How to Run a Ski Event in Colorado

Running a ski event in Colorado? Here's how to plan it, pick a format and run it on Colorado Under Par, start to finish.

What it looks like

Amateur ski events in Colorado run December through April at resorts and Nordic centers, from charity fun races to club races for kids and adults.

Formats

Giant Slalom

Racers run a course of wide turns through gates, one at a time against the clock.

Slalom

A shorter course with tight, quick turns through closely set gates.

Dual / Parallel Slalom

Two racers run side by side on matching courses.

Fun Race (NASTAR)

A casual timed race on a simple course where racers are compared to a pacesetter's time with a handicap, so all ages and abilities can earn medals.

Cross-Country (Nordic)

Racers ski groomed Nordic trails in classic or skate style, with mass or interval starts.

Uphill / Skimo

Racers climb on skins up the mountain, sometimes with a descent, racing for the fastest time.

Rail Jam / Freestyle

Riders hit rails, boxes or jumps in a set area and judges score tricks on difficulty and style.

Guess Your Time Race

Racers predict their run time on a gentle course, and the closest guess wins, not the fastest. Anyone can win, at any skill level.

Vertical Feet Pledge

Supporters pledge per run or per thousand vertical feet each skier logs that day. Skiers push for one more lap to raise more.

Golden Boot Trophy

Winners receive an old ski boot spray painted gold. It is a fun photo moment and becomes a cherished tradition year after year.

Build it

In the Organizer Dashboard, click Create event and pick ski and your format. Every tab, word and Start here guide then follows your sport.

Registration

In Registration, ask what you need from each entrant, like U.S. Ski and Snowboard number, if you have one.

Results

Open Course map and race info to upload a GPX file or draw the route, and pin the start, finish, water and parking. Bibs are automatic: set the first bib and every entrant gets the next number when they register. Time it with the phone finish line link, which works with no signal, or upload your timer's results file. Pick age groups and awards, and every entrant gets a results email when you post them.

Event day

Racers pick up bibs, inspect the course, warm up, race in start order, then results are posted and awards follow at the base area.

Fun ideas

Make it memorable. Three ideas people love. Guess Your Time Race. Racers predict their run time on a gentle course, and the closest guess wins, not the fastest. Anyone can win, at any skill level. Vertical Feet Pledge. Supporters pledge per run or per thousand vertical feet each skier logs that day. Skiers push for one more lap to raise more. Golden Boot Trophy. Winners receive an old ski boot spray painted gold. It is a fun photo moment and becomes a cherished tradition year after year.

Tip

One tip for first-timers: partner with the resort's race department early, since they control course setting, timing gear and hill space. Building is free, then 1% per paid order plus card processing, paid to your own Stripe account. Stuck? Ask Caddie or search Need help in your dashboard. Start at coloradounderpar.com/sell-tickets.