FAQ

FAQ

1. Q: My gear is heavy - can I race and still have fun?
   A: Decide how competitive you want to be. Try renting lightweight gear for the weekend and see if you like it. Or, bring what you have and get after it on the descents! The skiing will be challenging.
2. Q: What do I really need to go racing?
   A:
   • Bindings: Dynafit bindings are a must: super light, they last forever, and they're very dependable for long trips (and racing). See what all the Euro guides are on? http://www.dynafit.at
   • Boots: Scarpa F1 boots are the standard. http://scarpa.com/scarpa.php
     There are others out there, but a light, flexible boot makes the difference going uphill fast and ski touring all day. If you practice skiing on lighter boots you’ll be surprised how well they ski.
   • Skis: A competitive pair race ski should be at four lbs. or less. Ski Trab http://www.skitrabusa is the standard in Europe, and is now sold in the US.
   • Dynafit and K2 http://www.k2skis.comalso make competitive, light skis.
   • If you're on a budget: older model, non-shaped, foam core slalom skis that go for $40 at ski swaps work OK as long as the snow is light.
3. Q: Isn't that a lot just to spend on race gear?
   A: You’ll use your new gear many days outside of racing. Most of us use our race gear all spring and for early season skiing. Unless the snow is extremely deep, racing gear is ideal for long tours, spring corn and anything with a long approach.
4. Q: How difficult will the skiing be?
   A: Good skiers will gain a great deal of time on the downhills. Participants in the race division should be comfortable on ungroomed, expert slopes. Silverton may have some moderate exposure on the race division course if snow conditions are favorable.
   Recreation division skiers should also be comfortable on advanced to expert, ungroomed slopes.
   It’s the UPHILL effort that participants should consider when choosing a category!
5. Q: I telemark - do I have to race with the AT skiers?
   A: No, the telemark divisions will have great prizes and the same courses as the AT divisions. (And if you’re looking for an excuse to buy a pair of the new BD 01 free-pivot bindings – this is it!)
6. Q: I don't want to race, but I want to be a part of the course and be involved in the event. What can I do?
   A: Be a volunteer! Email us the races you'd like to help out at; there's plenty to do. You can be a course marshall, help ski in the up-track, or help out in the start/finish area.