to download 2013 WSR Parent Guide - Woodstock SKI Runners

Woodstock Ski
Runners’ 2013
Parent Guide
For parents and athletes participating in our Nordic, Alpine, All Mountain
and Friday Learn to Ski Program

Table of Contents
Topic
Page Number(s)
WSR Mission 2
U8-U16 alpine program descriptions 3-6
Alpine Training Schedule 6
Links to VARA and USSA membership 6
Alpine program fees 7
Work Obligation Fee 8
Nordic Runners Program Descriptions 9-10
Nordic Runner Program Fees 11
2013 WSR Wreath Sale 11-12
Other Fundraising Requirements 13
WSR 2013 Friday Program 13-15
Nordic and Alpine Athlete Etiquette 15-16
2013 Coach Profiles 16-21
1

Woodstock Ski Runners 2012-2013 Season
Mission
It is a proud tradition and an ongoing mission to instill a life-long passion for onsnow
sports for the children of our community. By providing a FUN, supportive,
family-oriented environment we ensure access to both introductory and
competitive programs in Alpine, Nordic and Free Ride disciplines.
Organizational Goals
To offer quality programs at a good value that encourage, challenge and
assist athletes to achieve the highest competence or competitive level of
their choosing.
Be fiscally responsible to our membership, community in all that we
provide and do.
Welcome all, and utilize the talents of, a strong, loyal and supportive
volunteer base.
Participate actively in Vermont, regional and national organizations that
also promote on-snow sports for competitive athletes.
2012-2013 Program Offerings
There are over 500 kids ages 6-16 in Woodstock Ski Runners programs from the
Friday Learn to Ski program, to our All Mountain and Alpine and Nordic Race
teams. Our teams train at Suicide Six Ski Area and the Woodstock Inn and
Resort Nordic Center.
Alpine Program
Our Alpine program has both a race program and an All Mountain program for
skiers age 6-17. The goal for each program is the same – to develop and build a
solid well rounded skier who has confidence and skills to enter into competitive
skiing if they so choose.
2

Core Development U8
The Core Devo program is for our youngest athletes (Ages 6 & 7, birth years
2005 and 2006) who have the ability to ski intermediate trails and ride the chair
lift with limited assistance. The focus of training will be directed free ski and drills
with an introduction to race course and entry level jumps and bumps. It is the
youngest program to feed up to the U10 Alpine Race OR All Mountain
Development team.
Head Coach: Joe Duane
jandtduane@aol.com
Assistant Coach: Heather Graves
Core Devo Skills Coach: Rob Parker: rlp7603@cs.com
U10 Race Team and All Mountain Development (used to be All Mountain
and Ross)
The U10 alpine program (for ages 8 and 9, birth years 2004 and 2003) will
consist of two groups, All Mountain Development and U10 Race Team.
U10 Race Team
U10 training will consist of ability level training with the majority of the time spent
on free skiing, terrain skiing, and skill development. A team of WSR coaches will
evaluate the group and split them into small groups according to age, interest
and ability in a supportive environment. Skills assessment and age appropriate
gate training will be based on individual development and current skills.
U10 racers and must be members of VARA and USSA.
Head Coach: Sean Graves sgraves@sau29.org
Assistant Coach: Lily Ford: lilyhammertime@yahoo.com
All Mountain Development: U10
This program implements more drills and training (gates, trees and freestyle) into
the directed free ski schedule. U10 All Mountain Development participants will
have the option to race but will need to be members of VARA and USSA if they
so choose.
Head Coach: Chris Adams chris.adams@markervolklusa.com
Assistant Coaches:
All Mt. Core Devo Skills Coach: Rob Parker: rlp7603@cs.com
Elaina St. John: Floater with All Mt. and race team.
3

