WELCOME LETTER
Dear Parents,
Welcome to Lake Louise Freeride Ski Club; We are looking forward to a great ski season!
I am sure you are just as excited as we are about the coming winter and all that it holds for our athletes. Your role as a parent in the club is critical to the success of all our athletes. Your enthusiasm for the sport and your willingness to volunteer on behalf of the club goes much farther than you might think.
Our coaching staff works extremely hard at providing the best learning environment for our athletes to learn and develop their skills in a positive and FUN environment at all times. The parent support is essential to the success of our programs but most importantly, in the success of our athletes.
Whether you are new to the club or you have been a member for a very long time, we look forward to your contribution to make your club the best in Canada. If you are new to our club, I hope you will share the experience of many of us that ours is a family ski community. Some even refer to this as an extended ski family as we all share in the development of the young people in the club.
We hope this document helps you more clearly understand the philosophy and vision of our club as well as some of the policies and procedures. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
We look forward to working with you to make this the best club in Canada. Thank you in advance for a great and exciting ski season.
We love to ski. Thanks for joining us!
Gavin Preziosi
Executive Director,
Lake Louise Ski Clubs
[email protected]
www.lakelouiseallmountain.ca
Dear Parents,
Welcome to Lake Louise Freeride Ski Club; We are looking forward to a great ski season!
I am sure you are just as excited as we are about the coming winter and all that it holds for our athletes. Your role as a parent in the club is critical to the success of all our athletes. Your enthusiasm for the sport and your willingness to volunteer on behalf of the club goes much farther than you might think.
Our coaching staff works extremely hard at providing the best learning environment for our athletes to learn and develop their skills in a positive and FUN environment at all times. The parent support is essential to the success of our programs but most importantly, in the success of our athletes.
Whether you are new to the club or you have been a member for a very long time, we look forward to your contribution to make your club the best in Canada. If you are new to our club, I hope you will share the experience of many of us that ours is a family ski community. Some even refer to this as an extended ski family as we all share in the development of the young people in the club.
We hope this document helps you more clearly understand the philosophy and vision of our club as well as some of the policies and procedures. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
We look forward to working with you to make this the best club in Canada. Thank you in advance for a great and exciting ski season.
We love to ski. Thanks for joining us!
Gavin Preziosi
Executive Director,
Lake Louise Ski Clubs
[email protected]
www.lakelouiseallmountain.ca
MISSON, VISION, VALUES
Who Are We?
We are the Lake Louise Freeride Ski Club, passionate about skiing and dedicated to our athletes’ development, having fun & building a community of friends.
Our Mission
The Lake Louise Freeride Ski Club is committed to an athlete centred approach.
We harness the big mountain terrain of our home at Lake Louise to push limits and overcome boundaries, developing outstanding lifelong skiers.
Our Vision
The Lake Louise Freeride Ski Club is Canada’s greatest environment for achieving personal excellence & inspiring a lifelong passion for skiing.
Our Values
Trust
LLAMSC Family
Commitment
Perseverance
Sportsmanship
Personal Excellence
Athlete Centred Development
Who Are We?
We are the Lake Louise Freeride Ski Club, passionate about skiing and dedicated to our athletes’ development, having fun & building a community of friends.
Our Mission
The Lake Louise Freeride Ski Club is committed to an athlete centred approach.
We harness the big mountain terrain of our home at Lake Louise to push limits and overcome boundaries, developing outstanding lifelong skiers.
Our Vision
The Lake Louise Freeride Ski Club is Canada’s greatest environment for achieving personal excellence & inspiring a lifelong passion for skiing.
Our Values
Trust
LLAMSC Family
Commitment
Perseverance
Sportsmanship
Personal Excellence
Athlete Centred Development
LLFSC GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Our Lake Louise Freeride Ski Club coaches are guided by these fundamental principles that ensure the quality of what we do:
General Ski Athleticism
Our goal is to develop “general ski athleticism” in our athletes. From a young age we use the great terrain at Lake Louise Ski Area to train athletes to do just about anything on a pair of skis. Regardless of what an athlete’s goals are in skiing, they need to be well-rounded skiers before specializing in any particular area.
Athlete Centered Approach
We use an athlete centered approach. This means we strive to do what is in the best interest of each and every athlete. This is not always the most convenient or the easiest, but we believe that an athlete centered approach provides the most benefit to athlete development and well-being.
Life Skills
Our athletes are developing in many ways and gaining valuable life skills. Developing an athlete’s character, their ability to work in a team environment, fair play practices, and learning to win and lose like a winner are all woven into our programming. Setting goals and working to achieve them is something that we aim to teach from a young age.
Individual Programs
We look to individualize programs as much as possible - especially as the athletes become more mature. We coach to individuals, but we are a very team-based club that aspires to form a family atmosphere where everyone is included and accepted equally. This is reflected in our planning and programming.
