Alpine Glossary of Terms and Information
J Class:  Your J (Junior) Class is the age group that you compete with.  Each J class covers 2 years (except for J1’s).  It is determined by the year you were born.  Alpine J classes are as follows (YOB begins Jan. 1):
    J1 – ages 17-19
    J2 – ages 15-16
    J3 – ages 13-14
    J4 – ages 11-12
    J5 – ages 9-10
    J6 – ages 8 and under

Alpine Disciplines
Slalom(SL): A slalom course is the shortest in distance, but contains the greatest number of turns.  Turns are short, quick and continuous.  Slalom is considered a technical event, as opposed to a speed event.
Giant Slalom (GS):  The Giant Slalom is the most fundamental alpine event.  Most young racers will start with Giant Slalom races.  Gates are placed at a maximum of 28 meters and a minimum of 12 meters apart.  GS is also considered a technical event.
Super Giant Slalom (Super G):  Super G is the bridge between Giant Slalom and Downhill, and is considered a speed event.  Athletes compete in Super G starting at the J4 level.
Downhill (DH):  Downhill is the fastest of the 4 alpine disciplines.  Athletes compete in Downhill starting at the J3 level. 

Equipment: All four disciplines require a different set of skis.  As athletes get older, the more specific their equipment becomes.    

Equipment Maintenance:  When athletes reach the J3 level, they learn how to become responsible for tuning and maintaining all equipment.

   
USSA: The United States Ski and Snowboard Association.  USSA is the governing body for the sport of skiing in the US.  It comprises three regions (Western, Eastern and Rocky Central). 

Western Region:  The Pacific Northwest Ski Association is one of five divisions that make up the greater Western Region.  These include the Intermountain Division (IMD), Far West (California), Northern Division (Montana) and Alaska.

Pacific Northwest Division (PNSA):  We are a part of the Pacific Northwest Ski Association which consists of clubs in the states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

FIS:  FIS is the International Federation of Skiing.  FIS represents the international ranking system versus USSA’s national ranking system.  FIS races are open to international competitors.  Athletes must be 15 and have a FIS license in order to race in a FIS Race.  Athletes will be advised when they are eligible and when they need to purchase the license.

Points Lists:  Once you have a competitive USSA license (J3 and older), you will have access to the Points List, which is broken down by discipline (Slalom, GS, Super G and DH).  Your points will be tabulated by USSA and your standing on the points list will both qualify you for certain competitions including Junior Olympics, and Junior Nationals.  It’s like golf – the lower the points the better.

Junior Olympics:  A J3 Western Region Championship event.  Athletes qualify through a PNSA Division Qualification Series of races.

J2 Nationals: A J2 class National Event.  Invitations to compete are based on a Western Region J2 Qualification Series.

Western Junior Champs: A J1-J2 class Western Region Championship Event in all disciplines.  Qualification is based on a PNSA Division Race Series. 

Western FIS Finals:  A J1-J2 class Western Region Championship Event in the technical disciplines.  Qualification is based on a PNSA Division Race Series.