All Mountain Team: U12 and up
The All Mountain Team is for ages 11, birth year 2001 and up. It provides a more
relaxed environment that allows athletes to cross-train: doing moguls, trees, and
terrain parks. There will be opportunities to race if athletes so desire.
Head Coach: Dave Steele
davidsteele.vt@gmail.com
Assistant Coach: Jason Merrill
jason.e.merrill@gmail.com
U12 Race Team
U12 competitors will be 10 and 11 year olds or racers born in 2001 or 2002.
Mid Vermont Council racing will consist of races that include U10 racers. This
race series will consist of 2 GS races, 1 dual panel SL, 1 stubby SL and 1 GS
“Finals” (no qualifying – all teams participate) for each club’s team. At each
“regular season” race, 1 drill from the Eastern Skills assessment will be
assessed in addition to the race.
Head Coach: Lisa Galotti
lisagalotti@gmail.com
Assistant Coach: Cheyenne Wood
cheyjessie@gmail.com
U14 Race Team
U14 competitors will be 12 and 13 year olds born in 1999 or 2000. Training will
consist of free skiing, skiing drills, drills assessment, and age appropriate gate
training.
Head Coach: Justin Lillie
jdlillie@hotmail.com
U16 Race Team
U16 racing replaces J3 racing from 2012. The competitors will be 14 and 15
year olds (athletes born in 1997 and 1998). Competitors must join USSA and
VARA to compete in this series. Training will consist of free skiing, skiing drills,
drills assessment and age appropriate gate training. U16’s are also eligible to
participate in USSA scored races with U18’s.
Head Coach and Program Director: Gary Fletcher “Fletch”
g.fletch1@gmail.com
4

Assistant Coaches: Stephanie Abrell stephanieabrell13@gmail.com
U18 Race Team
U18 age group replaces the J2 group. Athletes are 16 and 17 year olds born in
1995 and 1996. They must have a USSA competitor license and a VARA
membership. This group races mainly in VT at VT Cup races. They have a state
championship which can lead to eastern championships and eventually
nationals.
The main focus is to hone their skills and combine them with stronger physical
attributes and tactical awareness.
Head Coach: Scott Smith
scott@redwagontoy.com
5

2013 Team Training (tentative)
Schedule
Team On Snow Day and Time Dry land Training
Core Development U8 Sat/Sun 9:30-12 Sun. only 1-2:30 S6
U10 All Mountain
Sat./Sun. 9 - 2:30 (optional Sun. only 1-2:30 S6
Friday w/Friday Program 2-4
pm)
All Mountain U12 and Up Sat. and Sun. 9-2:30 Sun. only 1-3 S6
U 10 Race Team Fri. 2-4
Sun. only 1-3 S6
Sat/Sun, 9-2:30 some
holidays
U12 Race Team Tues./Wed and Fri. 3-4
Sat./Sun 9 – 4 and holidays
Sun. 1-3pm S6
Wed/Fri 3- 4:30 Vail
U14 Race Team
Tues. thru Fri. 3-4 (some Fri.
at 11:30, Sat/Sun. 9-2
U16 Race Team
Tues. thru Fri. 3-4 (Some
Fri. at 11:30, Sat/Sun. 9-2
some Holidays
U18 Race Team Tues.-Fri. 3-4
Sat./Sun 9-4pm and Holidays
Field
Sun. 1-3 S6
Wed/Fri. 3:00-4:30
Vail Field
Sun. 1-3 S6
Wed/Fri. 3:00 -4:30
Vail Field
Sun. 1-3 S6
Wed/Fri. 3:00 -4:30
Vail Field
Important Links for Membership and USSA Training Philosophy
Here is your direct link for VARA Renewals:
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1966108
Here is your direct link for NEW VARA registration:
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=2044631
Here is your link for USSA Membership:
http://my.ussa.org/myussa.
Here is your link to the 2013 Race schedule
http://www.vara.org/news/eventcalendar.asp
For more information USSA age change and training philosophy click on links below:
http://www.ussaeast.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Age-Change-Simplification-ver3.pdf
http://www.ussaeast.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Age-Change-Document.pdf
http://www.youthskillsonline.com/
6

2012-2013 Alpine Program and Associated Fees
Program and Pass Fees
Fee S6 Pass License
All Mountain U8 2 day $250 $399 n/a
All Mountain U8 1 day $175 $399 n/a
All Mt U10 Team $350 $399 n/a unless racing
U10 Race Team $425 $399 VARA/USSA
U12 and up All Mt. Devo $425 $399 n/a unless racing
U12 Race Team $775 $399 n/a
U14 Race Team $925 $399 VARA/USSA (youth)
U16 Race Team $950 $399 VARA/USSA (youth)
U18 Race Team $975 $399 VARA/USSA
competitor
Optional Fees at WSR Ski Lodge at S6
Ski Locker holds 3 pair of skis $80
Boot Locker small $35
Boot Locker large $50
7

