How do I know my child is ready for Red Mountain Racers (Nancy Greene Ski League)?
Participants should have a few years of skiing experience and be capable of skiing runs such as the Back Trail on Red Mountain and the Main Run on Granite Mountain. Your child should be able to load the chair with minimal assistance.
Older participants, who are new to NGSL, should be capable of runs such as The Cliff on Red Mountain and the Towers on Granite Mountain.
Coaches take great pride in designing the day to ensure the kids have an optimal ski day.
What is the difference between Red Mountain Resort Ski School and Red Mountain Racers Nancy Greene Ski League?
Ski School is a “learn to ski” program.? NGSL is a “learn to race” program.
The Nancy Greene Ski League is the “FUNdamental” stage of ski racing for children 5 – 11 years of age. Over the ten week program, athletes will learn to ski Red and Granite Mountains in supervised groups, with an emphasis on safe skiing and team building. They can expect guided free skiing, focused skill development and an introduction to the ski racing environment.?Also, there are several OPTIONAL fun races for the NGSL athlete each year. These races are very fun and an excellent opportunity to visit other local hills and meet other ski families.
What does an NGSL day look like?
Based on the groups level, the coach will safely explore the mountain with the kids, and integrate one new technique each day for the children to work on. ?Lunch is typically at 11:30 – 12:00 to avoid the busy time in the day lodge, and then it is right back out to hill.
The day typically looks like:
9:50 Athletes meet at the designated spot to join their group and coach.
10:00 Groups depart for the training day.? Often coaches will take their group on a couple laps of t-bar in the event some athletes are arriving late.
10:00 – 11:30 Discover the mountain; active drills; gate training.
11:30 – 12:00 Lunch in the lodge.? Generally lunch is a half hour opportunity to recharge, go to the bathroom, and socialize with your group and your coach.
12:00 – 15:00 – Discover the mountain; active drills; gate training
15:00 Groups arrive back at the designated spot at the base to meet parents/guardians. Coaches do not leave their athletes until parents arrive.? Please be prompt and patient.? Sometimes, so much fun is had that coaches arrive with their groups a little late!
Does my young racer need to attend races to participate with RMR?
Absolutely not! Children can participate in the races as much or as little as they want. But after that first race, children often have so much fun, their fear of racing diminishes. RMR NGSL athletes are encouraged to participate in club races, as well as the NGSL race that Red hosts.
We may miss a few days is that ok?
Sometimes, due to sickness or other unforeseen events, an athlete has to miss an NGSL day. It is important that it is a fun experience as we want to develop life long skiers. It is very important to let your coach know that your athlete will not attend on a day. The coaches will exchange contact information on the first day, and it is expected that parents will communicate an absence, especially on a powder day!
What is Tail Gunning and is it part of my volunteer commitment? ?
Tailgunning is a parent who trails the training group. For the younger groups we ask that parents join their child?s group on a shared, rotating basis to ensure there is another set of eyes to keep the group together, and in case a child needs extra assistance. Tailgunning does not qualify for your 4 days of volunteering; this is just a great opportunity to experience the big mountain with your child.
Why do I need to volunteer?
RMR is a volunteer-run organization. The help of many hands – our parents and our community – is what makes us a success.?Volunteering can be done in a variety of ways, and it allows us to keep the overall cost of our ski programs low, especially NGSL. ?Events such as the annual ski swap and the races we host, are intrinsic to our financial stability as a club. ?And the best part of being a volunteer Meeting new friends and being part of the child?s enjoyment of skiing.
How can I volunteer if I don’t ski?
You are in luck! There are so many ways to volunteer, not all require you to ski, and each role is important! ?It can seem daunting but you should know, we all started out as new volunteers. There are experienced volunteers that will help you along the way. The most important thing is getting involved. Please refer to our Volunteer page for more details about helping out.