In collaboration with the Manning Ski Club, there will be a snowboarding program that will run for 10 weeks. The program introduces children to basic snowboarding techniques and skills, basic safety rules, and teamwork. Enjoyment of the sport and the mountain environment is also emphasized. Focus is put on developing skills to ride on all terrain, in all conditions and most of all, have fun!

The minimum riding requirements is being able to turn on a green run. The participant must be between the ages of 7 and 11 years old.

Practices will run on Sundays, January 7 – March 10, 2024.

Meeting Location

On the first day, you will need to check-in at the Alpine Guest Services. For future dates, you will be able to meet at the MSC cabin (aka Twin Tow cabin) or as marked ‘E’ Race Centre on the Winter Alpine Trail Map. The cabin can be accessed by taking the blue chair and skiing down the ‘Wagon Trail’ or by hiking upward skier’s left from the base of the blue chair.

Practice Times, Pick-up and Drop-Off

• Drop off at 9:15 am for practices to start promptly at 9:30 am. If you arrive late to practice, it is your responsibility to locate and join your child(ren)’s group(s) on the mountain.
• Pick up is at 2:30 pm. Please do not be late, no additional supervision available.
• Please inform your coach of alternate arrangements should there be someone else picking up your child.

Lunch

• Lunch is not provided nor supervised. Please meet your child(ren) at the cabin at 11:30 am after the first half of practice for the lunch break and return by 12:30 pm for the last half of practice.
• Lunch may be packed from home or may purchased at and eaten in the Day Lodge. A microwave is available downstairs in the Day Lodge. Families are encouraged to eat near or in the vehicles or outdoor picnic tables are setup on the ‘snow deck’ in the parking lot.

What to Bring

• Helmets - All athletes are required to wear a helmet.
• Snowboard & Boots - There are no special requirements. It is the PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that their child has properly fitting and properly functioning equipment.
• Clothing - your child(ren) will be skiing and playing on the mountain for up to 5 hours and in all weather and snow conditions. It is the PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that their child has spare gloves, socks and an extra layer if required. Layering is recommended as it is easy to adjust to changing weather conditions. If the child is cold or wet, and/or requires a special attention, it is the PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to attend to their child.
• Snack - It is a good idea to put a healthy snack in your child(ren)’s pocket every day as most get hungry before lunch.
• Water – Please pack a water bottle. There is no running water in the MSC cabin.
• Sunscreen - on sunny days, please apply your child’s sunscreen in the morning and reapply at the lunch break for the afternoon portion as necessary.

Season Pass/Lift Ticket

• Your child REQUIRES a lift ticket or season pass to ski at Manning Park Resort.
• Registration fees DO NOT include the lift ticket or the season pass. Non-season passholders must ensure that they pre-book their day passes for each Sunday of the season.

First Day

• Please be patient with the probable chaos of the first day! We are all trying our best to make it as smooth as possible for everyone!
• All registration paperwork must be processed prior to participation.
• All registered athletes, parents and families will participate in fun drills near the cabin to warm up and then we will all ride the chair up to the Wagon Trail green run to descend together. Athletes’ riding abilities will be assessed then grouped accordingly and introduced to their coach. Group placement may vary throughout the season.
• If you have any questions, suggestions or comments on the first day, please connect with any member of the executive.

Typical Day

• Meet at the cabin at 9:15 am. It is the PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to ensure their child(ren) are geared up and ready to go. Please make sure to visit the washroom first!
• Groups will leave at 9:30 am. Please be on time!
• Instruction and training are provided in a group setting and with one coach and minimum one volunteer (“tail gunner”) per group. The coaches will be focused on every child’s skiing and will endeavor to make the day fun while providing quality instruction and coaching to the athletes. The day’s activities will be according to the coach’s plan and their discretion.
• At the end of the day, the coach will provide feedback to parents on their child(ren)’ progress.

Weather Conditions

Everyone’s safety is important to us. Should weather and/or road conditions be unfavorable requiring the cancellation of practice. The Head Coach will make the call as soon as possible and announce via email and/or Facebook. Please note that no refunds issued due to weather or snow conditions.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is necessary for the functioning of our club, but it is also a good way to become part of the MSC family by meeting other members creating friendships while learning new skills and encouraging the development of our young skiers. As the club grows, roles and responsibilities will be created as necessary for the progress of the ski club.

Each family registration requires a volunteer deposit of $150 that will be returned at the end of the season to parents/guardians who meet the minimum volunteer commitment of 3 full days. Signup sheets will be posted on the first day for you to add your name to wherever and whenever you are available to help. Each day requires an AM and PM shift for:

• Setup and takedown of equipment - Training will be provided by the Head Coach. (Skiing required)
• Tail Gunner – Tail gunners typically ski at the rear of the group and may be asked to help with demonstrations, ride the chair lift with younger athletes, assist children that may need a little extra help, and be a support for the coach. A minimum of one tail gunner is required per group.
• Cabin Supervisor - a minimum of one person is required to stay back at the cabin to keep it secure and be available in the case of emergency or if a skier requires a break.