End of Season Races
Ski Brule
Mt. LaCrosse Spring Fling
NASTAR Nationals
At the end of the season (March), there are often “open” races hosted by resorts or clubs. These races are not formally part of the WIJARA or USST season and in many cases are open to all registrants. Some of the more popular open races held in past years are as follows:
WILMOT OPEN
Fun end of year ski race hosted by the Wilmot Ski Team but open to anyone including parents and non-team members (if time allows). Often the coaches race as well. Typically held in late February or early March on a non-WIJARA weekend. The format of the race is Giant Slalom and is a great way for new athletes to try out racing and for more experienced athlete to race against their parents and coaches. Medals and fun prizes are awarded to participants. The race is usually accompanied by a barbeque hosted by the Wilmot Ski Team.
SKI BRULE
The 2024 version of this race will be held March 16th and 17th. The race is limited to ages U14 and under and is technically a USST event. However, USST membership is not required for participation as a USST guest membership is included in the registration fee. Ski Brule is a very popular race and the resort does a great job creating a fun environment for young athletes. Historically the race has included medals for top 10 finishes, tubing, bouncy houses and a petting zoo. It is recommended that you secure lodging early for this popular event.
MT LACROSSE SPRING FLING
The Spring Fling is hosted by Mt LaCrosse in LaCrosse, WI and is also typically held the weekend after the last WIJARA race. Mt LaCrosse is a great hill for ski racing, and the event typically draws athletes for all over the state of Wisconsin and Minnesota. The run used for the Spring Fling is longer and moderately steeper than the runs used for WIJARA races. For many years, the Spring Fling was a highly popular event for the Wilmot team. However in recent years, Wilmot has sent few, if any, athletes to the event for a multitude of reasons including distance and calendar. Wilmot has not provided coaching support for this event in recent years.
NASTAR NATIONALS
NASTAR Nationals is a great event put on each year by NASTAR in late March. You must qualify to participate in the event, however, qualifying is usually not difficult, particularly for those with racing experience. Typically qualifying requires achieving NASTAR medals (bronze, silver, gold etc.) on multiple days. Several WIJARA races use a NASTAR pace setter, so participating in WIJARA races may help towards qualification. Please refer to the NASTAR website for the current qualifying requirements. Qualifiers are then divided into divisions (bronze, silver, gold, platinum) determined by their performance during the season on NASTAR courses. The race courses are then set on hills reflective of the abilities of each division. Over the past years the races have been held in Steamboat, Aspen Snowmass and Mammoth. NASTAR participants and their families receive discounts on lift tickets and lodging. NASTAR usually does a great job putting on a fun but highly competitive event that makes the participants feel special. In past years, members of the US Ski Team have attended the event and signed autographs. Wilmot does not provide coaching support for this event.
Often the Wilmot coaches are aware of end of the year races. Inquire with the coaches about races that will be held this year if interested.