Far West Skiing

August 18, 2021

The Far West Skiing, Inc. Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that Kayla Wieczorek (“wi-chor-ek”) has been hired as its Divisional Manager.  Kayla will be responsible for administering all aspects of Far West alpine racing in coordination with the division’s coaches, clubs, and volunteers in service to all Far West athletes and their families. Kayla brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the position.

Kayla grew up ski racing in Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a Bachelor’s of Applied Sciences focused on outdoor leadership and team building. Kayla is committed to the importance of sport in the life-long development of our young athletes. She coached various age groups during her six years with the Diamond Peak Ski Education Foundation, taking on great responsibility with the FIS group during her inaugural year, followed by on- and off-snow coaching engagements with U10/12s, 14s, 16s and Masters as a Level 300 coach. Her experience and expertise as a coach, race official and jury member will serve her well. Kayla’s mentor and legendary coach Konrad Rickenbach says, “The opportunity to work with her has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my 45 years of ski coaching. Her positive attitude, work ethic and respect for others sets her apart from many other young people.”

The outgoing Divisional Manager, Lucy Conklin, has worked extensively with Kayla in recent years, commenting, “Kayla is an outstanding selection to lead the Far West going forward. She has a full package of coaching and officiating certifications, a positive demeanor, and seeks out answers to help all that are involved in the sport. I am excited to have her on board!”

Far West Skiing Board President Laurey Carlson extended a warm greeting, stating “We are so excited to have Kayla join Far West Skiing as our new Divisional Manager. She brings to the position tremendous experience from the world of Alpine Ski Racing. Her positive, compassionate nature and enthusiasm for a job well done make Kayla ideal for her new role. Welcome to the organization, Kayla!”

Kayla jumped right in, starting August 17^th to learn the division’s procedures. She reports, “I am eager and excited for this opportunity to gain new skills and work with Far West officials, parents, athletes, and coaches.”

**All inquiries can be directed to the Far West via email: [email protected]

Far West Ski Team

The Far West Ski Team (FWST) recognizes the top racers in the Far West. THe FWST has a maximum size of twelve. The 2021-2022 FWST will be comprised of 7 men and 5 women. This gender split will be adjusted annually based on SR, U21 and U18 gender population from teh last membership list from the prior season received by the Far West office from U.S. Ski and Snowboard.

To be eligible to the FWST, a competitor must:

1. Fulfill all U.S. Ski & Snowboard, FWS and FIS (if age eligible) membership requirements by September 1.
2. Have an F number
3. Have competed in U.S. Ski & Snowboard /Far West and Western Region FIS races or Nor Am or have attended the U16 Junior Championships in the previous season, as a Far West member.
4. College athletes who are members of their school’s team are not eligible for the FWST.
5. Must be participating with a full-time program registered with the Far West.
6. Srs must submit intent to compete to the Far West office by September 1^st to be eligible for the FWST.
7. Have less than 90 points in two disciplines, if a male competitor
8. Have less than 100 points in two disciplines, if a female competitor

Automatic qualifiers for the FWST
If an athlete is the winner of a discipline title or overall champion at the WR Jr Championships.
Athletes must complete a contract commitment by the response deadline, as prescribed by the Far West office.

The ACC, using modified International Team Selection Board method, selects the FWST from the July 2021 U.S. Ski & Snowboard points list, the last published list for 2021 season. Eligible competitors are listed by points in each discipline. Going from left to right, and top to bottom on the list, a competitor is selected for the FWST when he/she shows up the second time. Current US Ski Team members (A, B, C and Development) are not eligible for the FWST.

Additional automatic qualifiers to the FWST: U16 Jr Championship discipline or overall winners from the previous season are additionally named to the team of twelve.

All FWST members must submit a signed “Far West Ski Team Contract,” supply a coach’s contact that is registered with a Far West program and a jpeg photo by the designated deadline in order to receive the following FWST benefits:

1. Free lifts at all U.S. Ski & Snowboard /Far West races
2. Free entries at all U.S. Ski & Snowboard /Far West races
3. FWST uniform
4. FWST Pass for free skiing at participating Far West Ski areas
5. FWST members will receive a day for day credit for races attended from designated U.S. Ski & Snowboard towards entries to the Western Region FIS Elite Spring Series (Up to 6 races)

Note: The above rules are for the selection of the 2021/2022 FWST only. Due to factors outside the control of the Far West, such as publication dates for future year’s U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership and point’s lists, the selection procedure is reviewed, revised if necessary, and approved by the FW ACC in the summer for inclusion in each year’s manual.

