Frequently Asked Questions

  • There are four main programs in the team: Devo, All Mountain Rippers, Alpine Race, and Freestyle. Devo programs are open, while the others require a skills assessment for placement.

    Devo Team offers a comprehensive introduction for beginning and intermediate athletes to mountain skiing and alpine ski racing with an emphasis on establishing fundamental skills. Athletes are assigned smaller groups based on skill and learning objectives. This 12-week full-day program (and 1/2 day for ages 5-6) emphasizes safety, skills development, team building and fun exploring and learning.

    All Mountain Rippers is an introductory competitive program for ages 8-10.  It has both an Alpine and Freeride focus, while continuing to elevate the fundamental skills necessary for whatever competitive path the athlete might choose moving forward. 

    Alpine Race competition programs are categorized by series: Alpine South, U14, U16+, and Alpine/Freeride Combo.  From mastering fundamental skiing techniques to tackling more complex racing skills, our programs are designed to provide a progressive and challenging learning experience while developing a competitive spirit.

    Freeride is also categorized by series: Intro, U12, U15, U 19, and U19 Snowboard. This is for athletes looking for a structured program that is geared towards exploring the natural, ungroomed terrain of Snowbasin’s world-class alpine playground. This is a high-energy, creative and fun way for young athletes to shred together and mix it up on the mountain, with a competition-focus.

    Athletes all receive team jackets embroidered with the team logo, program name, and sponsors. Jacket colors colors vary by program.

    Athletes and parents may encounter different program names or see legacy team jackets with varying names, logos, or colors. These older names reflect previous versions of the programs, which have since been improved and renamed to better align with updated standards, current goals, and the needs of our athletes.

  • All Snowbasin Ski Team programs have a minimum skill requirement to ensure every athlete is challenged at the level of their ability. If you are new to the team, please contact mattbird@snowbasinskiteam.org to arrange an evaluation and recommendation. Returning team athletes are assessed at the end of the season by their coach, or by attending SkillsQuest Day.

    Once an athlete is placed in a program, they are then assigned a coach and training group, again based on ability, but also age. We understand that rates of progress are variable, so training groups can change based on an athlete's rate of progress.

    While it is not always possible to accommodate coach or teammate requests, we try our best to ensure athletes are matched for success.

  • When an athlete is enrolled, an email address is collected. Team emails and newsletters will be sent to this address. Additional email addresses may be added here.
    Remember to check junk/spam folders and mark admin@snowbasinskiteam.org as a safe sender.

    TeamSnap is a team communication app that Snowbasin Ski Team uses to communicate important information to athletes and their supporters as well. TeamSnap is used in place of group texts and email in many cases, and is a forum for group questions, answers, and discussion. Coaches often use this app to share photos and discuss curriculum and program goals as well. Program calendars and event schedules will also be posted here. It is important that all athlete supporters have TeamSnap downloaded with push notifications activated to receive team communications. Technical support information for TeamSnap may be accessed here.

    At the beginning of the season, Welcome Socials will be announced. These are informational sessions with question and answer sessions following.

    General questions should be directed to admin@snowbasinskiteam.org

    Program specific questions or concerns may be directed to program directors:

    Devo: Devo@snowbasinskiteam.org

    Alpine: Craig@snowbasinskiteam.org

    Freeride: Wynter@snowbasinskiteam.org

    If concerns are time sensitive or severe, please email the Executive Director, Troy Price: troyprice@snowbasinskiteam.org

  • The Team Yurt is the drop off and pick up site, located past the northeast corner of Maples Lot, behind the Snowbasin Mountain Operations building. We will include a map of the meeting area in program communications and Welcome Socials.

    Only adults authorized by an athlete's legal guardian are allowed to pick up an athlete.

  • Athletes leave the Team Yurt for training promptly at 9am and will be ready for pick up by 3pm (12pm for DEVO Mini). If an athlete will be late for start or pick up, please communicate with their coach via TeamSnap.
    If an athlete is late, they are required to check in at the Team Yurt. A staff member at the Yurt will help connect the athlete with their coach and training group. If they need to be picked up early, this can be coordinated with the coach, and the athlete will be available for pickup at the Team Yurt.

    We encourage all athletes to attend all program sessions, so they do not fall behind in their skill development and their teammates can benefit from a consistent learning environment. If this isn't possible, please communicate with the coach. No make up training or refunds are available for missed sessions.

    If another adult is picking up an athlete, the legal guardian is required to authorize the pick up with the coach prior to pick up.

  • All athletes need ski boots, skis with bindings, ski poles (excluding some DEVO Mini groups), helmets, goggles, ski socks, waterproof pants and gloves. Competition programs require additional gear that will be communicated via TeamSnap, email, and lists are available in the program handbooks.

    Boots should be comfortable and snug, but not tighter than a firm handshake. Toes should lightly brush the front of the boot when standing straight up, but not touch the front of the boot when the ankle is flexed. Toes should freely wiggle up/down and the heel should sit firmly in place in the back of the boot when flexing and extending.

