Mid-Atlantic Masters is an adult ski racing league in the Eastern U.S. for anyone 18 and older, no racing background required. Our members range from former college and junior racers to lifelong recreational skiers who have never been in a start gate before. We race giant slalom, slalom and super-G at mountains across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts from January through early March, and you compete against people in your own five-year age group rather than against the whole field. The first step is simple: email us at [email protected] and we will get you a free short-term U.S. Ski & Snowboard license for your first race day. If you are between 18-34, our Next Gen Kick Start program will help you save money and get started.
Not sure if Masters racing is right for you? Start with our Ski Racing 101 guide.
Adult Ski Racing at a Glance
| Who can race | Any adult skier, from complete beginners to ex-racers. Most of our members are recreational skiers who wanted a reason to ski fast. |
|---|---|
| Age range | 18 and up, with no upper limit. Racers are grouped into age classes, so you are scored against skiers close to your own age. |
| Where we race | We hold races in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We also jointly score races hosted by other leagues in Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Previous mountains where we have raced include Belleayre, Willard, West Mountain, Catamount, Gore, and Hunter in NY, Mountain Creek in NJ, and Montage and Big Boulder in PA. |
| Season | January through early March for our own race weekends. Eastern Regional Championships falls in February and Masters Nationals is in March. |
| Disciplines | Giant slalom (GS), slalom (SL) and super-G (SG). Downhill is offered at National Championships. |
| License required | A U.S. Ski & Snowboard Masters license, because our races are USSS-sanctioned. Short-term licenses cover a single event. |
| What it costs | A full season license is $144, and Mid-Atlantic Masters membership adds $30 per year. You pay a race entry fee for each race day, which includes a lift ticket. |
| How to join | Buy a license, register for a race on AdminSkiRacing, and show up. Full details in the five steps below. |
How to Race with Us
Get a U.S. Ski & Snowboard license
Our races are officially sanctioned by U.S. Ski & Snowboard, so every racer needs a USSS license. There are three options:
| License | Cost | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Term Alpine Masters | $36 per day | Trying racing for the first time | Covers one event of up to three races, once per season. Must be bought online before race day, and cannot be used at Regional or National events. What you spend is credited toward a full license later in the season. |
| Full Alpine Masters | $144 | Racing more than one weekend | Unlimited Masters races including Regionals and Nationals. No Safe Sport training required, and it unlocks the Expert Voice discount portal. |
| Non-Scored Athlete | $103 | Racers ages 18–24 | Safe Sport training is required, and this license cannot be used at Regional or National events. |
Your short term license is free for your first race day. If you have not held a USSS license in the past year, email [email protected] and we will cover a short-term license for your first day.
Ages 18–34: our Next Gen Masters Kick Start program helps offset the cost of a full license.
Compare all USSS membership options and purchase a license.
Join Mid-Atlantic Masters ($30/year)
Membership is optional for your first race, but worth it if you plan to race more than once. Members earn points toward the season-long Foy Cup and age-class awards, win prizes at the Mid-Atlantic Championships, and can compete on a team. We honor licenses from other Masters organizations (or no membership) for race entry, but you must be a Mid-Atlantic member to qualify for our seasonal scoring and prizes. Dues fund our races, awards parties and prizes. Purchase a membership.
Sign up for a race
Pick a weekend from the race schedule and register through AdminSkiRacing. When you create your account, select Mid-Atlantic Masters as your race series so all of our events appear. Entry instructions are on each race's signup page, and entries close roughly two days before the event. There is no day-of registration.
Check your gear and read the rules
You can race your all-mountain skis, although you will probably have more fun on race-specific skis. Helmets are required for every race: a FIS-approved helmet for GS and super-G, and any helmet for slalom. Before your first start, read the Mid-Atlantic Rules of Competition and the USSS Masters equipment rules. Racing your first season on recreational skis is completely normal--plenty of our members do. Review our guide about how to choose the best skis for Masters racing for more information.
Show up and race
Arrive early, check in at race headquarters, confirm you are on the start list, and inspect the course. Then send it and let 'er rip.
Want to Practice First?
You do not have to make your first turns through gates on race day. We run a training camp with Lisa Ballard (one of the top Masters coaches in the country) in early January, and there are weekly gate-training sessions and beer leagues across the region. See race training opportunities, or bring someone along through our Race with a Friend referral program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need race experience?
No. Many of our racers had never run a gate before joining, and we welcome every ability level. If you can ski a groomed blue trail in control, you can finish a Masters course. Coaches and camps are available all season if you want help getting comfortable.
How old do I need to be?
You need to be at least 18, and there is no upper age limit. Masters racing is organized into age classes, so you are competing and scored against skiers in your own age range. Racers ages 18–34 can get help with license costs through our Next Gen Masters Kick Start program.
What license do I need?
A U.S. Ski & Snowboard Masters license, since all Mid-Atlantic Masters races are USSS-sanctioned. A Short Term Alpine Masters license ($36/day) covers a single event and is the usual choice for a first race. A Full Alpine Masters license ($144) covers unlimited races including Regionals and Nationals. Racers 18–24 can instead use the Non-Scored Athlete license ($103). Licenses must be purchased online before race day. Racers ages 18–34 can get help with license costs through our Next Gen Masters Kick Start program.
What does it cost?
A single race day starts at $36 for a short-term license, plus the race entry fee and a lift ticket. A full season runs $144 for the USSS license and $30 for Mid-Atlantic Masters membership. If you have not held a USSS license in the past year, we will cover your license for your first race day if you contact us in advance via email. Racers ages 18–34 can get help with license costs through our Next Gen Masters Kick Start program.
What gear do I need?
Skis, plus a helmet. GS and super-G require a FIS-approved helmet, marked with a sticker reading "Conforms to FIS Specification RH 2013"; slalom allows any helmet, including ones without hard ear covers. Race-specific skis, shin guards and a speed suit are things you can add later if you get hooked, but none of them are required to start. Review our guide about how to choose the best skis for Masters racing for more information.
Where are races held?
Mid-Atlantic Masters runs races at mountains across New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Belleayre, Willard, West Mountain, Catamount, Gore and Hunter in New York, Mountain Creek in New Jersey, and Montage in Pennsylvania. We also jointly score races held by other leagues in Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Racers who want more racing can add the Eastern Regional Championships and Masters National Championships, or participate in Masters races held by other leagues throughout the country. Our full season schedule lists every date and venue.
Ready to Start?
Sign-up for a race! You can also email [email protected] and we will point you at the right first race, sort out your license, and match you with a race day buddy.