Alpine Work Obligation Fee
WSR and S6 host a number of races each year. For example, the annual Fisk
Trophy race, the oldest ski race in the country, invites elite athletes to participate,
many of whom are current collegiate racers and former National Team members.
Like all Ski Clubs, Woodstock Ski Runners’ needs parent volunteers to work the
races to ensure we meet USSA safety requirements.
This year WSR and S6 will host 8 races at which we will need 26 volunteers. We
ask that each family with children in U10 All Mountain and Up and U10-U18
Race Teams work at two races per child with a maximum of 5 races per
family. A $500 fee is paid up front as part of the registration fee for those who
chose TO OPT out and who are unable to work any races. For those who agree
to meet the obligation we hold a check until March and return it when the work
obligation has been met.
2013 Races Hosted by Woodstock Ski Runners at Suicide 6
Sunday, January 13 Masters
Monday, January 21 U16 (formally J3)
Saturday, January 26 U18 Slalom Vermont Cup (formally J1/2)
Sunday, February 3 U14 Slalom (formally Jones)
Sunday, February 10 Fisk Slalom
Thursday, February 21 U18 Slalom Vermont Cup
Sunday, February 24 U12/10 Dual Stubbie Slalom (formally Ross)
If you are signed up to work a race but are unable to
make it, it is your responsibility to find a replacement.
Here is your link to the 2013 Race schedule
http://www.vara.org/news/eventcalendar.asp
8

Nordic Runners Program
Program Overview and Philosophy
The goal of the Woodstock Nordic Ski Team is to provide opportunities that
support skier development, competition at whatever level, and foster a
lifelong love for Nordic skiing.
The Nordic Runners Ski Team is an entry level; cross-country ski program for
children ages 6-14. We start with basic cross- country ski skills, which include
both techniques of skating and the better known traditional classic style
technique. Previous experience is not required. Skiers are encouraged to race or
participate at low competitive, family friendly events held on the weekends in
different areas around Vermont. However, the main goal of this program is to
give children a solid and fun introduction to the lifetime sport of cross-country
skiing. The amount and level of racing is determined by the parents’ and child’s
interest.
Program Director: Gretchen Czaja
gretchenczaja@gmail.com
Lollipop (K-1) is a 1 day program for our youngest never-ever to beginner skier.
Coaches give kids the basics on using equipment, body position, how to stand up
and how to fall down! Kids learn through group games and drills emphasizing fun
on skis.
Head Coach: Tao Smith
smithbarclay8@gmail.com
Parent Volunteer: Bonnie Underwood
Team Sweden (Grades 2-3) practices 2 times a week and is the next level up
from our Lollipop group. Emphasis will still be on skill and technique through drills
and games. Kids in 2 nd grade, who are looking for an introduction to skiing, may
also stay in the 1 day a week lollipop group.
Head Coach: Gretchen Czaja - Monday
Head Coach: Alita Wilson - Wednesday
Team Norway – (Grade 4-6) practices 2 times a week and is for kids who wish
to learn both classic and skate technique in a fun non-competitive environment.
Both classic and skating equipment is required for athletes in 5 th and 6 th
grade.
9