    Devo athletes need general, all purpose skis of any brand. Skis should be long enough that when propped on the ground, they reach the athlete's chest to collarbone. Competition athletes will need multiple, category-specific skis, so these athletes should review their handbook.

    Team jackets are included for all athletes. These ski jackets are 20,000mm rated and embroidered with the team logo, program name, and sponsors. Each program has a different color jacket. Jackets are available for pick up at Team Socials, Gear Swap, or first day of training.

    Acquiring the equipment your athlete needs can be done through several avenues: purchasing directly from manufacturers, participating in ski swaps, visiting local shops, or shopping online.

    Our team is fortunate to have Atomic as a sponsor, providing us with the opportunity to purchase new, world-class equipment at significant discounts. Each year, we hold an Atomic Equipment night where athletes can get fitted by Atomic professionals and have the option to place orders customized to their needs. Parents are often surprised at the affordability of this option, as this sponsorship is very generous. Even if families prefer renting or another brand, this free fitting will give your athlete's sizes and program specific recommendations.

    Understanding the rapid growth of our athletes, we organize a formal gear swap annually. Additionally, our TeamSnap chat is a great resource for pass-along opportunities within the team.

    Local shops offer a variety of options for new, used, and rental gear. Sports Den in Salt Lake City hosts a gear night where athletes can learn about different gear types, get fitted, and explore new, used, and rental options, with a team discount. Alpine Sports in Ogden offers discounted season rentals to team athletes. Sports Den and Alpine also offer their team discounts on tuning.

    Additionally, there is a Toko Wax team discount code available.

    All these events and opportunities are communicated via email and TeamSnap.

    We believe that skill makes the skier, not the gear. In Devo, expect to see a mix of rented, new, and used equipment. Athletes are not held back at this level by their equipment, nor should there be social pressure around equipment differences. If you have equipment level concerns, please communicate them to your coach, either by TeamSnap or email.

  • Skis require routine maintenance. This maintenance can require special tools, so it can done by a gear shop. Sports Den in Salt Lake and Alpine Sports in Ogden offer a team discount.

    Ensure bindings are secured to the skis and fitted to the athlete's boots. The shop will ask your athlete's height, weight, and skiing level.

    Regular maintenance can be broken into two categories: Tune up and Waxing.

    Tuning includes edge sharpening/deburring and base flattening/repair. This will also include a wax. A full tuning should be done at the start and midpoint of the season, with minor tunings between when your athlete notices wear or dragging.

    Wax is applied to the bottom of skis to reduce friction. Different waxes can be used depending on the snow conditions and temperature. Wax should be cleaned and reapplied about every 4 weeks or when the skis feel sluggish. Many athlete families opt to wax their own skis. Toko Wax offers a team discount on their website.

  • All athletes are required to have a Snowbasin season lift pass. A 20% team discount code will be shared as part of the enrollment process.

    Families can purchase their athlete's season lift passes on the Snowbasin season pass website.

    If a pass was purchased without the discount code, you may receive a refund for the difference from Snowbasin Resort Ticketing Office by emailing a request to ticketsales@snowbasin.com.

    Your athlete's lift pass can be connected to a credit or debit card by the Snowbasin lift pass staff in front of the Grizzly Center so their pass can be used at the lodge restaurants.

  • Each training group is assigned a lodge and general time to eat lunch. Some training groups may opt to skip lunch in favor of pocket snacks to maximize their training. DEVO athletes are required to purchase lunch from their assigned Snowbasin lodge. There is a wide variety of options available. If there are dietary concerns, please contact admin@snowbasinskiteam.org.

    Your athlete's lift pass can be connected to a credit or debit card by the Snowbasin lift pass staff in front of the Grizzly Center so their pass can be used at the lodge checkout. They may also use cash.

    While home lunches are not allowed for DEVO athletes, they are allowed for competition programs, which may not return to the lodges during their training time. Coaches will make athletes and supporters aware via TeamSnap how lunch will be supported.

    All athletes should bring pocket snacks.

  • We believe athletes should not be hindered by financial constraints when pursuing their goals.

    Several scholarships are available, including both need-based and merit-based options, which can contribute to tuition, gear, and even competition and travel expenses.

    Additionally, we offer flexible payment plans to accommodate families' financial situations.

    Snowbasin offers discounted season passes for athletes, and our sponsors offer deep discounts for gear as well.

  • Many athletes engage in year-round training. Our team provides optional pre-season dry-land training several times a week to enhance physical conditioning, endurance, and foster team camaraderie. Older competition athletes can opt for an additional training camp.

    During the winter holiday, we offer an optional training program for those seeking extra snow training opportunities.

    Post-season and off-season periods are primarily dedicated to recovery and rest, although athletes are encouraged to participate in cross-training activities in other sports to maintain overall fitness and prevent burnout.

  • This nonprofit organization relies on the volunteer efforts of athlete families and community members. Various volunteer opportunities are communicated through email and TeamSnap.

