Good morning GDHL racers!

Hopefully all of your off-season training is now complete (on-hill and in-bar!) as we are only days away from our 2024 kickoff!

In this newsletter:

Registration Update
Sponsors
Calcutta Update
Race Rules and Information
Race #1
Adult Race Training
GDHL Committee

Registration Update

2024 has seen record registration for the GDHL! Your committee has done its best to include all those that would like to participate.

We thank you for your patience as some of you had to be placed on a waitlist.

Due to a higher than normal number of racers, there may be some modifications to how each race is conducted. With an eye towards course safety, some races may be reduced to one run only. This will be decided on a race-by-race basis, and will take into consideration snow conditions and number of racers at start. (An exception to the single run will be made for those that do not finish their initial run.)

Even though some races may have only one run, with record registration comes record participants at Calcutta and Apres. More racers means more rivalries and more post-race stories! Bring it on!

Cacutta Update

Saturday, January 6th at 4:30pm in the Depot.

The Calcutta is back! Come out and mingle with members of the GDHL community as we auction off teams and prizes. If you haven’t experienced a Craigleith Calcutta before, ask a veteran what to expect. The action is exciting and fast!

The night will feature season commentary by Paul (@paultheskiracer) , a season update by Brook, and the main event run by Rip Riopelle. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Remember to pick up your bib and startlist upon arrival. We have also secured some other goodies for our racers courtesy of our sponsors.

Special thanks to Sidelaunch and Spy Cider for providing refreshments.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors for making these events possible!

Race Rules and Information

Each of our races is governed by the FIS International Ski Competition Rules (ICR).

The GDHL is a fun racing league and we do not expect you to know all of the ski racing rules from the beginning. If you are unsure about ANYTHING, please ask a fellow racer or some of our Coyotes course crew. This is a fun race, and you will not be disqualified for minor infractions. However, major rules infractions will be enforced (missed gates, mistreatment of officials, etc). If you are unsure, please be polite and ask, we are all there to have a good time!

No Downhill Suits for GS and Slalom races.

**Inspection is where you get to SIDESLIP through the course prior to the race. This will help you get a feel of where the turns are, what the terrain is like, and where the finish is. It is highly recommended that you inspect the course prior to your run.**
A reminder to all racers (veteran and rookie) that you are NOT to ski any of the gates during inspection. This is not practice. Don't ski it, just look!
Results will be posted at GDHL.org.
Racers will assemble at the top prior to each run, and the first racer (Bib Number 1) will leave the start gate at the start time. Each racer then goes in numerical bib order.
Don’t be late for your run! If you are late, please see a race official and they will do their best to get you started. They will let you know where you are slotted in.
Remember, the timer starts when your legs pass through "the wand". The timer stops when you cross the finish line at the bottom. You must go around all Red and Blue gates on the course. If you're not sure where to go, watch a few racers on the course and in the start gate before your run (or watch the forerunners).
The Coyotes are our race crew at Craigleith. You will see them at the start, at the finish, and at various points throughout the race hill. They are there to ensure a safe, fair, and fun event.

Please be kind and respectful to all race course personnel and your fellow racers. Remember, race course personnel are all volunteers. **If you have any complaints, suggestions, or frustrations, see a GDHL committee member. We will help you out.**

After your race, feel free to head by the lodge. There is a 99% chance you will see other racers cooling down with a frosty beverage!

Race #1 - Giant Slalom

Sunday January 7th @1pm on Big John

Course inspection at 12:30pm

All racers are encouraged to inspect the course via side slip prior to the 1pm start. A reminder to NOT SKI the course during inspection. Consequences can include disqualification from the race. Just don’t do it!

No Downhill Suits. But feel free to get creative with your racing outfit…
Helmets are mandatory. (Soft ear helmets are not sufficient, you will need a hard ear helmet).

Adult Racing Update (a note from our Adult Head Coach Glenn Blaylock)

The 9 week training programs start this Saturday and Sunday (January 6 and 7). If you would like to train on Sunday mornings, please contact Aaron Harrison, Program Administrator, aaron.harrison@craigleith.com . Saturday morning sessions are currently full.

Friday training sessions begin January 12th. Be sure to register by Wednesday, January 10th so we have time to arrange for coaches.

We will be training Giant Slalom on Friday Jan 12 and the weekend.

Alpine Race Method for Adults

Welcome to the Alpine Race Method for Adults (Alpine Method), a comprehensive website designed for the adult race community. The Alpine Method covers skiing and racing skills and knowledge, including technique, race course strategies, injury prevention techniques, fitness programs, equipment insights, self-coaching tips, and much more. The Method is designed for adults at various stages of their racing journey, whether they are aspiring racers, those honing their racing skills, or advanced racers with years of experience.

Please access the Alpine Method through the following link.

https://www.alpineracemethodforadults.com/

Your coaching team is looking forward to working with you this season.

Ski with Purpose

Glenn