Long-Term Athlete Development
We train our skiers towards future success in the directions that they choose, whether that is racing, skier cross, freeride, or just skiing recreationally. There is a time for athletes to form their own goals and decide the direction that they want to take their skiing. All our programming and planning is based on our long-term development plan where our main goal is to have our athlete’s skiers for life. We focus our programs on skill development and windows of opportunities. Their futures are very determined by their wants and desires, and we aim to help them achieve their athletic goals.
Family and Social Environment
The Lake Louise Ski Clubs purposely develop a true ski community. Parents, coaches, and athletes enjoy the friendships and social aspects of the club. Some say we are an extended ski family as we all share in the development of the young people in our club. We know that this ski community we nurture makes us a stronger, more successful and fun club.
R.I.S.E. Philosophy
Respect - We will respect everyone
Inclusion - We will include everyone
Supportive - We will support all team-mates & competitors
Effort - Always working hard, always having fun
Our Lake Louise Freeride Ski Club coaches are guided by these fundamental principles that ensure the quality of what we do:
General Ski Athleticism
Our goal is to develop “general ski athleticism” in our athletes. From a young age we use the great terrain at Lake Louise Ski Area to train athletes to do just about anything on a pair of skis. Regardless of what an athlete’s goals are in skiing, they need to be well-rounded skiers before specializing in any particular area.
Athlete Centered Approach
We use an athlete centered approach. This means we strive to do what is in the best interest of each and every athlete. This is not always the most convenient or the easiest, but we believe that an athlete centered approach provides the most benefit to athlete development and well-being.
Life Skills
Our athletes are developing in many ways and gaining valuable life skills. Developing an athlete’s character, their ability to work in a team environment, fair play practices, and learning to win and lose like a winner are all woven into our programming. Setting goals and working to achieve them is something that we aim to teach from a young age.
Individual Programs
We look to individualize programs as much as possible - especially as the athletes become more mature. We coach to individuals, but we are a very team-based club that aspires to form a family atmosphere where everyone is included and accepted equally. This is reflected in our planning and programming.
Long-Term Athlete Development
We train our skiers towards future success in the directions that they choose, whether that is racing, skier cross, freeride, or just skiing recreationally. There is a time for athletes to form their own goals and decide the direction that they want to take their skiing. All our programming and planning is based on our long-term development plan where our main goal is to have our athlete’s skiers for life. We focus our programs on skill development and windows of opportunities. Their futures are very determined by their wants and desires, and we aim to help them achieve their athletic goals.
Family and Social Environment
The Lake Louise Ski Clubs purposely develop a true ski community. Parents, coaches, and athletes enjoy the friendships and social aspects of the club. Some say we are an extended ski family as we all share in the development of the young people in our club. We know that this ski community we nurture makes us a stronger, more successful and fun club.
R.I.S.E. Philosophy
Respect - We will respect everyone
Inclusion - We will include everyone
Supportive - We will support all team-mates & competitors
Effort - Always working hard, always having fun
PROGRAMS
ROLES: STAFF, PARENTS, ATHLETES
Broad Overview
To ensure an organized, healthy, and safe environment that is focused on athletic development, the Lake Louise Ski Clubs has implemented an organizational structure which will be outlined in this document.
The Lake Louise Ski Clubs is comprised of three separate clubs (Grizzlies, Race, & Freeride), which are overseen by the Lake Louise Athletic Development Association (LLADA) Board of Directors and the Executive Director. Each of our three clubs has its own individual Board of Directors composed of the parent members, upholding club-level responsibility.
The LLADA Board of Directors is tasked with maintaining financial health across the organization and acts as a body to aid in giving parents a voice within our club. Each club's Board of Directors aims to ensure the same principles are upheld within their respective clubs.
The Executive Director of Lake Louise Ski Clubs responsibilities include programming, training, athletic development, staffing, and day-to-day operations of the club. Apart from this, the Executive Director directly works with, and reports to, the four Boards of Directors to ensure the highest standards are met.
Broad Overview
To ensure an organized, healthy, and safe environment that is focused on athletic development, the Lake Louise Ski Clubs has implemented an organizational structure which will be outlined in this document.
The Lake Louise Ski Clubs is comprised of three separate clubs (Grizzlies, Race, & Freeride), which are overseen by the Lake Louise Athletic Development Association (LLADA) Board of Directors and the Executive Director. Each of our three clubs has its own individual Board of Directors composed of the parent members, upholding club-level responsibility.
The LLADA Board of Directors is tasked with maintaining financial health across the organization and acts as a body to aid in giving parents a voice within our club. Each club's Board of Directors aims to ensure the same principles are upheld within their respective clubs.
