Nastar National Championships by Steamboat Pilot & Today

Nastar National Championships

WelCome to steamBoat Welcome to the 2016 Nature Valley Nastar National Championships! the National Championships is the ultimate reward for anyone who races Nastar, so congratulations on qualifying for this year’s event. We are excited to return to steamboat for a week of great racing and fun activities. steamboat previously hosted the Championships from 2006-2009 with the highest participation numbers we’ve seen to date. the community has welcomed us back with open arms and we are looking forward to all that ski town, u.s.a.® has to offer. as the world’s largest grassroots ski racing program, Nastar has helped grow and generate excitement for the sport of alpine racing. the

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roB perlmaN president & Coo steamboat resort

program expanded even farther this year with the integration of current u.s. ski team stars in to pacesetting trials at Copper mountain and around the country. this week, u.s. ski team members, including ted ligety, travis ganong and marco sullivan will join alumni and long-time pacesetters aJ Kitt, Casey puckett and Jake Fiala to compete alongside the nation’s best Nastar racers and participate in festivities on and off the mountain. the Nature Valley Nastar National Championships is much more than just a competition. it’s an event celebrating the sport of alpine racing and a place for racers young and old to make news friends and memories they

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dule VeNue maps speCtator iNFo on behalf of the steamboat ski & resort Corp. and the entire community of steamboat springs, welcome to ski town, u.s.a.® and the 2016 Nature Valley Nastar National Championships. much like you, ski racing is in our dNa from the very first time we slid down the hill and a large part of our history and heritage. it’s only appropriate that the mountain and community hosts this prestigious event for a celebrated fi fth time. skiing is only a part of what makes steamboat unique and special. i hope

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Bill madseN director of Nastar u.s. ski and snowboard association will never forget. We have an exciting week planned for you and your guests, including free concerts, autograph signings by Nastar pacesetters, a competitor raffle, awards receptions and more. and of course we’ll see some great racing. good luck and have fun!

N rules Competitio Boat o iN steam What to d ios athlete B you slow down enough to enjoy all that our genuine, western town has to offer during your time here. hosting the world’s largest ski competition would not be possible without the dedicated work of so many individuals, organizations and sponsors, including the resort’s mountain staff, particularly the race crew and all the volunteers from across the Yampa Valley. to all our 2016 Nastar National competitors - good luck, race hard, go fast, have fun and enjoy your time in steamboat.

Nature Valley NASTAR MONDAY - Wednesday 8:00am - 6:00pm^ Competitor and Guest Lift Tickets can be purchased at Main Ticket Office or Ticket Windows, Main Gondola Building, Gondola Square 11:00am - 2:00pm Public NASTAR Course is open $5 per run (Cash only) 12:30pm - 3:00pm Race Clinics hosted by Steamboat (optional) Advanced Registration Required: Call 1-800-922-2722 $99 if purchased 7 days in advance, $129 if purchased onsite or within 7 days.

TUESDAY - Wednesday 8:00am - 8:00pm Competitor Check-In* (Steamboat Grand Burgess Creek and Mountain View Foyer) ^Preregistered racers and guests that arrive early may purchase discounted lift tickets during this time. *All National Championship competitors must check-in upon arriving to pick up their Competitor Packet starting on Tues. Mar. 22 Competitors under 18 years of age must have a parent/guardian present at check-in and all competitors will be required to complete a Release of Liability Waiver at this time.

