Welcome to the Heavenly Ski Foundation Freestyle Ski Team! Freestyle skiing is a blast and our program is set up so that each athlete has an enjoyable experience in a safe setting and learns a lot about skiing and him/herself as well. This handbook will provide information for those of you who are new to the sport and is a good refresher for those of you who have been around for awhile. The freestyle team is in its 11th year and has been very successful. We have had two athletes, Brook Ballachey and Chris Hernandez, on the U.S. Freestyle Team. They have competed at the highest level, the World Cup! Chris was also National Upright Aerial Champion. Ryan Hickey was a Junior World Champion in Dual Moguls. Sho Kashima is the current Junior National Mogul Champion. We have several other athletes who have attained a high national ranking, including Christie Tibbetts, Travis Woodcock, and Jonathon Strohm. Having these great skiers around is a real bonus to the younger kids.
The freestyle team is divided into two parts:
THE FREESTYLE TEAM
The freestyle team focuses mostly on moguls and dual moguls. They compete in the United States Ski Association (USSA)
THE FREERIDE TEAM
The freeride team focuses on the "new school" events of halfpipe, slopestyle, skiercross, and big air. They compete mostly in the United States of America Snowboard Association (USASA).
Each athlete on our teams will be assigned to their primary coach. Athletes will report to their coach when they arrive for training. Although athletes will usually be with their assigned coach, they will have exposure to all the coaches on our staff. Athletes should also check the bulletin board every day for training locations and times, which are always subject to change.
Our coaching staff all have extensive, high level competition experience. They have been selected for their enthusiasm and ability to work with children.
USSA
The United States Ski and Snowboard Association is a national governing body for freestyle, snowboard, nordic, and snowboard competitions. It provides a pipeline for athletes to work their way up to the national teams. Virtually all mogul events are run by USSA. USSA also runs halfpipe, skiercross, and big air events.
AGE CATEGORIES:
Freestyle competition is divided into age classes set up by USSA (United States Ski and Snowboard Association).
Veteran 27 years and older
Senior 19 - 26 years of age
Junior 1 17 - 18 years of age
Junior 2 15 - 16 years of age
Junior 3 13 - 14 years of age
Junior 4 11 - 12 years of age
Junior 5 10 years of age and under
Class is determined by age as of December 31 of the current season. They are usually referred to as J/1's, J/2's, etc.
USSA FREESTYLE REGIONS:
USSA Freestyle is divided into seven regions; 1) Eastern, 2) Central, 3) Northern, 4) Rocky Mountain, 5) Intermountain, 6) Pacific Northwest, and 7) Far West. We are in the Far West Division which includes California, Nevada and Arizona.
WHAT YOU NEED TO COMPETE:
First, you will need to join USSA. The price is $70.00* if submitted prior to October 15 each year, and $85.00* after that date. (with the exception of new competitors) This gives you a competitors license and a national ranking. You may opt for a youth license for $25.00* for un-scored events with no national ranking. USSA members must have valid, primary health insurance. USSA provides limited secondary insurance. Members also receive a competition guide with rules, schedules and contacts. Read it to learn about the sport! You also will receive Ski Racing Magazine. It will also be necessary for you to join Far West Freestyle. The cost is $45.00, which also puts you on their mailing list. Far West contacts are on page 7.
FFES FOR COMPETITIONS:
Far West fees are $50.00* per event, $15.00* additional for each same day event. If you sign up less than three days prior to the event, there is a $20.00 late fee per event! An easy way to register is to pay for all events before the start of the season.
*All prices are subject to change on an annual basis.
USASA
The United States of America Snowboard Association is a national governing body which was originally formed for snowboard competitions but now allows skiers. They put on events in racing, skiercross, halfpipe, superpipe, and slopestyle. Our skiers compete mostly in our regional division, The South Tahoe Snowboard Series. Skiers that qualify will compete in the National Championships at Copper Mountain, Colorado.
WHAT YOU NEED TO COMPETE:
You will need to join USASA. You can register for competitions by see Jere. You will need to show proof of major medical insurance.
TRANSPORATION TO COMPETITION:
Transportation to events is the responsibility of the athlete's parents. If you don't have a ride, we will try to arrange one for you, but cannot promise results. Do not wait until 8:00 o'clock the night before the event to make your arrangements! On overnight trips we travel and stay as a team. Transportation and lodging costs are the responsibility of the parents and will be collected prior to trips. Coaches will try to make the cheapest lodging and travel arrangements while still providing a level of comfort. So you probably won't be flying first class and have your own ski-in ski-out room on the mountain but you won't be hitchhiking to Vermont and sleeping in a tent!
