Masters Race Training
GS & SL for Competitive Adults
Built for Masters Racers
Masters racing is one of the best and rewarding arenas in the sport. You are pushing your limits in timed runs, competing against athletes in your age category who train hard, and chasing standards that require genuine race technique, not just confidence on the piste.
Podium has been working with Masters athletes alongside its instructor training programmes since 2001. We understand what Masters competitors need: robust and efficient technique in GS and Slalom and tactical racecraft that produces fast times.
We work with people across the full spectrum, from club racers who want to shave seconds and compete more consistently, to competitors targeting the British Masters Championships, the European Masters Cup, or the FIS Masters World Championships. Wherever you are in that range, we will give you the training, feedback, and structure to move forward.
Giant Slalom Training
Giant Slalom is the cornerstone of Masters racing. The margin between a competitive time and the standard you need requires precision: efficient build phase, clean transitions, pressure management passing the gate, and a race line that works for you rather than against you. For Masters athletes, line and technique is where the most time is typically won and lost, and it is where we direct the most focused attention.
Our GS training includes:
Slalom Training
Slalom demands quick reflexes, rhythm, and the ability to adapt in real time. For Masters racers, the physicality of modern slalom (tight turns, aggressive blocking, high tempo) can be a significant barrier. We develop a technically sound approach that keeps you fast and fluid, without placing unnecessary strain on your body.
Our SL training includes:
Technical Development & Video Feedback
Gate work alone does not build racers. We use a range of technical tools to help you understand your skiing deeply and accelerate your improvement:
Race Preparation
Technical development gets you to the start gate. Race preparation is what happens when you get there. For Masters athletes who compete infrequently, the gap between training runs and race day performance is one of the biggest challenges. We build race simulation and preparation practices into every camp so that competition conditions feel familiar, not foreign.
Our race preparation approach includes:
Who It’s For
Podium’s Masters camps are designed for adult athletes who compete, or want to compete, and are serious about improving:
We offer pre-organised group camps throughout the season or can develop a training plan aimed at specific races or championships in your calendar. Get in touch to discuss your goals and we will find the right fit.
Where We Train
Our camps run across the season at some of the best race training venues in Europe. Wherever you are in your preparation, whether you want an early summer block to build technique volume or a final sharpener before a target race, there is a camp to suit. Explore each venue in detail on our Where We Train pages.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland: November
Early season training at altitude. Saas-Fee is a World Cup venue with excellent snow reliability in November and a dedicated race training area. A reliable option for Masters athletes targeting December events.
Zinal, Switzerland: December
Zinal opens exclusively to competition skiers in early December, making it one of the best training environments in Europe at the start of the race season. Camps here are timed to align with early winter Masters events and test dates.
Courchevel, France : Jan – April
In season camps in Courchevel for Masters athletes targeting training prior to races, or anyone who needs a technical block during the winter season.
Les 2 Alpes, France: May / June
Summer glacier training in Les 2 Alpes, one of Europe’s finest race venues. Perfect for building volume and technique in the off-season when most resorts are closed. An ideal starting point for Masters athletes planning a full campaign the following winter.
Stelvio, Italy: September / October
The Stelvio glacier opens early and offers superb autumn training conditions on a purpose-built race stadium. A strong block for athletes wanting structured GS and SL work ahead of the race season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a race background to join a Masters camp?
No. We work with athletes at all stages, from first-timers with strong piste technique to athletes who have been competing in Masters races for many years. If you have never trained in race gates before, we recommend starting with a foundation-style block at easier speeds and on more forgiving terrain before moving to full-intensity GS and SL sets. We will be upfront about where you are and what you need.
What Masters race events or circuits can you help me prepare for?
We can help you prepare for any Masters format, including club-level events, national circuit races, the British Masters Championships, the European Masters Cup, and the FIS Masters World Championships. If you have a specific event in mind, share the date and format with us and we will help you structure a training plan around it.
How many training days do I need before I am ready to race?
It depends on where you are starting from. Athletes with recent race experience often make substantial gains in a single focused camp of five to ten days. Those returning to racing after a long break, or competing for the first time, benefit from two or three blocks spread through the season: a foundation or technique week, a training camp, and a race preparation block close to their event. We will give you an honest picture.
What equipment do I need for Masters race training?
For full-intensity GS and SL training we recommend proper race skis: GS Masters skis and slalom skis that conform to FIS Masters regulations. For a first camp or a foundation block, high-performance all-mountain or piste skis are fine to start with. We offer ski tuning advice throughout the camp and can point you in the right direction if you need guidance on race equipment.
Can Masters racers train at the same camps as ski instructors?
Yes. A number of our camps are open to both Masters athletes and instructors preparing for the ISIA Speed Test or Eurotest, since the technical demands overlap significantly. Mixed groups often bring a positive dynamic on snow. We tailor coaching and feedback to each athlete’s individual goals regardless of who else is in the camp.
Do you offer private or bespoke training outside the scheduled camps?
Yes. Alongside our pre-organised group camps, we can put together bespoke training plans built around your specific race goals and schedule. Get in touch with your targets and timeline and we will work out the best approach together.
Masters racing guides
New to competitive skiing as an adult? Start with our guide to how to get started in masters ski racing in the UK. When you are choosing kit, see the best GS skis for masters racing, and to understand how competition is organised read our explainer on the FIS Masters Cup and age categories. Not sure how much training you need? We cover how many camps it takes to get masters-race ready. And for the full picture of the British scene, read our guide to British masters ski racing.