2016 championship THURSDAY, MARCH 24

National Championships Competition Begins (DAY 1) 8:00am - 12:00pm Competitor Check-In* (Steamboat Grand Burgess Creek and Mountain View Foyer) 12:00pm - 5:00pm Competitor and Guest Lift Tickets can be purchased at Main Ticket Office or Ticket Windows, Main Gondola Building, Gondola Square 8:45am - 9:15am Course Inspection 9:30am Race Start Times Ages 21-59 Platinum (See Me) Ages 21-59 Gold (Lower All Out) Ages 21-74 Silver (Upper Bashor) Ages 21-74 Bronze & Adaptive racers (Lower Bashor) Ages 60-74 Platinum & Gold (Upper All Out) Ages 75-95+ All Divisions (Lower Bashor) 11:00am - 2:00pm Complimentary Chili Lunch Served to all Competitors and Credentialed Guests (Free Thursday Only) in Gondola Square 11:45am - 12:15pm Course Inspection for Afternoon Races 12:30pm Race Start Times Ages 10-20 Platinum (See Me) Ages 10-20 Gold (Lower All Out) Ages 6-9 Platinum & Gold (Upper All Out) Ages 6-20 Silver (Upper Bashor) Ages 6-20 Bronze & Adaptive racers (Lower Bashor) Ages 1-5 All Divisions (Lower Bashor) 2:30pm Race: Snowboarders & Snowbikes All ages (Lower Bashor) 3:00pm – 5:30pm Opening Ceremony Party - Gondola Square 3:00pm - 4:30pm Live Music: 6 Million Dollar Band 4:30pm - 5:30pm Introduction of Celebrity Pacesetters Competitor Prize Drawing to Win Great Gear Awards presented to racers that breakout of their division (Bump Rule) 6:00-8:00pm Autograph session with U.S. Ski Team Alumni Steamboat Base Club, Torian Plum Plaza

Nastar National Championships

Thursday - Sunday 8:30am Christie Lift Open to Credentialed Racers and Guests 9:00am - 3:30pm Sponsor Village - Gondola Plaza

schedule

March 24-27 Steamboat Springs, colorado

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

8:45am - 9:15am Course Inspection

9:00am - 9:30am Course Inspection - National Title Winners Only (See Me)

National Championships Competition Begins (DAY 2)

9:30am Race Start Times Ages 10-20 Platinum (See Me) Ages 10-20 Gold (Lower All Out) Ages 6-9 Platinum & Gold (Upper All Out) Ages 6-20 Silver (Upper Bashor) Ages 6-20 Bronze & Adaptive racers (Lower Bashor) Ages 1-5 All Divisions (Lower Bashor) 11:45am-12:15pm Course Inspection for Afternoon Races 12:30pm Race Start Times Ages 21-59 Platinum (See Me) Ages 21-59 Gold (Lower All Out) Ages 60-74 Platinum & Gold (Upper All Out) Ages 21-74 Bronze & Adaptive racers (Lower Bashor) Ages 21-74 Silver (Upper Bashor) Ages 75-95+ All Divisions (Lower Bashor) 2:30pm Race Start Times Snowboarders & Snowbikes All ages (Bashor) 4:30 - 8:00pm Awards Ceremony-Gondola Square Stage 4:30pm Resort Team Awards 4:45pm U.S. Ski Team & Olympic Stars will present medals to the first, second and third place winners in each age & gender category in each division. Awards will be presented in the following order: 95+, 90-94, 85-89, 80-84, 75-79, 70-74, 65-69, 60-64, 55-59 1-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 16-17, 18-20, 50-54, 45-49, 40-44, 35-39, 30-34, 21-29. 5:00pm - 9:00pm Awards Reception Korbel Ballroom – Steamboat Grand Hotel Complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages for all National Championships competitors and guests with credentials.

Nature Valley NASTAR Race of Champions & Team Race

9:45am Pacesetter Race-US Ski Team Members & Alumni 10:00am Alpine Female - All ages 10:45am Pacesetter Race-US Ski Team Members & Alumni 11:00am Alpine Male - All ages 12:00pm Combined Division Female - All ages (snowboarders, telemarkers, snowbikes & adaptive racers) 12:30pm Combined Division Male - All Ages (snowboarders, telemarkers, snowbikes & adaptive racers) “Race of Champions” Awards Ceremony (On Going, See Me Finish Arena) Team Races (separate entry is required) 1:30pm Family Team Race-(Bashor) 1:30pm Friends Team Race-(Upper Bashor) 4:00pm Team Awards in the Bashor Finish area 3:30 - 5:00pm Bud Light Rocks the Boat Concert Series Featuring: Jakubi

