Here are some frequently asked questions. We suggest you keep these on hand for yourself and your Snow Squad team members. They really come in handy when you need a point of reference especially when the weather doesn’t behave.
What is the aim of RSC Snow Squads?
The main aim of the Ski Activities Snow Squads is fun, friendship, safety and learning. This is also a perfect opportunity to compete in races. Where and when else would you have the chance to have a whole slope to yourself to go as fast as you can?
What Code of Conduct is expected?
We are all part of a ski club that has a long history of a certain expectation of a code of behaviour. This includes respect for your other squad members and most importantly, your instructor. Each and every member has a responsibility to uphold this. Please make sure you are ready on time and bring a positive attitude! We ask that you do a check in and think about the bigger picture rather than WIFIM – what’s in it for me – We are RSC!
How old do I need to be to participate?
Snow Squad has a lower age limit of 8, but if your child is not physically robust, you may like to consider waiting a year or two longer before you register them for Snow Squad. There is no upper age limit!
Who runs each individual squad?
To improve communication and run each group as smoothly as possible, we appoint a group coordinator for each squad group. This generous person has volunteered to assist in managing the group so that each member of the group is fully aware of what is going on. The group coordinator is encouraged to gather up the contact details of their group members, and to communicate with the instructor on behalf of the group. To ensure that our hard working instructors don’t get confused, we expect the group coordinator to be the ONLY parent who makes arrangements with the instructor.
Is there a Building Booking Protocol?
Other RSC members who do not have Snow Squad members in their families tend to leave their bookings until later in the season, whilst most Snow Squad members make their bookings in May. Other members are sometimes disappointed to find that the upper mountain buildings are largely full, with Snow Squad members and their families. In order to give these other club members a chance to book upper mountain buildings, we need each Snow Squad to choose one weekend of the season to stay in the Chalet or to hold their squad at Turoa. It is a good idea to coordinate team members bookings, if it is possible, so that all the members of one team stay at the Chalet at the same time. This encourages team building and allows for some flexibility to do other things on closed days. Group coordinators will arrange this.
What sort of clothing do I need?
RSC Snow Squad teams spend a lot of time outdoors in what can be unpleasant weather, so members need GOOD ski clothing. Waterproof and warm is essential, breathable is preferable. New clothing is not essential; good second hand gear is a wise choice. Ask club members with older children if they have any clothing to sell, or have a look upstairs at the Snow Centre in Auckland. You will need at least two pair of gloves for each of your Snow Squad members, because it is impossible to keep gloves dry all day in wet weather. Changing to a dry pair at lunchtime can make the difference between a bad day and a good day. This year there is still an option to purchase jackets for use during the snow squads and more details are available on the club website.
Who are the Instructors?
Our RAL instructors are hand picked for their skill in teaching skiing, managing young people and their ability to get on with RSC club members. During the season they will work hard to improve the ability of Snow Squad members by challenging their skiing, employing specific exercises, using video analysis, and introducing gate training. Parents should be aware that there will be a mix of the “follow me” approach where they are copying their instructor skiing hard and fast over a huge variety of terrain and more formal instruction in technical areas such as alignment, approaching gates etc. Adults usually require more explanation and exercises than children.
Will there be gates training?
Each squad will have some training on gates as part of its programme, with the amount varying depending on the focus of the squad. The instructors may need parental assistance to make gate training happen. Parents should offer their assistance to the group coordinator to carry poles, help set the course, and help remove the poles at the end of the session.
Will I get to represent the club in inter-club races?
Some members of Snow squads will get to represent the club in the inter-club races. Selections are made on the basis of interest and ability. To express interest in being considered for selection, you should email Chris Blomfield who is in charge of selecting the club’s race teams.
What happens if I am late?
The huge task facing parents of Snow Squad members is to get their children to the mountain and have them fully ready to go (skis on) outside RSC Lodge at 9am on Saturday and Sunday mornings of Snow Squad weekends. Many, many factors go into making this happen, and sometimes the best laid plans go astray. We cannot ask the group instructor and other team members to wait, or to retrieve team members from other places on the mountain (such at Top of the Bruce). If your child is not able to be ready on time, the group will go skiing without them, and it is the parents' job to try and catch up with the group wherever they may be. Spending all day on the snow with an instructor is tiring, so it is wise that your snow squad member gets a good night’s sleep on Saturday night so they are ready for another big day on the snow on Sunday.
