2017-18 Alpine Equipment Regulations are Now Finalized

Major changes to the GS radius and ski length requirements are in place for U19’s and U16’s. These 2017-18 Alpine Equipment Regulations were approved in May 2017 at the FIS/USSA Spring Congress.

2017-18 U21, U19, U16, U14 USSA RULES FOR GS:
The new 2017-18 USSA GS rules are deregulated. What this means is that USSA rules for GS require skis 17 meters or greater in radius, with no ski length requirement. What this means is that for GS, any appropriate length ski for an athlete’s development with a radius over 17 meters is legal for all GS racing in the United States.

This is a big departure from the 2016-17 regulations that required women to be on skis greater than 25 meter and men to ski 30 meter or greater skis. With the new rules you should keep in mind that when choosing skis, you should pick the skis with the length and radius most appropriate for the individual athlete’s ability level.

2017-18 U21 and U19 FIS GS RULES:
The new 2017-18 FIS rules governing ski radius and length dictate 193cm (+/- 5cm) (>30 m radius) skis for men, and 188cm (+/- 5cm) (>30 m radius) skis for ladies. These sizes are required to compete in FIS races for athletes U19 and older.

2017-18 U16 and U14 FIS GS RULES:
For younger FIS athletes, the new 2017-18 rules dictate 188cm max (+/- 1cm) length skis with a 17 meter or greater radius for both ladies and men.

Stand height (ski+plate+binding) for all FIS athletes remains at 50mm maximum. There is no standing height rule for USSA athletes. We expect the boot height requirement to remain at 43mm – from the boot sole to the top of the footbed.

Click HERE to compare the new rules to last year’s rules.

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Click this link below to print out a copy of the complete 2017-18 Alpine Equipment Regulations.

2017-2018-Alpine Equipment Regulations

For more information, please visit the USSA.org or FIS-Ski.com websites.

Goggles and their Importance to Ski Racers

Good goggles are of utmost importance to both ski racers and recreational skiers. We have been watching the progression of goggle choices by world cup racers this season. You will notice that there has been a steady upwards trend of racers for the last couple of years who are now choosing goggles with the finest optics, (and double lenses) over the more traditional “single lens” race goggles of old. Most racers know that the single lens goggle was used to reduce the distortion that double lens goggles used to have. Well times have changed, and double lens goggles are now available from all of the major brands that have distortion free lenses. And with a double lens, you avoid all of the fogging issues that single lens goggles have.

Goggle size is also something else that has changed drastically. Being able to see well and having ski boots that fit perfectly are in our opinion the two most important things to concentrate on when you are outfitting a skier. Goggles have gotten bigger for a good reason – you can see more stuff with a bigger goggle. Frameless goggles provide great peripheral vision, and semi-frameless ones give you great vision, with a little more sturdiness in the frame. Say “No!” to tiny goggles and you will end up being a happier skier.

When choosing a goggle, you should always ensure that it has a seamless fit with your helmet. If you are purchasing both a new helmet and new goggles, start with the helmet, then find goggles that work with it. The Visual (aka Variable) Light Transmission (VLT) factor of the lens is an important consideration. A VLT rating of 42% means that 42% of the light will actually get through the lens to your eyes. If you ski mostly on the the east coast of the United States, a VLT in the range of 45-80% is where you should start looking. Skiers at higher altitudes in the western US, Canada, Europe and the southern hemisphere may need goggle lenses with a VLT number in the 10-30% range. On a snowy day, everybody needs goggles with a high VLT. Glare is reduced by mirrored coatings on the lenses – and mirrored coatings are available in a variety of thicknesses and colors.

Peak Performance Ski Shop carries goggles by Oakley, Smith, POC, Shred, Uvex, Briko, Scott and Bollé. Each company has worked hard to improve their optics and also helmet compatibility. Oakley has invented Prizm™ technology to increase contrast on snow, Shred’s NODISTORTION™ technology reduces distortion due to elevation changes. The liquid cast NXT™ option from Shred is used by the US Air Force. POC has recently partnered with Zeiss Optics to provide crystal clear vision and better quality lenses. Uvex stands for “ultraviolet-excluded.” Their lenses provide 100% filtration of UVA/UVB/UVC rays. Their decentered lens technology reduces edge distortion. These are just some of the examples of the technologies built into your goggle that you may not be aware of.

It is important to remember that lens choice is a very personal thing, and that everyone’s eyes are different. What works for your friend may not work for you – for a variety of reasons!

Alpine Ski Race Suit Care

It’s that time of year – where the race suits are getting heavy use, and the race suit owners are worried about whether the suit will make it until the end of the season.

