Granite Peak Ski Team

Four WIJARA races are held each season at sites picked by the WIJARA board (typically at Chestnut, Sundown, Cascade and Tyrol Basin) and are listed on this web page and in the GPST Calendar of Events.  Teams accumulate points based on racer placing at these races (and thus team members are encouraged to participate in all races; however, participation is not mandatory).  The top 10 racers in each class contribute to team points.  At the conclusion of each day the top five athletes in each age classification receive individual awards, and the top five teams receive trophies.  An additional feature in WIJARA is when a racer places first in two races the racer is “Moved Up” to the next age class.  Racers can move up multiple times during the season.  At the last race of the season overall awards are presented to the teams and individual racers.  Move Up awards are also presented to individuals that were able to move up during the season.

All GPST members are eligible to participate WIJARA Races.  In order to participate in WIJARA, racers must:

• Be a current GPST member.
• Pay the GPST WIJARA fee
• Have a valid USSA membership (license) number.  WJARA racers can either have a scored or non-scored USSA license.
• GPST WIJARA racers receive a WIJARA bib and racing number 900 - 999.
• Complete the required paperwork on the Forms page of this website.

The GPST WIJARA program provides race day course inspection and coaching (feedback and course specific strategies) to GPST Racers.  Combined with GPST's Gate Training, the athlete can further develop their racing skills while competing at other ski areas in the Midwest.

Families are responsible for their own reservations, lodging, food, lift tickets and other expenses.  GPST provides a list of hotels on this web page where the team is encouraged (but not required) to stay.  Food is available at all ski areas where WIJARA competes, although many families will bring in their own lunch.  Evening dining is on your own, although one of the families will typically find a restaurant for any team members wishing to dine together.  The week before each WIJARA event you will receive e-mail instructions as to the race schedule, special pricing for racer lift tickets and the starting order.  

The GPST WIJARA team is expected to offer limited course help at all WIJARA races held at other hills. Specifically, at a minimum, we are required to provide eight gate judges (four each race day).  WIJARA parents are also needed, as volunteers, at one of the WIJARA races (typically Cascade) to help run and co-host the race.