Everything an adult skier needs to know about getting into ski racing. Whether you raced in college twenty years ago or have never been near a start gate, these guides cover what Masters racing is, what gear you actually need, how race day works, and where to find races on the East Coast.
What Is Masters Ski Racing?
Masters ski racing is organized alpine ski racing for adults 18 and older. It uses the same disciplines as the racing you see on the World Cup (slalom, giant slalom, super-G and downhill) run on courses set to the same standards, but with age-class scoring so you compete against skiers in your own bracket instead of against the whole field. Races are sanctioned by U.S. Ski & Snowboard, which means every racer needs a USSS license, and results count toward season-long standings.
What Masters racing is not is a closed club for elite racers. Mid-Atlantic Masters fields include former college and junior racers alongside NASTAR regulars, racing parents and skiers who had never run gates before last winter. We welcome everyone who wants to ski fast and have a blast!
New to this? If you have not held a U.S. Ski & Snowboard license in the past year, we will cover your short term license for your first race day. Email [email protected] and we will help you pick a first race and coordinate your license.
Start Here
1. Getting Started
Licenses, membership, race entry and what your first weekend costs. Start here if you already know you want to try racing with us.
2. Training & Coaching
You do not have to make your first gate turns on race day. Learn about camps, seasonal programs and weekly drop-in gate training across the region.
3. Gear
Find out what is required and what is optional. Short answer: a helmet is required, and your current skis are probably fine (although race-specific skis are more fun).
4. Rules
Entry deadlines, bibs, start order, scoring, and equipment rules. Worth ten minutes before your first race so nothing on race day is a surprise.
5. Race Day
What actually happens on race day: check-in, the start list, course inspection and your two runs.
- Course inspection do's and don'ts
- Your first race day, start to finish (page to be written — see notes)
6. Where to Race
Mid-Atlantic Masters venues across the East Coast, with race trails, lodging and travel notes for the mountains we return to each season.
What Skis Do I Need?
This is the most common question we get from new racers! Masters racing sets no ski length or radius requirements, and most all-mountain skis work fine for slalom and GS. If you decide to buy race skis, we recommend between 150-165cm with a 11-13m radius for slalom, 170-188cm with a 17-30m radius for giant slalom, and 180-205cm with a 27-40m radius for super-g. Full details, including why to avoid FIS race-stock skis as a beginner, is in our race ski guide.
Common Questions About Adult Ski Racing
What is the difference between Masters racing and NASTAR?
NASTAR is a public recreational racing program where you ski a short course against a handicap-adjusted pace time, usually on a dedicated race lane. Masters racing is sanctioned competition on full-length courses set to U.S. Ski & Snowboard standards, with age-class results, season-long standings, and Regional and National Championships. Plenty of our racers came to Masters from NASTAR, and many still do both.
Am I too old to start ski racing?
No. Masters racing has no upper age limit, and because results are scored by age class, starting at 45 or 65 does not mean racing against 25-year-olds. Our fields regularly include racers in their seventies and eighties.
Am I fast enough to enter a race?
Almost certainly. There is no qualifying time or tryout. If you can ski a groomed blue trail in control, you can get down a Masters course and have fun while doing it. Our races have a wide variety of experience levels and skill sets.
Do I need special skis to start?
No. Masters racing, unlike junior racing, has no fixed ski length or radius requirements, so recreational skis work for slalom and giant slalom. Super-G is the exception: the jury can stop a racer whose skis are too short for the speeds involved. Many racers get their first race skis used, through Sideline Swap, our WhatsApp group, or a local ski swap.
Is Masters ski racing safe?
Helmets are mandatory at every race, with FIS-approved hard-eared helmets required for GS and super-G. Course inspection before each race lets you preview the terrain and plan your line at slow speed. Since our races are USSS-sanctioned, we comply with all USSS safety regulations. This includes safety netting based on the approved hill homologation, and a full set of alpine officials at every race. Safety is one of our top concerns, and if conditions do not allow us to hold a race, we will reschedule.
How much does a season of adult ski racing cost?
A full season is $144 for the USSS license and $30 for Mid-Atlantic Masters membership, plus entry fees for the weekends you choose. Race entry fees include a lift ticket. Racers ages 18–34 can offset license costs through the Next Gen Kick Start program, and first-time racers get their first day's short term license free.
Where can I race as an adult near me?
Mid-Atlantic Masters holds races in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, at mountains including Belleayre, Willard, West Mountain, Catamount, Gore and Hunter in NY, Mountain Creek in NJ, and Big Boulder and Montage in PA. We also jointly score races in Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. If you live elsewhere in the country, U.S. Ski & Snowboard's Masters division map will point you to the league nearest you.
Ready to Try It?
Sign up for a race, or email [email protected] to connect with us directly. We will suggest a first race, sort out your free first-day license, and connect you with a race day buddy to show you the ropes.