Ski race suits are constructed with fabrics that are very stretchy, and susceptible to damage. The biggest culprit is Velcro – which can rub the suits and cause them to pill and run.

We recommend that you keep your race suit in its own compartment of your gear bag – away from any shin and arm guards with Velcro straps. If your bag doesn’t have a separate compartment, just put the suit in a separate cloth bag before you stuff it in your gear bag.

Machine wash your suit in cool water with perfume and dye-free detergent. Use the “gentle” or “delicates” setting on your washer. Hang to dry. We do not recommend dry cleaning your alpine race suit.

Don’t forget that Peak Performance offers race suits by Spyder, Arctica and Sync. Click HERE to see what suits we have in stock, or give us a call at (802) 422-9447.

Race Ski Helmet Manufacture Date

What does the manufacture date on a race ski helmet have to do with the new USSA helmet rule for U14 racers?

Absolutely nothing.

Although there is a new USSA helmet rule for the 2015-16 season that effects U14 racers, it is not a completely new rule. The rule officially originated in 2012-13 as a FIS rule for FIS World Cup athletes for GS, SG and DH races and was called FIS RH 2013. In 2013-14 the rule was adopted for all FIS athletes. For the 2014-15 season this rule was recommended for all USSA U14 and older racers and enforced for U16 and U18 racers in some areas of the country. As of the 2015-16 season the FIS RH 2013 rule has now been officially adopted by the USSA for all U14 and older racers. Helmets that are compliant with the current USSA and FIS rules have been in manufacture since 2013.

This is a current season helmet that bears the FIS RH 2013 sticker and shows a date of manufacture of 10/2013. Manufacture date means nothing with relation to the rules. What matters is that the helmet has the RH 2013 hologram – this is how you know that it meets the current ski racing rules. This is what the sticker looks like that indicates the helmet meets the current ski racing requirements.

Most current helmets on the market meet the FIS RH 2013 rules, but there are still some that do not. Make sure that there is a FIS RH 2013 sticker on the helmet before you make a purchase. At Peak Performance Ski Shop we carry the following helmets that meet the FIS RH 2013 standards:

So don’t worry about the manufacture date on the helmet, just look for the FIS RH 2013 sticker. For more information on the helmet rules for ski racing, please read our blog post: USSA Ski Racing Helmet Rules for 2015-16

5 Reasons to buy new junior race skis

Should you buy new junior race skis?

Your child is returning from summer ski camp. If you haven’t decided already, now is the time to decide whether to keep the skis they are bringing home from camp or buy new junior race skis. But how do you know when it is time to move on from a pair of skis?

Plan ahead to buy new junior race skis for your child when they need them. — Peak Ski Shop customer Amanda J.

There are several reasons to buy new junior race skis:

USSA/FIS rules change. There are different rules for each age category that dictate ski length and ski radius. These rules can change from season to season. They are determined at the USSA Congress in April each year. Keep up-to-date on the USSA ski racing rules matrix so you know if the rules have changes for the category your child skis in and whether you have to buy new skis. We’ve summed up the 2015-16 ski rule changes in our blog post Race Ski Rules 2015-16 for USSA and FIS Alpine Racers.
USSA/FIS Category change. If your child changes racing category (ie; goes from a U12 to a U14) they will probably need a new pair of skis as well as some other new equipment (helmet, shin guards, etc.) Refer to your local ski racing club website or the USSA Alpine Athlete Rules (this will not be completely updated for the up-coming season until September) to determine what equipment you will need to replace. We summed up the helmet rule changes in our blog post USSA Ski Racing Helmet Rules for 2015-16. We think the Pennsylvania Alpine Racing Association (PARA) did a nice job summarizing the 2015-16 rule changes on their website with their page USSA Updates for 2015/16 Season.
Growth spurt. Where do your child’s skis measure up to them? Recommended length for SL skis is between the mouth and forehead. Recommended length for GS skis is 10 – 20cm longer than their SL skis (this varies/changes as the child gets older). Minimum length for junior GS skis should be head height, and the more skillful junior skiers should be skiing on GS skis that are over head height. If your child’s current SL or GS skis are already too short or very close to being too short, it is time to move on.
Performance Issues. Does the ski your child is currently using work for your child? Can they turn the ski they are using effectively? Or do they need a softer or stiffer ski? Talk to your child’s coaches and determine if you should buy new junior race skis that will work better for your child.
Quality Issues. How do the bases look? How do the edges look? How many times has the ski been tuned? When you have watched your child ski does it seem to perform as it should? Does your child have any feedback on how they feel it is performing? We feel a junior race ski in its 2nd season of use can still be a good race ski. A junior race ski in its 3rd season of use should be used as a trainer only. A junior race ski in its 4th season of use should be replaced. If the skis your child is currently using have been handed down several times, or was purchased used and is starting to look pretty bad, it’s probably time to replace it.

