Who we are
We welcome racers of all levels, from beginners with a passion to learn, NASTAR racers, former college racers, to ex-Olympians. We welcome anyone who loves to improve their racing and enjoy social life with other adult racers who have a passion for ski racing. With an age range of 18 to over 90 years old, racers compete in age brackets of five-year increments. The fastest ten men are pulled from their age classes and put in a Super Seed, allowing the elite to compete with each other while creating more opportunity for age class racers to medal as well.
Intermountain Masters hosts ski races at areas in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho, and jointly in Montana with Northern Division Masters. Average race days consist of two runs, with the first in the morning and the second in the early afternoon. The idea is to combine ski racing with plenty of time for free skiing at numerous world class resorts, social events, and to allow plenty of travel time. Each race day ends with an awards party and the opportunity to socialize on and off the slopes.
Meet the Board
Richard Slabinski, Committee Chair
Years Masters Racing: +/- 40 years
Originally from: Northampton, Massachusetts
Currently resides: Park City, Utah
Work Experience: Executive VP of Programs with L3 Harris Corporation involving development of communications systems for the US Government and many NATO customers. Past Board positions Summit Masters Ski Club, Treasurer and Intermountain Masters Division, Communications
Jesse Foster, Vice Chair
Years Masters Racing: +/- 10 years
Originally from: Ruidoso New Mexico
Currently resides: Hailey, Idaho
Work Experience: Physical therapist and manager for St Lukes Rehab in Ketchum Idaho for 14 years.
As a volunteer, I served on the board as well as Chairman for Rotarun Ski area for 8 years.
Heather Black, Secretary
Years Masters Racing: +/- 20 years
Originally from: Stowe, Vermont
Currently resides: Hailey, Idaho
Work Experience: Multiple roles at Ski Racing Magazine including owner
for 3 years, COO of Sports File (stock photo agency), Photographer on the
World Cup circuit and owned Candid Kids and Heather Black photography.
As a volunteer, served on numerous nonprofit boards and have often
served as Chair/President of those boards.
Meri Stratton, Race Director
Years Masters Racing: +/- 45 years
Originally from: Ketchikan Alaska
Currently resides: Hood River
Work Experience: Real Estate Broker. USSA Masters Coordinator
Summer Fun Nationals since 1989, Intermountain BOD 4 years
,Fuxi Racing helper.
Greg Graham
Treasurer
Years Masters Racing: +/- 20 years
Originally from: Fayetteville, New York
Currently resides: Park City, UT
Work Experience: Recently retired from Executive Sales Leadership positions in the tech and services business. Past Board positions at Park City Ski Team and Summit Masters Ski Club.
Mark Kandianis
Years Master Racing: +/- 10 years
Originally from: Worcester, Massachusetts
Currently Redside: Hailey, Idaho
Work experience: Offshore Commercial Fisherman, 40+ yrs (Retired),
Grand Banks to Bering Sea / Aleutian Islands ,U-14 Alpine coach, Mt Baker WA
PNSA, Intermountain, Alpine Race Volunteer.
Kathleen Thomas
Originally from: Bainbridge Is, WA
Currently resides: Park City, UT
Work experience: Family Nurse Practitioner
Currently employed: Intermountain Health Care
As a volunteer, this is my first year on the board
Jack Ballard
Years Masters Racing: +/- 10 years. Became a skier at age 46, begin racing at age 48.
Originally From: Three Forks, Montana
Currently Resides: Red Lodge, Montana
Work Experience: M. A., M. Ed. Nationally awarded independent writer/photographer specializing in outdoors subjects with credits in over 50 regional and national magazines, author of numerous books. Former University Lecturer at Montana State University-Billing, Department of Education, teaching courses in human learning, educational psychology and other subjects. Masters coach at Big Sky Resort, Red Lodge Mountain and race camps across the nation.