SUNDAY, MARCH 27

NASTAR National Championships Slalom 8:45am - 9:15am Course Inspection (adult racers 21-95 years of age) 10:00am Race Start Time Ages 21-95 (Bashor) 11:30am Awards in the finish area (Bashor) 11:45am - 12:15pm Course Inspection (junior racers 1-20 years of age) 12:30pm Race Start Time Ages 1-20 (Bashor-youngest race first) 3:00pm Awards in the finish area (Bashor)

Nastar National Championships

Spectator Shuttle A free shuttle will be available for spectators from Thursday, March 24 to Sunday, March 27. All shuttles will depart from the Gondola Transit Center and drop off at the Thunderhead Express lift. The hike from the Thunderhead Express lift to the Bashor race arena is an uphill hike on snow that takes approximately 25 minutes. Snowshoes are highly recommended and are available for rental at the

information center in Gondola Square for $20 per day. Be sure to wear sturdy winter footwear as conditions may be extremely slick. Please consider altitude and bring water, snacks and outerwear appropriate for the elements. The trail is open to the public so please be aware of downhill skiers. Shuttle service is available only at the times outlined below.

Thursday 3/24

Friday 3/25

Saturday 3/26

Sunday 3/27

9 a.m. Departure Shuttle

12 p.m. Departure Shuttle 12 p.m. Departure Shuttle 12 p.m. Departure Shuttle 12 p.m. Departure Shuttle 12:30 p.m. Return Shuttle 12:30 p.m. Return Shuttle 12:30 p.m. Return Shuttle 12:30 p.m. Return Shuttle 3:30 p.m. Return Shuttle

3:30 p.m. Return Shuttle

Departure shuttles meet at Gondola Transportation Return shuttle meet at Thunderhead Drop Off Point

Nastar National Championships

3:30 p.m. Return Shuttle

Nastar National Championships

Competition Notes The Bump Breakout Rule National Championship competitors will be bumped up to a new division if they break out of their qualifying division during the first day of competition. Gold Division racers who earn a platinummedal handicap that is within the top 50% of the platinum-medal range will be moved to the Platinum Division. Silver division racers who earn a platinum-level handicap will be moved into the Gold Division. Bronze Division racers who earn a gold-medal handicap will be moved into the Silver Division. Bumped racers will earn their final placing

based on the single best handicap earned on the second day of competition in their new division. The result that bumped the competitor into their new division on day one is dropped. Racers who are bumped will be placed on the start list within their new division and they must race in their newly assigned division. Refer to the Event Schedule and Race Start Times to determine location of a newly assigned race venue by division, age and gender group. Awards will be presented to all â&#x20AC;&#x153;bumpedâ&#x20AC;? competitors during the Competitor Raffle on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

Nastar National Championships

competition format

National Title Competition ◊ Racers will compete within the age, gender, division and discipline in which they qualified.

on the same course each day and racers will switch courses for the second day of competition.

◊ Competitors will be seeded by gender & age within their division.

◊ For example: if you race on the yellow course on Thursday you will race on the green course on Friday.

◊ Competitors will race in bib order at 20-second intervals. ◊ The second run will start as soon as all racers have completed their first run. ◊ Competitors will race in the same bib order during the second run. ◊ Physically challenged racers will compete with the Bronze Division. Physically Challenged racers will start first on their race venue. ◊ Telemark racers will compete with the Bronze Division racers within their age and gender group. ◊ The snowboard division will compete on its own course with snowboard gate panels. ◊ Competitors will compete on one of five race venues depending on their age and division. ◊ Each racer will take two race runs on Thusday and two race runs on Friday. Both race runs will be taken