Team Norway – Endurance Day – This is an optional 3 rd day of training for 4-6
graders who want to take their skiing to the next level pushing their athletic on
snow and further hone their technique.
Head Coach: Alita Wilson
Alita.wilson@gmail.com
Parent Volunteer: Reese Brown
reese@rdbevents.com
Team USA – This is our four day program for the committed skiers in grades 7
and 8, who want to race, improve endurance and hone technique. Both classic
and skating equipment is required for this group.
Head Coach: Gretchen Czaja
gretchenczaja@gmail.com
Assistant Coaches: Tessa Westbrook, and Kat Koons
Athletes who chose to race need to join NENSA NENSA Registration
All participants must purchase a $90 Woodstock Inn and Resort Nordic
Center Season Pass through Woodstock Ski Runners.
Lollipops
K-1st
Grade
Sunday Family Hikes
Wednesdays on snow
$100 Head Coach-Tao Smith
Parent Volunteer-
Bonnie Underwood
Team
Sweden
2nd-3rd
Wednesday Dryland-(Vail Field)
Sunday Family Hikes
Monday/Wednesday on snow
$200 Monday coach-
Gretchen Czaja
Wednesday coach-
Alita Wilson
Team
Norway
4th-6th
Wednesday/Friday Dryland-(Vail
Field)
Sunday Family Hikes
Monday/Wednesday on snow
Weekend events
$200 Head Coach-Alita
Wilson
Parent Volunteers
Reese Brown
Team
Norway-
Endurance
Day
4th-6th
OPTIONAL 3rd DAY ON SNOW-
ENDURANCE DAY-THURSDAYS!
$220 Head Coach-Alita
Wilson
Team USA 7th-8th Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Dryland at WES
Tuesday-Friday on snow, weekend
events
$275 Head Coach-Gretchen
Czaja
Asst. Coaches-Kat
Robbins & Tessa
Westbrook
10

Nordic Runners’ athletes who wish to race are encouraged to participate in the
following races:
January 5, 2013 Bogburn Classic, Pomfret VT
January 13, 2013 Stowe Mini Marathon
January 26, 27 Paintball Biathlon, Mt. Top Chittenden VT
February 8-10 Bill Koch Festival, Weston MA
February 23 Silver Fox Trot, Hanover, NH
TBA Home “Sweet Heart” Race: Woodstock Nordic Center
Fundraising Requirements for WSR Families
Woodstock Ski Runners is a 501 c3 not-for profit organization and since its
founding in 1932 has aimed to keep program fees at a reasonable level. As such,
we rely on seasonal fundraisers to cover big ticket items such as liability and
workman’s compensation insurance, and capital equipment. These fundraisers
also provide much needed funds for scholarships.
Winter Greens Fundraiser - aka wreath sale. For years WSR member families
have sold wreaths and greens during the holiday season Your support of the
fundraiser is truly appreciated and crucial to keeping our programs in place.
Below are the details regarding this year’s wreath sale:
Realizing that many of our members do not reside in the area we offer an “opt
out” fee of $300. All other families are required to sell 15 wreaths, regardless
of size or price. Paper Whites require three sales to equal one of the 15 wreath
obligation. Garland equals one wreath.
Club Membership –
Nordic and Alpine
$300 if family opts out of
winter green fundraiser
Ski Runner Family Obligations:
Each family is responsible for selling (15) 12” wreaths – of course
selling more is always appreciated!
Please drop off all monies and a copy of your order form(s) in the
“Winter Fundraiser” box in the Ski Runners lodge, or, mail to Ski
Runners, Attn: Winter Fundraiser, PO Box 171, Woodstock, VT 05091.
Be sure to write “Winter Fundraiser” in the memo section.
If you are unable to sell all fifteen (15) of your obligation, please
provide a check to WSR for $20 per unsold wreath.
11

One (1) wreath sold of any size, including garland count towards one
(1) wreath towards your obligation. While larger wreaths sell for higher
prices, their costs are also higher.
Three (3) paperwhite plants count as one (1) wreath towards your
obligation.
Wreaths, Garland and Paperwhites:
8”, 12”, 24”, 36” and 48” double-sided balsam wreaths are available.
8” wreaths are sold undecorated, 12” wreaths may be purchased
decorated or undecorated.
10 yard coil of undecorated balsam garland are available and are a
special order item.
Paper White kits contain 4 bulbs, a container, growing mixture, and
instructions.
8”, 24”, 36”, 48” and garland are special ordered- please contact
Sharlene Kelly at cmsllc3@gmail.com
Decorations:
Wreaths and garland arrive at Suicide Six undecorated. It is your
responsibility to decorate your items.
Paperwhites arrive in gift-boxes.
You may decorate your wreaths either at home or at the Suicide 6 Ski
Runners Lodge.
The appropriate amount of tags, bows, wires, pinecones and berries
will be organized for your order
Distribution:
You may pick up your wreaths, garland, paperwhites and decorations
at Suicide 6 between Wednesday, November 21 st to Saturday,
December 15 th .
Please sign-out what items you take with you on the white poster
board located inside the Ski Runner Lodge.
Dates to Remember:
Friday, December 1: Final date to submit special wreath order
Wednesday, November 21 – Wreaths will be at Ski Runners Lodge
Saturday, December 22: Final date to turn in wreath sale monies
Contact: Sharlene Kelly 457-3226 cmsllc3@gmail.com if you have
any questions.
12

