Racing Information
The PSC’s recreational racing program is based on the
NASTAR program. Developed by SKI Magazine in 1968,
NASTAR (NAtional STAndard Race) is the largest recreational ski and snowboard race program
in the world. NASTAR racing introduces a competitive element that many of our skiers enjoy.
It allows individual skiers to strive for their own personal best.PSC Race Rules
The PSC Race Rules describe our own recreational racing program. We base our program on the NASTAR program that's available at more than 100 ski resorts in the U.S. plus a few in Canada. NASTAR racing provides a fun, competitive and easily accessible racing program that, through a unique handicapping system, allows racers of all ages and abilities a means to compare themselves with one another regardless of when and where they race. See Nastar Handicap Charts.
NASTAR
Every time you race NASTAR at any of the hundred or more participating resorts, your handicap is recorded at the NASTAR Computer Center. Throughout the season, your handicaps are used to determine your standing within your age group. The more times you race, the better your chances of lowering your handicap and earning a higher spot in the rankings.
Your handicap is simply an expression of your fastest time from the several runs you may complete each day you race, expressed as a percentage above a "par time" established each day by an area’s NASTAR pacesetter. Your handicap provides a consistent measure of how your skills are improving, and may qualify you for award of a bronze, silver, gold or platinum medal each day you compete. Your participation can also help our club earn national recognition each season.
PSC Members Participate in NASTAR
Many of our skiers enjoy compting in NASTAR races, whether on a club trip or on a family or "solo" visit to a participating resort. When a club trip goes to a NASTAR resort, we're often able to schedule a private event so that we can all race together. This often provides the basis for some lively hot-tub discussions and claims to "bragging rights." It can also add to the fun when the opportunity presents itself to race head-to-head with another ski club, with the winners perhaps being hosted to a round of drinks.
Many of our members finish respectably in the NASTAR rankings each winter, placing well in the national, state and resort rankings. The top three racers at each resort are invited to NASTAR's national championships at the end of each season. The PSC typically has a dozen or more racers that earn invitations, and we've had several racers comptete in the championships over the years.
A quick visit to the NASTAR website will
afford you with a more detailed description
of the program. The first time you race you'll need to fill out a registration card so
that your results will be tabulated in the proper age group and state of residence. The cost
is typiclly $5-7 for two runs down the racecourse; some resorts allow unlimited racing for a daily
fee (~$10). Only the better of your several runs each
day counts towards earning a NASTAR medal. The resort's racing staff will upload each day's results
to the NASTAR Computer Center. It's fun to check online at the end of the day and see your
results listed together with everyone else who raced that day.
PSC Race Awards and Results
As long as you're a current club member, every NASTAR handicap you earn throughout the winter will count towards our specially tailored awards that we present at the season's last monthly meeting each April. All your races will count whether they are made during a club trip or during a trip made on your own. You’ll need to race NASTAR at least three times during the winter to qualify for the awards. See Race Results & Awards for our most recent race results.
Intermediates and Beginners Can Race
Recreational racing is fun and easy to do! Virtually any intermediate skier, and even many beginner skiers, already have the skills needed to negotiate the typical NASTAR racecourse. Besides adding another dimension to the sport, racing is well know to help improve your skiing by imposing a level of discipline on where and when you make your turns. Even if you don't earn a medal, there's an overwhelming chance that you'll enjoy the experience. Give it a try!
PSC Racing Coordinator
Contact the PSC Race Coordinator for any questions or to indicate your interest in participating in a Nastar event on one of our trips Contact the Racing Coordinator:
Dave Olsen
14555 Candy Hill Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-8054
dolsen@pentagonskiclub.org
301-579-2749