You have questions. We have answers!
We do our best to group athletes based on age, ability and friends. However with the number of athletes that we do have it may not be possible to fulfill all friend requests. Devo groups do have some flexibility and will have movement between groups and coaches throughout the season. We are all part of BSF and if your athletes doesn't know someone in their group it is a great way to make new friends! We ask that everyone is treated with respect and kindness, we are all on the same team.
There are 4 main events in Alpine ski racing: Slalom, GS, Super G and Downhill. Visit Race Disciplines 101 to learn about the difference.
We will host a few volunteer training sessions that focus on course slipping and proper passage in GS and Slalom. These sessions will help set you up for success to volunteer as a gate judge at a race. Keep an eye out for dates in team communication.
Also, coaches regularly take video. Watch with your athlete and ask them to explain the differences between the disciplines and how the courses are set.
Bridger Bowl Season pass, skis according to training plan posted on TeamReach, poles, helmet, backpacks with water bottle, lunch, snacks, hand warmers, toe warmers, extra gloves, extra layer. Be prepared for all weather conditions and temperatures.
Athletes who are ready to hike the ridge or ski Schlasmans while free skiing should come prepared with avalanche safety equipment and a backpack.
We train on Hanton's Hollow. This run is under the Bridger lift and is skiers right of Bridger Midway.
Check in at the timing shack to see if there is a coach around. If there is not a coach at the timing shack, check in with coaches on Hanton's Hollow (top of course off Bridger lift's midway station). If no one is training on Hanton's check in at lunch time.
If your child gets separated from their group they should go back to the top of Virginia City lift where we leave backpacks. BSF calls this location the timing shack however your child should know to call it the top of Virginia City or Deer Park Chalet if they ask the general public for help. Have them wait at the timing shack for a coach who can radio to their coach to connect back with their group. It is important that athletes learn their coaches names. Athletes can also ask lift operators or ski patrol for help.
Also, it is important that kids know the are expected to stay with their group and not ski away from their group or take alternate routes that are not discussed with the coach.
Race announcements will become available once the race organizers post them - usually a month before the event. BSF coaches will send out an email when the race announcements are ready. You will also be able to find the announcements in this document on the calendar pages as well as on the USSS Northern Division website.
Announcements include general informations about the race including dates and events, ticket and registration information and volunteer details.
A detailed race schedule with course inspection and start times will not be available until after the coaches meeting the evening before the first day of the race. To help set expectations, please see Race Day 101 for a typical race day schedule.
Races will be available to register for about a few months before the event dates.
Register for races at adminskiracing.com. Here is a registration guide for reference.
Alpine ski racing can be a bit of a mystery... when to be there, where to go, when will my kid race, how to spectate, etc. We've tried to answer most of these questions on the Race Day 101 page. If you still have questions after reading, don't hesitate to reach out.
Coaches and knowledgeable parents will host tuning clinics throughout the season. We have also put together some guidance here. If you still have questions, reach out to Alpine Committee Member and parent, Erik Renna, erik.renna@centralph.com. Coach Zoe is also an incredible resource.
All athletes will need a USSS license which can be purchased at usskiandsnowboard.org and they will need to register for the race they plan to participate in on AdminSkiRacing.com.
We strive to foster a team and community that is safe, inclusive and fun. If that is not what your child is experiencing or if you observe behavior that is not in line with BSF's mission and vision, pease reach out to your child's head coach (Alex, Kenny or Bruno), Evan Weiss (BSF Director) or Kristen Minarik (Alpine committee chair).
Alpine Committee Lead and Devo/Comp Parent, Kristen Minarik @ alpine.committee@bridgerskifoundation.org
Coaches are also a great resource!
Kenny Wilson: kenny.wilson@bridgerskifoundation.org
Alex Sutherland: Alex.sutherland@bridgerskifoundation.org
Bruno Amon-Franceschi: bruno.amonfranceschi@bridgerskifoundation.org