Winter Celebration Dinner Dance and Auction January 19, 2013 – Martin
Luther King Weekend
We invite families and friends to come together for a dinner dance with a live and
silent auction. If you wish to donate a high quality item, and/or gift certificate to an
area business for the auction please contact the office at: office@skirunners.org.
Tickets for the event are available as part of your online registration.
Annual Golf Tournament
WSR has for fourteen years hosted a golf tournament at the Woodstock Inn and
Resort golf course. Local businesses and WSR families have been loyal
supporters as hole sponsors and participants.
Friday Learn To Ski Program
WSR Friday Learn to Ski program has for eighty years provided instruction in alpine skiing from
beginner to advanced levels. The program has expanded to include nordic skiing and
snowboarding. It now serves over 300 children from area schools.
2013 Friday Program
The Friday Program is open to all area children grades 1-6 who want to get outdoors, have fun,
make new friends, learn to ski, and if experienced improve their skiing! We cannot take
kindergartners with no previous experience. Five year old beginners require one on one
instruction to ensure a safe learning environment and a positive experience for the child. We
simply don’t have enough volunteers to meet that requirement.
For 9 Fridays beginning January 4, 2013 we offer instruction Alpine (Downhill) and Nordic (Cross
Country) and Snowboarding. These programs are held at Suicide Six Ski Area, and are taught by
adult volunteers, trained in weekly clinics, who will emphasize both safety and fun while teaching
your child in a friendly, non-competitive environment. Starting at the beginner level, instruction is
divided into skill groups. Each week children are progressively taught new techniques and
encouraged to develop personal goals. Classes are held on Fridays for 9 weeks beginning
January 4, 2013 continuing through March 8, 2013. There is no Friday Program February 22,
2013 due to President’s Week.
Friday Program Snowboard
Due to a lack of volunteer instructors the snowboard program will be limited to the first 25 children
(age 9 and up) who register. Please contact the office at office@skirunners.org or call 457-2971
to check if your child is in the program.
Where:
When
Suicide Six Ski Area Base Lodge
Fridays 1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 3/1,3/8 (2:00 – 4:00 PM)
Fee: $75 until 12/01/12 OR $85 after 12/01/2012
13

Registration closes December 15, 2012
REFUND POLICY: There are NO refunds except in cases of injury.
TRANSPORTATION: Most participating schools release children early with transportation to
Suicide Six Ski Area. Woodstock and Pomfret Schools do not provide return
transportation. Please check with your school’s coordinator for specific transportation
arrangements. Woodstock Ski Runners will not be responsible for any participating children after
4:00 PM.
CANCELLATIONS: Program cancellations are based on the Woodstock Elementary School
schedule. Please listen to the local radio stations for school cancellations. Occasionally the
Friday program will be cancelled due to lack of snow or heavy rain which creates unsafe ski
conditions. In this case, schools and volunteers will be notified. You can also contact the WSR
office at 457-2971 or check our web site www.skirunners.org for updated information. Please
note that we generally do not cancel due to cold weather, so please dress your children
appropriately. In the event of cancellations, there will be no make up days.
EQUIPMENT: Safety First!!
Ski Helmets that fit properly are required for all alpine skiers and snowboarders. If you are
unsure whether your helmet fits please go to a local ski shop or to the Ski Shop at Suicide
Six.
Equipment in good sound condition is essential to your child’s safety and success in the
program. Alpine equipment requirements include:
Ski Helmet
Snowboards must have a leash
Skis checked and tested by a certified ski shop for safety before program starts.
Please label all equipment with your child’s name.
WSR volunteers and staff are not permitted to work on any equipment.
Improperly equipped children will not be allowed to participate due to safety
regulations. Equipment can be purchased or rented for the season at a variety of different
locations. Please take time to review the following options that may fit your family’s needs.
Please don’t wait until the last minute to get your child’s equipment!
AREA SKI SHOPS: Seasonal rentals and junior packages are available at the following
shops: Henderson’s, Quechee, VT (802) 295-1973, Omer and Bob’s, Lebanon NH (603)
448-3522 or The Start House in Woodstock, VT (802) 457-3377.
NORDIC (Cross Country) RENTALS: Season rentals are available at the Woodstock
Nordic Center. Call the Center at 457-6674 after December 3rdfor pricing and hours of
operation. Fittings for rentals must be done by Friday, December 14, 2012.
ALPINE/SNOWBOARD RENTALS: A limited number of seasonal rentals are available at
the Suicide Six Ski Shop, so make sure to call early. Please contact Suicide Six (802)
457-6661. Fittings for rentals must be done by Tuesday, December 25, 2012.
SCHOLARSHIPS: There are a limited number of equipment scholarships available. A
link to the scholarship form is below.
14

