The Bear Valley Race Team competes in events that are sanctioned by US SKI & SNOWBOARD. US SKI & SNOWBOARD is divided into 3 Regions, Eastern, Rocky/Central, and Western. Each Region is further divided into Divisions. Bear Valley Race Team is a member club of the Far West Division of the Western Region.
There are 4 different types of races or disciplines in Alpine ski racing. Slalom (SL), Giant Slalom (GS), Super G (SG), and Downhill (DH). Each discipline has its own characteristics such as length of course, vertical drop, number of gates, and distance between gates. Slalom courses are shorter and have tight gate placement requiring shorter, quick turns. GS, SG, and DH events are characterized by progressively longer courses, gates set much farther apart, and much higher speeds. All levels U8 to U21 run SL and GS courses. U12/U14 U16/U18/U21 run SG and only U16/U18/U21 run DH events. Full details on each discipline can be found in the US SKI & SNOWBOARD Alpine Competition Guide.
Race Eligibility
All Far West competitors involved in US SKI & SNOWBOARD junior racing must be members in good standing of FAR WEST SKIING, and members of US SKI & SNOWBOARD, to participate in any US SKI & SNOWBOARD or FIS races. Athletes must be able to present their current US SKI & SNOWBOARD card, indicating appropriate age class and membership status, to race organizers in order to compete in any US SKI & SNOWBOARD race.
All Central South Series and Far West competitors must have the appropriate competitor license. Online Membership application and complete information can be found at the US SKI & SNOWBOARD website https://usskiandsnowboard.org/membership
U8/U10/12/U14 Races
The U8/U10/12/U14 program is for racers ages thirteen and under. Twelve- and thirteen-year-old athletes race as U14s; those 10 and 11 compete as U12 with 8- and 9-year-olds designated as U10. U8/U10/12/U14 races in the Far West are non-scored US SKI & SNOWBOARD-sanctioned events. U8/U10/U12 compete in the same races but are maintained as separate fields with their own start lists and are run separately. Depending on the disciplines U14 may compete in the same races or have their own race designation. The starting order is determined by random draw, which is reversed for the second run in GS and SL races. All competitors are allowed to start the second run in their starting spot, including those who did not finish (DNF) or were disqualified (DSQ) in the first run. Awards will be given for each age class and gender. Hero gates will be used for all U8/U10/U12 Slalom events.
Bear Valley, along with Dodge Ridge, Yosemite Ski Club (Badger Pass), China Peak, and Snow Summit comprise the Central South Series of Far West. There is also a North Series. Throughout the season, most of the races our team attends are Central South Series races. The series consists of two slaloms (SL), two giant slaloms (GS), and two Super-G’s (SG) for U12/U14 athletes; and two slaloms (SL), two giant slaloms (GS) and two one-run giant slaloms (with minimum gates and maximum length) (one run GS) or a two-run GS for U8/U10 In addition, there are three races (SL, GS, SG for U12s; SL, GS, one run GS or two-run GS for U8/U10) at the divisional championships. The U14 class has a separate Championship event. There are also non-series races for U8/U10/12/U14 athletes.
U8/U10/12/U14 Awards
For the individual overall season awards, U8/U10/12 series races will be scored by age class using current “Old World Cup Points.” A racer may win a series award in only one geographic area (North, Central, or South). The results from the championships shall be scored separately. The best four results from the six scheduled series races (regardless of discipline) are used to calculate the series awards. If any of the series’ races are canceled, one-half of the races held are scored (odd numbers are rounded up). A tie is broken by adding a racer’s next-best score(s) until the tie is broken.
U10 Racing
The U10 program is for racers ages nine and under. U10 races in the Far West are non-scored U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned events. US Ski and Snowboard Equipment and Wax Rules are in effect: U12 and Under athletes are only allowed the use of one pair of skis within the race arena, which is defined as the area between the fences and including the start and finish areas. Fluorinated wax is not allowed at any US Ski and Snowboard competitions for any age group. No wax benches are allowed in the U14 and younger race arena. Application of wax is not allowed at the U14 and under competition venue, which is defined as the ski resort property.
Far West U10 Divisional Championships
Athletes from all three geographic areas will meet at the end of the ski-racing season for the Far West Divisional U10 Championships. The Championships will consist of 1SL, 1GS, 2 Run Big GS, Skills Quest (Tentative), and 1 Parallel Event. All four race events will count towards the Championship overall standings. These events, including the SQ, will be awarded 1st-5th place per gender, per age class. A separate Championships Team draw will take place at the Championships opening team captains meeting. The rotation will be split into thirds, to be rotated per discipline. The 2nd run start order will be reverse order of the first run. Women will start first in the first event, men will start first in the second event, and continuing the alternate starting order throughout the Championships. All competitors are allowed to start the second run in their starting spot, including those who did not finish (DNF) or were disqualified (DSQ) in the first run. The U10 Far West Divisional Championships are open only to current age-eligible members of FWS and U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Competitors from out of the division are not allowed to participate in these races. The OC may utilize a Championship Bib at a reasonable cost to the participants.
