Week 1 of the 2026 season runs Sunday, January 4, through Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Please note: the Sunday AM league will kick off its season on Sunday, January 11. Sunday PM racing is on as scheduled for January 4.

All racers currently listed on a roster should have received a confirmation e-mail this week.

FRIENDLY REMINDERS

LIFT TICKETS

Lift tickets must be worn at each event and will be checked. Buck Hill offers online ticket deals and a late-night ticket starting at 7 pm. See buckhill.com for details.

EVENT CENTER / AWARDS

Please note that no outside food or beverages are allowed in the Event Center or Buck ’54 Restaurant. Food and drinks are available for purchase during race events. For most events, you can pre-order from a menu before heading out to race, helping servers prepare and speeding up service after the race.

Spots AVAILABLE!

Our leagues at Buck Hill continue to grow, and there’s still room for both individuals and teams in all of our leagues! If you’d like to join a team or form a new one, contact the Ski Challenge office at info@skichallenge.com to get started.

Want to ski during the day and get two runs per course? We have a few spots left on a Wednesday afternoon team! Reach out today to get signed up before the season kicks off next week.

You can also check out our current rosters—which include payment and waiver status—as well as the updated running orders for the season. Follow the links below for more information.

ROSTERS AND RUNNING ORDERS

What to do at the First Race

Whether you’re new to Ski Challenge or returning for another season, plan to arrive early for the first race. First, check in at the registration table at the front of the room. There, you will make sure all payments have been made and all waivers have been signed. Then you will receive your race bib for the season and your T-shirt. All leagues will meet in the Event Center at Buck Hill - above the ski school, next to the restaurant.

Check-in times:

• Weeknights: 6:00 – 7:15 PM
• Wednesday afternoons: 12:00 – 1:15 PM
• Sunday mornings: 8:30 – 9:45 AM
• Sunday evenings: 4:00 – 5:15 PM

MORE INFO

We had a fantastic time at the Jackson Hole Race Camp this year! Despite a slow start to the snow season, Jackson delivered plenty of great snow for training, drills, and free skiing. They even opened more of the mountain on the final day, giving us extra terrain to explore.

Our group of 21 made for an awesome three days—lots of learning, plenty of laughs, and great camaraderie. From productive coaching sessions on the hill to relaxing hot tub time and shared dinners, it was a memorable experience all around. The coaching was especially strong this year, and everyone walked away having learned a lot and having a ton of fun.

• Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for camp videos and visit our website to see photos from the week.

NASTAR Open Races at Buck Hill

Ski Challenge will once again host the Saturday Night NASTAR Open Races at Buck Hill this season, starting in January. These events allow for as many runs as possible between 7-8:30 pm and are open to everyone, including non–Ski Challenge racers. It’s a great way to get your friends out to try ski racing!

All scores will be submitted to NASTAR and posted on their website.

2025–26 Schedule:

• Saturdays: January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2026
• Saturdays: February 7, 14, 2026

Follow this link for a full schedule of races and more information:

STEVE VNOUCEK

We are sad to share the passing of Steve Vnoucek. Steve was a longtime Ski Challenge member who began racing in the program’s early years. He was an active participant and captain of the Ragged Edges team on Sunday mornings through 2019.

MORE INFO

Championships at Giants Ridge

Championships Weekend at Giants Ridge. Enjoy a fun-filled weekend of racing and camaraderie! Teams are grouped by ability, and there are extra team and individual races open to everyone—even non–Ski Challenge members. The weekend wraps up with Sunday Fun-Day racing hosted by the Midwest Masters.

📅 Dates for 2026: February 27–March 1, 2026 at Giants Ridge

Compete at another ski area?

Teams from all leagues are welcome! Just have your roster ready—division placement will be based on team averages and medals earned throughout the season.

MORE INFO

The Lodge at Giants Ridge

Enjoy 15% off rooms!

Use discount code SKIC26 when booking through the link below.

Click on this LINK to The Lodge at Giants Ridge Website – Find “BOOK NOW” button in top right corner.

THE LODGE AT GIANTS RIDGE

The Villas at Giants Ridge

Enjoy 10% off rooms!

Use discount code Chall26 when booking through the link below.

Click on this LINK to The Villas Website – Find “BOOK NOW” button in top right corner.

THE VILLAS AT GIANTS RIDGE

Comfort Inn & Suites Mt Iron

• Standard King: $141
• Standard Double Queen: $151
• Suite: $161/$171

Participants can book via phone (218) 741-7411 and request the “Ski Challengers” rate

SAVE THE DATE for the

"MIDWEST ALPINE CHALLENGE"

Get ready for the 2nd Annual Midwest Alpine Challenge, scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Welch Village!

Teams of six racers will compete in a 2-run GS race against teams from Midwest Masters, MRL, Ski Challenge, and ski areas across the Midwest. While the race is competitive, camaraderie and fun are the main focus—so gather your team and get ready for an exciting day on the race hill!