Peak Ski Shop customer Kyle B. with an appropriate length GS ski for his age. — Peak Ski Shop customer Kyle B.

Ski racing is an expensive sport. Don’t become a ski collector. Make a decision to get new skis in spring or summer and sell off the skis you are replacing as soon as possible to fund the next pair of skis. Selection is best for buying new skis in summer and fall. Many places hold used ski swaps in the fall. New Englanders can usually find a list of used ski swaps on Boston.com, or skimaven.com does a nice comprehensive list each year. We feel the best time and place to sell off used race gear in Vermont is at the Pico Ski Swap or the Killington Ski Club Ski Swap on Columbus Day weekend at the Snowshed Base Lodge at Killington Resort. The Killington Swap is one of the largest used ski swaps on the east coast and typically has a lot of race skis, gear and race suits.

So when your kids get back from summer ski camp, take some time and determine if now is the time to buy new junior race skis. The sooner you do it the better the chance of getting what you want and need. You don’t need to pre-order your race skis or wait for a special day to buy them – manufacturer’s sponsored race pricing is available every day of the year for USSA and FIS racers at Peak Performance Ski Shop and on peakskishop.com.

Race Ski Rules 2015-16 for USSA and FIS Alpine Racers

Need help determining the 2015-16 race ski rules?

Every year the USSA Congress meets in May to review (and revise) the standards for FIS and USSA ski racing. Watch this short video: Alpine – Sport Committee Recap- USSA Congress for a brief overview of all changes to the race ski rules for alpine ski racing. After the meeting they distribute a new equipment matrix that details the alpine race ski rules for the upcoming ski racing season. The USSA and FIS Alpine Equipment Rules Matrix 2015-16 (ver 6) shows the ski length and radius rules for each age category for the 2015-16 season. As you can see from the image below, this matrix can get pretty confusing, so we have interpreted the chart for you.

U14 Racers (racers age 12 and 13 years old)

Race ski rules for ski length and radius have not changed for U14 athletes 2015-16 season.

U14 athletes SL and GS there is no ski radius or ski length requirement.
U14 Super G there is no length or radius rule but the recommendation is to use a GS or SG ski that is 10 – 20 cm longer than your GS ski.

U16 Racers (racers age 15 and 14 years old)

Race ski rules for ski length and radius have not changed for U16 athletes 2015-16 season.

U16 athletes SL there is no ski radius or ski length ski requirement. Most athletes this age should be skiing 150cm or longer slalom ski.
U16 athletes GS there is a radius requirement of 17m or greater. This enables the U16 athlete to use most skis manufactured from 160cm on up (with some companies having a 155cm ski that is greater than 17m for GS). That being said, most athletes this age should be starting to look to adult skis 175cm – 188cm with a radius of 23m are greater for GS. This will make their transition to U19 much easier.
U16 Super G skis will need to be 183cm or longer and have a radius greater than 27m. All Super G specific skis on the market today that are 183cm or longer conform to this regulation of 27m or greater. In many cases athletes use GS skis for Super G and most GS skis will have a radius greater than 27m, but you need to double-check the ski.

U19 Racers (formerly called U18 – racers age 16 years and older)

For the new age designation – U19, which replaces U18 for athletes age 16 – 17 and 18 years old, there are different requirements for men and women. These race ski rules are different from last year.

U19 Mens SL regulation is to have a ski 155cm or longer. Full sized males will probably be faster on a 165cm SL ski and should probably move to this as soon as possible.
U19 Womens SL require a ski that is 155cm or longer.
U19 Mens GS USSA requirement is for GS skis that are 180cm or longer and greater than 23m. (If they are racing any FIS races, follow FIS rule.)
U19 Womens GS USSA requirement is for GS skis that are 175cm or longer and greater than 23m. (If they are racing any FIS races, follow FIS rule.)
U19 Mens Super G ski requirement is 200cm or longer and greater than 33m radius skis. What this means is that all SG skis that have been produced in the last 10 yrs 200cm or longer are legal – none of these Super G skis are FIS legal though, only USSA legal.
U19 Women Super G ski requirement is 195cm or longer and greater than 33m radius skis. What this means is that all adult SG skis that have been produced in the last 10 yrs 195cm or longer are legal – none of these Super G skis are FIS legal though, only USSA legal. Be aware, there are some Junior Super G skis on the market that are 195cm that have 27 – 30 meter radius. These skis are not legal for USSA U19 ski racing.

