North Conway, NH – Cranmore's Mountain Meister’s Race League Series is getting ready to celebrate its 50th season of racing, with week one of racing scheduled for Wednesday, January 13th. The 10-week series hosts approximately 20 + teams and over 300 racers throughout the season. Mountain Meisters is open to skiers, snowboarders, and telemark skiers of all ability levels, ages 21 and up.
Mountain Meister races take place on Cranmore’s NASTAR course located on the Alley trail; a wide, intermediate trail with a consistent and gradual slope, perfect for entry-level racing. Each racer is allowed 2 runs, 1 run on each course. The trail is accessible from both the Skimobile Express Quad, and South Quad chairlifts. The racecourse is open from 9am – 5:30pm each race day Wednesday.
“We are really excited to be able to host the 50th season of racing and are confident that we can do so in a safe way to adhere to state guidelines given the pandemic.” said Mountain Meister Coordinator, Kevin Hamlin. “Of course, there are new policies that have been put in place at the resort for the safety of staff and guests, that will carry over to the race league. Physical distancing, face coverings, and booting up in your car are all things to be expected this winter. While Zip’s Pub is open, we have decided to put our formal après scene on-hold for this season to not encourage indoor gatherings. We have however come up with some fun and creative ways to continue to engage with our racers, like weekly virtual raffles that will done through the Meister Facebook page.”
Cranmore’s Mountain Meisters program not only provides an opportunity for affordable skiing, riding, and coaching to residents of the local area, but also benefits local non-profits. During the 2017-2018 season, Mountain Meisters introduced the Pay2Play Program, where for a $5 donation, racers can take a 3rd run. Since introducing the program, the program has averaged $5,000 in donations. Benefiting non-profits for this season include: End 68 Hours of Hunger, Conway Area Humane Society, Believe in Books Literacy Foundation, Way Station, and Jen’s Friends.
There are two options for Meister registration this season. Option 1 includes lift access on non-holiday Wednesdays, weekly virtual raffle drawings, and two Tuesday Mountain Meister Clinics with lift access. Option 2 includes all the above plus unlimited access to the Meister Practice Course on each Wednesday, unlimited NASTAR course access on weekends and during holiday periods (does not include lift access), and 4 Tuesday Meister Race Clinics with lift access.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.cranmore.com/Things-to-Do/Races-Competition/Mountain-Meisters-Series.