Race Day is an exciting day for trainees, parents and coaches alike. It lets our racers test the skills they have built up in training, in a fun and organised environment, against the clock. This is an outline of how the day usually runs.
Participating in races allows trainees to challenge themselves using the skills they have developed during training. Race Day is a fun and organised environment where racers and their friends get to ski timed courses and measure their performance. Each race normally consists of a minimum of two runs per racer.
The Race Day programme
On arrival
Arrive at the venue
Before you leave the car, make sure you have the right race equipment for the day — is it Giant Slalom (GS) or Slalom (SL) today?
07:45 – 08:00
Meet the coaches
Seek out your coach at the pre-arranged meeting point and time.
08:00
Registration and bib collection
You must register at the Race Registration Office, which is also where you collect your race bib. Your coach will advise and assist you on the day.
08:45 – 09:30
Course inspection
All racers inspect the course with their coach in their team group, meeting at the top once the course is confirmed open. Your coach will walk you through the layout: the start area, the set, gate combinations and direction changes, key gates, and the finish.
09:30 – 11:00
First run
Arrive at the start in plenty of time to get into race mode and check your kit. A forerunner tests the course first, then racers are called into the start gate by bib number. Your coach will be on hand with support and advice. The starter gives you a “Ready”, then a “Go” — and you launch onto the course.
11:00
Lunch
Usually taken after the first run, arranged with your coach and team at an agreed spot. Parents are very welcome to meet up and join in.
12:30
Second run course inspection
Again with your team and coach. The second course is usually a reset, so the layout differs from the first run.
13:00 – 14:30
Second run
A forerunner tests the course, then racers are called into the start gate as before.
15:00
Bib return
All bibs must be returned to the arranged bib return area at the end of racing.
16:00 on
Results and prize giving
The venue is confirmed in the race bulletin or by the organising committee on the day — check with your coach.
Please note
All timings are approximate and may change due to weather or unforeseen delays on the day.
Age groups and race formats
Races are divided into training age groups.
U18, U16 and U14
These groups generally race the same course, with start position determined by allocated bib numbers and age group. Racers in this category must be registered with their home nation — for example Snow Sports Scotland — who issue a race licence number for the year.
These are BASS races (British Alpine Seeding System) and are classified as “seeded” races, allowing racers to accumulate seed points across the BASS calendar, which runs from 1 December to 1 May. Courses are set to the British Competition Rules (BCR). Further detail on BCR rules is available at gbski.com.
U12 and U10 (Bairns)
Bairns races take one of two formats — a Slalom set, or a Kombi set.
- Slalom — a series of quick turns, set with stubby gates.
- Kombi — a combination of SL and GS sets creating a flow of turns. Slalom skis are recommended for SL/GS Kombi courses.
What to bring, and getting there
Race days need an early start, usually meeting coaches between 07:45 and 08:00, so allow time for the morning drive. Road and weather conditions occasionally push meeting times later; we will communicate any change through our usual channels.
Remember to bring a packed lunch and any extra warm clothes or jackets you might need.
Parents: come and get involved
Race days are a great day out for the whole family. Organising and running races is done entirely by volunteers, and organisers are always looking for help. You do not need detailed knowledge of how an event runs — you learn as the day goes on.
There are a variety of roles available, including gate judge, start and finish marshals, timing team, and course crew. Being part of the race day gets parents, family and friends right up close to the action.
If you are interested in helping at either the BASS or Bairns races, let the organising committee know during registration, or speak to them directly on the day at the Race Registration Office.
Ski servicing and race preparation
Preparing and servicing skis matters on race day and right through the season. The club organises a series of ski prep sessions that trainees and parents are very welcome to attend. They suit skiers of all levels and are a good way to keep up to date with servicing techniques. Dates are announced by the club.
Race Day is the culmination of all the training our racers put in, combined with fitness and ski preparation. If trainees or parents have questions in the run-up, please ask the coaches — they are very happy to help.
New to racing?
Our coaching programme builds the skills that race day tests. Have a look at what is on offer this season.