Masters Equipment & Rules
The full rules and details can be found in the respective Competition Guides:
Masters Events Scheduling Guidelines
FIS Masters Precisions Southern Hemisphere 2024/2025
You cannot come to a complete stop in any FIS discipline.
Group D for women 60+ yrs is now a category for all awards.
*NEW FIS Master Indoor Grand Prix which includes all the indoor SL events.
To maintain your Masters FIS points, you must renew your Masters FIS license by October 28, 2024.
If renewed after that date your points will start over again at 999.
FIS and U.S. Ski & Snowboard prohibit wax products containing fluorocarbons from use in all sanctioned competitions. See the resources below from U.S. Ski & Snowboard for cleaning skis and tuning equipment:
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Masters Alpine Course Setting Specifications
(current - last update was 2019)
It is REQUIRED that Masters use helmets that meet the FIS standards for FIS and U.S. Ski & Snowboard Masters competitions for all sanctioned GS, SG, DH, P, and K competitions.
Helmets which meet the FIS standard have a sticker affixed by the manufacturer that states “Conforms to FIS Specification RH 2013”.
The helmet MUST bear a “CE” mark and conform to one or more of the following helmet standards: CEH.Din 1077, ASTM F2040, SNELL S98 or RS98.
The race jury may exclude racers from competition for lack of appropriate helmet.
- Helmets must cover the head and ears.
- Helmets with spoilers or edges that stick out are not permitted.
- Protective features integral to the event being contested, such as chin guards on SL helmets are permitted.
- Soft ear protection is only permitted for helmets used in SL. (not allowed in Parallel SL)
- Helmet mounted cameras and helmet mounts are not allowed on helmets in official training or competition.
CAUTION: Age and use affect the protective qualities of all safety helmets. Some older helmets and any helmets that have been damaged either in a racing fall or from other impact may no longer provide sufficient protection – even if there are no visible indications of damage.
Masters equipment rules conform to the FIS Masters equipment rules. U.S. Ski & Snowboard recommends that competitors in Masters events compete on equipment designed for the particular discipline (DH, SL, GS and SG) but does not make any recommendations in regard to ski length or shape. Race stock skis are not a requirement.
The race jury may exclude racers from competition for lack of physical and/or technical ability or lack of appropriate equipment.
Typical Ski Dimensions by Discipline
SLALOM
Men: 165 cm
Ladies: 155 cm
GIANT SLALOM
Men: 180-185 cm, Radius 27 m
Ladies: 175-180, Radius 23 m
SUPER-G
Men: 185 cm Radius 27 m
Ladies: 180 cm Radius 23 m
Ski Racing Article by Lisa Densmore: What's the Right Ski for Masters Racing?
How to obtain entry:
- All FMC entries for the USA event will be paid through masters.adminskiracing.com. If you have a USA FIS Masters number, you do not need to request a FIS entry form for the USA event. If you are not a US citizen, you will also need to request an official entry from your National Ski Association (NSA).
- If you are a US Citizen, to register for FIS events outside USA, YOU MUST email lauren.beckos@usss.org so an official FIS entry can be sent for you from U.S. Ski & Snowboard. In your email, please include:
- The event you plan to attend.
- Which disciplines/days you plan to race.
- Your name as it is listed on your FIS license or your FIS Masters License number.
- FIS Masters race entries requested will be listed on the USA FIS Masters Registrations spreadsheet along with the date I plan to submit them. Racers will be copied on the email when the entry is submitted.
- Some FIS Masters events have an online portal for payment, but all official entries for FIS events MUST be sent directly from U.S. Ski & Snowboard. All FIS Masters events will have an event program posted on the FIS website at least 60 days in advance.
Notes and tips for your FIS Masters License:
- Reminder: you must renew your FIS Masters License EVERY YEAR to maintain your points. Points will reset if your license is not active for a year.
- It can take up to three days for your USA FIS license to be activated. Other NSAs may have longer lead times. Be sure to renew your FIS license several days before the points printing list deadline that is valid for your event. If you renew after that date, you will not have points for start list seeding and will be placed in the unseeded group at the end of your age class.
- If you are a U.S. Ski & Snowboard member but already have a FIS license with another country and/or are not a U.S. Citizen, you will need to purchase your FIS license and request FIS race entries through you home country's National Ski Association. Contact us if you need help locating the correct contact.
Where do I buy race gear?
Ask your division contact or check your division website for the best options in your area.
Online Race Shops
Local Race Shops
Local Ski Swaps
Did you know?
Many masters racers have used gear in great condition they can sell you or let you borrow to get started! Don't be afraid to ask around!
Did you know?
Many masters racers have brains full of knowledge for selecting and maintaining race equipment!
Reach out in person or ask your question on our Facebook member page!