SKIERS CODE OF CONDUCT: Please carefully review these important rules with your children:
Participants MUST ski with their designated group and remain with an instructor at all
times.
Dangerous skiing, use of profanities, disrespectful behavior toward other skiers,
instructors or WSR and Suicide Six staff and are all causes for dismissal from the
program.
Suicide Six Sunday Afternoon Pass: Suicide Six offers a special Sunday afternoon pass to
WSR Friday Program participants, immediate family and volunteer ski instructors. You can ski
every Sunday afternoon from 12:30 to 4:00 PM for the season at this special rate. These passes
can be ordered by phone at (802) 457-6661 beginning Nov. 9 th .
$105.00 for ages 14 years and under.
$170.00 for ages 15 years and older.
Volunteers Needed: We can open up our program to more beginner skiers and snowboarders if
we get more capable volunteer instructors. Contact the WSR office for more information. If
interested please email office@skirunners.org
Nordic and Alpine Athlete Etiquette
Woodstock Ski Runners’ Alpine, All Mountain and Friday Program take
place at the Suicide 6 Ski Area.
The following rules apply to both use of the Main Lodge at S6 and the WSR
lodge:
1. Skis will be properly racked when not in use. Skis strewn about the base
of S6 create a safety hazard.
2. Trays will be returned to cafeteria after snacks and meals.
3. Trash and recyclables will be disposed of properly.
4. All clothing and equipment will be stored in appropriate lockers not left in
either lodge, or in cubbies or on the floor. Woodstock Ski Runners is NOT
responsible for the theft or loss of clothing or equipment. Locks can be
placed on ski and boot lockers in the WSR lodge.
5. All clothing and equipment should be labeled!
Woodstock Inn and Resort Nordic Center
The Nordic Runners’ Team practices at the Nordic Center.
1. Athletes will enter the facility through the door around the back. Skis and
Boots must NOT be taken through the main door.
15

2. Skis will be stored in the Team room at the rear entrance. Athletes are
permitted to use the bathrooms and showers in the locker room but are
asked to respect Club members and Inn guests who also use the facility.
3. Skis and poles may be left in the team room, but not clothing, boots,
backpacks etc. As the space is small all belongings must be removed at
the end of practice. Once again Woodstock Ski Runners is NOT
responsible for lost or stolen items.
4. All clothing and equipment must be labeled!
16

2013 Coach Profiles
Gary Fletcher, Program Director, U16 Coach
Fletch graduated from the University of Vermont in 1978 with a Bachelor’s
degree in mathematics. He raced on various regional and national Pro Ski Tours
from ’79 through ’87. From ’88 to ’01 he coached and taught at Okemo and OMS;
during this time he also was a Whistler Team Coach and coached at various US
Ski Team development camps. He joined the Woodstock Ski Runners as
Program Director in 2002. He received the VARA Junior Development Coach of
the Year Award in 2005 and is currently the mid-VT Council Chairman.
Contact Information:
g.fletch1@gmail.com
U18 Head Coach: Scott Smith
scott@redwagontoy.com
Justin Lille --Head Coach U14
Justin raced at Cardigan Mountain School and Kimball Union Academy. He
graduated from UNH with B.A. Psychology. He is an elite cyclist and has
competed at the national and international level. He coached at Ford Sayre in
Hanover, NH for 5 years and 3 years with WSR. He lives on and farms Lillie
Brook Farm in Rockingham, Vermont.
Contact Information: JDLillie@hotmail.com
Lisa Galotti - U12 Head Coach
As a former member of the U.S. Ski Team, 1980-1986, and the 1984 National
Downhill Champion, Lisa has a lot of racing experience at all levels of
competition. She grew up ski racing at a small ski area in upstate New York
much like Suicide Six. She then left home at 12 years of age to attend Stratton
Mountain School where she could focus entirely on ski racing. By age 16, Lisa
was chosen to be a member of the Junior National Team. In the process, Lisa fell
in love with downhill and knew that it was her only real chance of winning an
Olympic medal. Unfortunately, Lisa's career came to an abrupt end when she
17