The Executive Director of Lake Louise Ski Clubs responsibilities include programming, training, athletic development, staffing, and day-to-day operations of the club. Apart from this, the Executive Director directly works with, and reports to, the four Boards of Directors to ensure the highest standards are met.
LLFSC Organizational Overview
Under the banner of the LLFSC, there are four key roles (Board of Directors, Executive Director, Head Coaches, Coaches) that comprise our chain of command. Working together, we provide athletes with the highest quality of training, and a safe, fun environment to develop their skiing. A brief description of each role's responsibilities and duties to the club has been provided below.
Head Coaches
The LLFSC is comprised of three Head Coaches who carry out a variety of responsibilities, including day to day operations, programming, organization, communication, staffing, and more. The three roles are the Head Coach, the Jr. Ripper’s Head Coach, and the Head Competition Coach.
Head Coach
Of the three roles, the Head Coach is charged with leading, planning, and implementing programming to the Freeride Club. The Head Coach directly reports to the Executive Director. They are also responsible for staffing the Freeride Club, and organizing the Jr. Rippers Head Coach, Competition Head Coach, and individual program coaches. Additionally, the Head Coach works to answer parents' inquiries and/or directs them to the proper channels.
Jr. Rippers Head Coach
The Jr. Rippers Head coach is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Jr. Rippers.
Head Competition Coach
The Head Competition coach is tasked with overseeing club attendance at various IFSA events throughout the season. They do so in partnership with the Head Coach, to ensure we represent our club in a positive way at IFSA events.
Coaches
The coaches work in direct partnership with the head coaches to provide a safe, fun, learning environment aimed at enabling athletes to reach their highest potential in training and competitions.
Under the banner of the LLFSC, there are four key roles (Board of Directors, Executive Director, Head Coaches, Coaches) that comprise our chain of command. Working together, we provide athletes with the highest quality of training, and a safe, fun environment to develop their skiing. A brief description of each role's responsibilities and duties to the club has been provided below.
Head Coaches
The LLFSC is comprised of three Head Coaches who carry out a variety of responsibilities, including day to day operations, programming, organization, communication, staffing, and more. The three roles are the Head Coach, the Jr. Ripper’s Head Coach, and the Head Competition Coach.
Head Coach
Of the three roles, the Head Coach is charged with leading, planning, and implementing programming to the Freeride Club. The Head Coach directly reports to the Executive Director. They are also responsible for staffing the Freeride Club, and organizing the Jr. Rippers Head Coach, Competition Head Coach, and individual program coaches. Additionally, the Head Coach works to answer parents' inquiries and/or directs them to the proper channels.
Jr. Rippers Head Coach
The Jr. Rippers Head coach is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Jr. Rippers.
Head Competition Coach
The Head Competition coach is tasked with overseeing club attendance at various IFSA events throughout the season. They do so in partnership with the Head Coach, to ensure we represent our club in a positive way at IFSA events.
Coaches
The coaches work in direct partnership with the head coaches to provide a safe, fun, learning environment aimed at enabling athletes to reach their highest potential in training and competitions.
EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Important - Having the proper equipment and the proper fit is crucial for a successful season!!
It is the Coaches job to guide the athletes through skill development encouraging personal and athletic growth. The success for each child will be limited if their skis are too long, too short; or their boots are too stiff, poles too short, etc.
We highly recommended that all athletes wear their boots a few times PRIOR to their first day on snow. This will allow them to identify any issues with fit and comfort. It will also reacclimatize them to the feel of a boot allowing them to enjoy the first weekend on snow.
There are different recommendations for the various groups; please find your athlete's program below and you will find the equipment recommendations that pertains to them.
Important - Having the proper equipment and the proper fit is crucial for a successful season!!
It is the Coaches job to guide the athletes through skill development encouraging personal and athletic growth. The success for each child will be limited if their skis are too long, too short; or their boots are too stiff, poles too short, etc.
We highly recommended that all athletes wear their boots a few times PRIOR to their first day on snow. This will allow them to identify any issues with fit and comfort. It will also reacclimatize them to the feel of a boot allowing them to enjoy the first weekend on snow.
There are different recommendations for the various groups; please find your athlete's program below and you will find the equipment recommendations that pertains to them.
**Please take note back protectors are required for all competitors as per IFSA, and we have adopted that for our policy making it mandatory for training and competitions for all our All Mountain athletes.
MEMBERSHIPS
There are multiple memberships parents will have to get for their athletes throughout the season to have the correct insurance to participate in certain events. This includes Canada Alpine Membership, IFSA Membership, and the Freestyle Canada Membership. Below is each membership explained in more detail, along with when each membership is required for the athlete. Please note that many of our athletes will be required to hold all 3 memberships.
