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It's a thrill to watch your athlete race! You'll get to see their developing skills in action as they reach higher speeds and master each discipline's technique.
This page helps you know where to be, what to do, and how to support.
Scroll down this page for:
Supporting athletes
Spectating on race day
Spectating rules/etiquette
Volunteer & get ticket vouchers
Race venue spectator access
Supporting your athletes
Supporting your athletes
As a parent, our role is to set them up for success by knowing when and where to be, what gear to have and, most of all, help to create an encouraging environment for them and fellow athletes.
Focus on the effort, not the result, ESPECIALLY with younger Devo athletes.
BSF has some excellent resources for supporting young athletes on race day and beyond.
Spectating on race day
Spectating on race day
Keep an eye on the time
Keep an eye on the time
The day-of race schedule comes out the evening before the race. This outlines when athletes need to load the lift, when they have inspection, and what time their race starts. Often, there can be delays due to conditions but, unless you hear otherwise, assume the schedule has not changed even if the first run is delayed. Inspection windows are sometimes short and your athlete's race run is less than a minute long, so make sure they are on time and ready!
Go ski!
Go ski!
Once kids are on the hill with their team, they are with their coaches for inspection and race runs. This is a great time to get out for a few runs yourself! Feel free to ski throughout the day, pop by the side of the course to cheer, grab a snack in the lodge with your kiddo and then get in some more turns.
Spectating
Spectating
Keep in mind that there is a lot of hurry-up-and-wait in both participating and watching ski racing. Often you can ski down along the outside of the race fencing to find a spot where you can see most of the course. Some areas allow you to hike up (Red Lodge) or you can view from the base (Whitefish). However, most venues will require you to take a lift and ski to the race hill. See below for venue specific details.
TIP: Ask your athlete where and how they would like you to support them. Some want quiet encouragement at the start and others want to hear you cheering at the top of your lungs from the sidelines. Focus on effort and personal progression, not place or comparison.
Start, finish and race arena
Start, finish and race arena
Only race organizers, coaches, athletes and volunteers are permitted in the race venue, ie. inside the fenced-off areas.
Speed suits & carrying outerwear
Speed suits & carrying outerwear
Most athletes will choose to race in their speed suit. On warm days, they can just circle back up on the lift to collect their clothes however most race days are chilly so they may need their outerwear carried down to the finish. You are welcome to collect your athlete's extra layers at the start and bring them to the finish - just make sure to collect their clothes from outside the fence, rather than going into the start arena (hint: point and ask another racer or coach to hand you clothes!).
Between race runs
Between race runs
Meet your kiddo in the lodge for a quick lunch or snack break between runs. Just make sure they're back in the start arena in time for 2nd run inspection.
After the race run
After the race run
If weather and timing permits, encourage your athlete stick around or ride the lift back to the start to cheer on their teammates and ask coaches if they can help with anything.
Expect delays!
Expect delays!
Race organizers do everything they can to run a fast and efficient race however there are often hiccups due to weather, timing, unexpected course maintenance, etc. Please be patient with the delays and keep an eye on Team Reach for schedule updates as coaches will posts changes as soon as they have them. If you're unsure if an early delay has affected the schedule, it's best to just adhere to the original schedule until you hear otherwise.
Start lists & live results
Start lists & live results
For U14 and older, view start lists and follow live results at: https://www.live-timing.com/races.php
TIP: Remember to focus on effort, not results. BSF's mission is to inspire a lifelong love of skiing. Young athletes might take years to develop their skills and technique and will more likely stay in the program and learn to love skiing if they are having fun, feeling encouraged, and developing new skills.
Some rules/etiquette for race spectating:
Some rules/etiquette for race spectating:
Some venues allow spectators to view the race run from the base or allow uphill hiking traffic. However, most do not. Most race venues will require a lift ticket and skiing/snowboarding to spectate.
Please be respectful of the venue preferences and the race officials!
Unless you are volunteering, parents and spectators are not allowed to be in the race arena or on course. You must stay outside the fenced-off areas including the start and finish arenas and race run.
At most venues you can ski down outside the fencing to find a decent viewing position.
Cheer in a positive, supportive fashion for all racers.
Volunteer & get ticket vouchers
Volunteer & get ticket vouchers
One of the best ways to spectate is by volunteering PLUS, you get a free lift ticket for the day of AND a voucher for a future date.
All race organizers need volunteers to pull off these races and you're welcome to volunteer at any race, not just the ones at Bridger Bowl.
BSF will host some parent volunteer sessions to help set you up for success and feel confident signing up.
Find more information on volunteer roles here.
Race venue spectator access
Race venue spectator access
This list may not be complete and spectator access is subject to change. For most up to date access, consult the race announcement or ask coaches.
Bridger Bowl: Venue is not visible from base. All spectators must have a pass or lift ticket and ski/snowboard to view the race arena. No uphill traffic is allowed. Race venue is located under the Bridger chair on Hanton's Hollow.
Big Sky: Venue is not visible from base. All spectators must have a pass or lift ticket and ski/snowboard to view the race arena. No uphill traffic is allowed. Race venue is located off Ram Charger lift.
Red Lodge: Venue is not visible from base. Spectators may walk to the finish line, RLM does not sell boot passes. Uphill travel on skis is only allowed before 9am.
Showdown: Venue is not visible from base. Uphill ski traffic is permitted on designated trail.
Terry Peak, SD: Venue is not visible from base. All spectators must have a pass or lift ticket and ski/snowboard to view the race arena. No uphill traffic is allowed.
Whitefish: Race is visible from the Heritage T-Bar base/ Ed & Mully's restaurant. Spectators can easily walk to the bottom of the race run.
Discovery: All spectators must have a pass or lift ticket and ski/snowboard to view the race arena. No uphill traffic is allowed.
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