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 age groups included in this race are U12 and U14 (racers 10-13 years old). 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. 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. Piche racers must be members of the United States Ski Association (USSA) at a cost of $70 - $140 per racer, depending upon age. To get a USSA number. membership, and application forms use the USSA website at www.ussa.org. Please join as soon as possible as it can take at least two weeks to process the application.