Alberta Alpine Membership – Required of all club participants
All athletes in the club are required to have this membership to be on snow for the season. The membership covers our club insurance for day-to-day activities such as on-snow training at the resort, dryland, or training outside of the resort. This membership was bought by you during registration and no further action is required.
Freestyle Canada Membership – Requirement for IFSA Competitions and Airbag Training
Any athletes who wish to compete in an IFSA event or Airbag training are required to have this membership to partake in these events. The Freestyle Canada Membership acts as an insurance aimed at protecting the athlete, club, and coaches at IFSA events and Airbag training. Information surrounding how to attain the Freestyle Canada Membership will be disseminated by the head coach to Freeride members at the start of every season.
IFSA Membership – Requirement for ALL IFSA Competitions
All athletes who wish to compete in an IFSA event are required to carry an IFSA membership. The membership acts as insurance to protect the athlete and the IFSA while the athlete is on venue at an event. Information regarding how to attain the IFSA membership will be disseminated by the head coach at the start of every season. Timing of availability for purchase of the IFSA membership may vary from season to season and is subject to IFSA releasing the information.
There are multiple memberships parents will have to get for their athletes throughout the season to have the correct insurance to participate in certain events. This includes Canada Alpine Membership, IFSA Membership, and the Freestyle Canada Membership. Below is each membership explained in more detail, along with when each membership is required for the athlete. Please note that many of our athletes will be required to hold all 3 memberships.
Alberta Alpine Membership – Required of all club participants
All athletes in the club are required to have this membership to be on snow for the season. The membership covers our club insurance for day-to-day activities such as on-snow training at the resort, dryland, or training outside of the resort. This membership was bought by you during registration and no further action is required.
Freestyle Canada Membership – Requirement for IFSA Competitions and Airbag Training
Any athletes who wish to compete in an IFSA event or Airbag training are required to have this membership to partake in these events. The Freestyle Canada Membership acts as an insurance aimed at protecting the athlete, club, and coaches at IFSA events and Airbag training. Information surrounding how to attain the Freestyle Canada Membership will be disseminated by the head coach to Freeride members at the start of every season.
IFSA Membership – Requirement for ALL IFSA Competitions
All athletes who wish to compete in an IFSA event are required to carry an IFSA membership. The membership acts as insurance to protect the athlete and the IFSA while the athlete is on venue at an event. Information regarding how to attain the IFSA membership will be disseminated by the head coach at the start of every season. Timing of availability for purchase of the IFSA membership may vary from season to season and is subject to IFSA releasing the information.
CONCUSSIONS & INJURIES
We participate in a fun, engaging, and thrilling sport, yet unfortunately the sport of Freeride does not come without its own risks and injury may occur on the ski hill. The coaches within our club work to ensure preventable injuries do not occur, through imploring tools of risk mitigation and risk assessment. However, sometimes injuries and concussions are not preventable and come with the nature of our high-risk sport.
This section is aimed to outline the nature of injury, concussions, reporting of these injuries, and the various roles of the coach, athlete, and parent, should an injury occur on the slopes.
Injury Reporting
ANY AND ALL INJURIES MUST BE REPORTED TO THE SUPERVISING COACH (HEAD COACH) TO ENSURE PROPER MEASURES ARE TAKEN IN REPORTING THE INJURY.
When it pertains to athlete injuries, coaches have a duty to report all injuries that occur to an athlete or other member within our club. Hence the importance of reporting any injury no matter how trivial or severe the injury may be presented.
What Happens if the Coach Did Not See the Injury?
Our coaches try their best to always have a visual on the athletes. However, in some rare situations the coach does not always see the situation occur and often that athlete may not report the injury to the coach right away. In the situation that the coach does not see the incident occur, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE ATHLETE ALWAYS REPORTS THE INCIDENT TO THE COACH NO MATTER HOW MINOR THE SITUATION MAY BE. Please talk with your athletes about this and have them report all injuries to the coach no matter how minor or major they are.
What if the Injury Occurred Outside of Training?
If your child has reported to you that they got injured at school, playing an extracurricular sport, or while they were with their friends, it is IMPORTANT that the incident occurrence is conveyed to the head coach. This is particularly important when it comes to any suspected head trauma as we have a protocol (outlined below) to allow for that athlete to return to snow in a safe and structured manner.
When an Incident Occurs: Assumed Roles of the Coach, Parent, and Athlete
The Role of the Coach
Coaches within our Freeride club have a strict protocol they must follow when an athlete has sustained an injury or concussion. Proper measures are in place to ensure that the right channels are communicated with, and the health of the athlete is upheld. THE COACH REMAINS IN A POSITION OF AUTHORITY OVER THE INJURED ATHLETE AND SITUATION UNTIL SKI PATROL HAS ARRIVED ON THE SCENE.
