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Speed course for Baby Boomer skiers
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On a NASTAR course
The ski season is upon us, and for those skiers who want to add some speed and daring to their day on the slopes there's NASTAR.
This is a national recreational ski racing group that enables skiers of all stripes -- from beginning racer wannabes to grizzled racing veterans -- to speed down a giant slalom course for fun and, possibly, glory.
Started in 1969, NASTAR (NAtional STandard Race) gives ski or snowboard racers of all ages and abilities, through a handicap system, a way to compare themselves with one another and with the national champion, regardless of when and where they race.
You can be a 55 year old male skier and be competitive among your division of men aged 55-59, not only at the ski area where you raced your NASTAR run but against other men of that age across the country. And, based on the handicap system, you can also be competitive among skiers of all ages.
Every time they race, skiers can win platinum, gold, silver and bronze medals depending on the handicap they earn in their age and gender category.
And, depending on their rankings, top skiers become eligible to compete in the national championship, which in March 2009 will be held in Steamboat Springs in Colorado.
For a look at the 2008 championship results go here.
If you get serious about NASTAR, you might want to ski serious about race techniques. A popular summer race camp is on Mt. Hood in Oregon.
The Mt. Hood Summer Ski Camps web site states: "Last year we had 168 adults come to our camp including two 75 year old campers. For the most part, adults experience the same things as the kids at our camp: Excellent training & coaching, daily video analysis, and an array of afternoon activities to choose from. "
Those activities include white water rafting, rock climbing, trampoline, hiking, mountain biking, volleyball, windsurfing, challenge course, tennis, a wine tour and golfing.
