Training Times and Locations
Snow conditions permitting, we begin meeting for drills and freeskiing in early December, shortly after Bogus Basin opens for the season. We try to start running gates by late December or early January, usually for a few hours on Saturdays and/or Sundays and one weeknight per week. Hill space is distributed by Bogus Basin, however in the past we have trained on Ridge (on the front side, skier's left of the Deer Point Express), Nitro (to the skier's left of the Bitterroot double), Bonanza and Nighthawk (off the Superior double).
It usually takes about 30 minutes to drive up Bogus Basin Road if you start in downtown Boise. We always meet in front of the Jason Harper Training Center (next to the Pioneer Lodge), so allow for the extra time it will take to drive to the Pioneer Lodge parking lot.
Attendance at every training session is not required -- our members have schedules as eclectic as their ages and professions. That said, if you do choose to run gates, you are expected to arrive early enough to help carry equipment to the hill and to help set and sideslip the course. Likewise, you must stick around long enough to help tear down the course, sideslip out the ruts, and carry equipment back to the shed.
Historically, Masters team members have volunteered to work a shift (usually 4 hours) at the BBSRA Ski Swap in November. Again, this is not required, but the BBSRA appreciates and depends on our support, and needs all the help they can get.
Ages and Experience Levels
While some of our members have been racing for years, others have very little experience at all. Race training is possibly the most effective way to improve your skiing. Just by getting out there with us and being exposed to the coaching, you'll feel right at home in the gates before long.
Masters racing is for racers 21 years or older, and nearly all age groups are represented at most events. In fact, many former junior and college racers join up with Masters' programs when they become eligible. That said, ages 40-55 are generally the most represented at Intermountain Masters' events.
Expense
Like any other specialty sport, the amount you spend on racing will vary with your personal tastes and enthusiasm. While racing equipment is indeed more expensive than many recreational ski products, manufacturers have special pricing plans for racers for which your ski team membership will often make you eligible. In addition, excellent deals on used racing gear can often be found at the BBSRA's annual ski swap in November, on EpicSki's Barking Bear Forums, or even on eBay. The Bogus Basin Masters' program has some of the lowest membership dues around, (in fact, we cost around 1/4 of some other programs in our division). Travel expenses can be minimized by carpooling and by taking advantage of the inexpensive lodging options that your teammates can clue you in on.
Event Disciplines
All four disciplines are represented at Intermountain Masters events - SL (slalom), GS (giant slalom), SG (super giant slalom), and DH (downhill). However, the majority of our races are just GS and SL, and a typical race weekend will only feature one day of GS and one run of SL. Race entries are a-la-carte, so you can ski only the events that your ability, comfort level, schedule or preferences dictate.
