Team Summit’s Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ document is geared towards new Team Summit members and potential new members.
What is Team Summit?
Team Summit is a competition ski and snowboard club. We have a variety of programs in Alpine Ski Racing, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding. We have programs for all ages of competitive athletes from age 5 and up.
How does Team Summit differ from ski school?
Team Summit is not in the business of teaching your child the basics of skiing or snowboarding. We take proficient skiers and snowboarders and help them reach their full potential as competitive athletes. If your child has outgrown ski or snowboard school and has expressed an interest in competing, you’ve come to the right place.
How do I enroll my child in Team Summit?
Open enrollment takes place each fall, usually starting in late August early September. All enrollment forms are also available for download on our website at www.TeamSummit.org. Please download and print all of the forms, fill them out and mail them to the Team Summit business office:
Team Summit
PO Box 3307
Copper Mountain, CO 80443
Which program is right for my child?
This is difficult for us to answer. Only you know your child well enough to really answer this question. We offer entry-level programs in all of our disciplines. If your child likes to ski the moguls and likes catching air off of terrain features, our Freestyle X-Trainers might be the best program. If your child likes skiing fast on groomed course and just can’t wait to do the NASTAR course again, then our Alpine Devo program sounds like a good fit. If your child is a snowboarder that spends all day in the terrain park, then our Snowboard Devo program is the place to be.
What are the prerequisites for enrolling my child in Team Summit?
As mentioned above, your child needs to be a proficient skier or snowboarder: blue runs should pose little or no problems for your child and some black runs should be manageable as well. Children should also be old enough and self-sufficient enough to spend a day on the hill. From experience, we have generally found the youngest age to be successful in our programs to be 5 or 6 years old. Your child should have the stamina to ski or snowboard from 8:30am – 3pm, willingness to participate, ability to communicate clearly about basic needs (cold, hurt, hungry, thirsty, bathroom), ability to be away from Mom & Dad all day, and the ability to stay warm on 0°F days, etc. Of course, our coaches spend the day with the athletes, but the coaches are not babysitters.
Will my child have the same coach all season long?
The same group of coaches and athletes generally stay together for the entire season. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule and occasionally a couple members of a group may be reassigned to better match a group of athletes with similar skill levels. Especially in the entry level programs, we try to group athletes together that are similar in skill level and age.
Are competitions mandatory?
We are a competitive program and do plan to attend competitions with the athletes. Competition is part of our programs. Athletes are encouraged—but not required—to participate in competitions. Athletes learn new skills and experience different emotions and energy levels on competition days than they do on training days. If your child chooses not to participate in competitions, there may not be training available on those days.
Where is the office?
We are located at 760 Copper Road, Snowbridge Square, Copper Mountain. Snowbridge Square is the first building west of the Chapel parking lot. We are on the ground level, directly below Salsa Mountain Cantina, at the building’s west end, accessed from the parking lot, not from inside the building. We have an unattractive landmark as your navigational aid: our door is just to the left of the dumpster.
What are the office hours?
We are staffed year round. From September – April, the office is generally open 9 am - 4:30pm , Tuesday – Saturday. During the summer, we operate on a reduced schedule when we are open Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 3:30pm. Because of the small office staff and the seasonality of our programs, there is some variation in the office schedules. If you absolutely must talk to someone in person, please call or e-mail ahead to arrange an appointment.
Where are the drop off and meeting locations at each of the ski areas?
This varies by individual program and sometimes by individual coach. Check with your primary coach for details about the drop off and meeting locations.
What time is training?
Again, this varies by individual program and sometimes by individual coach. In general, weekend training runs from 8:30am to 3pm. Please confirm training times with your primary coach.
What are the licensing requirements for Team Summit?
Team Summit is a member club of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA). All Team Summit athletes, coaches, board members and other staff are required to hold a USSA license. Older athletes may also need and an FIS (International Ski Federation or Fédération Internationale de Ski) license to participate in national or international competitions.
The Team Summit office has USSA applications, or you can go online to www.ussa.org and sign up online. For youth that will not race in a scored USSA race (J4 and under) you need a youth license. If you are skiing in scored USSA races (J3 and over) you will need a competitor’s license. You will also need to pay your Rocky Mountain Division dues.
Does my child need a helmet?
Absolutely! A good fitting, a helmet manufactured specifically for skiing or snowboarding is MANDATORY for all Team Summit training and free skiing or riding.
Is a uniform mandatory?
Yes, team jackets are required of all athletes. Our jackets include sponsor patches, which cannot be altered, destroyed or removed.
Am I required to make a “work deposit” to Team Summit?
Yes, as a non-profit organization, we rely on our members to volunteer their time to our club fundraising and other events. Team Summit collects a Voluntary Service Fee (VSF)—sometimes referred to as a “work deposit”—from every family when you register. When you have satisfied your volunteer hours, you are entitled to a refund or credit towards next season of the full VSF. If you do not volunteer the required number of hours, the VSF is forfeit.
What is the role of the Board of Directors?
To advise Executive Committee on policy, program development and financial development.
To participate in fundraising to maintain the current economic stability of the Club.
To serve as liaisons between the parent and volunteer groups, as well as the Summit County Community.
To facilitate communications with Ski Area Management as needed.
To promote Team Summit as a premier winter-sports training facility.
Work to increase available scholarship dollars.
Work to increase contributions to the Endowment Fund.
Approve and oversee budget.
Assure that year end financial statements and tax returns are completed.
Act on behalf of Team Summit in other community Boards, groups and activities.
Who are the 2008/2009 Board of Directors?
President: Ross Sheely
Vice President: Patsy Patnode
Treasurer: Tom McFadden
Secretary: Merril Miller
What does it mean to be a Member in Good Standing of Team Summit?
Your account is current, there are no disciplinary matters outstanding, your VSF is paid and you have obtained a USSA license. All members in good standing are eligible for discounted ski passes, to ride in the vans to competitions when available, to lodge and compete as a Team, and use the Copper Clubhouse.
How is my voice heard?
First, always talk with your primary coach. If the coach cannot resolve the problem or escalate it to the next level to your satisfaction, the next step is to meet with the Program Director for your discipline:
Executive Director: Sean Ramsden
Alpine Racing: Sean Ramsden
Freestyle: Chris Carson
Snowboard: TBA
If the problem still cannot be resolved, you should next contact the Office Staff: Nicole Gillette, or Sean Ramsden. Ultimately, the Board of Directors is available to resolve any conflicts or concerns.