Frequently Asked Questions
Program Questions
My child is a young/inexperienced skier. What are the prerequisites for them to ski with the club?
Participants must be 6 years old and meet the following requirements:
- The ability to ski ANY terrain at the Snow Bowl - athletes must be able to ski the Allen top to bottom.
- Athletes must be able to ride the lift on their own without being lifted up and lowering the safety bar.
- Athletes must be able to act independently 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 MSC Will Evaluate Skiers Based On The Above Prerequisites To Determine Suitability For Club Participation. The MSC Reserves The Right To Remove An Athlete From The Club And Will Suggest Appropriate, Alternative Learning Opportunities Based On Skill Level.
My child is thinking about racing this season but isn't sure. How should we register?
All athletes will all receive similar, age appropriate, training during the season regardless of their interest in racing or recreational skiing. You can initially obtain a club participant level United States Ski & Snowboard (USSS) membership and then if your athlete decides to race, they will be required to upgrade to a competitor license (or purchase a short-term license) and then obtain a competitor license from the Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA). Additional race entry fees apply for each race in which the athlete competes.
Registration Questions
Is There a Deadline to Register for Ski Club?
Yes. The deadline for registration is December 1, 2023 for the winter 2023-2024 season. Registering by the deadline guarantees you a spot and helps us hire the right number of coaches for the winter. Space is not guaranteed after December 1st. Please help us and secure your spot by signing up early!
What is Included in My Program Fee?
Your program fee covers coaching during the season, from dryland training in the fall right straight through to the end of your program in March.
Here are the additional items for which you are responsible:
- Middlebury College Snow Bowl Season Pass
- USSA Membership (non-racers – club participant level; racers – competitor license)
- VARA Membership (for athletes intending to travel to races only)
Please note that all skiers need proper equipment. Please see our Equipment Page for information on skis, boots, poles, helmets and clothing.
Why do we need to register for US Ski & Snowboard?
The United States Ski & Snowboard (USSS) is the national governing body for our sport and our club. All athletes, coaches, and board members are required to have a USSA membership to participate in our club activities to meet our insurance requirements.
Which US Ski & Snowboard membership level should I choose?
The USSS registration process can be a bit cumbersome and confusing. Membership with USSS is compulsory for all members, regardless of whether you plan to compete in races. You can sign up for your USSS membership online at http://ussa.org/.
- Non-Racing Athletes - can join USSS at the general membership level, regardless of age.
- Racing Athletes - must join USSS based on their age-based competition category. Rates vary by age.
Click Here for Step-by-Step Instructions for Registering for USSS
Note: You may upgrade your child to a competitor membership for their age class by calling Member Services. The amount paid for the general membership will be applied to the upgrade.
What is the MSC Refund Policy?
You can see our Refund Policy on this page.
The Middlebury Ski Club
The Middlebury Ski 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.