The Role of the Parent
If you as a parent witness an injury amongst one of our athletic members, feel free to ask the coach responsible for the situation if you can help. However, as the coaches have a set injury protocol, please allow for the coach to remain in the position of authority in the situation.
The Role of the Athlete
If an injury occurs within a group, the coach will try their best to remove all the athletes from the situation by having them stand away from the scene of the incident. Doing so allows the coach to tend to the injured athlete and prevents the athlete from feeling extraneous pressure from their peer group. On top of this, athletes within the group may be asked to help by corralling athletes into a safe a zone away from the incident scene. If the athletes are older (over the age of 12 y/o), the coach may send the athletes down to the patrol hut to ask for help if needed.
We participate in a fun, engaging, and thrilling sport, yet unfortunately the sport of Freeride does not come without its own risks and injury may occur on the ski hill. The coaches within our club work to ensure preventable injuries do not occur, through imploring tools of risk mitigation and risk assessment. However, sometimes injuries and concussions are not preventable and come with the nature of our high-risk sport.
This section is aimed to outline the nature of injury, concussions, reporting of these injuries, and the various roles of the coach, athlete, and parent, should an injury occur on the slopes.
Injury Reporting
ANY AND ALL INJURIES MUST BE REPORTED TO THE SUPERVISING COACH (HEAD COACH) TO ENSURE PROPER MEASURES ARE TAKEN IN REPORTING THE INJURY.
When it pertains to athlete injuries, coaches have a duty to report all injuries that occur to an athlete or other member within our club. Hence the importance of reporting any injury no matter how trivial or severe the injury may be presented.
What Happens if the Coach Did Not See the Injury?
Our coaches try their best to always have a visual on the athletes. However, in some rare situations the coach does not always see the situation occur and often that athlete may not report the injury to the coach right away. In the situation that the coach does not see the incident occur, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE ATHLETE ALWAYS REPORTS THE INCIDENT TO THE COACH NO MATTER HOW MINOR THE SITUATION MAY BE. Please talk with your athletes about this and have them report all injuries to the coach no matter how minor or major they are.
What if the Injury Occurred Outside of Training?
If your child has reported to you that they got injured at school, playing an extracurricular sport, or while they were with their friends, it is IMPORTANT that the incident occurrence is conveyed to the head coach. This is particularly important when it comes to any suspected head trauma as we have a protocol (outlined below) to allow for that athlete to return to snow in a safe and structured manner.
When an Incident Occurs: Assumed Roles of the Coach, Parent, and Athlete
The Role of the Coach
Coaches within our Freeride club have a strict protocol they must follow when an athlete has sustained an injury or concussion. Proper measures are in place to ensure that the right channels are communicated with, and the health of the athlete is upheld. THE COACH REMAINS IN A POSITION OF AUTHORITY OVER THE INJURED ATHLETE AND SITUATION UNTIL SKI PATROL HAS ARRIVED ON THE SCENE.
The Role of the Parent
If you as a parent witness an injury amongst one of our athletic members, feel free to ask the coach responsible for the situation if you can help. However, as the coaches have a set injury protocol, please allow for the coach to remain in the position of authority in the situation.
The Role of the Athlete
If an injury occurs within a group, the coach will try their best to remove all the athletes from the situation by having them stand away from the scene of the incident. Doing so allows the coach to tend to the injured athlete and prevents the athlete from feeling extraneous pressure from their peer group. On top of this, athletes within the group may be asked to help by corralling athletes into a safe a zone away from the incident scene. If the athletes are older (over the age of 12 y/o), the coach may send the athletes down to the patrol hut to ask for help if needed.
CONCUSSIONS
Concussions are oftentimes insidious, and the symptoms may not be spotted right away. Recent research in the field of concussions has shown massive implications surrounding undetected concussions or returning to sport too early. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL INCIDENTS REGARDING HEAD TRAUMA IS REPORTED PROMPTLY WHETHER IT HAPPENED AT TRAINING OR OUTSIDE OF TRAINING ALWAYS TELL THE COACH. It is important to note:
Concussion and Injury Protocol
Below is the protocol that we follow when a concussion or injury has occurred:
Concussions are oftentimes insidious, and the symptoms may not be spotted right away. Recent research in the field of concussions has shown massive implications surrounding undetected concussions or returning to sport too early. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL INCIDENTS REGARDING HEAD TRAUMA IS REPORTED PROMPTLY WHETHER IT HAPPENED AT TRAINING OR OUTSIDE OF TRAINING ALWAYS TELL THE COACH. It is important to note:
- Concussions do not always occur due to direct impact to the head.
- Concussions can occur due to whiplash or flat landings
- MOUTH GUARDS are the BEST MEASURE for MITIGATING THE RISK of sustaining a concussion
- Concussions are often caused by the snapping closed of the jaw
- HELMETS ONLY PROTECT against blunt force trauma to the head such as open wound prevention or death through impact to the skull.