Far West Pace Team

The Far West Pace Team (FWPT) is designed to encourage low points racers to attend Far West/U.S. Ski & Snowboard races. An athlete may be a member of both the FWST and the FWPT. The FWPT has a maximum size of 12, for the 21-22 season this will be 7 men and 5 women. This gender split will be adjusted annually based on SR, U21 and U18 gender population from the last membership list from the prior season received by the Far West office from U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

To be eligible for the FWPT, a competitor must:

1. Fulfill all U.S. Ski & Snowboard, FWS and FIS membership requirements by September 30.
2. Have an F or X number
3. Must be participating with a full-time program registered with Far West.
4. Srs and all X competitors must submit “Intent to Compete” to the Far West Office by September 15^th to be eligible for the FWPT.
5. Have less than 85 points in one discipline, if a male competitor
6. Have less than 105 points in one discipline, if a female competitor

Athletes must complete a contract commitment by the response deadline, as prescribed by the Far West office. This contract will include a commitment to race in at least 6 U.S. Ski & Snowboard /Far West races.

The ACC, using a modified International Team Selection Board method, selects the FWPT from the October 2021 U.S. Ski & Snowboard points list, the 7th list published for the 2021-2022season. Foreign competitors with an X license will be added to this selection only if they have submitted intent to Compete to the divisional office by September 15^th and have completed their U.S. Ski & Snowboard /FW and FIS membership requirements. Eligible competitors are listed by points in each discipline. Going from left to right, and top to bottom on the list, a competitor is selected for the FWPT when he/she shows up on the boards the first time. Current US Ski Team members (A, B, C and Development) are not eligible for the FWPT.

All FWPT members must submit a signed “Far West Pace Team Contract,” signed “Credit Card Authorization,” supply a coach’s contact that is registered with a Far West program, and a jpeg photo by the designated deadline in order to receive the following FWPT benefits:

1. Free lifts at all U.S. Ski & Snowboard /Far West races
2. Free entries at all U.S. Ski & Snowboard /Far West races
3. FWPT Pass for free skiing at all participating Far West Ski areas
4. FWPT members will receive a day for day credit for races attended from designated U.S. Ski & Snowboard or Far West Divisional FIS races, towards entries to the Western Region FIS Elite Spring Series (up to six races)

Note: The above rules are for the selection of the 2021/2022 FWPT only. Due to factors outside the control of the Far West, such as publication dates for future year’s U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership and point’s lists, the selection procedure is reviewed, revised if necessary, and approved by the FW ACC in the summer for inclusion in each year’s manual.

Happy August and welcome to the 2022 Season

1. FIS memberships for YOB 2005 or older: any athlete planning on participating in FIS races during the 2022 season, on time memberships are due by August 15th. In order for a FIS membership to become valid, athletes must also complete their US SKi and Snowboard membership. Any athlete turning 18 during the 2022 season will aslo be required to complete SafeSport training. Please allow a half a day to complete this initial safesport training.

2. Athletes that will be competing as Seniors during the 2022 season will need to submit an intent to compete to the Far West Office at [email protected] by September 15th. This allows us to plan accordingly for the PACE Team and FIS selection boards.

3. 2021 Far West Academic Team grade reports are due by September 15th, and no later. Please see the article on the Far West Skiing homepage regarding age requirements and submission process.

Far West Masters Scholarship Program

The Far West Masters Scholarship Program is now in our 31st year of raising funds to benefit Far West Junior ski racers. Over that time period we have awarded more than $1,100,000 in scholarship funds. There is no overhead. We are an incorporated 501(c)(3) public charity tax exempt organization.

Our goal is to promote academic scholarship, citizenship and leadership within the ski racing community. It is also our goal to keep athletes involved in ski racing that might not otherwise have a chance without our financial support. We believe keeping athletes involved in ski racing keeps them focused, teaches discipline and helps them to be successful in the rest of their life endeavors.

We have some items that have been donated by Far West Ski Team alumni as well as our local ski shops and resorts that are available for purchase to support our program. Please contact Eddie Mozen at [email protected] if you are interested in purchasing or obtaining any of these items. Below is a partial list with suggested opening bids, all offers will be entertained!

Click here for pictures of the items listed below.

1)Look gloves, light weight size med/lg. $20

2)Level gloves very warm size med/lg. $75

3)Reusch heavy duty race mittens size L/XL. $150

4)Spyder USST lined farmer John side zip pants size med/reg $200

5)High Sierra USST backpack $75

6)Spyder training shorts with suspenders XL $75

7)Canadian padded race suit custom for Michelle Gagnon $300

8)USST downhill suit green (Bryce Bennett) size XL. $300

9)USST downhill suit grey/white size XL. $300

10)USST Spyder rain jacket/poncho $75

11)Ski Travel bag with rollers, 2 pair, padded heavy duty 212cm. $150

12)Multiple USST 1st layer shirts and pants various sizes and designs

13)New Uvex SL Helmet size small (52-55cm) suggested opening  bid $50

14)Spyder grey puffy hooded medium weight US Ski Team Jacket. Almost new size Large suggested opening  bid $75

15)New US Ski Team pink zip hoodie, medium weight size women size medium. suggested opening  bid $50

16)New US Ski Team Pink medium weight jacket with hood. Women’s size 14 (medium) suggested opening  bid $75

17)Back pack made by Level. Suggested opening bid $25

18)Squaw Valley season long full Masters Training pass $2600

19)Mammoth season long full Masters Training pass $2600

20)Diamond Peak season long full Masters Training pass and ski pass $1000 (must be a new full time Diamond Peak member). 

