FAQs

TRAINING DAYS:

WHERE AND WHEN DO THE KIDS MEET?

On Saturday and Sunday kids meet outside the North Lodge at 8:45 a.m. for warm up and directions before loading the lift at 9:00am. Each group will have a designated location and age class and program head coaches will confirm the locations.

DO PARENTS NEED TO SKI WITH THE TEAM?

No. Although we may ask for parents of the youngest athletes to assist in lift riding or to “tag-along” on powder days. Parents assisting need to complete required safe sport training by USSS.

WILL MY CHILD EVER SKI WITHOUT A COACH?

Part of MRT’s philosophy is to encourage self-guided discovery and independence. While contact with a coach and feedback from that coach are cornerstones of development, too much feedback without enough action can slow the learning process down. With that in mind, and given that it is age and ability appropriate, MRT athletes will often ski with other athletes without the direct supervision of a coach. This is particularly common when training venues are being set up or managed by the coaches. If coaches are managing a venue athletes ski from the bottom of the venue to the lift and back independently.

WHAT IF WE ARE LATE?

Our policy is to move with the athletes that arrive on time. However, if the athlete finds the group they are welcome to join. Check with the lodge parent to find the location of the coach. If you cannot locate your group, find them at lunch (11:00am). Often we have a parent volunteer in the lodge with a radio to assist athletes in finding their group.

WHAT IF IT IS RAINING?

We still train but recommend bringing some extra clothing, particularly gloves. Rain slickers and pants are helpful on rainy days. Rain days are often excellent training sessions with good snow and small lift lines. If the mountain closes we will do our best to communicate the cancelation and lift closures through our team communication platform.

ARE KIDS EXPECTED TO COME ON A REGULAR BASIS?

For athletic development and personal growth, it is best if your child attends on a regular basis. Like most youth programs, we work from a progression based plan to develop ski racing skills and when participation is disjointed it can interrupt the individual’s progress as well as the larger group. If you are unable to make it please let our staff know in advance and fill out your availability in our communication and scheduling platform.

IF THEY MISS A DAY CAN THEY MAKE IT UP AT ANOTHER TIME?

No. The program you sign your child up for includes training on published dates only and are staffed accordingly.

WHEN DO THEY TAKE LUNCH?

Generally, lunch is taken from 11:00am to 12:00pm at lodge. Coaches do not supervise children during lunch. Lunch is not provided. Parents should not ask coaches to supervise their children during lunch. We do have a very supportive family network and many families rely on other parents to help make sure their children's needs are met.

SHOULD MY CHILD HAVE MONEY/SNACK IN HER POCKET?

Yes, particularly the younger children who tend to become cold quicker than the older children. A coach may decide to take a “warm-up” break with the children.

WHAT TIME IN THE AFTERNOON ARE THEY DISMISSED?

2:00 p.m. at “The Map” outside the North lodge. We ask that you please be punctual in picking up your child so that you can communicate with the coach if necessary.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY GET HURT?

Your child will be taken to the Meadows Medical Clinic. Your child’s coach will endeavor to contact you. It’s important that you follow up with your coach and the program director regarding your visit to the clinic. Some injuries require a doctor’s note to return to the team.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY GET SEPARATED FROM THEIR GROUP?

Even the most careful and mindful coach can lose an athlete(s) moving between lifts on the mountain. In fact, MHM produces more separations because of the nature of the trails and mountain topography. Talk to your child in advance and if separated your child should ski to the bottom of the ski lift and wait for the group. He or she should tell the lift operator that they are waiting for the coach. She or he can ask any MRT team coach or mountain representative for help. The ski area is large; all team parents should keep an eye out for separated children and assist in helping. The passes are tracked and we can often locate a child based on the last known place they rode a chair.

WHAT DO COACHES DO IF ONE CHILD HAS TO GO TO THE BATHROOM?

U12 and older athletes will be allowed to go and come back on their own. The coach and his or her group will wait for the younger children. PLEASE make sure your racer uses the bathroom before training starts.

WHERE DO THEY TRAIN?

The team uses the entire ski resort. They will do a combination of directed free skiing, drills and gate training during the day. Gate training is done almost entirely on Stadium although we also use other venues around the mountain such as Easy Rider and Shooting Star.

