President's Update
 

Well, that was an abrupt finish to our 2019-20 season!  But to put it in proper perspective we see how the impacts on all our daily lives go way beyond just ski racing and we are all focused now on getting through the Coronavirus epidemic safely. 

I know how disappointed all our racers are at the sudden curtailment of our season but we all understand how important it is to stay healthy and protect both our home and our mountain communities from the spread of the virus. Please also remember the impact that the closures have had on Race department and mountain staff who have been laid off at our host mountains and training programs.  Without them we would not have Masters ski races.   
Also consider those vendors who have supported and sponsored us over the years with donations and raffle prizes and help them get through these challenging times by giving them the opportunity to gain your business where possible.  It is never too soon to think about new equipment for next season!

As a result of the cancellations of our season finals our annual awards presentations and Annual General Meeting also had to be postponed. However final season standings for all classes are now available and can be seen our website at:

https://farwestmasters.org/reports/results/2020/SS-BestNFinishes-ByClass.html.

I am also pleased to announce our special award winners for this season:

      Teddy Cantanho Award:       Linda Crowell
      Most improved racer (M):     Shawn Mason 
      Most improved racer (F):      Nancy Gieske
      Best New racer (M):              Stan Vasily
      Best new racer (F):               Joan Blumenfeld 

Congratulations to all of our special awards winners!

My thanks to all of you who took part in our races this season.  And particular thanks to our Board members, race officials and volunteers who made the season's races possible.
 
Rather than simply send out season awards the FWM Board unanimously agreed that we would instead celebrate the 19-20 season Champions and award winners with a post-race party at the first race of the 20-21 season at Mammoth in December. We look forward to celebrating with you all there!

In the meantime, on behalf of all the FWM Board, I hope you are all able to remain safe and healthy while we get through the current situation. Enjoy your summer and I look forward to seeing you all at Mammoth in December.

Best Regards,

Ray Tulloch

Due to the very dry February and limited snow cover in early March the venue for the Bernard Cup was moved from Squaw Valley to Alpine Meadows and the format was updated to be two SL, one on each day.

Despite the dry February conditions on Kangaroo were excellent, possibly providing the best race surface in the area and many Masters Racers enjoyed a fun day of training on the Friday before the race.

Saturday morning brought new snow and poor visibility at times, however, despite that the Squaw/Alpine race crew put on a great day of racing and the course held up well.

The weather on Sunday was much better and everyone enjoyed our second SL of the weekend before gathering outside in the sun for the prizegiving party with drinks provided by President Ray.

The Bernard Cup trophy, honoring masters founder Bob Bernard, is awarded to the man and woman with the fastest overall times for both races using an age-handicap formula.

This years (repeat) winners were Carol Levine and Kurt Belden. Congratulations Carol and Kurt.

A number of Far West racers travelled to Ski Cooper, Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Masters Super G race as a planned warmup before Nationals. Unfortunately this turned out to be the final race of the season as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Far West Masters who participated included Don Smith, Deb Lewis, Linda Crowell, Sam Crowell, Kris Buttenberg and Are Papazian.