USSMA Rules and Requirements

Required Gear

• Skis minimum length: women - 150cm, men - 160cm minimum 750g Ski/Binding for men and 700g for women
• Bindings Toe and heel piece must be same brand
• Boots Rubber sole must cover 100% of boot bottom - Minimum weight 500g for men and 450g for women
• Poles
• Skins at least 1 pair, must cover at least 50% of the surface area of the ski and 50% of the length of the ski
• 3 upper body layers
• 1 layer must be a wind proof layer
• 1 layer must be short or long sleeved (no tank tops)
• 2 lower body layers
• Helmet - Must meet skiing EN 1077, climbing UIAA 106 or climbing EN 12492 standards.
• Gloves
• Pack
• Beacon - Beacon that transmits on 457 kHz frequency. For 2017/2018 season beacon must have a 3-antenna transmission system.
• Shovel. No snow claws. Minimum length 50 cm.
• Probe No probe poles. Minimum 240cm.

Racer Rules

1. Boots and bindings MUST be locked on all downhill (red flagged) portions of the course.
2. Poles MUST be on the flat on the ground (not attached to the hand, or held) in transition areas. Racers who hold their poles risk stabbing others in the transition area!
3. Broken skis and poles may be swapped at any point on the course. However, if a racer breaks a pole or ski, they cannot leave the pole or ski on the course (e.g. if a pole is broken, the broken pole must be carried until it can be traded for a non-broken pole).
4. Skis MUST be attached at two points to the backpack during booter sections (packs often have a tail loop through with the tails are placed, and a hook attached above the binding- this is two connection points).
5. Skins MUST be fully tucked into the race suit/pack/jacket PRIOR to leaving the transition area (may still be partially visible). Racers who attempt to leave the transition area should be called back to the transition area to fully secure skins, or be penalized according to the penalty table.
6. All transitions must be carried out within the marked transition area only.
   

• How do I play poker?
• Go grab the cards for starters, we can help you select your best hand at the end.
• How do we know where to go?
• There are two ‘Legend’ Maps at check-in, we have provided trail maps and sharpies so you can mark down the locations.
• What do we do with our whole punch card?
• This will be your tracker so you know what checkpoints you have been to. You will get whole punched at each checkpoint, then you will draw a card.
• How will we find the employees holding the cards?
• Employees will be in either blue or black branded jackets, all stations will also have a flag to help mark the location.
• How long will the checkpoints be on the mountain?
• Check points will be available from 10AM – 2PM.
• Do we have to go to every location?
• No you do not, however your chances of playing a good hand increase if you do!
• Is this a race?
• No, although check in to play your hand will end promptly at 2:30PM.
• Can I do Expert and Intermedia locations?
• No.  You will need to go to the locations for the class you choose.
• Where are the Joker’s hidden?
• Go ask at the Deschutes Tent for some hints!
• Do we get to ski with Daron?
• Yes! Daron hand-picked our Expert course, so you will definitely see him skiing around those checkpoints.
• What do I do after I get all my cards?
• Bring your cards to the Deschutes Tent at the Judah Lodge to submit your hand.  Check-in will be from 1:00pm – 2:30pm.
• Can we trade cards with another player?
• We are going by the honor system, but ask players to only play the cards they pull.
• What happens in a tie?
• The two people who tie will pull 5 cards from a deck and play their best hand.
• What are the prizes?
• $200 cash is up for grabs, plus other prizes including a snowboard, skis, goggles, helmets and more.  This will happen at 3:00PM at the Judah Lodge.