shattered her leg in a World Cup race one day prior to the 1985 World
Championships. By that time Lisa had earned her way into the top seed of the
World Cup and was primed for victory. Since her racing career ended, Lisa has
worked in the ski industry and earned a degree in business marketing from the
University of Utah. She is now married and has one daughter. She has been
coaching for the last 7 years and remains passionate about the sport and the
children she teaches.
Contact Information:
rlagalotti@aol.com Cheyenne Wood – U12 Assistant Coach
Most people in Vermont can’t wait for the summers. I live for the winters.
To me there is nothing better than spending the day on the slopes watching my
kids and their friends’ bomb around the mountain. Their self-confidence grows
with every turn. Skiing is a great way to let out the leash on our kids. They get the
feeling of freedom, zipping around the mountain, and we can still be close
enough to pick them up when they fall. I enjoy every aspect of teaching kids. I
consider myself lucky that I can share my passion for skiing with younger
generations.
I kicked of my coaching/ teaching career at Ascutney Mt. in the early 90’s,
teaching never-evers. I eventually worked my way over to help run the racing
program. After two winters, I decided to try my luck out west. Being a ski bum
was fun and a “must-do” for any serious skier, but eventually it was time to move
on. Arriving home I took the reigns of the Hartford High School Ski team. Soon, a
job opened up for me to coach my other love, soccer. I stopped coaching at
Hartford and have been coaching soccer at Woodstock Union High School since
97’.
The 2009/2010 ski season was my first year back teaching skiing to the little
guys; I had almost forgotten how much I missed it. The purity of their fun is
infectious. I used to race and throw myself off of cliffs. I used to ski under a full
moon down Loveland Pass. I used to spend days up in Tuckerman’s Ravine. I
used to live to ski for me, now I live to ski with the kids.
Contact Information:
cheyjessie@gmail.com
U10 Head Coach: Sean Graves
Dave Steele – All Mountain Development Team
18