- HELMETS DO NOT protect against the risk of sustaining a CONCUSSION
Concussion and Injury Protocol
Below is the protocol that we follow when a concussion or injury has occurred:
- Any athlete who has been suspected to have sustained head trauma or injury will be removed from training promptly.
- The supervising coach will report the incident to the proper channels in the event a suspected concussion or injury has occurred.
- The athlete will be required to visit a doctor for proper assessment following suspected head trauma. A SIGNED DOCTORS NOTE IS REQUIRED TO RETURN TO SNOW
- Note that it is preferable for the athlete to see a doctor who is specialized in concussions in the event of suspected head trauma
- Once a SIGNED DOCTORS NOTE has been given to the HEAD COACH, our staff in partnership with the doctor’s advice will come up with a plan for that athlete to return to snow safely, to prevent risk of further injury or harm.
- Please note that the plan for returning to snow may be gradual and may vary from athlete to athlete (personalized plan for every individual) or vary from injury to injury.
ALPINE CANADA POLICY FOR CONCUSSION PROTOCOL
Below is the standardized plan regarding concussions and concussion protocol. Most organizations use this protocol, and it is congruent across all organizations our club is a part of (Freestyle Canada, IFSA, and ACA).
Below is the standardized plan regarding concussions and concussion protocol. Most organizations use this protocol, and it is congruent across all organizations our club is a part of (Freestyle Canada, IFSA, and ACA).
IFSA AND COMPETITION INFORMATION
There are two types of competitions, National and Regional. Both National and Regional events will be open for registration in late November or early December. The Head Coach will communicate to members when registration for these events will open.
For all events it is the responsibility of the parent or athlete to register for each event. Coaches and program directors have no access for assistance. We can only advise on when registration opens and to sign up as soon as you can, some events have sold out in 30 minutes.
Typical Competition Weekend Schedule
Inspection day will be done as a team with coaches consulting each athlete spending more time in the hazardous areas. The inspections will be slower paced days, and patience from all athletes will be appreciated. There is always a mandatory athlete’s meeting either in the afternoon of inspection day or in the morning of comp.
In a REGIONAL COMPETITION all athletes compete in one day (generally Saturday) for qualifiers, and then Sunday is finals.
In NATIONAL SERIES, the first day following inspection is typically qualifiers for the U14 categories. On this day the U19 athletes will be asked to support other athletes, ski with parents or in a group (coaches will be committed to the competing athletes). Second day will typically be U19 qualifiers. Sundays are typically finals for all age categories.
Payment for Competitions
Within our club, Jr. Rippers athletes have two competitions built into their program fees, and Jr. BMC, BMC one- and two-day have four competitions built into their program fees. The pricing that is included in the program fees ONLY COVER THE COST OF PAYING THE COACH FOR THE DAYS AT THE EVENT.
The attending coaches per diem, accommodation, mileage, and any other reasonable cost incurred by the attending coaches, WILL BE SHARED EQUALLY AMONG ALL OF THE ATHLETES ATTENDING. This must be paid in RAMP before departing for the comp.
The additional cost typically fluctuates from $50-$150 per comp and the payment must be made via RAMP 48 hours prior to inspection day. Athletes may not join the group at the comp until the costs are paid.
PLEASE REFER TO THE IFSA HANDBOOK OR MORE INFORMATION SURROUNDING COMPETITIONS
There are two types of competitions, National and Regional. Both National and Regional events will be open for registration in late November or early December. The Head Coach will communicate to members when registration for these events will open.
For all events it is the responsibility of the parent or athlete to register for each event. Coaches and program directors have no access for assistance. We can only advise on when registration opens and to sign up as soon as you can, some events have sold out in 30 minutes.
Typical Competition Weekend Schedule
Inspection day will be done as a team with coaches consulting each athlete spending more time in the hazardous areas. The inspections will be slower paced days, and patience from all athletes will be appreciated. There is always a mandatory athlete’s meeting either in the afternoon of inspection day or in the morning of comp.
In a REGIONAL COMPETITION all athletes compete in one day (generally Saturday) for qualifiers, and then Sunday is finals.
In NATIONAL SERIES, the first day following inspection is typically qualifiers for the U14 categories. On this day the U19 athletes will be asked to support other athletes, ski with parents or in a group (coaches will be committed to the competing athletes). Second day will typically be U19 qualifiers. Sundays are typically finals for all age categories.
Payment for Competitions
Within our club, Jr. Rippers athletes have two competitions built into their program fees, and Jr. BMC, BMC one- and two-day have four competitions built into their program fees. The pricing that is included in the program fees ONLY COVER THE COST OF PAYING THE COACH FOR THE DAYS AT THE EVENT.
