Q: Does my child have to race?
A: No.

Q: Can kids in the prep season compete in the Warm Up Slalom and the Mighty Mite GS?
A: Your child may enter any of the races providing they are members of the USSA and are the appropriate age. Some races such as the Cherry Tree Charge’s Super G race is only open to older skiers only. We dorecommend you discuss race entry with your child’s coach as they can best advise whether they feel your child is ready or not. Information on CMAC's home races is available here. 

Q: Does my child need a USSS number to race? How soon should I apply for it?
A:  For athletes U12 and under, a USSS number is only required for the Buddy Werner U12 championships. This is not needed for home races, the White Pass Bantam Cup or the Mission Ridge Apple Cup. 

All racers U14 and up will need a membership. 

Q: How do you enter a race?
A: All CMAC races will have online registration. See details in the specific race page. All races are listed here. For race registration questions, contact CMAC's race administrator at RaceAdmin@cmacskiracing.com.  

Q: Can we keep the bibs, they’d make a great souvenir? When do I return the bib?
A: Bibs MUST be turned in. If your child is only racing the first day of a two day race series then you need to make sure your child’s bib is given to an official in the finish area. On the last day of a race series, usually a Sunday, a volunteer will be in the finish area collecting bibs as the kids cross the finish line.  All bibs not turned in will incur a $50 charge.

Q: Can my child compete in all races?
A: Both prep season and full season kids are welcome to enter all MM races. Only prep season kids can race in the Sallie McNabb cup which is a club only race at the end of their season.

Q: In what races do Prep skiers compete?
A: The Prep program’s only scheduled race is our club race, the Sallie McNabb Cup, on the last day of the Prep season. However, Prep skiers can choose to compete in any PNW race (such as the Warm Up Slalom and Cherry Tree Charge at Crystal) so long as they have their USSS membership. Depending on schedules, they may miss a training day in order to race.

Q: When should we be at the mountain on race day?
A: We recommend you arrive at the mountain at 7:30 a.m. thereby having plenty of time to collect your child’s bib, have them go to the bathroom and eat some breakfast. They need to be at the top of the race course to meet their coach for a course inspection by 9:00 a.m.

Q: How does the race day format go, i.e. which age groups go first, when’s lunch etc? Do I take my kid through the course? Why is course inspection important? How can I make sure my child doesn't miss inspection?
A: Apart from the super G race where the kids get only one run each child will have two runs per race day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Usually the younger children go first, girls then boys, followed be increasingly older children. It is very important that your child arrives at the mountain in good time to make course inspection. By inspecting the course he or she will be familiar with what they are skiing and the best line to take. Course inspection is a very important part of ski racing that they need to learn. In the morning have your child at the top of course by 9:00 ready for course inspection. When your child has completed their first run take them off for some lunch then return them to the mountain ready for afternoon inspection. After the last person skis their run there is an interval of about one hour before the second run begins.

Q: Can I slip the course with my child?
A: No, parents are not allowed in the venue. If your child misses inspection, talk to a coach at the top of the course. 

Q: Can I be inside the race course on race days?
A: No, only if you are working on the course.

Q: What if they fall (DNF) or miss a gate (DQ)?
A: We do let all kids take both runs even if they DNF or DQ the first run. They will however not get a combined time.

Q: What should my child do if he/she misses a gate?
A: For Slalom, if they are not too far down then climb up and go around. If they find themselves a distance from the gate then ski out of the course. In, GS they must exit the venue.

Q: What should my child do if a ski comes off during a race?
A: The racer or a coach or course worker should pick his or her ski up and the racer should clear the course immediately. After the ski/s have been put back on, if the child is still within the roped off race course area (race arena) the child should then exit by ducking under the rope. Do not re-enter the course.

Q: What if my child’s ski comes off at the end of the course and they travel through the finish gate standing up – does the run count?
A: Yes, if it between the last gate and the finish.

Q: How far down are medals given?
A: That depends entirely on the host team. CMAC usually give medals through 10th place.

Q: How do away races work? Do we send coaches?
A: The only away races CMAC sends coaches to are the Bantam Cup at White Pass, Apple Cup at Mission Ridge, Buddy Werner U12 Champs, and May Day at Mt. Bachelor. To enter away races you need to go to the host mountain’s web site and register. As with all races make certain you arrive at the venue early and your child slips the course before racing. Prep program skiers can also compete in these races. We recommend that Prep skiers/parents discuss this with their coach first. The Prep coach may not be at the race, so Prep skiers will meet with the full-season coaches at the race.

Q: Who is responsible for parents’ and children’s accommodation at away races?
A: You are responsible for making your own bookings.  Click here to see options and contact information for selected resorts.