Hey everyone!

Race Camp

Great work last week from focusing on fundamentals the first two days to introducing slalom racing to our newest Tristate racers. From getting back in the groove for our returning Tristate racers to our full course and head-to-head race on Saturday, we saw so much improvement from everyone! Big thanks to our coaches: Sonia Tatlock-Gagnon; Chris Cashen; Alex Jacobsen; Doug Mann; Greg Smith and Kytek Ciecierski. Their tireless efforts in coming early to set our practice courses, giving excellent feedback for our racers and overall positive team spirit made the camp a success!

Saturday Training

Just a reminder to everyone that our first race is held at Butternut (SL) this coming Sunday. We will be training on the “new” Race Slope on Saturday in preparation for the race so make sure to bring your slalom gear. Lunch time on Saturday will depend on training time. Also make sure that your skis are tuned/sharpened and waxed for the race. Coach Stan Soja, a TOKO rep, often gives us a “tuning report” to help guide our prep work.

Race Registration

If you haven’t registered for the race, you must do so on the Tristate Schedule for the Western MA Series. Registration is online at Adminskiracing. The deadline to register is 6pm, Saturday, January 7th. Avoid the $10 late fee by registering before Friday, January 6th at 7pm!

Race Day

Check in at Butternut occurs between 7:30am-9am at the Upper Lodge located at the top of the beginner chair. Course inspection begins at 9am and the race begins at 9:30am. Make sure to get there early so your racer can get a proper inspection of the course. Racers will be assigned a bib and number at check in. They are responsible for making their way to the start BEFORE their bib # is called. If a racer misses their start, they will automatically be placed at the end of their age/gender group. The order of every race is as follows: U12 Girls; U12 Boys; U14 Girls; U14 Boys. Each racer will be assigned a “flight” of A, B, C or D for the duration of the regular season. The 1st race at Butternut goes in bib # order from A-D. The 2nd race at Bousquet will follow the order B, C, D, A and so on. This order rotation ensures that every racer will experience a preferable start time throughout the season. At the end of the 1st run, the course is reset and then opened for inspection. The 2nd run usually begins about an hour after the last racer finishes from the 1st run.

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions regarding the race!

Go Catamount!

Coach Pat
liupatrickm@gmail.com

“Ski fast…Take chances…)