About Us
An Introduction to the Masters Masters are unique among the participants in the most popular snowsport, alpine skiing. Not content to rest upon past successes, Masters racers seek to reach their best beyond the public perception of "prime years." Masters racing is designed for every level of skier ability, from entry level racers through ex-national team members. Masters racing provides the next step for up and coming accomplished skiers who are late bloomers, NASTAR and college racers, ski instructors, former professional racers and even ex-national team members. Masters from ages 18 to over 90 compete on the same runs used for World Cup events. Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G and Downhill are all included in a typical national race schedule. Masters series are conducted within each of the eight geographical divisions of USSA including Alaska, Central, Eastern, Far West, Intermountain, Northern, Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain. In addition to divisional competition, there are opportunities to compete on a regional, national, and international level. The USSA Alpine Masters Program is just one of the participants in the International Ski Federation's (FIS) Masters Cup in the U.S., Canada and Europe. The highlight of the race season in the USA is the USSA Masters National Championships held each year in March. Masters racing offers more than high-quality ski competition. It offers opportunity to meet, ski and compete with a group of extraordinary individuals from all walks of life. Many of the pioneers of the ski industry compete including ski area developers, 10th Mountain Division alumni, ski equipment and clothing entrepreneurs, former national team members, and honored members of the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame. Masters racing is highly social, and the masters are a friendly group. Of the reasons current masters list for participation, camaraderie is always among the first. Second, of course, is a love of competition. At many events, Masters racing is a family affair, where two or three generations compete. Midwest Masters The Midwest Masters organizes USSA Masters alpine ski competition in the Central division, which consists of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Missouri. We are an open, volunteer, not-for-profit organization and welcome all who wish to participate. Events are hosted at a variety of ski areas throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. For more details, check our race schedule. Racers range in age from 18 to over 80 years old. Races follow USSA rules, with some adjustments per Midwest Masters. Based upon the race, competitors compete with each other based on Age Class and/or Ability Class. This allows racers to compete directly with those in their Age Group as well as those at their same Ability level.. Age Classes Age Classes are defined by the following groups based on the racer's age on December 31 of that race season:
Ability Classes Every year, Midwest Masters creates Ability Classes that are meant to group skiers of the same ability. Assignment into these groups is set at the beginning of the year, per event, based on previous year's results. This allows racers to gauge their racing to those of the same ability, regardless of age or gender. Ability Classes add a high degree of competitiveness to our racing!
Who Can Join On a local level, Masters races are open to athletes 18 years of age and older, with appropriate eligibility, according to USSA rules. A USSA Alpine Masters membership is required. New participants may take advantage of temporary memberships. Click here for membership information.
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