My parents 1st date was going to see one of Warren Millers very 1st ski films
Thus being in the Steele Family meant you skied.
I started skiing at the age of 3 at Round Top in Plymouth, VT with my parents
since they worked there on weekends to support their habit.
My love for skiing started in the 1st grade with the Ski Runners Friday program at
Mt Tom and then progressed on to Suicide 6 in 2nd grade were I was introduced
to the Race team. I raced for Ski Runners / Suicide 6 all through Elementary &
High School and was fortunate enough to have great coaches (Tom Hasson, Bill
McCollum and Janice LeBaron to name a few). They made the sport fun and
taught us to love all aspects of skiing and competition thus it is my goal and
commitment to continue that tradition. I continued my racing career at Castleton
College for 1 more year and then was introduced to Freestyle / Mogul skiing by a
Woodstock Alumni and US Freestyle team member Chuck Martin. I was so
hooked after the 1st day of skiing VW sized moguls with Chuck I decided to
switch it up and joined Castleton's Freestyle team.
Today I am on the Ski Runners Board and love being able to give back to the
program that gave so much to me. I still have fun racing in the Whaleback night
league series and entering "open" mogul competitions BUT mostly I enjoy skiing
with my family and the Ski Runners crew. I love encouraging the kids to ski the
whole mountain and perfecting their skills by hitting some gates Jumping into a
mogul line and then catching some fresh snow in the tree's. My goal is to help
each child meet their goals, whether it be to entering into the competitive
programs (Racing or Freestyle) or enjoying the recreational side of skiing. My #1
Rule, Smile and HAVE FUN!!!!
Contact Information:
H (802) 457-4403
C (617) 283-9591
Jason Merrill - All Mountain Coach
Growing up in Vermont as a child I loved skiing. My first time on Skis was at
Cochrans in Richmond, VT at the age of 6. I remember the rope toe being really
hard and putting a hole in my mittens!! Fast forward a few years to middle school
I took advantage of the Friday ski program at Bolton Valley.. One day on the bus
back to school my friend told me about his race team at Smugglers Notch.. I went
home and begged my parents to join the "Race
Team" at Smuggs.. Sixth Grade was my first year of ski racing.. I was hooked!!
During my High School years I still skied for Smuggs and also my High School.. It
was a tricky juggling act but I did manage to ski almost every day and attend as
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many races as I could!! Lucky for me I had a supportive family (even with my
brother being in Hockey) friends that would give me rides and coaches that
would pick me up if needed!! I attended College at Champlain College and also
raced for them.. I started volunteering at Suicide 6 4 years ago as the Hopefuls
Coach.. Nothing is more satisfying as seeing the children run that first course.
Contact Information:
jason.e.merrill@gmail.com
802-436-2199
Joe Duane -- All Mountain Development
Skiing was a big part of my life growing up. My parents met through a ski club in
New York, and they made sure that all 5 of us at young ages grew to love the
sport. My first ski trip at 7 years old, to a small resort in the Berkshires called
Bousquet, had me hooked. A thousand runs on the rope tow that week just
wasn't enough.
Skiing was so important to me that I decided to leave my job on Wall Street so
that I could make the sport more than just a weekend hobby. I've been an
instructor at Jiminy Peak, Ma., Breckenridge, Co. and Stowe, Vt. While
instructing, I became interested in racing, and I participated in many local races.
I've also patrolled at Okemo, Vt, and I'm in my seventh year patrolling at Suicide
Six.
This year, our 3 children will all be in the racing program. My oldest daughter
went through hopefuls, and she will be in her third year of Ross. My 7 year old
twins will be in their first year of all mountain/hopefuls.
I'm looking forward to a great ski season. There's nothing better than seeing the
excitement and pride on kids' faces with each new accomplishment, whether it's
running gates for the first time or skiing Easy Mile a little bit faster.
Contact Information:
jandtduane@aol.com
Gretchen Czaja-- Nordic Runners Head Coach & Team USA
7th and 8th Grade Coach, and Team Sweden 2 nd and 3 rd Grade Coach
I began skiing when was 10 years old. My parents loved to ski and took my sister
and I out on a lot of ski adventures. I began taking lessons at our local Bill Koch
Ski League and quickly began racing. Through middle school, high school and
college skiing was always part of my life. I was fortunate enough to ski four years
at the University of New Hampshire and post college for the Rossignol Regional
Team competing in ½ marathons.
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After having my daughter Ada, my focus has been on developing and expanding
our Nordic Runners program. This is my 6th year with Nordic Runners and 4th
year as head coach. I love how our team has continued to grow into an amazing
Nordic ski community. My goal for our skiers to develop their lifelong love for the
sport and to support each skier at whatever level they want to achieve! I am
looking forward to another great season with our team!
Contact Information:
gretchenczaja@gmail.com
H (802) 291-0451
Tessa Westbrook
Assistant Coach: Team USA
Participated in Bill Koch League in Pomfret
1995 Stratton Mountain School Graduate.
Junior National Champion 1994 and 1995
World Junior Championship Team Member 3 years. UVM NCAA All-American 3
years. World Championship Team 1999 and 2001 Olympic Team 2002 Coach for
Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Masters in Elementary Education.
Alita Wilson – Grade 3-6 Team Norway Coach, Assistant Coach Team
Sweden, Grade 2/3.
I learned to x-country ski on Mt. Tom when the only tracks were made by sleighs,
snowshoes and other skiers. I spent my high school years doing citizen races in
the area. I taught nordic skiing at the Woodstock Touring center in the 80s. I
have a level 1 NENSA coaching certificate. I’m thrilled to have all three of our
kids on the Nordic Runners team. This is my 6th year coaching. I love to watch
kids move from the frustrating first steps to finding a rhythm and skiing with grace
and ease.
I look forward to another great season with tons of snow!
Contact Information:
Alita.wilson@gmail.com
(802) 457-9982
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