Having spoken to some of the masters on the indoor circuit and at training, it seems that many were unaware of the FIS Masters Alpine scene or felt that they weren’t “skilled” enough to take part, so we wanted to try and dispel some of those myths and get more people involved!
The FIS Masters Cup Circuit is suitable for all levels of masters racers from those who have never raced alpine before, to ex-world cup. Competitions are held all over the world from the US, to Finland and Croatia and Europe. The circuit is thriving with racers from age 30 – 85+ competing in slalom, GS and Super-G from all over the world.
Prizes are awarded for each event if you are placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in your age category (which is separated into 5 year age categories) and to be considered for an overall World Cup standing, you need to compete in a minimum of 6 races but your best 9 races count. If you are placed in the top 3 in your category overall , then you are awarded a beautiful crystal globe!
Ali Hills is the club secretary for the British Masters Ski Club that was set up 3 years ago to try and support and encourage more masters to compete in the Masters Alpine circuit. Most of the members (if not all of them) are members of other clubs and joined the British Masters Club for the level of support in the masters racing scene.
They organise training, accommodation and race support before and during events. Racers don’t need to be members to access this support but BMSC do offer discounted rates for our members, along with some team kit. There is a fantastic team spirit with everyone helping each other out.
In November, there will be a perfect opportunity for those who have never considered masters racing before to give it a go as there is going to be an indoor event held in Amneville. The British Masters are also organising training beforehand and I have attached for your attention a copy of the leaflet with more information about the event.
As noted above, there are a number of masters alpine events over the course of the season and many British masters attend these, particularly the events held in Europe. Kandahar Ski Club also organise their own masters event, which a number of our members attend and this is a fantastic event for those new to the alpine race scene to give it a go, as all the commentary etc is in English and the courses are set so that anyone can do it. There are also usually a good number of British entrants to these events so anyone new to alpine racing needn’t feel alone!
Anyone who is interested in finding out more can contact me via the club.
We also have a website set up : www.britishmasters.org.uk and facebook page: www.facebook.com/britishmastersskiteam where we post most of our updates.
The calendar of events for the alpine races can also be found here- https://data.fis-ski.com/masters/home.html
Thank you in advance for your assistance,