USSA Masters SUMMER FUN NATIONALS

Each summer just under 200 Masters racers have found the ultimate advantage for keeping those ski legs in shape for ski racing.  Half way between last season and next, the Summer Fun Race is truly an event to keep on your summer calendar. These racers start the adventure out with a trek to Oregon�s scenic Mt. Hood and a little race camp prior to the race. They celebrate racing with a mix of on snow racing and off snow food and fun.  Combine all this with an opportunity to check out all next season�s race equipment at the demo centers in Government Camp.   Masters Ski Racing At Its Best!

Ski Racing lists information on camps that range from a few days to a full week prior to the event.  With many choices, the camps offer high level coaching by World Cup racers, former World Cup racers, Masters racers, and world renown coaches:  Take your pick.  Sign up for the one that fits your needs. Train next to National Teams from around the world.

The weekend of racing starts out Friday afternoon (3:00-6:30) with a welcome party and race check-in.  Race days start early as lifts open at 7:00 am with two high-speed chair rides of a mile each to access the Palmer snowfield. Get on early. There will be two side- by- side race courses: A/B (younger men) and C/D (women and older men).  An 8:30am first run start is scheduled for each race. On Saturday after the race is the traditional BBQ at Timberline Day Lodge that is really an extravaganza of food, drink, awards, prizes, drawings, raffles, contests and general partying.  Sunday�s more subdued awards party follows the race about 1:30 pm enabling those racers to catch a 6:00pm flight from Portland International Airport an hour drive away. 

Government Camp, the village near Timberline Ski Area, is host to a ski racer�s paradise in the summer. This is the location for all of the major ski equipment manufactures� demo centers. National teams from around the world as well as many US teams come to train and test equipment at Mt. Hood.  These demo centers are designed for the world�s best racers to test next season�s equipment and learn about it from the best techs and designers.  Masters racers can also take advantage of this unique opportunity.   

Special awards have become a traditional part of the event. The Bob Skoch Memorial Trophy is engraved with the combined class winners of the event and commemorates a racer who was one of the original organizers of the Summer Fun Race and a summer regular at Mt. Hood.  A strong supporter of the event, PUTZI owner of PUTZI�s Ski Shop in New Castle, Pennsylvania presents the PUTZI Trophies for fastest slalom man and woman. Also, there will be a prize on Sunday for the best retro slalom clothing. 

 This event has become very popular.  The top Masters racers from across the US have become regulars.  Come check out their secret summer advantage.    Get your race entry in early.