Athletes are expected to behave and observe curfews on road trips. Athletes are also expected to keep lodgings clean and undamaged. Any athletes who cannot adhere to these rules will have to travel and stay with their parents next time.
COMPETITION DAY:
Have a checklist with everything you need for competing. Here is a sample:
Skis Poles, Boots, Helmet, Goggles, Gloves, Bib, (the single most forgotten item), Small pack, Extra clothes, Water, Sunscreen, Money.
Make sure you arrive in time for plenty of training and warmup. Late skiers are stiff, stressed, don't know the course, and have to park a mile away.
THE DIFFERENT EVENTS OF FREESTYLE/FREERIDE:
MOGULS:
Mogul Competition consists of two runs on a steep, heavily moguled slope stressing technical turning, speed, and two different aerial maneuvers per run. There are judges at the bottom of the course who judge turns and jumps. Runs are timed as well. The skier's time is compared to a pacesetter to get a speed score.
Turns account for 50% of the score, Speed is 25% and Air is 25%. There are 30 points possible.
DUAL MOGULS:
Another mogul competition format is dual moguls. In this event, two skiers come down the slope side by side. Judges vote for the best skier with separate judges for air, speed and turns. The skier who wins a dual goes on to the next "round" until only one skier is left.
AERIALS:
Aerial competition consists of two different acrobatic leaps from a prepared jump, stressing takeoff, height and distance (air), and execution of tricks and landing. Judges are placed at the side of the jump. Air is 20% of the score, Form is 50% and Landing is 30%. Upright aerials are jumps where the skier does not turn over. Inverted aerials involve one to three flips with one or more twists.
HALFPIPE:
Halfpipe consists of several jumps or "hits" in a halfpipe run. Skiers are judged on execution of tricks and height or "amplitude".
BIG AIR:
Big Air consists of up to four jumps per run in the terrain park. Skiers are judged on execution, variety, and height. Competitions are usually two runs.
SLOPESTYLE:
Slopestyle consists of a run through the terrain park with jumps and rails.
For more in-depth information on rules and regulations refer to your USSA Competition Guide or the USASA rulebook.
TRAINING:
Transportation to and from training is the responsibility of parents with the exception of bus transportation from South Tahoe High. Athletes may drive their own car but MAY NOT give rides to other athletes from South Tahoe High.
Training locations and times will be posted daily on the bulletin board and are always subject to change. It is important that athletes arrive on time each day for training to avoid mix-ups.Coaches will make every effort to have courses prepared when athletes arrive for training so they can concentrate on their training. At times, athletes will be expected to help prepare courses.
Although athletes will often be divided into groups according to ability or age, we believe in having newer skiers training and interacting with the more experienced athletes as much as possible. We will use video analysis as much as possible, both in training and competitions.
MOGUL TRAINING:
We will try to have a mogul course available daily. This of course, will always depend on having sufficient snow coverage. It usually takes a few weeks into the season before we have enough coverage to build an adequate course. This does, however, work to our advantage since we will have time to train on smooth, easy terrain and get our technical turns dialed in. In the first part of the season, we often train on Waterfall as it has better snow at that time. In the latter half of the season, conditions are better on Gunbarrel, so we move our course there. Courses are roped off and only our athletes are allowed on them.
PARK AND PIPE TRAINING:
The freeride team will spend most of their time in Heavenly's terrain parks. The coaches will determine which park depending on conditions and what skills they want to emphasize. In the early season they will do a lot of freeskiing, rails and small jumps. This works to our advantage because athletes can work on the basics on small features. When we get more snow you can expect more halfpipe time and bigger jumps.
FREE SKIING AND DRILLS :
We will also be spending a lot of time doing drills and free skiing on every type of terrain. This is where athletes learn the basics of technique. Too much course or park training is boring and actually will slow your progress. The emphasis here is on variety, fun, and enjoying the whole mountain. On snowy days when courses and parks are buried and the light is bad we will ski powder!
DRYLAND TRAINING: Our dryland training consists of gymnastics, track work, soccer and strength training (for athletes 14 years of age and older). All athletes not involved in scholastic sports are expected to show up for our dryland training sessions. The time to get in shape is BEFORE the snow falls. All athletes should be stretching daily, year round.
EQUIPMENT:
How to get gear at the best price.
We work through several local shops which support our athletes by selling gear at very low prices. This is the best way to actually see the gear you need and get it quickly without the hassles of shipping. We can also order equipment directly from manufactuers.