WHERE DO THEY DO THEIR FREE SKIING?

That is driven entirely by ability and conditions. If they are a strong skier, just about anywhere on the mountain.

HOW ARE TRAINING GROUPS MADE?

Groups are made up of a combination of age and ability. The hope is that each child receives the appropriate training in a group of peers that provide a good social experience as well as the best opportunity for skill development.

CAN PARENTS SHADOW/ACCOMPANY TRAINING?

Parents will sometimes be invited to tag along for free skiing when the conditions dictate. All parents who shadow must be Safesport and MAAAP trained by USSS. All parents need to wear a helmet when they ski with a team group. Generally, our coaches will take their group and do drills so outside distractions make group management more difficult. The training venue is exclusive to athletes and coaches for safety, but sometimes parents will be asked to help with course maintenance. Safesport and MAAAP are not required for parents serving as course slippers if there is no direct contact with athletes. Absolutely no ducking of any ropes is permitted at Mt Hood Meadows Ski Resort. Many training venues have areas where parents can watch athletes train after the finish and outside the corral area. This ensures a safe training environment for our athletes.

HOW DO COACHES FEEL ABOUT ME COACHING MY CHILD?

During a training day, it is best if the kids learn from their coach and the coaching staff. Engage your athlete about how their day went, if they got enough lunch and if there is anything you can do to support their learning. As athletes get older they should be able to articulate what they are working on in their skiing. Interest is great, but too much advice and negatively about results and performance might not be well taken.

IF I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO MY CHILD’S COACH, WHEN IS BEST TIME?

At the North lodge in the “Racers Room” before training starts or while the groups are gathering at “The Map” is a good time for a quick conversation. If there is a larger issue that needs more detailed discussion it is best to arrange a meeting at the end of the training day. Please be mindful of the coach’s time constraints. One of the best ways to communicate with your child’s coach is via email. If you have concerns, please contact your coach first, and then the program director.

RACING:

DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO RACE?

While competition is a component of what we do, it is not a requirement for any MRT athlete to enter into a race of any kind. A lack of competition experience will not diminish any athlete’s opportunity to achieve their goals.

DOES MY CHILD NEED A USSS COMPETITORS LICENSE TO RACE?

A USSS Competitors License is required to compete in any scored USSS race (beginning at age group U14 and for the U12 PNSA Buddy Werner Championships). This license is most often unnecessary for many young skiers just starting out as in most cases these athletes are participating in non-scored races such as the Mt. Hood Youth Ski League (YSL). It is highly recommended that any U14 or older athlete get a USSS license as part of their development in the sport. Competitive junior athletes must have a USSS license. Licenses need to be purchased by February for the athlete to be able to enter the race.

HOW DO I ENTER MY CHILD IN THE RACES?

For Mt. Hood YSL races you will be given direction on how to enter as each of the three races within the series. Registration is normally done on line. For other races such as the Oregon 4-way or the Meadows Challenge, you will need to check the race announcement posted on our website and sent out by our coaches.

WHAT ARE THE “MT. HOOD YOUTH SKI LEAGUE” RACES?

The Mt. Hood YSL comprises the four ski clubs that make Mt. Hood their home. The League runs a three race series that are a great way to introduce young athletes to competitive ski racing. These races have no entry fees. The series is comprised of the following races: Meadows Challenge Jan TBD Mt Hood Meadows Cooper Diamond Dual SL Feb TBD Cooper Spur Oregon 4-way Championship Feb/Mar TBD Skibowl Candy Cup Mar TBD Mt. Hood Meadows

VOLUNTEERING:

DO I HAVE TO VOLUNTEER?

Yes, you do have to volunteer or arrange for a friend or family member to cover for you. It is also an option to pay a fee in lieu of volunteering; however, we prefer your time. It takes hundreds of hours of volunteer time to provide the competitions for our athletes and it takes many hands to run the events. There are times when it is impossible and we understand that completely but it really is important that EVERYBODY step up to the plate and share the work. At most areas you will receive a free ticket for helping and a coupon for a free ticket redeemable on another day. You’ll also get snacks for lunch. You do not have to be a skier to help.