Racing Class Definitions

CMSC racing encourages the participation of skiers of all abilities, from beginning skiers to elite level racers. Racers are divided into 5 different skill levels, that are then separated further into age based classes in both men's and women's divisions.

To register for CMSC Alpine Racing a participant must choose a class, based on his or her ability level and age. Undecided racers should consult their ski club race chairperson or simply register with a "?."

If a skier begins racing in a class that is below her ability level, she may be bumped up to the next class without a trophy. This is not done to penalize the racer, it is an attempt to be fair to the existing racers in the class. If a racer finds himself in a class too advanced to compete in, he may petition the CMSC Alpine Racing Governance Committee to be moved to a more appropriate class. Handicaps calculated from CMSC race results determine class ability ranges as detailed on page 10 of the CMSC Alpine Racing Rules & Guidelines.

Class

Age

Description

Junior

<12

Any Male and Female Skier or /Snowboarder under the age of 12.  Waiver must signed by parent or guardian.  Junior's racing is allowed on Giant Slalom race days only.  

Snowboarder

12+

Male and Female Snowboarders of any ability. Snowboard racing is allowed on Giant Slalom race days only. This class may be split by ability(not sex),  if are  least 10 preseason registrations.   In that case handicaps will be determined and posted. 

Elite Women
Elite Men

12+

Expert skiing ability with advanced racing experience and abilities. Racers are placed in this class by either the bump system of transferring from another race program as an Elite racer. Recommended NASTAR handicaps are <10 for men, <15 for women.

A Women
A Men

12+

Advanced skiers who feel comfortable skiing most difficult terrain under all conditions and have good control over body and skis. A racing background is helpful. Recommended NASTAR handicaps are 10-15 for men, 16-25 for women.

B Women
B Men

12+

Advanced/Intermediate skiers who feel comfortable skiing more difficult terrain under all conditions. Some racing background is helpful, but skiing ability counts more. Recommended NASTAR handicaps are 16-30 for men, 26-50 for women.

C Women
C Men

12+

Intermediate skiers who feel comfortable on a NASTAR course. Recommended NASTAR handicaps are 31-40 for men, 51-75 for women.

D Women
D Men

12+

Beginning/Novice skiers, should be able to negotiate a NASTAR course. Recommended NASTAR handicaps are >40 for men, >75 for women.

Vet Elite

35+

Any male skier with Elite ability level, 35 or older.

Vet A Men
 

35+

Any skier with an A men or A women ability level, 35 or older. Recommended NASTAR handicaps are 10-15 for men, <35 for women.

Vet B Men

35+

Any male skier with a B men ability level, 35 or older.

Vet C Men

35+

Any male skier with the ability level of C men, 35 or older.
       
Vet D Men   35+ Any male skier with the ability level of D men, 35 or older.

Masters Elite

50+

Any male skier with Elite ability level, 50 or older.

Masters

35+

Any male skier with an A men ability level, 35 or older.