The National Standard and the Par Time

The U.S. Ski Team's fastest racers set the Par Time for NASTAR. The Par Time or National Standard is the Zero Handicap that all participants compete against.

NASTAR resorts and clubs have a group of pacesetters that earn certified pacesetting handicaps so they can set the Par Time on their NASTAR course. A pacesetter's handicap represent the difference between his/her ability and the National Standard expressed as a percentage. When a pacesetter races a course to set the Par Time, their time is divided by their handicap and the result is the calculated Par Time or the National Standard.

When you race NASTAR you are racing against the fastest members of the U.S. Ski Team. The handicap you earn is the percentage your time is behind the National Standard (e.g. 15 handicap = 15 percent behind the Par Time, the National Standard or the Zero Handicap).

How can I calculate a NASTAR handicap

Click Here to take a ride with the pacesetter setting the Par Time.

The NASTAR Handicap System gives ski and snowboard racers a simplified system to gauge their ability and to monitor their progress throughout the season. NASTAR racers can compare their race results to other competitors by earning a ranking at the host resort. When three races are completed on three different days participants can compare themselves to other racers nationally and within their state of residence regardless of when and where they race.