SKI FAQ
Q: WHERE DO WE MEET?
A: All SS Freestyle winter programs meet on the South Side of the NATC facility at Silver Star village: Click here
Q: WHAT IF WE ARE LATE?
A: If you find yourself late, you can check at the Blue SS Freestyle where a Silver Star Freestyle representative is usually on hand. Usually a coach is available at the drop off area 15 minutes after the program starts to help your child join their group. If the groups have left the village use the TeamSnap Chat OR text the Head Coach (txt 250-550-5322) and we can meet up on the hill.
Q: DO YOU EVER CANCEL SESSIONS?
A: We try our best to run classes every week as scheduled. In the event the temperature is -20 (or colder) with windchill, we may cancel a session. In these cases, Silver Star Freestyle will strive to make up missed sessions later in the season. This may not be possible in all cases. In the case of an "extraordinary" circumstance, classes may be cancelled as well.
Q: WHAT DO ATHLETES NEED IN THEIR DAY PACK?
A: Please pack extra mittens/gloves, face covering, Hot Shots/hand warmers, pocket snacks, a healthy lunch, and a water bottle.
Q: WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED FOR FREESTYLE?
A: Skiers MUST have their own seasons pass, skis, poles, boots, helmet, goggles, gloves, and be dressed for the changing weather conditions.
Q: IS THERE ANY FUNDING AVAILABLE TO HELP WITH REGISTRATION COSTS?
A: Families are encouraged to apply for grants through KidSport BC and/or Canadian Tire Jump Start .
KidSport British Columbia provides grants of up to $400 per eligible kid, per year (January 1st – December 31st) towards sports registration fees. If a child needs equipment, KidSport will make a referral to a partner agency. Grants are intended to be used for sports registration fees; travel and competitions are not eligible for funding.
Jumpstart funds a variety of different sports and activities all with the goal of giving all kids the chance to discover their passion. Jumpstart can help with the registration and equipment costs associated with a sport or physical activity.
Q: HOW GOOD OF A SKIER DO I NEED TO BE TO JOIN?
A: We’re a freestyle ski program rather than a learn-to-ski program. If you can parallel ski blue runs and are ok hitting some of the smaller features in the park, and can ski small moguls then you’ll be fine.
Q: HOW OLD ARE THE SKIERS IN YOUR PROGRAMS?
A: Athletes in our programs range in age from 7 to 18. We do our best to group athletes together who are of similar age, ability and friend requests are considered.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR RATIO OF INSTRUCTORS TO ATHLETES?
A: Our groups have a range of 5-8 skiers per coach.
Q: DO I HAVE TO COMPETE?
No, not if you don’t want to. Many of our athletes choose to compete while others participate in the club to learn freestyle skills and have fun. SS Freestyle encourages all participants to try at least 1 low level event per year. Click here to see information regarding Freestyle Events.
Q: CAN I DO FLIPS?
Yes, when qualified Air Coaches say you’re ready. We follow a strict progression path for inverts. Athletes must first demonstrate inverts on the trampoline and airbag/water ramp before they move onto the snow.
Q: ARE YOUR COACHES CERTIFIED?
Absolutely. All our coaches hold active Freestyle Canada Qualifications and have met SafeSport criteria. Many have advanced qualifications which allows them to also instruct on trampoline, water ramps, and air bag.
Q: WHAT IS THE TIMBER TOUR SERIES?
A: It is the provincial event series in Moguls, Dual Moguls, Slopestyle, Big Air, and Halfpipe. Disciplines vary from competition to competition based on the host mountain’s available terrain. These are typically 4-day events running from Thursday through Sunday.
Q: WHAT IS THE CANADA CUP SERIES?
A: It is a national event series in Moguls, Slopestyle, and Halfpipe put on by Freestyle Canada. This event is best suited for athletes 15 years old and up. These are typically 4-day events running from Thursday through Sunday. Please contact [email protected] for more information if this would be something you would like to target. Athletes and their families are responsible for the costs to attend these competitions.
Q: WHAT IS JUNIOR NATIONALS AND HOW DO YOU QUALIFY?
A: The Junior National Championship is held annually. The event is often split into 2 events: one is Moguls, Dual Moguls, and Aerials, the other is Slopestyle, Halfpipe, and Big Air. Each year they switch geographically from West to East. Athletes and their families are responsible for the costs to attend these competitions.