Once again many members will be starting to feel the pull of club racing, the smell of mulled wine, free beer and sausage rolls, eyeing up the talent from the other clubs, the music, the dancing, falling down drunk in the snow and somehow not dying of hypothermia (setting a great example to the kids.)

Well if you want to enjoy all of this you have to book into the lodge and race for the club. It really is fun and it doesn't matter if you're not a Coberger. If the best racers in the club all entered we would be right up there with the best. However due to other racing commitments it is often impossible to get the best racers together so we don't usually expect to win the big events but it's important for the club to be represented. It doesn't cost you anything and there's usually a free party afterwards. The only thing to lose is a good time if you don't enter and the only way to let the club down is not to have a team.

Any member who can ski around some gates and usually not fall over is well qualified so please make yourself available, especially you ladies (who tend to underestimate your ability).

Two of the most important inter-club races are the Christiana Derby and The Ngauruhoe Cup, to be held on 28 July and 25 August respectively. Both races are held at Whakapapa. The Ngauruhoe cup has teams of five with at least two women. The Christiana Cup has separate mens and womens teams. Email Rob Yallop if you are interested in racing and would like to be kept informed of events.

For a full list of national events visit the Ski Racing New Zealand site www.skiracing.org.nz.