The country’s best downhill skiers are descending on Sugarloaf’s famed Narrow Gauge trail for the 2017 U.S. Alpine Skiing Championships this week. Here’s a look at what they’ll be up against, with commentary from someone who knows the trail as well or better than anyone — Mike Savage, former Alpine program director at Carrabassett Valley Academy.

#USAlpine
Complete coverage of the the U.S. Alpine Championships includes:

Race and skier stories
Live updates during the races
Race schedule
How to navigate the Narrow Guage at Sugarloaf

#USAlpine

• Race and skier stories
• Live updates during the races
• Race schedule
• How to navigate the Narrow Guage at Sugarloaf

Spectator Information

The best place to watch the races is the finish area. For the super-G, that is at the bottom of the mountain. For the slalom and giant slalom, the races finish halfway up the mountain. There are a few on-hill spectating spots, but netting and fences lining the trail make it so those don’t have the best views.

Friday is arrival day and a practice day for the ski racers who want to take some time to train.

Saturday is the men’s and women’s super-G competition. The men start at 9:45 a.m., and the women at 12:15 p.m.

Later that evening will be the opening ceremonies, featuring a parade of athletes, remarks by United States Senator Angus King, super-G awards presentation and fireworks. The opening ceremonies start at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday is the men’s and women’s slalom. The women’s first run is at 9 a.m., and their second run is a noon. The men’s runs are 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Following an awards presentation on the beach, slated for 2:30 p.m., but subject to change, there will be an hour-long autograph session with Sam Morse.

Monday is the women’s giant slalom, with first runs starting at 9:30 a.m. and second runs at 12:30 p.m.

The men’s giant slalom is Tuesday. First runs are at 9:30 a.m., second runs are at 12:30 p.m.