FAQs
General
Ski racing is sport that mixes speed, agility, balance, coordination, and tactics to be the fastest one through a gate course. It is a popular Olympic sport! Nancy Greener’s, experience “glalom”type courses that are somewhere between a slalom and giant slalom spacing of gates. They also get to enjoy, dual courses and obstacle courses. Alpine athletes experience mostly Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super Giant Slalom events. If they reach FIS level racing, they may also experience Downhill.
No, free skiing is an integral part of their ski development. Lots of dynamic terrains and conditions will be skied.
Technical development and physical conditioning improve dramatically through a season. Athletes gain elite skill levels that allow them to safely enjoy skiing for a lifetime. Ski racing also fosters growth in confidence, communication, focus, resilience, courage, self-reliance, goal setting, team building and friendships. We want the kids to become skilled skiers that can enjoy a lifetime of ski sport.
Although racers receive individual recognition at the Alpine level, we train, ski and travel as a team!
Nancy Greene Ski League Program U6 to U10
Alpine Program U12 to U18
Age, skill level and duration of program. Both programs are fun, but Alpine is a much larger commitment.
An athlete must be able to complete a basic turn with a confident stop. Athletes must also be able to independently load and unload a chairlift.
They must be more independent and confident skiers and there is a higher level of equipment and commitment at this ski race level. Our lead Coach would have to assess to see if they are a candidate. Some kids have joined at the Alpine level and been quite successful.
Our coaches have a minimum of Alpine Canada Coaches Level One. All coaches must provide criminal record checks. Our coaches have come out of the racing program and some are our keen ski parents. We are always looking for coaches; let us know if you are interested.
Gear Requirements
Proper level skis, boots and poles. Hard ear helmet. Extra gloves, neck warmers, hand warmers and water proof gear is recommended for cold and wet days. Boots should be snug and fit well. Check skis prior to use to assure they are set to prober DIN settings. Regular ski care of edges and bases is encouraged. For parents new to ski care, we hold clinics at the beginning of the season to teach sharpening and waxing of skis.
More elite equipment will be required as they move through this program. FIS entry helmet required with hard ears, stiff, well fitted boot, good goggle wear, shin guards, GS race suit and often multiple pairs of skis depending on level. The coach will communicate with parent. Used equipment is a way to save on costs.
Ski club uniforms are mandatory at the Alpine level. You will need to purchase our subsidized jacket. We proudly wear our sponsors logos. It goes with any black training pant. At alpine level, side zipper pants help athletes access their GS Suit for racing. Nancy Greene does not have a uniform, but Nancy Greene kids must have a hard ear helmet.
Travel ski races, entry fees, accommodation, out of season coaching fees, camp fees, elite equipment, waxing supplies, food for shared accommodations.
Commitment Requirements
Races are not mandatory but attendance is encouraged. We are a race program and it contributes to athletes reaching the seasonal goals.
Athletes are expected to arrive on time with a positive attitude. Athletes are encouraged to attend as many training sessions and races as possible.
All club members are highly visible. It is important we respect the SMR mountain and our club codes of conduct. Club members make excellent ambassadors!
What happens when there is bad weather? Athletes learn to ski a variety of terrain and in a variety of conditions. It helps them improve their skill level. However, coaches will make “the” call to cancel if it is ever deemed unsafe.
We are a participation club and we work together to make it all happen. Our coaches are the only paid staff. Families must complete volunteer expectations or are subject to set mandatory monetary fines. All events take an “all hands on deck” approach. You will have opportunities to help select what roles you feel capable to take on and there will be many opportunities to learn from our club coaches and veterans!
We run Official Courses to help parents learn the ski event roles and how to use and set up equipment at a sanctioned ski races. We encourage all parents to attend our Official Courses.
Our success as a club comes from the incredible support of our members. Yes, there is a lot of work at times, but we have a lot of fun along the way.
How can I support the ski club? At the beginning of the season, a coordinator will set up some duties that need to be scheduled. Here are some of the ways you can help during the season:
- Volunteer for jobs
- Join the Board
- Join a Committee
- Seek Corporate Sponsorship
- Help fundraise
- Remove snow around cabin entries and roof
- Cabin Duty Parent
- Cabin Clean Up
- Help move equipment up and down hill when needed
- Help with repairs
Families not completing the volunteer requirements set at the start of season will NOT receive their volunteer cheque back.
You will be assigned jobs and duty days at the start of season. Most families are asked to give 4 to 5 days of their time to help a committee, home events and races, fundraisers, fundraising, course set up and course tear down, snow removal off the cabin roof and away from sponsor signage and entry ways. Consider joining the Board and volunteering at away races.
We have clothing sales, ski race events and social events. Each year families are expected to donate both time and donations for our silent auction fundraiser and dinner.
2023-2024 Season Dates
- Christmas Camp: half days from December 27, 2023 to December 30, 2023
- Regular Season: 9:30 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays from early January to mid-March. Parents are responsible for their athletes during the 45-minute lunch break
- Dryland Training: September to end of November at alternating locations to improve physical fitness in preparation for the ski season. This program is designed to help improve on skills needed in ski racing.
- Optional Pre-Season Camp at Apex Mountain Resort at additional cost
- Christmas Camp: December 27, 2023 to December 30, 2023
- Regular Season: mid-December to mid-March from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
- Optional May camps at additional cost
