Ski racing and training teaches skiers the fundamentals in proper ski technique. In a course a racer is forced to turn around the gate. The more natural a skier becomes in perfecting turns both in and out of the gates the better. All ski areas offer ski instruction and race coaching. It’s never too late to learn. The best age to begin a child in racing depends on the child. "About the third time skiing, a child needs to begin receiving guidelines. Once they get the basics, they can go for years without real coaching. At about age 7-9, depending on a child’s social skill level and ability to fit into groups, a child can begin a race program., seriously." Nils Eriksson, Mt. Bachelor Ski Education Foundation.

About the third time skiing, a child needs to begin receiving guidelines

NASTAR or Coin-Op courses open to the general public

In Oregon, a skier has opportunity to receive race experience and coaching through a variety of means. Each ski area has a race department and a ski school. Most of the larger areas also have NASTAR or Coin-Op courses open to the general public. Many high schools offer ski clubs, ski buses, and those involved with the Oregon Interscholastic Ski Racing Association offer competitive ski racing.

The Pacific Northwest Ski Association, PNSA, is a division of the United States Ski Association that organizes regional competition for juniors and masters throughout the Northwest. Many of Oregon’s Universities and Colleges offer ski teams and ski clubs through the Club Sports Programs. The clubs are generally coordinated and coached by student racers and offer an opportunity to balance a love for ski racing and a higher education. Skiers over the age of 18 can compete regionally through the PNSA Masters league that hosts a series of competitive races throughout the Northwest all season long. City League racing is a fun adult team night on the mountain that most ski areas offer.

Skiers over the age of 18 can compete regionally through the PNSA

The NWSCC sponsors recreational team racing among its clubs in its PACRAT league.

The Northwest Ski Club Council is another avenue for getting together with other skiers who like to travel and ski together. The NWSCC sponsors recreational team racing among its clubs in its PACRAT league. Ski areas are always promoting recreational races and events to raise money for charities.