A new dawn, a new era

So the 2011 Grand Prix and Celtic Cup series have drawn to a close. These were the last series in their current form. What is the future for summer ski racing? Is this the end of an era or the start of an exciting new era?

I like to think the latter. Why? Well in the last few years summer ski racing in the UK has moved on. Gone are the days that dry slope racing attracted large numbers of participants. In 2011 there are now five indoor slopes that host ski races; the number of dry slopes that are either open or able to host quality racing is decreasing each month. Currently Pontypool is closed for the summer, Sunderland has recently been closed due to health issues and Rossendale is also closed pending further news! In short people want to ski on the surface that is closest to the real thing and that is the Indoor slopes. From the Regional races to the Club National races, these races attract racers and this is one reason why the future is Indoor for the racers looking to progress as far as they can in the sport of ski racing.

Numbers on the plastic races have been decreasing for a number of years. This is a fact. Ten years ago when Racer Ready started, Grand Prix's attracted big fields, fields of over 150 racers all throwing themselves down a dry slope. It was a big social occasion and families rocked up with BBQ's, picnics and a great day was had by all. The restrictions placed on slopes by Health and Safety operatives removing BBQ's from the slopes and other "ideas" certainly helped to detract people from attending the races at all levels.

Racing is now an event and to attract people to the sport, either to take part or spectate is vital for the future of the sport. It is not just the standard of race that has to appeal but added attractions need to be in place. Whether this is trade stands, added attractions or the price of nearby hotels, the appeal has to be worked on.

One thing that has been noticeable in 2011 has been the poor planning in terms of the race diary: Having two big races on the same day in the nearby vicinity is ludicrous (WGC & Bromley Club Nationals on the same weekend as the Milton Keynes British Indoor Grand Prix Series and also holding the Ipswich Club National on the same day as the last Celtic Cup weekend in Gloucester are just two examples).

The future is exciting as events like the recent race in Landgraaf showed there is interest in racing amongst the UK racers. Maybe an international team race at Landgraaf next year could be the way forward?

Dry slope racing is not going to disappear even if the Celtic Cup and GP series will be combining. The best parts of both series will be brought together: The GS in Pontypool and the Dual Slalom in Gloucester will be in the new British Outdoor Series. The news that Pendle will be extended to 180 metres means that they may be able to host top level mat races there for a few more years yet.

Indoor racing will now be its own series. Hopefully the organisers will bring news ideas like giving the winners of the series a prize of entry to the alpine races? This would give more winter snow racers an incentive to race in the summer and raise numbers and thus income.

So if you used to race and are thinking of the good times that you had and maybe are over 30 (ie a Master now) then relive the times and meet up with some of the old names and faces and go and race at the Master's Race at Chill Factore in September. It is not just a sport for the kids, the oldies can still have fun as well.