The 2015-16 race ski rules explained above apply to athletes who are only participating in USSA races. All U14 and U16 athletes ski USSA races only. These athletes should concentrate on the USSA ski regulations. At the U19 level athletes have a choice; they can ski USSA races only, they can ski FIS races only or they can ski both USSA and FIS races. Some U19 athletes opt to ski USSA races only, these athletes should use the USSA U19 ski regulations. Some U19 athletes opt to ski in both USSA and FIS – it is recommended for these athletes both men and women conform to the FIS regulations for both training and racing USSA and FIS events. The above mentioned rules do not apply to U19 racers skiing in FIS races only.

FIS Racers (racers age 16 and older)

FIS race ski rules, which apply to athletes 16 yrs and older that are skiing FIS races have not changed. These race ski rules apply to all athletes skiing any FIS races.

FIS Mens SL requires skis that are 165cm or longer – all FIS men use a 165cm ski.
FIS Womens SL requires skis that are 155cm or longer. SL skis are available in 155cm, 156cm, 157cm, and 158cm (length varies by manufacturer) – which are all suitable sizes for women.
FIS Mens GS skis required are 190cm or longer with a radius greater than 35m. (Most male athletes use the 195cm GS ski.)
FIS Womens GS skis required are 183cm or longer with a radius greater than 30m. (Most female athletes use the 188cm ski.)
FIS Mens Super G skis are required to be 205cm or longer with a 45m radius. (Which means Super G skis that have been produced within the last 3 years.)
FIS Womens Super G skis are required to be 200cm or longer with a 40 m radius. (Which means SG skis that have been produced within the last 3 years.)

The race ski rules can get pretty confusing. If you are unsure which skis your kids need to ski, give us a call at 802-422-9447.

How to choose a Back Protector for ski racing

A back protector is an important piece of protection for a ski racer.

POC Spine VPD 2.0 Vest back protector for ski racing — POC Spine VPD 2.0 Back Protector Vest

Everyday we get asked about back protectors…”do I need to wear a back protector?” or “who needs to wear a back protector?” or “do they really work?” We cannot answer these questions for you, but what we can do is educate you to help you make a more informed decision for yourself. Back protectors are designed to distribute impact pressure across your entire back in the event of a crash or fall. Instead of taking a sharp hit to one specific spot when you fall, a back protector will absorb the force and distribute it more evenly. This helps you to avoid broken vertebrae.

POC Spine VPD back protector for ski racing — Vest-style back protector from POC

Slytech 2nd Skin Back Pro XT - YXTBPLC back protector for ski racing — “Back pack-style” back protector from Slytech

In Europe, wearing a back protector is the norm for all skiers. Here in the United States back protectors are primarily worn by competitive skiers – whether they be alpine racers, freestyle competitors or big mountain skiers. There are several different back protectors on the market. The two brands we like the best and sell in our store are POC and Slytech. Both brands have done extensive R & D and offer products that meet the highest US and International safety standards.

POC coccyx protector that can be added to a POC back protector

There are several different types of back protectors, but all perform essentially the same function – protecting your back! One style is somewhat of a “backpack” style – where the back protector sits against your spine and is held in place by a waist belt and suspenders. On this style of back protector racers can remove the waist belt and suspenders and just stuff the actual back protector into their race suit while racing. Another style of back protector is an actual mesh vest with a pocket in the back that the back protector goes in that holds the protector at exactly the right spot for proper protection. For racing, the back protector in this vest could be removed and stuffed in a race suit as well. There are also additional coccyx protectors available that velcro onto both of these styles of back protector for additional protection. Choosing the style that is right for you is really a function of comfort, and if you are a racer – comfort and whatever fits within the guidelines of your sport.

Once you have chosen the style of back protector that is right for you it is essential to get the proper fit. Mike Martini of POC Sports USA explains proper fit in this video:

For proper fit of a back protector you should make sure that the protector covers from C4 on your spine (the knob you feel just below the base of your neck if you tilt your head forward) to the top of your tailbone (L5), which is just above the top of your butt crack. It is important to make sure placement of the back protector is correct so that it does not interfere with your helmet when you are squatting down (or when a racer is in a tuck position). Since the back protector will be partially in your pants, you might also want to make sure that your pants still fit comfortably when you have your back protector on.