Boots:
Boots are by far the most important piece of equipment you will own. Often junior skiers are fit in to boots that are too large in the hope they will "grow" into them. To find the proper fit, the liner and shell should be tried on separately. The liner should fit the foot snugly with only one thin ski sock on. The foot should then be slid to the front of the shell so that the toe is just touching the front of the shell. The skier should then bend his knee forward slightly, while the fitter checks the distance between the shell and the back of the heel. For a good fit, there should be 3/8" to " maximum. The flare of the calf should be just above the top of the shell. Kids boots have a thinner gauge plastic and the youngster should be able to flex the boot easily. This means that each year athletes with growing feet might need new boots! Don't be a cheapskate and risk potential injury by buying boots that are too big!
Skis:
There are quite a few skis on the market that are especially made for moguls and freeride. They are quick turning and durable. Freeride skis should have turned-up tails. For aerials you want very short skis with a stiff tails. Skiers under 120 pounds should opt for junior skis. The length should be from the eyes to four inches over the head. The brand is the skier's preference. They need to keep their edges sharp, bases smooth and flat, and keep them waxed. The easiest way to do this is to have a ski shop do it for you. It is cheaper, however, to buy your own file, clamps, stone, p-tex, wax and learn how to do it yourself. Your coaches can show you how.You should also have an old pair of "rock skis" for early season when there is limited snow coverage.
Bindings:
It is pretty much a matter of opinion which brand of bindings are the best. The main thing is to get the right model for the skier's weight and ability. They should be mounted and adjusted by a reputable ski shop. DO NOT try to mount them yourself.
Poles:
Poles need to be the right size. To find the right fit, stand holding the pole upside down with your hand under the basket and the handle on the ground. Your forearm should be parallel to the floor. This is where you want to start. Most freestylers want them shorter, especially mogul skiers. Remember, you can always cut them shorter, but you cannot make them longer!
Helmets:
Approved helmets are required for all events and training. Any time you walk out of our locker room door you must wear a helmet.
Goggles:
Goggles are absolutely necessary for bad weather days. Remember, sunglasses can cut your face or eyes. Get goggles with double lenses.
Clothing:
Use the layering system! Wear something water resistant but breathable for outer layers. Use fleece or wool for an insulating layer (avoid cotton it soaks up water). Wear something thin and comfortable next to your skin. Thin, wood socks are best. At competitions you may be waiting quite awhile for your run. Bring a small backpack with more clothes than you need.
Important Phone Numbers and Addresses
Heavenly Ski Foundation: 530- 541-7354 Fax:(530) 541-7329 P.O. Box 483 Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
USSA Membership Information(801) 647-2666 Fax:(801)649-3613 E-Mail: membership @ ussa.com Internet Site: www.usskiteam.com Program Director:Polly-Jo Clarke (435)647-2046 Fax:(435)649-3613
P.O. Box 100/1500 Kearns Blvd., Suite F Park City, Utah 84080
Far West Freestyle:
Liz Gibeaut, registration: 530-546-0299 Fax: 530-581-1862 Igibeaut1@netzero.net PO Box 1387 Ings Beach, CA 96143
USASA: Donna and Al Vano: 530-577-4760
The Heavenly Ski Foundation programs are designed to stimulate and maximize your child's ability, interest and enthusiasm for skiing,snowboarding and, life in general. Our top priority for each child is to create a fun and healthy environment, wonderful memories and develop successful team and individual experiences.
Sessions will begin in November and continue through mid April, or at the end of competition for individual groups. No training is held on Christmas or New Year's Day.
All programs are available either as a full time or weekend (holiday) training. Every program includes an unlimited season pass and applicable dry land training. Dry land training begins in the Fall and includes track and field,rollerblading, Gad gym, weight lifting (for athletes 14 years and older), and various other dry land training activities.
*Training Days and Times
HSF Full time program: Tuesday - Friday afternoons until 4:00* (exact times will be determined when current school schedules are available)
Saturday, Sunday and School Holidays - 8:30AM -3:30 PM
(special early morning training will begin at 7:30 AM)
Night training: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Thursdays-TBA
HSF Part time program: Saturday, Sunday and Some School Holidays - 8:30AM -3:00 PM
(special early morning training will begin at 7:30 AM)
*Athletes should be picked up from the building no later than 4:30 PM or as soon as possible if not on the hill. These times and dates are subject to change due to school scheduling conflicts, weather and mountain conditions.