U10 Awards
North and Central South Series races award 1st- 5th place. For the individual overall season awards, U10 series races will be scored by age class using current “World Cup Points” (see Rules Governing Far West Competitors Section of this document). A racer may win a series award in only one geographic area (North/Central South). The results from the Championships shall be scored separately. All results from the scheduled series races (regardless of discipline) are used to calculate the series awards. A tie is broken by a racer’s best GS “World Cup” score(s), moving to Slalom until the tie is broken.
The Rasmussen Cup – U10 Team Series Award
The Maury Rasmussen Team Series Award (a perpetual trophy) goes to the top team in each of the two geographic areas within the Far West. There is no maximum number of competitors per team. For scoring, the top thirty U10 finishers, per gender, of the respective geographic area will count. The top three men and the top three women from any one team will be scored per race. All series races held, and the four disciplines of the championship series will be scored. Scored with “World Cup Points.”
Richmond Cup (U10 age class cup)
Bryan Richmond was a talented athlete who skied all of his life. This cup was named in his memory and his love for the sport and achievements in his racing career. The Richmond Cup is given to the best U10 man and woman competing at the Far West U10 Championships, using “World Cup Points.” Ties will be broken by using the best finish in the GS, followed by SL, then Big G. The athlete does not have to complete all races in the series.
U12 Racing
The U12 program is for racers ages ten and eleven. U12 races in the Far West are non-scored U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned events.
U12 and Under athletes are only allowed the use of one pair of skis within the race arena, which is defined as the area between the fences and including the start and finish areas. Fluorinated wax is not allowed at any US Ski and Snowboard competitions for any age group. No wax benches are allowed in the U14 and younger race arena. Application of wax is not allowed at the U14 and under competition venue, which is defined as the ski resort property.
All competitors are allowed to start the second run in their starting spot, including those who did not finish (DNF) or were disqualified (DSQ) in the first run. Awards will be given for each age class and gender. It is required by FWS that U12 Slaloms be contested with 60” tall gates exclusively. In order to minimize travel, the U12 program is divided into two geographic areas within the Far West: North (Tahoe, Mammoth, Shasta, Mt. Ashland, Northern Nevada); Central South(Western Slope of the Sierra, Southern California, Southern Nevada). Each of the two geographic areas runs a season-long series. There are non-series/open- races for U12 athletes, too. Open series races are not scored to overall standings.
The U12 Start list will be a random draw for the first run and the second run will be in reverse order, the second day will be the reverse order followed by the original first run order. The OC may allow alternate gender start order for each day of the event throughout the season. U12 Super G racing: The SG start order will be a random draw for the first race and the second day/race will be in reversed order. A training run on the actual racecourse is required for all competitors. This training run is held the day prior to the race in the North Series. Skills quest for the U12’s will take place during the regular series SG Training Day. FWS 22-23 17
The philosophy behind the scheduling of U12 races is to encourage racing in each athlete’s own geographical series by scheduling the same events in each geographical area on similar weekends. Series races are scheduled to allow time for skill development, using GS as the base event.
Far West U12 Divisional Championships
Athletes from all three geographic areas will meet at the end of the ski-racing season for the Far West Divisional U12 Championships. The Championships will consist of 1SL, 1GS, 1SG TR, and SG race. Skills quest for the U12s will take place during the regular series SG Training Day. All four events will count towards the Championship overall standings. These events will be awarded 1st-5th place per gender, per age class. Each event will be a random draw, the 2nd run start order will be reverse order of the first run. The OC may allow alternate gender start orders for each day of the event. SG training will be run via a team draw, with a random draw for the race. All competitors are allowed to start the second run in their starting spot, including those who did not finish (DNF) or were disqualified (DSQ) in the first run.
The U12 Far West Divisional Championships are open only to current age-eligible members of FWS and U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Competitors from out of the division are not allowed to participate in these races. The OC may utilize a Championship Bib at a reasonable cost to the participants.
U12 Awards
North, Central South Series races award 1st- 5th place. For the individual overall season awards, U12 series races will be scored by age class using current “World Cup Points” (see Rules Governing Far West Competitors Section of this document). A racer may win a series award in only one geographic area (North/Central South). The results from the Championships shall be scored separately. All results from the scheduled series races (regardless of discipline) are used to calculate the series awards. A tie is broken by a racer’s best GS “World Cup” score(s), moving to Slalom until the tie is broken. If conditions force the cancellation of a series race, the FWS ACC U12 subcommittee determines and publicizes any necessary changes in scoring.
