Alpine Ski Program Details
The Middlebury Ski & Snowboard Club is intended to serve recreational and competitive athletes that are currently intermediate to advanced skiers 7 to 17 years of age (see prerequisites below), with six-year-old athletes invited to register and try out. All athletes should be motivated to develop strong technical all mountain skiing skills that will help them become better skiers and to have fun. Skiers may also elect to compete in alpine ski racing through United States Ski & Snowboard Association (USSS) sanctioned races.
In general, the athletes will be arranged by USSS age groups (e.g., U8, U10, U12, U14, etc.). This will ensure proper coaching and age specific skill development to ensure a safe and fun skiing environment. The MSSC staff reserves the right to evaluate athletes and move athletes accordingly to ensure that each athlete is in a group that appropriately matches their skill while also offering an optimal challenge for their continued skill development.
Visit the program overview page and calendar page for an overview of the club season.
Prerequisites:
The Middlebury Ski & Snowboard Club is NOT A LEARN TO SKI & RIDE PROGRAM. Prerequisites* for participation in the MSSC include:
- The ability to ski and ride expert terrain independently and without hesitation (at the Snowbowl this would include the Allen, Ross, and Cameron). Skiers must be skiing with poles and making parallel turns.
- Athletes must be able to ride the lift on their own without being lifted up AND be able to lower the safety bar independently.
- Athletes must be able to act independently and behave appropriately during lunch and inside breaks.
- Athletes must be able to manage their own equipment and clothing needs. (Coaches are available to help, but athletes must be self-advocates).
*The MSSC will evaluate skiers based on the above prerequisites to determine suitability for club participation. The MSSC reserves the right to remove an athlete from the club and will suggest appropriate, alternative learning opportunities based on skill level. Other learning opportunities may include a referral to lessons with the Snow School and/or the Snowbowl's season long Mountain Explorers program.
Non-racer athletes should be motivated, intermediate, and advanced skiers who are not sure if competition racing is for them. MSSC aims to provide all athletes with quality learning experiences that will develop the skiing skills to become well-rounded, competent, all-mountain skiers.
Racing athletes should be skilled, independent, and all mountain skiers ages 7 and up. MSSC participates in the Mid-Vermont Council (MVC) and competes at away and home (as the schedule permits) races (carpooling is encouraged). The MSSC aims to provide competitive athletes with a training program that will set them up for competitive success and attaining their personal racing-related goals. Racers are required to have specific equipment.
2024/2025 Program Fees:
Base Program: $450
Race Add-on: $250 $100 (2024/2025 race program is subsidized by a Killington World Cup Foundation Grant)
- This year athletes who will be racing and/or wish to participate in Wednesday gate training and early season race training are required to register for the "Race Add-On" when registering for the MSSC. These athletes are required to have specific equipment in order to participate. See equipment page for more details.
Licenses:
The following membership/licenses are required:
- Non-Racers
- Racers
- Require a USSS competitor license
- Vermont Alpine Racing Association license.
Other Requirements:
- Please note that all skiers need proper equipment to participate. Please see our Equipment Page for information on skis, boots, poles, helmets, and clothing.
- Middlebury Snowbowl Season Pass
- Volunteer Requirement: All MSSC families are required to volunteer for one (1) volunteer workday during the season per club athlete (e.g., race days, club events, etc.). This family involvement helps create a strong club community and helps to keep our program fees low. If you are unable or unwilling to volunteer, you may opt out of the volunteer commitment for a $50 fee. If weekend volunteering or the opt-out charge is a hardship for your family, please speak with us about other ways to help the club throughout the season. Check out the list of volunteer positions and associated requirements here: Volunteering.
Family Handbook:
Review all club policies and procedures in the new family handbook (coming soon!).
The Middlebury Ski and Snowboard Club
The Middlebury Ski and Snowboard Club aims to inspire and establish the foundation for lifelong enjoyment of skiing by providing recreational and competitive skiing opportunities that foster skill development, positive social interaction, and personal excellence.
The Middlebury Ski Club is a non-profit organization based in Middlebury, Vermont, USA.