Dry Slope Racing This is an internal competition run within the club. For full details, have a look at the Winter Race League page. You can see the latest Winter Race League Results on this website.
Dryslope ski racing caters for all abilities, from almost complete beginners to international standard racers. When racers start competing in Club National level races and above, they are awarded seed points which give an indication of the skiers national ranking. The top racers in the country have 0 points, and all other points are an indication of how far behind these racers you are. Up to date lists can be found at Britski.org. Whatever level you are racing at, Gloucester Ski Club are a friendly and helpful group to compete with, and if you are unsure of something, someone else will always be able to help you out. Below are the stages that an aspiring racer will go through:
Summer Race League
Winter Race League
Club Nationals
These are the next step up on the racing ladder. Our racers travel to slopes all around the country during the race season May - October. Preference is given to those who are new to national level races, although anyone who is registered with the Snow Sport Engaland(SSE) can normally take part. Races consist of two morning runs, with the best time being added to the time of the third run after lunch. All runs are on the same course, so it doesn't matter if you mess up one of the first runs. Help and advice is on hand to those new to this level of racing, and trophies or medals are awarded to the first three in each age group.
Grand Prix
For those racers with points better than 250 have the opportunity to compete in the Grand Prix race series. Competing against the best racers in the country, you get two runs down different courses, with the times added together. Each year there are five Grand Prix, with racers acheiving points for good results. The overall winners each year are often given sponsorship for the next year.
Celtic Cup
The Celtic Cup is the Welsh equivalent of the Grand Prix series, with three two race weekends held between Pontypool and Llandudno each summer. Unlike the Grand Prix series, anyone who is registered can enter the Celtic Cup. The format is the same as a Grand Prix, although the courses can be harder. Despite this, these races are very popular with Gloucester racers due to the proximity of Pontypool.
National Championships
During September and October the race season closes with the biggest dryslope races. The All England, Welsh, Irish and British Championships see the best racers in the UK competing for national titles. The races are open to all home nation competitiors, and Gloucester racers will be found at each one. The All England championship also has a team dual slalom event on the Sunday, in which Gloucester are strong enough to be able to enter two teams of four. At the British Championships, each nation enters a team for the team event, with Gloucester racers regularly being selected.
Snow Racing
Details here soon...
The first entry level is the local 'Summer Race League'. Luckily for us this is held on our home slope! We put in two teams, with 24 racers taking part in the monthly races. Beginner snow ploughers are more than welcome and can find their racing feet in a familiar and friendly environment. Races who have seed points of better than 160 are not allowed to enter, so even beginners have a chance of winning their age groups. The format of the day is two runs down the same course in the morning, with three dual slalom races in the afternoon. Racers are given points for both.
Up to 12 clubs from around the country compete in this league, offering some strong competition.
You can see the latest Summer Race League Results on this website.