The Poulsen Cup- U12 Team Series Award
The Poulsen Team Series Award (a perpetual trophy) goes to the top team in each of the three geographic areas within the Far West. There is no maximum number of competitors per team. For scoring, the top thirty U12 finishers, per gender, of the respective geographic area will count. The top three men and the top three women from any one team will be scored per race. All series races held, and the four disciplines of the championship series will be scored. Scored with “World Cup Points.”
Allan Cup (U12 age class cup)
Brendan Allan was a talented athlete who skied all his life. This cup was named in his memory and his love for the sport and achievements in his racing career. The Allan Cup is given to the best U12 man and woman competing at the Far West U12 Championships, using “World Cup Points.” Ties will be broken by using the best finish in the GS, followed by SL, then SG. The athlete does not have to complete all races in the series.
U14 Racing
The U14 program is for racers ages twelve and thirteen years of age. All Far West U14 athletes may compete in the California Challenge Series (qualifying series for the Western Region U14 Championships). Start lists are seeded by U.S. Ski & Snowboard points and scored to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard points list.
Competitors who did not finish (DNF) or were disqualified (DSQ) in the first run can start the second run with their original bib after the last qualified competitor (U621.11.3) Awards will be given for each gender. The Central South will host U14/U16 scored events.
California Challenge Series
The U14-only series includes three SL, three GS, and three SG, and these WR U14 Jr Champs qualifying races are open to all Far West U14 athletes. A training run on the actual racecourse is required for all competitors in a U14 SG (U1256.4). This training run will be held the day prior to the race in the California Challenge Series. US Ski and Snowboard Equipment and Wax Rules are in effect: Fluorinated wax is not allowed at any US Ski and Snowboard competitions for any age group. No wax benches are allowed in the U14 and younger race arena. Application of wax is not allowed at the U14 and under competition venue, which is defined as the ski resort property.
Open Series start opportunities for U14’S:
All Far West U14s will be allowed to participate in the Far West SG Finals, a SG training run is mandatory for all U14s. It is highly recommended that the U14s participate in the Speed Development
Far West U14 Divisional Championships
Athletes from all three geographic areas will meet at the end of the ski-racing season for the Far West Divisional U14 Championships. The Championships will consist of SG TR, SG, GS, and SL. These events will be awarded 1st-5th place per gender, per age class. Start lists are seeded by U.S. Ski & Snowboard points and bibbo for second run if applicable. Competitors who did not finish (DNF) or were disqualified (DSQ) in the first run can start the second run with their original bib after the last qualified competitor if Jury and Race Organizer allow.
The U14 Far West Divisional Championships are open only to current age-eligible members of FWS and U.S. Ski & Snowboard. The OC may utilize a Championship Bib at a reasonable cost to the participants.
U14 Awards
Awarded 1st-5th place per race and overall standings/per gender. For the individual overall season awards, U14 series races will be scored by age class using current “World Cup Points” (see Rules Governing Far West Competitors Section of this document). The results from the Championships shall be scored separately. All results from the scheduled series races (regardless of discipline) are used to calculate the series awards. A tie is broken by a racer’s best GS “World Cup” score(s), moving to Slalom until the tie is broken. If conditions force the cancellation of a series race, the FWS ACC U14 subcommittee determines & publicizes any necessary changes in scoring.
McKinney Cup (age class cup)
Tamara McKinney is a former member of the US Ski Team. She won four World Cup season titles, most notably the 1983 overall. With 18 World Cup victories and World Championship Gold, Tamara is a positive influence on all our racers in the Far West. The McKinney Cup is given to the best U14 woman competing at the Far West U14 Championships, using “World Cup Points.” Ties will be broken by using the best finish in the GS, followed by SL, then SG, then Parallel. The athlete does not have to complete all races in the series.
Rahlves Cup (age class cup)
Daron Rahlves is considered one of the most accomplished speed skiers (Downhill, Super G) in American History, Rahlves is also the 2008 WX gold medalist in Skier Cross. 12 World Cup victories and a World Championship Gold are part of the reason he loves to share his passion for skiing. This cup is named for his love of the sport and achievements in his racing career. The Rahlves Cup is given to the best U14 man at the Far West U14 Championships, using “World Cup Points.” Ties will be broken by using the best finish in the GS, followed by SL, then SG. The athlete does not have to complete all races in the series
U14 Western Region Jr Championships
The U14 Regional Championships brings together U14 athletes from the five divisions of the Western Region (Alaska, Northern, Pacific Northwest, Intermountain and Far West). This provides them the opportunity to improve their skiing skills and to introduce our athletes and coaches to each other and foster a healthy Regional environment. Athletes must be members in good standing of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Far West Skiing for the 2022-2023 season, including any (X) foreign athletes. Participation in this event is by selection only based on US Ski and Snowboard points and limited by the Division quota. For more information on the U14 opportunities as well as U16 and older programs check the Far West Skiing Policies and Procedures.
