MARA athletes are not required to race, however it is encouraged. It’s a great time and the camaraderie is amazing!
As always, the success of our hosted races is largely dependent on the volunteers who staff it. None of the jobs are complicated or require previous experience. This is a youth race. Every effort is made to give deference to the athlete in all fault situations that are not absolutely clear cut. The bottom line for volunteers is that it’s low pressure, fun, and we can’t do it without you!
Background: Mark Keiser had a joy for life and the outdoors that was unbounded. When it came to skiing, he wasn’t about “the stuff,” but about the freedom and the rush, the out of body zone right up next to flying that we occasionally get when we are skiing as if in a dream.
Mark and his brother Eric, under the wing of their dad, Dave, pioneered ski racing in Southern Oregon, traveling every weekend to Mt. Bachelor before Mt. Ashland even existed. They both had very fruitful racing careers. We owe everything to their original vision.
In the late 90’s, Mark’s life was tragically cut short in a work related accident. We race in his memory.
Don’t worry about your wax, or if you have the latest skis, or the coolest suit, do what Mark did and see if you can fly.
See you there!
Race Info:
February 25-26, 2023
Slalom on Saturday and Giant Slalom on Sunday (two runs each race)
Men and women, boys and girls (non scored event)
Seeding by age classification, youngest to oldest by class
8:00am Finish Arena setup volunteers meet outside the locker lodge
8:00-9:00am Registration and bib handout outside the locker lodge
8:45 Athletes gather outside locker lodge
9:00am Athletes ski off and all other volunteers meet
9:15-9:45 Course inspection
10:00am approximate start of first run
Lunch: Racers are encouraged to eat and hydrate between their first and second run. Following a lunch break, racers will meet with coaches at approximately 11:45am outside the locker lodge. Racers are expected to check in with their coach before lunch break as to confirm when they should return for second run course inspection.
12:00 approximate start of second run course inspection
1:00pm approximate start of second run
Awards ceremony will be at the race hut (located at the race course finish) at approximately 3:00pm or as otherwise announced at the end of the race
Coat return for 9 Week MARA athletes will be after awards, outside the locker lodge from 3:00-3:30pm
***All schedules are tentative and subject to snow and/or weather conditions***
Eligibility:
Open to all club and sanctioned ski racers U8-Masters (ages 7 and up).
*** Helmets required ***
Entry Deadline:
Wednesday, February 22nd at 11:45pm. Entries must be completed online by entry deadline. No late registrations will be accepted.
Entry Fees:
$22.00 per event. Sign up and pay online.
Late Entries:
There will be no late entries accepted. No exceptions.
Cancellations:
24 hours before race by phone 541-708-1523 or email admin@mtashlandracing.com
Bib Handout:
Begins at 8:15am each morning at the MARA Hub. Bibs are returned to MARA at the finish of their second run on each race day.
Lift Passes:
Must be purchased from Mt. Ashland, as these are not provided by MARA. Visiting racers can purchase lift tickets at a discounted rate. Contact Mt. Ashland for more info.
***Lift prices are subject to change and are made by Mt. Ashland.***
Volunteers:
If positions are still available, visiting parents are invited to help with the race. A Mt. Ashland ski pass will not be provided for race day. If you anticipate being able to help, please email us.
Awards:
Awards will be held at the race hut at 3:00pm or as otherwise announced at the end of the second run. All participants will receive a MARA sticker. The top 3 of each U8 through Masters classes will receive a medal.
Visiting Racers:
When planning your trip to race at Mt. Ashland, make sure to take advantage of our MARA discount with our preferred hotel – Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites, located just 20 minutes from Mt. Ashland.
With discount code: MARA, enjoy 15% OFF your stay during 2023 and 2024 ski seasons. To book your stay visit hotel website and include code MARA in the PROMO CODE window, or call hotel directly at 541-482-8310 and ask for MARA discount.
Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites amenities and services include:
- Complimentary hot continental breakfast
- Seasonal outdoor pool and jacuzzi
- Free WiFi
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Fitness room
- Free parking
- EV charging stations
- Waterstone Spa Studio
- Onsite LUNA Café + Mercantile offering lunch, dinner, spacious indoor and outdoor seating and great gourmet house made pastries.
Registration has closed. No possible late entry.