The Francis Piche Trophy Qualifier is a race that offers an opportunity for our strongest racers to compete against skiers from Tri-state and other youth racing teams from eight area states on a higher level of competition. 

The three age groups that are included in this race are 9 & 10 (JV), 11 & 12 (JIV), and 13 & 14 (JIII). Typically each team in the EMBWL is invited to send twelve racers to the Qualifier. The Qualifier is held early in February, at Bradford Ski Area, with the top six finishers in each age group (both boys and girls) advancing to the Francis Piche Invitational Race at Gunstock Mountain in Guilford, New Hampshire. This is a two-day event, Friday and Saturday, during the first or second weekend in March. Piche racers must be members of the United States Ski Association (USSA). Helmets and goggles are required. The racers and their families are responsible for all expenses incurred in conjunction with these two races. 

The Nashoba Valley Ski Club President along with assistance from other board members and coaches will select the final candidates for the Piche Qualifier Race from qualifying racers. The following guidelines are used to assist in the decision:

1. Placement in races prior to entry deadline.

2. Comparison of race times to top racers from other EMBWL teams in the same age groups in the same race.

3. Coaches evaluation of the racer’s performance and attitude.

You will be notified in advance if you are invited, but racers who think they may be invited should join the United States Ski Association. The Piche Invitational is a USSA event and only members may be invited to participate. There is an annual membership fee. To get a USSA number use the USSA web site, www.usskiteam.com, email at membership@ussa.org, or phone
1-435-647-2666. Please join as soon as possible as it can take at least two weeks to process the application.