Money can buy results, but talent still prevails. To race competitively in the Masters program, you'll need a flexible schedule and one good pair of slalom and GS skis, plus some basic wax knowledge. GS requires a helmet, and all events call for at least some degree of shoulder and arm padding. Additional items that you may wish to consider include pole and shin guards for slalom courses, super G skis for the super G and downhill courses, and dampener plates or risers if you are prone to boot out. Dampener plates are not only for the really great racers, they also help the timid by isolating the vibrations that indicate high speed.
Masters seem to do a good deal of lying to themselves.
I asked a fellow downhiller why he had taped over the ear holes in his helmet. He is currently ranked second in the USSA western region and is the Canadian National Masters Slalom Champion for men ages 30 to 35. To work on tuck turns, start on a relatively flat catwalk and focus on your skis' ability to roll from edge to edge when you counter. Face your right ski, track to the left, face your left ski, track to the right. The trail from your skis should be sharp, not skidded.