    Team tuition includes a built-in "work deposit," which can be reimbursed by logging volunteer hours for the athlete's supporter. Supporters who wish to volunteer without logging hours can treat the work deposit as a nonprofit donation. Alternatively, if supporters prefer not to volunteer, the deposit will contribute to paying a staff member for the necessary duties.

    Volunteering during events where your athlete is participating can be challenging. However, you are welcome to volunteer for other programs within the organization. For example, if you have a Devo athlete, you might choose to volunteer at an alpine program race. Alternatively, you could assist as a timekeeper or hot chocolate server at the base to support your Devo racer! There are also numerous opportunities to help outside of competition events.

    While most volunteer positions do not require specific skills or training, some roles in races may. Pursuing additional training is optional but can be a rewarding way to get more involved!

  • Snowbasin Ski Team strives to teach and enforce the highest levels of safety in the sport.
    Coaches, staff, and the executive team are all trained in the SafeSport curriculum, which includes physical, emotional, and psychological safety. This training is also available to athletes and supporters.

    You can access the SafeSport Guardian's Handbook here.

    The Team also uses the SafeSport Code for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement to ensure accountability.

    The team also benefits from Dr. Dan Freigang, a high-performance psychologist specializing in supporting elite athletes.

    We are dedicated to preventing accident and injury, requiring the use of safety equipment for all athletes and events. Snowbasin Resort's ski patrol and medics are on site for all trainings.

  • In competitive ski racing, there are four primary disciplines: Slalom (SL), Giant Slalom (GS), Super G (SG), and Downhill. While these events may appear similar to the average spectator, each has distinct rules, required skills, and specialized equipment. One common thread among them is the focus on achieving the fastest time by skiing the designated course, one athlete at a time.

    Slalom (SL) is known for its technical precision, featuring the most turns on a relatively short course, resulting in slower speeds. It consists of two runs, with the combined times determining the winner. Athletes inspect the course beforehand but have no practice runs. Notably, Slalom gates are single poles alternating between red and blue.

    Giant Slalom (GS) requires precise turning abilities over a longer course and at faster speeds compared to Slalom. Like Slalom, GS involves two runs on different courses in a single day, with the athlete achieving the lowest combined time taking top honors. Gates in GS are double-poled with a panel between them, alternating in color.

    Super G (SG) elevates the challenge with an extended course, higher speeds, and greater distances between gates compared to GS. It features a single run per athlete after an inspection, typically without practice runs. Super G gates are similar to GS, alternating between red and blue.

    Downhill stands as the fastest and most thrilling discipline, encompassing the longest course and fewer turns. It appeals to risk-takers with its multiple terrain features that often launch racers airborne. Downhill events span multiple days, with mandatory training runs preceding the single competitive run. Gates in Downhill are all the same color, typically red.

    In contrast to these structured races, Freeride competitions unfold off-piste on ungroomed terrain, judged by criteria such as line choice, control and fluidity, air and style, and overall technique. Competitions may involve multiple runs or scores, culminating in a final score derived from an average, depending on the event's format.

  • Some athlete families may be interested in volunteering for specialized roles that require training or certification. However, most volunteer opportunities do not necessitate any special training, and it is not a requirement. Families interested in challenging themselves can have their skills put to good use!

    Start/Finish Referee or Alpine Coach/Official

    If you are interested in being a Snowbasin Ski Team Start/Finish Referee at our home races or are a Snowbasin Ski Team Coach wanting to upgrade your certification to be an OFFICIAL, you must complete these steps outlined below.

    Certified Specialty Areas – Entry Level

    Intermediate/Advanced Alpine Race Official Positions

    If you are interested in learning more about Intermediate or Advanced Alpine Race Official positions, please review the job descriptions below and email admin@snowbasinskiteam.org

    Certified Specialty Areas – Intermediate to Advance Level

    Alpine Race Volunteer – no certification needed

    If you are interested in helping out at our home races as a race volunteer, please review the following job descriptions to see what interests you and then SIGN UP on our VOLUNTEER PAGE for the Race, Date, & Job you desire.

    Non-Certified Race Volunteers 

    Step 1: Register w US Ski and Snowboard Association as Alpine Official

    • Pay for membership

    • Initiate background check

    • Complete Safe Sport Training

    • Coaches/Officials will be required to complete

      • Coaching Fundamentals or have Level 100, 200 or 300 Coaching License

      • Complete Avi Course

      • Complete CDC Concussion Training

    Step 2: Complete Competition Official – Online Training

    Step 3: Attend In-Person Official Training Class – SSEF Specific Training Nov 8 & 10th 6-9pm

    Step 4: For Coach Officials Only

    Successfully complete 2 referee specific shadow assignments on separate days under supervision of USSA Level 3 Alpine RF or Level 2 TD (Troy Price)  A “shadow assignment” is more than just showing up on race day. Any individual who is fulfilling their shadow assignment requirements should be prepared to participate in all pre- race, race day, and post-race duties and responsibilities. Pre-event communication with mentors is strongly recommended.

    Already an Alpine Official – Renew your credentials here

    Additional Alpine Official Resources

    Level 100 Coach License