NEMS is back at Wachusett Mountain for the Annual Ralph Crowley Classic. The Crowley Classic is one of the most well-known races in New England, and NEMS is excited to be a part of it for the sixth straight season.
About the Ralph Crowley Classic:
The Ralph Crowley Classic has been a fixture on the Wachusett race calendar for decades. The Crowley Classic is a one-run GS race down Smith Walton which takes place the day before the night league championship race, better known as The Great Race. Traditionally the race was used by night league racers as a warm-up race for The Great Race.
In 2019 the New England Masters joined the Crowley Classic race, creating a two-run option for racers. Since then the Crowley Classic has blossomed, attracting racers from across New England, in addition to many of the traditional night league racers. In fact, in 2021, the Ralph Crowley Classic was the largest Masters race in the world as other countries shut down ski racing as a result of the global pandemic.
Key Things to Know:
- Crowley (1 run) / Masters (2 runs)
- Crowley Classic (1 Run): $25 - Register at Customer Service or click here to register on Wachusett Website
- Masters Race (2 Runs): $65 - Non-pass holder / $45 - Pass holders. Register at: https://masters.adminskiracing.com
- Includes the Crowley Classic race (2 races - 1 price)
- Do I need to register for both races?
- No. The first run of the Masters race also counts as the Crowley race.
- If you are registered for the Masters race, you are automatically registered for the Crowley Classic Race. You do not need to register for both.
- Registering for the Masters Race?
- All registrations must be done online at: https://masters.adminskiracing.com
- Registration closes on Thursday, February 29th at 12:00 PM (Noon)
- There is no day of race registration
- Do not have an account on: https://masters.adminskiracing.com
- Creating an account is quick and easy.
- On the home page, select "Create New Account"
- Follow the prompts to enter your info to complete your account.
- You will receive an email to confirm your account.
- Once you have an active account, follow the steps below.
- Already have an account on https://masters.adminskiracing.com
- Log in to your account
- Select "Event Signup"
- Select "New England Masters"
- Locate the Wachusett race
- Click the green "Register" button on the right
- You will see a message to confirm you've registered and receive an email as well.
- Once registered you can click on the event to see your name as well as other registered racers.
- How do I pay for the Masters race?
- Racers are charged after the race - not at registration
- A valid credit card on file (racer profile) is required for all racers
- What if I register and can't make the race?
- Racers have until Thursday, February 29th at 12:00 PM (Noon) to unregister from the race without penalty
- If a racer is registered for the race (they are on the Start List) and does not show, the racer is charged a Did Not Start Fee of $20.00. The racer will not be charged the full Race Fee.
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The Schedule: Friday, March 1st
- 7:30 - 8:30 AM - Registration Open
- 9:00 AM - Lift Opens
- 9:10 - 9:35 AM - Inspection
- 9:45 AM - Inspection Closed
- 10:00 AM - Race Start
To Register for races: https://masters.adminskiracing.com/
Important Things to Remember:
- USSS Masters License - Not required
- Online Registration deadline - Thursday, February 28th at 12:00 PM (Noon)
- Day of race registration - Not available. All registrations must be done online by the registration deadline.
- Race Day Check-In Table - Located across from Customer Service in front of the Main Lodge.
- Lift Tickets - Included in the Race Fee
- Passholder Discount: A $20 discount is available to anyone who does not require a lift ticket. Must indicate at check-in.
- Helmets - Racers are required to wear a helmet. The helmet does not need to be FIS certified.
- Bibs - NEMS will provide bibs to all racers. If you already have a NEMS bib please bring it.
- Credit Card - A valid credit card on file is required. Please be sure to check your CC info on your ASR profile.
- Race Info - For specific race start times please see the Wachusett Race Info Sheet
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Info Session:
Available Soon.
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Awards Party:
Awards will take place approx. 60 minutes following the conclusion of the race. That is typically around 2:30-3:00 PM. Awards location is weather-dependent. Details will be announced on race day.
Parking
Parking is easy at Wachusett. The main parking lot is open to everyone and is an easy walk to the base lodge area.
Home Base / Base Lodge
Wachusett has a full-service base lodge with plenty of seating and a cafeteria serving a variety of food and beverage options.
Racers can get ready in the lodge
Bags - There are many options to store bags in the lodge. There are paid lockers by the Mountainside Ski Shop and there are cubbies along the walls. Please avoid leaving bags on/under tables.
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Where to Stay:
Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner are all about 15 minutes away and offer a few good hotel options.
- Double Tree by Hilton - Leominster
- Days Inn by Wyndham - Leominster
- Great Wolf Lodge - Fitchburg
- Colonial Hotel - Gardner
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Where to Eat:
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Things to Do:
- Wachusett Brewing Company - https://www.wachusettbrewingcompany.com/
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Event Sponsors: