Safety

The safety of your athlete is our number one priority. We will push your athlete and stretch their abilities by SAFELY challenging them on appropriate terrain and conditions. Always encourage your athlete to follow the directions of their coach. Our goal is to build lifetime ski and boarding skills in a safe, caring, and fun environment.

Emergencies

Coaches will report all injuries to Ski Patrol for assessment, treatment, and transport to the medical clinic if required. Please ensure that your emergency contact information includes a contact number where you can be reached while at the mountain.

MEDICAL EVACUATION SERVICES
The Bear Valley Snow Sports Foundation has negotiated a group rate with AirMedCare which includes CalStar and Reach Air as well as PHI CARES. These are the three helicopter MedEvac operators serving Bear Valley and the Highway 4 corridor. Any one of these companies may respond based on availability at the time of the emergency. Memberships in these MedEvac programs provide the assurance that there will be no additional charge to you beyond what your insurance company covers in the event you require air ambulance services provided by the organizations with which you are a member. Please visit the BVSF website for additional information.

Team Assignments

Team placement is important and we strive to place your athlete on a team that is appropriate to their skill level while considering age and social relationships. In order for the individuals to progress successfully and safely through the season, team composition will include athletes of the same ability level. While efforts will be made to include siblings and/or friends on the same team, their abilities must be similar. Grouping athletes purely by age without allowing for some movement or exposure to athletes who have more or less experience or who are more or less physiologically mature than their same age peers can have a detrimental effect on their performance. Experienced coaches will evaluate athletes and determine skill appropriate team groupings while giving consideration to age/maturity level. The first team weekend in December and the holiday training camp are critical times for team placement and every effort should be made to have your athlete present on these dates. Teams are typically finalized by the end of the holiday team camp. Throughout the season, athletes will progress at different speeds and there will always be movement between teams – trust your coach’s assessment of your athlete’s ability.

Attendance

While attendance at every team session is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged. Like any sport, proficiency in skiing and boarding is based upon the acquisition and development of skills that build upon one another. Athletes who do not attend training sessions may miss out on important progressions and can fall behind their teammates.

Drop-Off Location

At the beginning of the season, each team will be assigned a team number. Each training day morning, a team sign with that number will be posted out in the meeting area. All teams meet at their team sign in the area between the Sun Deck and Koala Chair at least ten (10) minutes before the scheduled start time.

Pick-Up/Drop-Off Time

Timeliness is critically important to maximize our training time. All teams meet at their team sign in the area between the Sun Deck and Koala Chair and depart the meeting area at 9:30 and 12:30 sharp. Plan to arrive early so that your child is fully geared up and ready to ski/board at the scheduled departure times. Teams return to the meeting area at 11:30 and 2:30. Please be present at these times to pick up your athletes so that coaches can be released. If you are comfortable with your athlete being released from training sessions without a parent present, please advise your athlete’s coach.

Late Arrivals

Teams train all over the mountain as determined by weather and snow conditions; it can be difficult to locate your athlete’s team if you are late. Coaches will not wait for late arrivals, as this reduces valuable training time and is unfair to those who arrive on time. To assist late arriving athletes in finding their team, each team has a designated chairlift where they will always take their first run of the day. Please consult with your coach to determine which chairlift they will utilize on their first run. Coaches are not obligated to make more than one run on their designated chairlift.

Minimum Skills

The team descriptions in the “About the Teams” section identify the minimum required ski/boarding skills for each team. With the exception of the Kodiak team, all team members should also possess the following minimum skills:

  • Ability to put on their jacket/helmet/gloves without assistance
  • Ability to put on their skis/boots without assistance (flat and sloped terrain)
  • Ability to load on a chairlift without assistance and be comfortable riding alone on the chair if required

Athlete Accountability

Team members will be issued a Team Pass which be utilized to maintain athlete accountability and validate team membership. As athletes arrive each day, they will give their team pass to their coach as part of a positive “check- in” process. By retaining the team pass, coaches will always know the number and names of the athletes under their supervision. Coaches will return the pass to the athlete at the end of the training session as part of a formal “check-out“ process. Athletes must bring their Team Pass to each training session.

Pre-training Preparation

Team members learn best when they arrive well-prepared and ready for training. Please feed your athlete a light meal prior to morning training and ensure that their bathroom needs are addressed before arriving at the team meeting area. Team members are released to their parent/guardian for lunch and athletes are encouraged to fuel up before returning for the afternoon session.

Weather

Skiing and boarding are winter sports and we will train in all conditions. If the lifts are running, teams will go out. Be sure your athlete is properly equipped and ready for the elements.

Helmets

Helmet use is mandatory and must be worn at all times when participating in team activities.

Clothing

Athletes who are not prepared for winter conditions cannot concentrate on learning and having fun. Skiers and boarders should be dressed in layers to keep them warm and protected from adverse weather. Layering also allows athletes to shed clothing during warmer conditions. Athletes should also have access to multiple pairs of warm gloves/mittens to switch out during adverse weather. Eye protection in the form of sunglasses and goggles should also be available at all times. Accessories such as hand warmers, neck gaiters and face protectors are also recommended. Skin protection such as sunscreen and lip balm should also be used regularly.

Equipment

To protect your athlete’s safety, ski and board equipment should be in good condition and bindings should inspected annually for functionality by a certified technician. Release settings should be checked prior to skiing with the team; coaches are not allowed to adjust bindings. To improve the learning experience, skis, and boards should be tuned and waxed regularly. Boots should fit well to maximize skier/boarder comfort and performance. Skiers should also have access to powder cords to prevent the loss of skis during powder conditions.

Reba Sports at the resort has a full line of gear and apparel for all your equipment needs including skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, goggles, equipment leases and more.

Athlete Attitude

A positive attitude and willingness to learn are the most important things that your athlete can bring each day. Training sessions are designed to be fun and it is essential that your child wants to be part of the program. Things change frequently; weather, snow quality/condition, and training plans are highly variable, so encourage your athlete to have a flexible attitude and be ready for last-minute changes.

Behavior

The development of good sportsmanship skills and lasting social relationships are important components of the Team experience. Athletes are expected to support their teammates in a positive manner and follow the direction of their coaches at all times. Team members represent Bear Valley and are ambassadors of the Snow Sports Program; they shall treat the public, the coaching staff, Bear Valley employees, and each other with courtesy and respect. The safety of our athletes and other mountain guests is paramount and team members shall ski/board safely and under control, follow all posted warning signs/boundary restrictions, and shall not cut under rope lines or in front of resort guests. Athletes must understand that utilizing the ski school line is a privilege. Failure to behave in a manner that is consistent these principles can result in suspension or dismissal from the team.

Issue Resolution

We value your input and expect that every parent will have an open dialogue with their athlete’s coach. Any concern that cannot be resolved directly with your coach should be brought to the attention of the Head Race Team Coach or the All Mountain Team Supervisor. If your concerns cannot be resolved at this level, they will be referred to Josh Bridges, Snow Sports Manager.