Morristown Ski Program - Winter ‘07
Instructor / Volunteer Information
For the first 2 weeks, all buses drop off and pick up at Spruce. If your group is assigned to Mansfield, you may take a shuttle over, but must be back at Spruce in time for the buses. Please let a coordinator know if you choose to go to the mountain.
When do the buses leave?
Buses depart for home at 4:00. Please help bus riders to get there on time and remind students to tell the bus chaperones of any changes in transportation arrangements (didn’t take the bus up, but will be taking it home, or took the bus up, but won’t be taking it home).
Pass Reels:
Stowe Mountain Resort generously provided us with pass reels for students this year. The kids will love these! To use, fold the two halves of the black butterfly over the end of the pass so that it snaps through the hole on the pass. Once the reel is clipped to the student’s clothing, it should be tucked safely inside a pocket and pulled out only when asked for by a lift attendant. Otherwise, passes may catch on lifts or branches, get pulled off, and lost. There is a $5 fee for replacing lost passes.
What if one of my students might need to move up or down a level/group?
If you think a student might do better in another group, we encourage you to have an evaluator (Our evaluators are Chris Potter or Tod Kreuger for skiers and Stan Biasisni for boarders. Evaluators are also available to ski/board with your group to offer advice and support when needed.) observe the student and make a recommendation. Then, check in with Heather Schneider to arrange a switch. Any time a switch is made, it is important to notify the child’s parents.
What if I want to take my Spruce group to Mansfield?
Before moving a Spruce group to Mansfield, your group must be evaluated. Please check in with Chris Potter, Tod Kreuger or Stan Biasini to arrange an evaluation. It is preferable to have younger students stay at Spruce where there are shorter runs, fewer advanced skiers/boarders to share trails with, and support in the base lodge. You must check with the bus supervisor, Elise Limoge, and notify all parents if you plan to have students take a different bus.
What if I need a Sub?
Please try to arrange your own subs by coordinating with you co-instructor or calling a sub. Please see the contact list for info about this year’s subs.
If all else fails, call Heather at 888-3146.
Info to share with students and their parents:
□ Determine a meeting place for beginning and ending lessons. This is essential for students who are dropped off or picked up by there parents. Ask parents to call you in advance if their child will be absent.
□ Beginning skiers do not need poles; it is best to leave them at home.
□ Regular attendance is essential in the first weeks, especially for beginners. Student’s who miss lessons in the first weeks may need to move to another group or may need individualized support to catch up.
□ Students are encouraged to bring a snack from home. If students choose to bring money, bring no more than $5 for snacks.
□ Remind students to dress appropriately- with neck warmer, mittens/gloves, helmet or hat, and so on. It is always colder on the mountain than it is in Morrisville.
□ All equipment should be clearly labeled with the child’s name in permanent marker. Duct tape works well.
□ Bring your ski passes every week! Suggest that students put their passes in their ski boot when getting undressed from skiing; then it will be easily remembered when gearing up for the next week.
When can I use my vouchers?
Vouchers are not valid on Saturdays, holidays and during President’s week. They will be valid on Saturdays after late season rates go in effect in the Spring.
Helmets:
Helmets are strongly encouraged for use by students and may be required next year. Please consider being a good role model for this practice and wear one.
Attendance and Behavior Problems:
· Please keep track of student attendance. Stowe Mountain Resort trusts that passes awarded through our program are used for student participation in the program. If students don’t attend regularly, but are skiing/boarding, please notify Heather. Students who abuse the opportunity by not attending lessons may not be able to participate next year, or may even lose their passes this season.
· Regular attendance is essential in the first weeks, especially for beginners. Student’s who miss lessons in the first weeks may need to move to another group or may need individualized support to catch up. Please encourage regular attendance and check in with Heather if we need to plan for supports for a skier/boarder.
· Although behavior problems are rare, strategies such as having the child ski/ride last in the line or with an instructor are usually enough. If this isn’t enough, students may need to sit is Spruce lodge with the lodge helper. Please let Heather know of any ongoing issues.
Injuries and unusual circumstances
Parents really appreciate hearing from instructors about their child’s progress. This is especially important if anything unusual comes up, such as lift trouble, a lost pole, or a big tumble. In the unlikely event of an injury, contact ski patrol and notify the lodge helper at Spruce. It is important to follow up with Heather or Tracy and, touch base with the child’s parent at some point the following week.
Our goal is to offer a safe and fun season for all, including volunteers. Thank you for your commitment to the program and our children!