Back protectors are increasingly the norm among skiers and ski racers all over the world, but they don’t help you if you don’t wear them or they don’t fit right. There is no one single style of back protector that is better than any other. The most important considerations when choosing a back protector is that it is properly sized and the most comfortable to you.

Advantages of Junior ski racing

There are many advantages of junior ski racing.

Some might say the ultimate of the advantages of junior ski racing is the freedom it affords the parent! You’ve “done your time” – teaching your kids to ski, slogging down the bunny slopes, riding the poma all day and dealing with their temper tantrums. You’re thrilled that you child finally loves skiing as much as you do, and now wants to race – but what specifically are the advantages of junior ski racing for the child/athlete?

Good physical activity.
Instills good organizational skills – requires the athlete to organize their time appropriately to get schoolwork, training and racing in regularly.
Teaches discipline and how to deal with authority and constructive criticism.
Encourages social interaction and levels the playing field between males and females thereby fostering peer groups of equals instead of cliques and dating scenes (in the older groups).
Promotes teamwork through sharing tasks related to racecourse set up in training and on race day.
Builds confidence through good work ethic, persistence and follow through – they get to see their hard work produce results. They learn that their result is THEIR result and that they can’t always win, but they should not give up, after much failure there will be success.
Helps them learn self-assessment skills and enables them to visualize success.
Increases awareness of their environment and surroundings and its effect on their performance, as well as how to assess a situation and plan accordingly.
Encourages independence and responsibility – In their younger years the parent takes care of equipment and race entries, but the older the athlete gets the more this evolves. By about J3/J4 (15-16-17 years old) – the athlete is capable and self-sufficient. At this point the burden of the work transfers from the parent to the athlete.

Clearly there are no disadvantages to sports participation for youth. The social benefits alone are almost too numerous to count. How can you possibly measure the value and satisfaction derived from working hard and mastering a skill? We’ve all done it, and the feeling is exhilarating, regardless of age. With sports and exercise, a child has the opportunity to experience this on almost a daily basis. Proficient skill acquisition allows children to value the accomplishments of their body and mind, making further challenges less daunting. These are attributes that simply can’t be measured. Nor can the sense of community created through sports, bonding with new friends and teammates, building healthy relationships between males and females and improving relationships with adults. Ski racing also allows children to take on leadership roles, handle adversity, and improve their time management. Let us not forget the potential for athletic scholarships too!

According to researchers at the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State University, kids that play sports actually do better in school and have enhanced social skills. Sports also help prevent drug and alcohol abuse and children that participate in sports are less likely to start smoking and, if they do smoke, are more likely to quit. Research on the benefits of sports and exercise for girls in particular has been especially promising. The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports has reported that athletically active girls develop increased self-esteem and confidence, are more likely to finish high school and college, and have a healthier body image. The Women’s Sports Foundation has also found that females participating in sports are less likely to become pregnant as teenagers and they suffer less depression. Furthermore, there is evidence that athletic activity can decrease the likelihood of developing breast cancer and osteoporosis.

Regardless of any future goals or prospects, ski racing should be an enjoyable experience for both the athlete and parents. Too often, the pressures of advancement take precedence over the many dynamic aspects of the sport. Fortunately for parents, ski racing offers so much more than competition, and you can be assured your time and investments will most certainly foster lifelong rewards.

So your kid wants to be a ski racer?

You’ve done your job right as a parent. Through much perseverance you have managed to instill your love of skiing in your kids. They are not only competent, but confident skiers and now they think they want to be a ski racer!

Ski racing is both a mentally and physically demanding sport. It requires countless hours spent in less-than-optimal conditions. It not only requires a strong commitment from the child/athlete – it also requires a commitment from the parent/family of time, energy and money!

Before you leap blindly into the exciting world of ski racing, do your research to determine if it will work for you. Here are a few things you should consider:

Is your child physically able to compete?
How far away from your home is the closest ski mountain?
Does that mountain have a ski racing program?
Is the ski program large enough to provide enough competition for your athlete to foster continued improvement?
Is good coaching readily available? At a price you can afford?
How much travel is involved? How far away do they go to race? Does a parent have to go with to every race?
What kind of time commitment will be required for the athlete? Do you have the time to get them where they need to be when they need to be there?
Do you have the money? It’s not just clothing and equipment, there are race entry fees, lift tickets, and the costs associated with getting to and spending the day at a ski resort that might be far from home.
What if they are actually really good? How long will you be able to support them in the sport?

Competitive sports participation can teach a child many valuable lessons. Our “Junior Ski Racing” blog category is geared toward the ski parent – to help take some of the guess work out of the sport. We’ll explore all aspects related to junior ski racing. We encourage you to follow and comment!