2008/2009 Alpine Juniors & Snowdrifters Program Information

Procedures

WEATHER & TRIP INFORMATION

• Beginning at 6:00 PM on Fridays and 7:00 PM on Saturdays, and continuing through the morning of the trip, there will be a message on our information line (916) 456-0263 extension #9 . This recording will tell you the trip destination, trip number, the expected weather, and whether the trip is going or not. If a trip is postponed it will affect the original schedule. Keep track of which trip is next!
• It is important you call the information line after 5pm before each trip, regardless of the weather , to check for any last minute changes, including bus departure time changes!
• During changeable weather conditions the final “go/no go” decision may not be made until 3:00 AM. A trip can be postponed at any time but once a trip is announced to be postponed, the decision is made will not be changed. Every effort is made to ensure that the “right” decision of whether a trip should go or not. Your safety and enjoyment are most important. Be aware that trips may go even when it is snowing or chains are required. Some of the best snow conditions occur during inclement weather. Also, keep in mind that weather in the Sierra is quite changeable and occasionally takes a turn for the worse. Unless it becomes unsafe, once a trip is committed, we continue to the resort. Members who are properly dressed can have a great day in even in the worst of conditions. If you have not skied in snowy weather, go with the supervisors. They will show you how to enjoy the beauty and exhilaration of skiing in fresh snow.

SUPERVISORS

• There are three to four supervisors on each bus. Supervisors are easily recognized by their bright yellow jackets. They are there for you! Please let them know if you have any questions, a problem, or need someone to ski with.
• During the day, supervisors will be skiing on the hill, with classes or with members.

CLUB EMBLEMS

• Your club emblem is to be attached on the left sleeve of your parka for identification purposes. Replacement emblems ($3.00) are available by calling the office.

ON THE BUS

• Each morning prior to our arrival at the resort, the supervisors on your bus will read the daily announcements. This will give you important information about that day's trip. It is your responsibility to understand all the information in the announcements. A copy of the bus announcements is enclosed or will be sent shortly before your program starts.
• Lift tickets will be given out on the bus shortly after your arrival at the resort. Make sure that you have received the proper ticket and know how to put it on. A child found using a Teen ticket will be fined $35.
• Vertical Plus holders may give their wrist bands to the supervisors before arriving at the resort in order to activate them. While the supervisor will do their best to assist you, Vertical Plus activation is the member's responsibility. Be advised, that if your Vertical Plus is set to auto charge for tickets you will be double charged on the days you ski with us. Please have your auto charge deactivated.

AT THE RESORT

• Put your ski boots on outside the bus. You can walk off the bus in your street shoes, put your boots on outside, and store your shoes under the bus during the day. At no time are you to walk on the bus in ski boots. Snowboard boots without the clicker system, or ski boots with cat tracks can be worn in the bus
• Lock your skis or boards up every time you stop for a break. Use the ski check at the lodge, a ski locker, or your own board or ski lock.
• If you have any problems during the day (such as getting separated from your buddy or you need to get in contact with the supervisors) - go to the Information Center or to first aid. Tell them that you are with Alpine Juniors & Snowdrifters and they can get in contact with us.

LESSONS AND SKILL ASSESSMENT

• All members, whether taking lessons or not, will report to the ski school meeting area on the first trip for a skill assessment. Members not registered for instruction will be evaluated first. Any member not registered for instruction who performs below a level 5 may be assigned to an appropriate class.
• Class assignments are made on the first trip and start upon our arrival at the ski area. Assignments are made according to your ability and age. We always try to place friends of the same ability in the same class. Please let the supervisors know who your friends are! Classes are intended to be fun and informative. If you are not satisfied with your class for any reason, or you would like to change to a different class, please inform your supervisor so we can help you.
• Skill improvement classes (lessons) start at 9:45 a.m. at the ski school meeting area and last about 2.5 hours

FOOD

• Lunches are available in the resort cafeterias. You may bring a sack lunch if you prefer. While it is OK to eat on the bus enroute to and from the resort, the bus is not to be used as a "lunchroom" at the area.

ON THE WAY HOME

• The time to be back to the bus is emphasized during the morning bus announcements. It is your responsibility to know when to return to the bus. Allow plenty of time to pick up your things, AND get to the bus. If you are late you will be assessed a $50 fine!
• You may bring a videotape to play on the return trip. Only G or PG rated movies are allowed. The supervisors have the final say whether a movie will be played or not. If there is any disagreement with the supervisors, the video privilege will be discontinued. Be aware that not all the buses are video equipped.
• During inclement weather, chain control and traffic can delay our arrival and/or return home from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours. This will shorten the time at the resort.
• We are usually on time in returning to the departure points in the evening. Parents please be on time to pick up your children. Phones are available in case your children need to call. The buses can be delayed by several factors (weather, traffic, and members not returning to the bus on time). If the bus will be more than one half-hour late, we will try to get a message on our club information line (916) 456-0263 Ext. 8. It is recommended to call this message before leaving home to pick up your child. Parents who have not picked up their children within 30 minutes of our return will be charged $10.00 plus $1.00 per minute for any time after the first 30 minutes.