Racing at Seven Springs. Photo by Ed Fowler.

What I learned is that racing is not just about going fast. It is simply the best way to improve your skiing in the shortest amount of time.

The Mid-Atlantic area offers a wide range of racing opportunities. You can race for as little as a dollar a run on the NASTAR course at Liberty and Roundtop. NASTAR race courses are set on intermediate terrain - the blue runs. Give it a try next time you go skiing.

Don’t try to set any records at first. Just concentrate on skiing through the gates and finishing the course. Then you can begin working on technique.

An organization called Washington Ski International (WSI) stages races at seven different ski resorts in the Mid-Atlantic, with skiers and snowboarders from ten or more teams competing for individual points and team points during the year. You are never too young or too old. Racers range in age from under 10 to over 70.

If you need some help and encouragement to get started, you might want to join up with an existing team in the area. Check out the ZARDOZ RENEGADES at www.skidome.org. Skidome has information on its web page, along with photos and videos of races. Skidome members will be happy to offer tips on training and equipment - for free. If you already have some experience racing in high school or college, just get the gear out and let ‘er rip.

Come out and give ski racing a try. You’ll have a lot of fun and meet a lot of interesting people.