◊ Only the best handicap earned Thursday and the best handicap earned on Friday are used to determine the final result. ◊ For example: if you fall or miss a gate on one run and complete the other run you are still in contention. ◊ One run must be completed each day ◊ Thursday’s races, adults 21 and older will race in the AM and the Kids, 20 years and younger will race in the PM. ◊ Friday’s races, the kids 20 years and younger will race in the AM, and the adults 21 years and older will race in the PM. ◊ Breakout or Bump Rule National Championship competitors will be bumped up to a new divisions if they break out of their qualifying division during the

Nastar National Championships

first day of competition. Gold Division racers that earn a platinum medal handicap that is within the top 50% of the platinum medal range will be moved to the Platinum Division. Silver Division racers that earn a platinum medal handicap will be moved to the Gold Division. Bronze Division racers that earn a gold medal handicap will be moved to the Silver Division. ◊ The best handicap earned each day will be averaged (added together and divided by two) to determine each competitor’s final National Championships handicap. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be presented to the first, second and third place finishers in each age & gender category in each division during Friday’s awards ceremony. ◊ The winner of each age and gender category within each division and discipline will win a National Championship Title! ◊ Each National Champion will be invited to compete in the Race of Champions.

Saturday Race of Champions ◊ Competitors who win a National Title will be invited to compete in Saturday’s “Nature Valley NASTAR Race of Champions” in a winner-take-all race in one of four disciplines ◊ Female Alpine ◊ Male Alpine ◊ Female Combined ◊ Male Combined Combined = snowboard, telemark & physically challenged ◊ Each qualifying racer will carry their winning National Championships handicap into the race to level the playing field. If a participant’s winning handicap is higher than the handicap maximum for their division, they will be assigned the maximum handicap for their division. ◊ 75 is the maximum handicap for the Race of Champions. ◊ Within each race competitors will be seeded by their National Championships handicap with the highest handicaps racing first. ◊ Each racer will get one run. ◊ During each race, the competitor with the fastest handicapped time will ascend the podium until he/she is bumped off by a faster discounted time. ◊ Immediately following each race, the competitor with the fastest handicapped time will receive a “Race of Champions” trophy and will be crowned the overall “Nature Valley NASTAR National Champion”! ◊ Within each race, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be presented to the three competitors with the fastest handicapped times. ◊ In addition, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be presented to the competitors with the fastest raw times.

Resort Team Competition ◊ Unless selected otherwise during the online registration process for the National Championships, competitors will represent the resort from which they qualified in the Resort Team Competition. ◊ Resort teams will be scored based on a team point average. Team members score points for their team based on their final National Championships handicap. ◊ Only the top six point gainers from each resort team will be used to score points for their resort team. The number of team points earned by these top point gainers are added together and divided by six to get the Team Score. ◊ In the event of a tie, a 7th team member’s National Championships handicap will be factored in to the Team Score. If the tie persists, National Championships handicaps for additional team members will be factored in to the Team Score until the tie is broken. ◊ The NASTAR Handicap Chart shows the handicap needed in each age & gender category to earn a particular number of team points. The number of team points indicated on the chart is a range. Since team points are interpolated, the exact number of team points you earn will be within this range. ◊ Resort Team awards will be given to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth place resort teams. The resort team with the highest Team Score will be awarded the National Resort Team Title!

Nastar National Championships

thiNgs to do iN steamBoat

skiing isn’t the only things to do in ski town usa®. plenty of other activities will keep you and your family happy until the cows come home. hit the hot spriNgs steamboat springs earned its name from early pioneers for the “chug, chug” sound of its springs, and you can experience them yourself in the area’s natural pools. old town hot springs at third street and lincoln avenue (970-879-1828, www.oldtownhotsprings.org) provides the most convenient option, complete with waterfalls, a climbing wall that lets you fall into a pool, and a pair of 230-foot waterslides for the kids. For a more rustic setting, try strawberry park hot springs (970-879-0342, www.strawberryhotsprings. com) seven miles out of town. shop historiC doWNtoWN take a break from the slopes to shop downtown. steamboat’s historic shopping district combines the nostalgia of old-time storefronts with boutique shops, galleries and more. if you’re staying on the mountain, take the free city bus to Fifth street and begin your journey by passing the historic routt County Courthouse before entering the heart of the downtown area where restaurants, bars and shops await. sKi With aN olYmpiaN steamboat has 89 olympians and counting. ski

