Adult Masters Racing Program
Raise your skiing to new heights!
A group of passionate skiers who ski in a structured environment with goals of improving ski technique and racing skills using a combination of technical drills and gate training sessions. The foundation of the group is a social and supportive environment where encouragement and active participation rule. Some members compete in various race competitions designed for or open to Masters Athletes.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Masters Racing training is tailored to KSC members and Waitlist members wishing to develop the technical skills specific to ski racing. This is an intensive program, working directly with the Masters Racing coaches during on-hill training, and in video review and analysis sessions following training. The focus is to train in both slalom and giant slalom disciplines in preparation for participating in the USSA Masters Racing series or your local racing league. Please note, the Masters Racing program is purposely limited to 25 participants to provide individual attention.
Our Masters Racing training takes place on weekends at Killington Ski area. Training sessions run for three hours and are a mix of specific ski improvement drills and various gate training combinations.
Everyone skis at their own skill level, but all share a passion for the sport. Our coaching team is comprised of athletes in KSC and local veteran coaches who mix their love of the sport with their passion for coaching others.
Adult ski racing generally describes any adult alpine ski race; whether it’s a fun corporate event, a weekly “beer league” series or a national sanctioned event. The common element is gates. The level of competition and preparation varies enormously. Our Masters group always puts fun and safety first and has a strong emphasis on improving skills through USSA styled Slalom and Giant Slalom courses.
Our athletes are comfortable in NASTAR and “beer league” type courses, as well as in USSA National Masters courses. (USSA is US Ski and Snowboard Association, the National governing body of competitive snow sports in the US). If you are 18 or older, you’re qualified for our Masters Racing program and for USSA Masters racing.
USSA Masters Alpine Racing
USSA Masters Alpine racing is a formal series of alpine competitions structured by gender and age class throughout the country. The age classes start with Class 1 (18-29) and are thereafter in five year increments up to Class 14 (90+). Our training schedule is designed to facilitate participation in USSA Masters races and some of our athletes compete occasionally or regularly.
Helmets are mandatory for all training and racing and a full helmet (i.e. one that covers the ears, no “soft ears”) is required for any discipline other than Slalom. But anyone can ski a race course without any special equipment. Once you’re comfortable, however, you’ll probably want to start going faster and yes, we do have to gear up a bit if we are going to challenge the clock. Fortunately the clock isn’t always that important. Your speed is relative, but the fun is absolute!
Training & Racing
We train throughout the winter, starting the season with a couple of sessions devoted to basic race skills and race technique specific drills, and then progress to gates for the remainder of the season. We focus on Slalom and Giant Slalom, often gearing up for different local races in which some of our members might choose to compete. Note, an appropriate helmet is required for all runs in the gate.
The Masters Racing program is an instructional program geared towards ski racing skills development with gate training. As a participant in the KSC Masters Racing program you will have the following benefits:
• Meet other racers and have fun in a competitive and social setting
• Improve your race technique and tactics
• Develop your overall skiing skills, ski more efficiently and safely under all conditions
• Maybe even win a race or two!
Masters Racing Schedule
Note: The schedule may vary pending trail availability.
- December – 12/10 Ski Free with the Masters Racing coaches, 12/17, 12/31
- January – 01/07, 01/21, 01/28
- February – 02/04, 02/11, 02/25
- March 03/04, 03/11
The KSC Masters Racing program is for you if:
- You are an expert skier who wants to improve your skiing and racing skills.
- You are a Masters Racer who wants to train and get ready for the season’s races
- You are an accomplished alpine racer who wants to focus on and improve techniques and tactics in the course.
- You want more challenge and want to take the Killington experience to the next level!
Enrolling Masters Racing
It couldn’t be easier to join our program. Here are the details:
- The Masters Racing seasonal fee is $325 payable directly to KSC.
- To enroll call the KSC Office at 802-422-6797 or email your interest to [email protected]
Doug Tucker
“I have been racing over 50 years and coaching for more than 30 years. My experience has ranged from U8 through Masters levels including establishments such as Killington Mountain School, Green Mountain Valley school, Okemo Mountain school, Bromfield Academy, Harvard University, Wachusett Mountain and numerous camps throughout the world including Europe and South America. I spent 7 years racing on the World Pro Ski tour as well as the Peugeot Grand Prix Pro Tour. I have been Masters National Champion 9 times and I plan to joining your ranks again this upcoming winter 2022/2023 I am truly passionate about the sport and I look forward to working with all of you in the near future.”
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