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Although as many as 250 or 300 skiers might be
competing in a league race on a typical Saturday at Mammoth, Lake Tahoe area or a ski
resort near Portland, they're not all competing for the same prize. Skiers compete within
their ability group, so that maybe only a dozen or so racers are vying for a particular
title on a given day. Classes
Ability classes range from the truly accomplished elite racers through a range of classes,
to skiers who race as beginners. A total of ten class brackets ensure that racers are
competing with similar skiers. Additionally, racers are grouped in age and gender
categories. These "Weekend World Cuppers" race in two categories: open and vets.
Thus, you might be competing for the championship of the "S6 Vet Women"
with a dozen other racers. If you start winning that class by a sizable margin, there's a
numerical formula that "bumps" you up to the next ability group when you're
ready to seek additional competition.
The transition from
skier to racer is an easy one...particularly for those who already belong to a ski club.
Just sign up on the next weekend your group is coming to the mountain. If you are hesitant
about racing for the first time, or wish to bone up on your skills, many resorts offer
race camps. |
