WELCOME NEW RACERS!!!
2011-2012 Information
1. Registration Meeting - AOWS - Nov 9th - 4:30 p.m. Mt. La Crosse
Racers will meet the coaches and receive general information about this year's ski/snowboard program. This is also the time when AOWS racers will pay initial fees and turn in registration information. Please plan accordingly. Mt. La Crosse Ski Shop will also be open if you need anything.
**Central/Logan racers are encouraged to attend this meeting for general Conference information but they will have to register and pay at their Central/Logan Meeting on Nov 3rd at Central HS.
Registration Table - Give Contact Information and Pay Fees
$25 Conference Fee + AOWS Coaching Fee (See below differs by school)Coaching Fees (Aquinas, Onalaska, West Salem & Westby Only!) Make payable to "AOWS Racers" can be combined in one check with Conference Fee from above)Aquinas Racers - $25 ($75 Total made to "AOWS Racers")Ona/WS/Westby - $75 ($100 Total made to "AOW Racers")$15 Bib Fee SEPARATE Check made payable to "AOWS Racers" or "Central High School" *Uncashed check will be returned at the end of the season that's why we ask for it to be separate.**Note: Central/Logan Racers receive funds from their school district so they have no Coaching Fees. Aquinas receives "some" funding but Onalaska, West Salem & Westby receive NO school funding. The Coaching Fees reflect these differences.
Volunteer Sign-up
We're asking that each Racer Family sign up for at least 2 volunteer jobs this race season. These jobs include working on the hill, helping at events and races. There are lots of great and FUN opportunities!!
Meet Your Parent Rep!
Each school has a volunteer Ski & Snowboard Rep. Your representatives will be available at the meeting to collect your contact information. This will be the person you can contact with any questions or concerns you may have during the season. This will also be the person who will be sending you updates via email or phone call.
Alpine Racer Website
This is your source for the most up-to-date information on everything related to the HS Alpine Racers. Please check here routinely for updates. You can also find your Parent Rep and Coaches information on the Contact page.
Equipment & Lift Pass
Now you've joined the team and you need to make sure you get your ski pass and all your equipment if you don't already have it.
Ski & Board Equipment Swap Sale 10 - 4 November 5, 2011
A great way to make some money on those used skis, snowboards, boots or poles! Also a good way to purchase used equipment for a fraction of the cost of buying new. Proceeds from the swap sale support the Mt. La Crosse Ski Patrol, a volunteer organization.
As a new HS Racer, you get the discounted "Christmas in July" price on your ski pass which is $363.98
***Click Here for EQUIPMENT PURCHASING TIPS FOR SKIERS
***Click Here for EQUIPMENT PURCHASING TIPS FOR SNOWBOARDERS
For Equipment, the best place to start is the Mt. La Crosse Ski Shop. As HS Alpine Racers, we get at minimum 20% off our equipment and sometimes more. It's convenient and the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. Make sure you tell them you are with the HS Alpine Racers, so they can make sure you get everything you need and you get the proper equipment and fitting for racing. Here's a list of what most racers end up purchasing in addition to their snowboard/skis, boots and poles....
Skiers & Snowboarders:
Helmets are Required (It is best to buy your own.)
Mouth Protection is optional but highly recommended
Weatherproof/Waterproof Gloves
Skiers Only:
GS Suit - (Optional - This is a one piece full-body suit that helps minimize drag. It should fit snugly but still allow racers to move with comfort. Many racers wear layers under the suits for extra warmth. These suits cost approx. $150 new or sometimes you can find a used one from previous racers. Check the Sale & Swap Board.)
Pole Guards (Optional - approx - $30-$60 These guards can also be purchased at the Ski Shop. They fit on the poles near the handles to protect racers hands as they smack through the gates. You may not need these right away but if you find yourself racing and hitting the gates, it may be time to pick some up.)
Practice & Races
The season begins with Dryland on November 10th. Racers will head out to the hill and start to get to know all the other team members. Team members are expected to be at all practices. Please read the Expectations and Mission Statement on the Racer Info Page.
Dryland Practice occurs twice a week from 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Dryland Training consists of Outdoor Running, Stretching, Conditioning, Plyometrics & Agility Drills and is designed to help get racers in shape for the race season. Racers do not need to bring any ski/snowboard equipment for this training but they should dress appropriately in clothes and shoes designed for outdoor training.
On-Snow Practice occurs 3x weekly Mon-Tues-Thursday 4:30 – 6:15 p.m.
For all skiers/snowboarders once it snows and the hill officially opens
Conference Race Nights occur Wednesdays (and one Monday)
Since you're new, you'll see racers from all the high schools practicing together. However, when it comes time to race, Central/Logan race as one team and AOWS (Aquinas, Onalaska, West Salem & Westby) race as one team. Also, racers really race against themselves - one at a time coming down the hill trying to beat their own times. It's not several racers coming down together, so new racers feel no pressure and can go at their own pace!
Report To Hill - Racers need to be at the hill by 3 p.m. (Schools release racers at 2:30)Race Start - Races start at 4:30 p.m. **Spectators/Parents Notes: You need to dress appropriately. Ski pants, boots, hand & feet warmers come in handy since we watch the races at the bottom of the hill in the freezing cold. Check for Race Run Order Sheets when you arrive, so you can see where your racer falls in the line-up. Having said that, the races do go quickly once they start so don't wait in the chalet thinking they are at the end or you'll risk missing the race! Usually, skiers race once -girls then boys and then the snowboarders race - girls then boys. Then each racer gets a second race unless the weather is bad.
come in handy since we watch the races at the bottom of the hill in the freezing cold. Check for Race Run Order Sheets when you arrive, so you can see where your racer falls in the line-up. Having said that, the races do go quickly once they start so don't wait in the chalet thinking they are at the end or you'll risk missing the race! Usually, skiers race once -girls then boys and then the snowboarders race - girls then boys. Then each racer gets a second race unless the weather is bad.Race Conclusion - The race usually ends about 5:30 p.m. (So, you can see how quickly it goes!)Tear-down & Meeting Ends by 6 p.m. Racers are expected to help the coaches with tear-down of the gates. When everyone helps, it goes quickly. Sometimes the coaches will have a quick meeting in the chalet before the racers are released.Other Training/ Equipment Maintenance
As a new racer, take advantage of other race opportunities. Check out Sunday Slalom and the other camps listed on the calendar and ski opportunities at the hill. Information will be posted on these opportunities as they arise.
We hope to offer workshops on how to maintain and take care of your skis/boards as well. The Mt. La Crosse Ski Shop is also very helpful and also offers services to maintain and care for equipment at a reasonable price.
PARENTS
VOLUNTEER!! Please sign up for at least two volunteer opportunities/jobs this year to help our racers and increase fundraising efforts. We have a lot of fun and it's great to be out on the hill. There are a variety of jobs available.
A day in the life of an Alpine Racer....
