Memorial High School Ski & Snowboard Team FAQs
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FORMS AND FEES:
What do I need to turn in? In order to be a part of the 2019-2020 team, all paperwork and fees need to be turned in by October 31, 2019. Details are available on the Forms and Fees page. We are a self-funded team and receive no financial support from the school district.
EQUIPMENT/TRANSPORTATION/TYROL PASS:
What equipment do I need? All skiers and boarders need to furnish their own equipment: helmet, board, skis, boots, goggles, etc. HELMETS are required to be worn at all races. Your coach will inform you of any new rules. Skiers need full hard-sided helmets and should have a slalom guard for racing slalom.
Is there bus transportation to races and practices? NO. You are responsible for your own transportation to Tyrol for both races and practices. We encourage all skiers and boarders to carpool. The Facebook page can be used for that purpose.
Do I need a Tyrol Basin pass? It is highly recommended that you purchase a season pass at Tyrol Basin as all practices are held there as well as most races. You will need to pay for your lift ticket each time if you do not have a pass.
PRACTICES:
When and where are practices? Practices are held on Wednesday evenings at Tyrol Basin (your coach will let you know what time -- typically 6-8pm). In addition, the coach may hold practices on weekend mornings.
RACES:
When and where are races? Races are held on Monday nights beginning in January through mid- February. Most races are held at Tyrol Basin. The skiers have one race at Cascade Mountain during the season; skiers are responsible for buying a discounted lift ticket ($25) for that occasion.
What time do I need to be at the race? Racers need to be on the hill by 5:15 for course inspection at 5:30 (boarders “slip” the course with coach and team to familiarize themselves with the run). Races begin at 6:00. Each race is comprised of 2 runs.
Do we race against other teams? Yes. We are part of the Southern Conference of WHSARA (Wisconsin High School Racing Association), comprised of high school ski and snowboard race teams from South Central Wisconsin including; Deforest, Edgewood, Madison East, Memorial, West, LaFollette, Middleton, Monona, Verona, Mount Horeb, Portage, Oregon, Sun Prairie and Waunakee.
What kinds of races are there? Boarders will have Giant Slalom races, Slalom races and Boarder Cross races. Skiers will have a Giant Slalom race one week and a Slalom race the next. All will have a set course and athletes will compete for the fastest times. If a racer does not maneuver the course correctly, they will be DQ’d (disqualified). Each boarder/skier races through the course 2 times. Girls and boys race separately.
How are the races conducted? Racers are assigned a run order. All racers line up in that order at the top of the hill. All races are individual races -- one boarder/skier races at a time. An automatic timing mechanism is tripped when the boarder starts their race, and stops when the boarder goes through the finish line.
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What happens if I fall during a race? Falls are not uncommon. If a racer falls, they need to get up and continue a race. If they have missed a gate, they will need to hike up and around the gate they missed in order not to be DQ’d.
How is my team scored? A team score is comprised of the sum of the 4 fastest times for the 1st race and the 4 fastest times for the 2nd race. The winning team has the lowest time, etc.
How is an individual scored? Each person is timed as they race. Individual points are given to those racers who finish in 1st-15th place. Earning enough individual points may allow an individual racer to be eligible for the state snowboard race even if their team is not.
CONFERENCE:
What is the Conference Championships? Conference is a one-day event and is the last race of the season in which the entire team participates. Students will miss their entire day of school for this race. An awards ceremony follows shortly after all races have been completed and scores tallied. Individual awards are typically given to those who finish in the top 4 places in the entire Conference. Teams that have qualified for the State competition will be announced.
STATE:
What is State? The state race is held at Mt. LaCrosse in LaCrosse Wisconsin the weekend following the Conference Championships. In the past, boarders have competed on Saturday and Sunday, while skiers compete on Sunday and Monday. If your team does qualify for State, the coach determines which racers will compete. If you are selected, you are responsible for your own hotel room and fees related to that race. Even if your team does not qualify to participate at State, you may earn enough individual points to be eligible.