How NASTAR Handicaps Work

Each time you race NASTAR you earn a handicap that represents the percentage your time is behind National Pacesetter's time (e.g. 15 handicap = 15 percent behind the Par Time or the National Pacesetter's time).

The NASTAR Handicap System gives ski and snowboard racers a simplified system to gauge their progress throughout the season and allows racers of all ages and abilities a means to compare their race results to other competitors across the country regardless of when and where they race. This is accomplished by establishing a National Standard for all races.

The National Standard/Par Time is the "0" handicap which every racer competes against when they race NASTAR. Each NASTAR resort has Pacesetters that have earned certified handicaps that are used to set the Par Time for their course. NASTAR participants earn a handicap each time they race which represents the difference between the racer’s time and the Par Time expressed as a percentage.

The goal is to lower your handicap or score to improve your ranking within your ability division (Platinum, Gold Silver or Bronze). The NASTAR handicap chart shows the range for each ability or medal group by age and gender. Racers that are in different age and gender groups can compete by comparing the medal earned. For example, if you race your daughter and she earns a silver medal and you earn a bronze medal she wins. The handicap she scored earned her better medal based on her age and gender.

The NASTAR Handicap System is designed to award medals to participants within their age and gender group and to place participants in their appropriate Racer Division.

Click Here for more information on NASTAR medals.

Click Here to learn about NASTAR rankings.

Other Disciplines

When a participant races in a discipline other than Alpine Skier they receive a handicap discount. Snowboarders, Telemarkers and Physically Challenged Racers receive handicap discounts toward winning NASTAR medals and scoring points for their team(s) only. The actual handicap earned is the handicap that is recorded and posted on your Race Record.

Able Bodied Disciplines

Adaptive Alpine

Adaptive Snowboard