with one on the mountain down heavenly daze with steamboat’s director of skiing and 1964 olympic silver medalist and World Champion Billy Kidd. look for the “Billy Kidd is skiing today” sign at the top of the gondola, and meet him at the top of Why Not at 1 p.m. You can also ski with 1992 olympic bronze medalist and two-time World Cup mogul champion Nelson Carmichael, who hosts a free mogul clinic on his namesake Nelson’s run at 1 p.m. on select sundays. For women comes the steamboat Women’s ski Camps, led by four-time olympian ann Battelle and three-time olympian Caroline lalive. info: www.steamboat.com. sChuss oN a sled or tuBe sometimes it’s fun to schuss downhill without the control. rent tubes downtown at howelsen hill (970879-0695, www.sswsc.org), with proceeds benefi tting the steamboat springs Winter sports Club. Fifteen miles out of town, careen down saddleback ranch’s Yee-haw tubing hill (970-879-3711, www. saddlebackranch.com). they even offer transport to and from the transit center on mount Werner Circle. go NordiC steamboat’s four Nordic centers offer more than 120 kilometers of groomed trails for classic crosscountry and skate skiing, as well as snow-shoeing, all within 30 minutes of downtown. side note: please yield to olympians.

Nastar National Championships

AJ Kitt

A four-time Olympian, AJ Kitt has become a living legend at NASTAR Nationals as well as the NASTAR Pacesetting Trials. After 11 years on the U.S. Ski Teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Cup circuit, he has been NASTARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traveling pacesetter for 16 years. His consistent skiing style has earned him a reputation as a power skier. AJ is a great ambassador for the NASTAR program and he is always happy to share his knowledge of the sport with recreational racers.

Jake Fiala

Born in Prague, Fiala immigrated to the U.S. in 1978 and grew up in New Mexico before moving to Colorado to focus on his racing. With a history in World Cup alpine ski racing and ski cross, Jake Fiala has relished in success, competing in three World Championships and the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. He is looking forward to renewing his rivalry with AJ Kitt and Casey Puckett in Steamboat.

Travis Ganong

Travis Ganong knows how to pick a line down a racecourse and in the backcountry, but it was the line set by his older sisters, Megan and Ali, that helped reel him into ski racing. He launched his World Cup career in 2010 and has quickly become a leading member of the future downhill greats club. Travis crushed it at World Championships in 2015 earning a sliver medal in the downhill.

NASTAR Athlete bios

Nastar National Championships

Casey Puckett

One of the only American skiers to race in five Olympic Games, Casey Puckett is known to Warren Miller fans as the “fastest man in Aspen.” Born in Boulder and raised in the rugged mountains of Crested Butte, Casey also represented Colorado in the XGAMES and won Skier X Gold twice.

Ted Ligety

Skiing always comes first for 2006 and 2014 Olympic gold medalist and five-time World Cup giant slalom champion Ted Ligety. Whether it’s dropping cliffs, taking the snowmobiles into the Utah backcountry or laying down some of the most incredible angles in all of ski racing, “Shred” is constantly pushing and evolving the sport.

Marco Sullivan

Marco Sullivan grew up in Lake Tahoe with skiing in his soul. He learned to go fast on some of the most legendary terrain in the world, then took that skill to the World Cup and won. With 16 years on the U.S. Ski Team under his belt, Marco has competed in five World Championships and is a four-time Olympian.

Justin Reiter

Olympian, World Championship medalist and World Cup winner Justin Reiter is one of the fastest Americans on the FIS Snowboarding World Cup circuit. A Steamboat Springs local, Reiter picked up his first World Cup victory last year at a parallel slalom city event in Moscow.

Nastar National Championships