21)Spyder grey puffy quilt lightweight US Ski Team Jacket. Used slightly size XL  suggested opening  bid $20

Lucy (Schram) Conklin has announced her resignation as Divisional Manager of Far West Skiing, Inc. She dutifully served as the vital coordinator in the Far West for 13 years, having had a tremendous impact on the region. As a race administrator, her expertise, quick wit and humor always kept races running smoothly and race officials entertained. She is an expert on all things ski racing, an impression magnified by her extensive extra work at the national level as Chair of the Alpine Officials Working Group and her drafting of USSS policy in coordination with other divisions and USSS personnel.

”When I think of the Far West Division, I think of Lucy! Working with Lucy has been an absolute delight. She is the quintessential professional and guardian angel all rolled into one person. Her skills and knowledge base have been what makes the Far West Division run with clockwork precision. I am excited for her next chapter, but I will miss her dearly,” said Far West Skiing Board President and Mammoth Mountain General Manager Laurey Carlson.

According to Bill Hudson, Director of Teams & Competition Services at Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows who worked closely with Lucy: “Lucy knows all the answers, and she picks up for every coach, parent, athlete, or official who calls. Lucy’s hard work, leadership, and smile have been essential in developing our incredibly strong community in the Far West.”

The accolades extend far beyond the Far West Division. Lucy was instrumental in driving forward the Far West Development Initiative to promote consistency in coaching, which was integrated by many coaches nationally. Lucy will continue to share her expertise through national roles supporting USSS in drafting policies for officials education and competition. As Western Region Director Bill Gunesch says, “Lucy Conklin is one of those rare individuals who has worked tirelessly to promote the sport of ski racing, taking on numerous governance roles as the Far West Manager and the regional ACC Secretary, and numerous event responsibilities as a Technical Delegate, Race Administrator and Chief of Timing.  More importantly, Lucy has always fought for the athletes, and promoted fairness and equality.  She has been a wonderful resource for many, and for me, a very important voice of stability.”

Alpine Technical Subcommittee Chair Doug Hall adds, ”Lucy instills confidence, knowledge and enjoyment in all she does. She is the embodiment of having fun while performing an outstanding job!”

The Far West Board of Directors extends its deepest gratitude to Lucy for her dedicated, professional service to the Division. She has been an essential part of the success of the Far West Division for over a decade as we have cultivated dozens of athletes for promotion to the US Ski Team and dozens of university teams. Her unending dedication in supporting our Far West athletes to maximize their accomplishments in skiing and in life are unmatched, and we will miss her beyond words.

Interested candidates in this vacant position please see job posting at:

https://fwskiing.org/content/job-postings

The US Ski and Snowboard Congress wrapped up on Friday, May 21st. Many working groups and committees meet throughout the year and Congress is the time for rule proposals to be approved or declined. Here are a few items that will affect our athletes and areas in the 2022 season.

Helmets: NO Helmet camera mounts may be worn. Helmets shall have no spoilers nor protruding parts. 

U14 athletes will not be allowed to qualify for the U16 Nationals.

U18 age class: US SKi and Snowboard will return to the U18 age class to match the FIS.

US Ski and Snowboard will host a U18 Nationals starting in the 2022 season.

Regional FIS racing will be scheduled with a 2 Tier system. Athletes will qualify from head to head competition at a Development FIS series in order to qualify for an Elite FIS Series. There will be an initial list of 'automatics' to the Elite FIS and athletes can ski themselves onto the automatics list by winning a devo FIS race.

Race Organization:
After a season of practicing Online Team Captains meetings and virtual communications out of necessity we now will have the option to continue to use these methods. Rules have been updated allowing Organizers the option of hosting their Team Captains meetings online((U604.3). The 2nd update is that the 'official posting board' can be a virtual platform, U671.2.1 (live-timing, what's app, team app, etc.).

Attention Far West U12 Families!

Have you received your Far West Development Initiative athlete book? If you are a new Far West U12 Family you should have received one during the first few weeks of team. If you have not received yours then please reach out to your head coach or program director immediatley. 

If you are a Far West Family with athletes in a different age class this book is still extremely helpful to you and your athlete and is available to you to order too.

Want to know a little bit more about the Development Initiative? Take a moment to check out this short clip on what it is, why it is important and how to use it in the development of your athlete for years to come! Click here to see what it's all about!

Still have questions? Please check out the FWDI section of the Far West Skiing Webpage or give us a call in the Far West Office!

Cheers to a great season!
Far West Skiing
PO Box 2664
Truckee, Ca 96160
530.559.4130