26/27 Pre-Season Update #1

MAST PRE-SEASON UPDATE #1
Sunday, August 30, 2026

Dear MAST Athletes, Parents and Coaches: 

Welcome to the first official MAST Update of the 2026-27 season. We hope you enjoyed your summer! Weekly updates will be sent until the season is officially underway.

If you are new to the team or just have general questions about MAST, check out our MAST Fact Sheet. 


STATE FAIR BARN CLEANUP FUNDRAISER
This is a great MAST tradition and our team has been fortunate to have the connection to the fairgrounds to raise good money that pays for our awesome coaches and all of the gates you break during the season! The more people we have, the quicker and more fun the event is. So even if you are a MAST newcomer, we can show you the ropes and help you meet new people. Your ticket to the fair is good all day but it will close at 8:00 pm this year - so come early if you want to have more time outside the barn!

What: State Fair Barn Cleanup
Where: MN State Fair - 1785 Judson Avenue
When: Monday, Sept. 7th at 5:30 pm
Who: Anyone willing to work: athletes, siblings, parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents. 
How: Sign up by clicking on the Sign up Genius below. 
MN State Fair Barn Clean Up 2026 
Bring: Work gloves, water bottle, mask (it gets smelly/dusty). 
All volunteers will pick up their free ticket to the fair from the Hasler's house prior to 9/7. Details are in the Sign Up link.


EQUIPMENT
Ski racing is an equipment intensive sport. All racers need SLALOM skis and racing boots. recreational equipment will not perform on a slalom course. Learn about the equipment you need and how to size and select equipment on our website: MAST Equipment Info
Assess your equipment needs now

• Beginning racers:
  
  • new skis are not a big deal because you can probably make many adjustments to your technique and tactics to significantly lower your times. 
    
• Returning racers:
  
  • Pull out your ski socks and try on your boots. Do they still fit? Are the soles worn down? Are they easy to flex? Too easy? Too stiff? 
    
  • Check out your skis. How much have you grown since last season? How much weight have you gained? How many years have they been used? How much side edge is left? How beat up are the bases? 
    
  • Contact your coach if you have a question about whether your equipment will serve you well for another season.
    
• Varsity level racers:
  
  • Worn out skis put you at a big disadvantage to the other competitors. If your skis are more than two years old, consider looking for a new pair of used skis with only one year of use on them or consider purchasing a new pair this year.
    

Ski Swaps available for purchasing USED ski equipment:
Be very clear you are shopping for a MAST alpine racer shopping for Slalom race gear.  Ask for a salesperson who is knowledgeable in ski race gear. The race stuff goes fastest so you are far more likely to find things if you go on the early end.

• Buck Hill (Burnsville): September 25-27, 2026
  Buck Hill Tent Sale
  
• Wild Mountain (Taylors Falls): October 3-4, 2026
  Wild Mountain Ski Swap & Sale
  
• Afton Alps / Team Afton Swap (Hastings): October 9-11, 2026
  Team Afton Swap 2026
  
• Hyland Hills / Team Gilboa Ski & Snowboard Swap (Bloomington): October 23-25, 2026
  Hyland Ski & Snowboard Swap
  

Purchasing NEW equipment:
If you are planning to purchase new boots or skis from a ski shop this season, SOONER IS BETTER. Shopping now and in September is better than October. October is better than November. 

• Many ski shops may also offer discounts to high school racers - be sure to ask.
  
• Pierce Skate and Ski asks that you make an appointment in advance if you are purchasing skis and/or boots this Fall. A boot fitting appointment can take up to 90 minutes if done properly, so plan accordingly. To make an appointment at Pierce call 952-884-1990.  
  
• Tip: Download a clip of your best run from your Sprongo account when you go to buy new equipment. This will help the salesperson to better match the equipment to your skill level. 
  

IMPORTANT DATES

• Monday Sept 28, 7-8pm - MAST Information Night for New Racers and Families                                                                                                    
  
  • Where: Lynnhurst Recreation Center- 1345 W Minnehaha Parkway Minneapolis, MN  55410
    
  • What: A night to learn about the Minneapolis Alpine Ski Team and how we create lifelong skiers and exceptional citizens. Meet coaches and racers on the team. Learn what the season looks like. Learn about racing equipment and how and where to purchase race equipment.                                                                                                        
    
• Late Sept/Early October TBD - Annual MASTers Golf Tournament (more info coming!)
  
  • This is a casual round of scramble golf for fun, so all parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, alumni, coaches, and fans of MAST are welcome. The youth have to sit this one out however. More info to come.
    
• October TBD - MAST Equipment Day at Pierce Skate and Ski Equipment. Call ahead to make an appointment 952-884-1990      
  
• Monday October 26 - Captain-led practices begin
  
• Monday November 9, 6-7:30pm - Season Opener Meeting - Zoom link to be sent.    
  
• Tuesday November 10, 6-7:30pm - Season Pass Pick Up night Hyland Hills  
  
• Wednesday November 11 - Coach-led dryland practices begin
  
• Saturday, November 14 - Racer Retreat Hyland Ski Jump Lodge                                                                                                     
  
• Thursday, November 19 - Give to the Max Day
  
• Sunday December 6 - Race Worker Training (4pm-6pm) / Parent Social (5pm-7pm) Dual Citizen Brewery Company   
  
• Wednesday December 30 - Saturday Jan 2  - Giants Ridge Camp!                                                 
  

                                       
ROSTERING AND REGISTRATION
Registration will begin in October. More information on dates and the registration process as the school year starts.

VOLUNTEER NEEDS
The strength of MAST is highly dependent on parental involvement. The MAST Board and Task Groups appreciate your willingness to volunteer and help make this a great season. We really can’t do it without you!
Current needs: Day-of event leader for MASTers Golf Tournament fundraiser, Registration assistance. Email [email protected] if you can help!

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