRED for GS/SG/DH events.
- Fluoro race waxex are NOT ALLOWED in any US events (ban instituted in 2021)
[29-Sep-2021]
- Preliminary 2022 Schedule
The preliminary 2021-22 race schedule is now available! Scheduling Director Mike Braun
has tried to put together a calendar with a good mix of events at proven venues.
We think this is a pretty solid schedule, with racers and organizers
all looking forward to a "return to normal" race season.
The Western Region championship/FIS Masters Cup races will be held at Beaver Creek CO on Feb. 4-6.
The national championships are planned for Sun Valley ID on Mar. 21-26.
(The DH national championship is not yet determined)
US Masters Membership tips
A few reminders and tips for those of you getting an early start
on your US Masters membership for the 2022 season:
- check your membership(s) - most should have the standard Alpine Master membership
- the Alpine Master w/ requirements membership is only needed in special
cases - it is more expensive and requires SafeSport training with background screening
- all masters with an Official or Coach license already have SafeSport/background
- SafeSport/background requirements are needed for adults working directly with junior athletes
- most of us are NOT members of a USSS club and should not select that option
just because we see the name of the area where we ski/train.
(exception: Diamond Peak's masters program IS part of their USSS club)
- If you plan to compete in FIS Masters or have FIS masters points that you want to preserve,
be sure to add FIS Masters license to your US masters membership
US Masters membership links:
[07-Aug-2021]
- Scholarship Program and Auction
The Far West Masters Scholarship program is now entering its 31st year
of raising funds to benefit Far West Junior ski racers. This has been
a very successful program - our Far West athletes are tremendously appreciative,
we hear back from many of them how helpful the extra support is to them,
and we are grateful for everyone who has donated and supported the program.
To learn more or make donation, visit the
Scholarship Program page.
With all the disruptions last season due to covid and travel restrictions,
we were unable hold our usual awards parties and fund raising events.
But fear not, we holding an online auction this summer to support the program.
Many items have been donated by Far West alumni that are on the US Ski Team.
These items include new race suits, jackets, rain ponchos, under layer tops and bottoms,
ski bags, and several pair of Super G Skis. Auction item listings and bidding
instructions are posted of the FW Skiing web site:
Applications are now being accepted from Far West athletes for the 2022 season.
We encourage all Far West Skiing Alpine athletes 13-20 years old to apply!
Scholarships are awarded based on a combination of (and in order of importance) exemplary work ethic,
academic scholarship, citizenship, financial need, and race results. Applications are due September 15th 2021.
[24-Jun-2021]
- June Forerunner newsletter
The spring issue of the Forerunner newsletter is out!
It was a season of limited racing opportunities, with only
our final event at Mammoth held after months of changing
guidelines and health restrictions, but the "silver lining"
is that many were still able to ski and train with their
local programs. We hope everyone has a good (and healthy!)
summer and we all look forward to returning to skiing and racing
next winter.
[21-Jun-2021]
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