Ski Racing
MWV offers a range of
programs for everyone.
USSS & FIS Racing
Our goal is to provide a smooth transition from children's racing to USSS racing for our 14 and 15-year-old athletes. The U16 program welcomes local skiers, as well as interested athletes from outside of Mt. Washington Valley.
At the beginning of the season we focus on fundamental skill sets, balance work and kinesthetic awareness. The next step is turn shape drills to prepare our skiers for full-length gate training by improving their technique. In the middle of the season the focus is shifted to boosting race day performance. We emphasize mindset work, quality race simulation runs and other on-hill training, ensuring optimal performance on race day.
U16 athletes will pursue the U16 NHARA Tecnica Cup qualifier schedule—participating in open races and competing in Macomber Cup events throughout New Hampshire. Gaining USSS national points through early-season races is crucial to securing an adequate starting position in the Tecnica Cup. Tecnica Cup qualifiers compete head-to-head in multiple disciplines in order to qualify for the NHARA State Championship events where the athletes will compete with the best USSS skiers in the state, including U18s & U21s.
Ultimately, the results from the NHARA State Championship events qualify athletes through an annually adjusted New Hampshire quota of U16s into the following Eastern region postseason events: See the US ski and Snowboard eastern region site for more information.
After the U16 Tecnica Cup series, and NHARA State Championships conclude, there are still a variety of open races, as well as the Lafoley Spring Series, taking place throughout the state. Oftentimes, athletes continue to improve and peak toward the end of the season during the championship events, and it is always guaranteed to be a fun and rewarding time as we approach the end of the year.
For more information regarding the postseason qualification process, refer to the NHARA handbook.
The U18/21 program is designed to provide a high energy, competitive and safe on-snow environment for 16 to 21-year-old athletes, while preparing them for both USSS and FIS sanctioned events. The U18/21 program welcomes local athletes, as well as skiers outside of Mount Washington Valley.
The U18s and U21s will have the choice to pursue USSS races, FIS sanctioned races or a combination of the two. Our programs are tailored to fit every skier’s needs, and we are equipped to support each athlete in attaining their short and long-term performance goals.
At the beginning of the season we focus on basic fundamental skill sets, balance work and general kinesthetic awareness. Then skiers will focus on turn shape drills with brushes and stubbies before moving to full-length gate training.
Accumulating Macomber Cup points qualifies U18/21 athletes for the NHARA State Championships at the end of February, an event bringing together the best U16, U18 and U21 skiers in the state. Macomber Cup races are held all over the state of New Hampshire and include Super G, Giant Slalom and Slalom disciplines.
Upon completion of the Macomber Cup events, USSS focused athletes will be encouraged to pursue the Lafoley Spring Series and other great race opportunities to lower their point profile toward the end of March into the beginning of April. Athletes that are successful within USSS events will be encouraged to take the next step toward the FIS level of competition.
Mount Washington Valley Ski Team has many U18/21 athletes who race for their respective high schools all over New England. We encourage our members to prepare for their in-state Meet of Champions in hopes of qualifying for the four-day regional championship event. All of the preparation through USSS open races and series, such as the Macomber Cup and Lafoley Spring Series, will help them get ready for this special event.
FIS racing is for athletes aged 16 and older looking to race at a more competitive regional, national and international level. For athletes with aspirations of pursuing the U.S. Team or an NCAA collegiate team, FIS racing should be their main focus. In order to compete in FIS racing, athletes must hold a current FIS license.
Many MWV Ski Team athletes race in both USSS races and FIS events throughout the season. The preparation and overall approach to fundamentals and skier development is the same whether you are focusing on USSS racing, FIS events or both within this age group.
FIS series are typically multi-day regional events. They require preparation and coordination in advance, and include extra costs such as transportation, lodging and coaches’ travel expenses. Please refer to the “On the Road with the MWV Ski Team” section, near the end of the handbook for more details on traveling with the club.