Frequently Asked Questions
I’d like to get back into racing, but don’t know where to start?
The best way to start is to contact your ski club to see what they offer in the way of adult racing and training. If your ski club has an adult race programme then this is the best starting point. If your ski club does not offer any adult racing or training, then you could check out the adult training options at some of the public ski clubs. There are a number of options for mid-week and weekend training. The Alpine Ontario South league team is the only team which is not affiliated with a club and which is racing in the interclub Druxy’s league in Southern Ontario, and this is where you would sign up if you’d like to experience adult racing in a fun and social setting. Click www.alpineontario.ca for more information.
Is there any special equipment required to compete in Masters?
The only requirement, along with the usual ski equipment, is to have an approved race helmet. Soft sided helmets are NOT acceptable for any GS, Super G, or downhill events in Masters racing. Once you familiarize yourself with Masters racing, you can determine what equipment changes you’d like to make to meet your goals—if any.
How can I be competitive against the younger racers—especially those just off the FIS circuit?
Masters racing in Canada and internationally use 5 year age categories for determining place. In Canada our first age category is 18-29, then 5 year increments past that for each gender, all the way up to 90+. Internationally, FIS Masters start at age 30.
How would I find out about Masters racing news in Ontario or across Canada?
The best way is to go to the Alpine Canada website—Masters section www.acamastersmail.comand subscribe to our national database. As an Ontario subscriber you will automatically be emailed any Ontario relevant information, the monthly Ontario Masters newsletter, and any information about Masters racing across Canada.
Do I need a competitor card?
If you are a registered Druxy’s league racer you DO NOT need a competitor card to race in Ontario. You are automatically covered. If however, you’d like to race outside of Ontario in any races you will need to find out what level of competitor card is required for the race you are interested in. Many Masters racers find it easiest to just purchase the annual National competitor card as it covers Masters racing all across Canada.
If you are NOT a registered Druxy’s league racer you would need to purchase a Regional competitor card IF you intend to enter the Ontario Masters Championships. If you purchase the National competitor card, it is NOT necessary to purchase the Regional competitor card also.
What is the difference between the National competitor card and the FIS Masters competitor card?
There is no difference in the price, but the difference is in the races you can enter in. The National card allows you to enter any Masters race across Canada—including the Canadian Masters Championships. The FIS Masters card allows you to not only enter any Masters race in Canada, but also allows you to enter FIS Masters races internationally. There may be local card registration fees if you are entering races in the US, but these are nominal.
How do I get a competitor card?
For all levels of competitor card, you simply go to the Masters section on the Alpine Ontario website, and there are forms there to print and send in to Alpine Ontario. The FIS Masters card no longer requires a medical form, but they do require 3 forms: (1) the ACA Athlete Declaration form, (2) the ACA waiver, and (3) AOA Registration form along with payment. The National card only requires the AOA registration form along with payment. There is no physical card issued, but a couple of weeks after sending in your registration forms you should be able to go to the Alpine Canada website www.acapoints.ca and search your name. Beside your name will be your competitor number. You will not receive a notification from Alpine Canada or Alpine Ontario that you have a number.
If I’d like to participate in FIS Masters internationally, how do I do that?
First indoctrinate yourself to Masters racing in Ontario or Canada and within that forum you will meet a number of Masters who compete internationally. This answer will naturally follow.