The attending coaches per diem, accommodation, mileage, and any other reasonable cost incurred by the attending coaches, WILL BE SHARED EQUALLY AMONG ALL OF THE ATHLETES ATTENDING. This must be paid in RAMP before departing for the comp.
The additional cost typically fluctuates from $50-$150 per comp and the payment must be made via RAMP 48 hours prior to inspection day. Athletes may not join the group at the comp until the costs are paid.
PLEASE REFER TO THE IFSA HANDBOOK OR MORE INFORMATION SURROUNDING COMPETITIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need an annual ski pass?
Yes, an annual Lake Louise Ski Area Pass is your most affordable lift ticket option. We highly recommend purchasing your annual pass before October 15 for best prices. Visit Lake Louise Ski Resort at skilouise.com for further information.
If my child competes at other hills will I need to purchase a lift ticket?
Athletes attending competitions can enjoy the opportunity to attend events hosted at other ski hills and resorts. Yes, you will need to buy lift tickets. Ski hills typically do not have discounted rates. Your coach will confirm these locations and dates with you that the club will support. You will be advised if discounted tickets are available from freeskiers.org on the event registration page. In the event there are no discounts, you may like to explore the opportunity to purchase your lift tickets in advance through Costco, Air Miles and/or Visa Points.
Does my athlete have to compete?
We are a competitive club. As such, we strongly encourage each athletes to try at least one comp per year.
Is there a club uniform?
Yes, there is a club jacket available to purchase, however it is not a mandatory purchase. This year you have the option to purchase via SYNC Performance or TREW Gear. All SYNC attire comes embroidered with the club logos. Anything purchased through TREW Gear or other sources can be taken to Sunset Alpine in Canmore to be embroidered at your own cost. Sunset Alpine has our embroidery files set up to go.
Does the LLSC have a designated store in Calgary/Canmore/Banff to buy equipment? Where else can I buy ski equipment?
The club does not have a designated retailer for equipment. We do however, have some partners we work with who know what type of equipment athlete's need for each of our programs. They are:
Ski West, 300 – 14 Street NW, Calgary skiwest.ca
Beat Street Outfitters, 203a Bear Street, Banff, https://bearstreetoutfitters.com/
Second-hand gear is also a great option! Take a look at our clubs' Facebook Buy & Sell
For ski tuning, in addition to Ski West and Bear Street Outfitters, our RISE partner in Canmore, GearUp (1302 Bow Valley Tr) is a great option.
Where do families stay on ski weekends?
There is no magic formula on accommodations. It really depends on your family’s needs and preferences. Lake Louise pass holders enjoy discounted rates at many facilities so be sure to inquire about discounts at the time of booking.
Lake Louise Village
Field, BC
Some families opt to find a rental arrangement in Canmore or Banff. Peka (peka.ab.ca) and Asset West (assetwest.com) are two property managers who can assist with finding rental properties. The rental option enables families to cook in versus eat out and keep their gear at the rental.
If you have a winterized camper, there are camp sites in the area for use. You will want to explore your options through Parks Canada if this interests you. pc.gc.ca/eng/index.aspx
Any other tips for a fun experience?
Food! You can’t underestimate the power of fuel! A great breakfast, hearty lunch and a few pocket snacks will make for a great ski day experience for all. It is suggested that athletes have their own lunch bag and know where this is in the lodge. Lunchtime can be a very busy time and parents may not be available when coaches and kids find their way to the day lodge for lunch.
Does my athlete need to partake in dryland?
Dryland is available for all athletes. It is available in Calgary and Canmore. Your coach will update times and venues. Not all athletes partake in dryland because they are involved in other extracurricular activities. If this is the case, there is no need to attend dryland. There are other social activities to get acquainted with the athletes and coaches. Stay tuned and watch your inbox.
What happens if my athlete gets lost?
Should an athlete go missing from a group while skiing the coach immediately sends word over the radio – providing as much detail about the missing athlete as possible. This enables other coaches to assist in locating the missing child. The athletes are told to go directly to the base of last chairlift they rode or the nearest chair lift if the other is not possible. Athletes are told to then identify themselves to the lift operators as a “lost athlete” - thus allowing a Coach to locate them via any of the other lift operators and their radios. This also means that the athlete has somewhere warm to wait should the weather be inclement.
Parents, should you come across a “lost athlete” please accompany them to the above-mentioned chairlifts and wait WITH them for their coach. Should you feel that it is best to escort them to the base of the mountain please do so ONLY after informing the lift operators of this – that way the search will stop and the coach will know to head to the base to meet you and the “lost athlete”.
If my athlete is unable to complete the program, for any reason, can we get a refund on our program fees?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. Coaches are hired based upon registration. These are hard costs for the club and therefore registration costs cannot be refunded. We offer several programs within the club and would be happy to try to move your athlete around should there be space in other programs that may better suit them.
Do I need an annual ski pass?
Yes, an annual Lake Louise Ski Area Pass is your most affordable lift ticket option. We highly recommend purchasing your annual pass before October 15 for best prices. Visit Lake Louise Ski Resort at skilouise.com for further information.
If my child competes at other hills will I need to purchase a lift ticket?
Athletes attending competitions can enjoy the opportunity to attend events hosted at other ski hills and resorts. Yes, you will need to buy lift tickets. Ski hills typically do not have discounted rates. Your coach will confirm these locations and dates with you that the club will support. You will be advised if discounted tickets are available from freeskiers.org on the event registration page. In the event there are no discounts, you may like to explore the opportunity to purchase your lift tickets in advance through Costco, Air Miles and/or Visa Points.
Does my athlete have to compete?
We are a competitive club. As such, we strongly encourage each athletes to try at least one comp per year.
Is there a club uniform?
Yes, there is a club jacket available to purchase, however it is not a mandatory purchase. This year you have the option to purchase via SYNC Performance or TREW Gear. All SYNC attire comes embroidered with the club logos. Anything purchased through TREW Gear or other sources can be taken to Sunset Alpine in Canmore to be embroidered at your own cost. Sunset Alpine has our embroidery files set up to go.
Does the LLSC have a designated store in Calgary/Canmore/Banff to buy equipment? Where else can I buy ski equipment?
The club does not have a designated retailer for equipment. We do however, have some partners we work with who know what type of equipment athlete's need for each of our programs. They are:
Ski West, 300 – 14 Street NW, Calgary skiwest.ca
Beat Street Outfitters, 203a Bear Street, Banff, https://bearstreetoutfitters.com/
Second-hand gear is also a great option! Take a look at our clubs' Facebook Buy & Sell
For ski tuning, in addition to Ski West and Bear Street Outfitters, our RISE partner in Canmore, GearUp (1302 Bow Valley Tr) is a great option.
Where do families stay on ski weekends?
There is no magic formula on accommodations. It really depends on your family’s needs and preferences. Lake Louise pass holders enjoy discounted rates at many facilities so be sure to inquire about discounts at the time of booking.
Lake Louise Village
- Lake Louise Inn, lakelouiseinn.com
- Chateau Lake Louise, fairmont.com/lake-louise
- Lake Louise Hostel, https://hihostels.ca/en/destinations/alberta/hi-lake-louise
- The Mountaineer, mountaineerlodge.com
Field, BC
- Truffle Pigs Lodge, trufflepigs.com
Some families opt to find a rental arrangement in Canmore or Banff. Peka (peka.ab.ca) and Asset West (assetwest.com) are two property managers who can assist with finding rental properties. The rental option enables families to cook in versus eat out and keep their gear at the rental.
If you have a winterized camper, there are camp sites in the area for use. You will want to explore your options through Parks Canada if this interests you. pc.gc.ca/eng/index.aspx
Any other tips for a fun experience?
Food! You can’t underestimate the power of fuel! A great breakfast, hearty lunch and a few pocket snacks will make for a great ski day experience for all. It is suggested that athletes have their own lunch bag and know where this is in the lodge. Lunchtime can be a very busy time and parents may not be available when coaches and kids find their way to the day lodge for lunch.
Does my athlete need to partake in dryland?
Dryland is available for all athletes. It is available in Calgary and Canmore. Your coach will update times and venues. Not all athletes partake in dryland because they are involved in other extracurricular activities. If this is the case, there is no need to attend dryland. There are other social activities to get acquainted with the athletes and coaches. Stay tuned and watch your inbox.
What happens if my athlete gets lost?
Should an athlete go missing from a group while skiing the coach immediately sends word over the radio – providing as much detail about the missing athlete as possible. This enables other coaches to assist in locating the missing child. The athletes are told to go directly to the base of last chairlift they rode or the nearest chair lift if the other is not possible. Athletes are told to then identify themselves to the lift operators as a “lost athlete” - thus allowing a Coach to locate them via any of the other lift operators and their radios. This also means that the athlete has somewhere warm to wait should the weather be inclement.
Parents, should you come across a “lost athlete” please accompany them to the above-mentioned chairlifts and wait WITH them for their coach. Should you feel that it is best to escort them to the base of the mountain please do so ONLY after informing the lift operators of this – that way the search will stop and the coach will know to head to the base to meet you and the “lost athlete”.
If my athlete is unable to complete the program, for any reason, can we get a refund on our program fees?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. Coaches are hired based upon registration. These are hard costs for the club and therefore registration costs cannot be refunded. We offer several programs within the club and would be happy to try to move your athlete around should there be space in other programs that may better suit them.