Let's get ready for another fun season of SKI RACING!  Here are FIVE tasks or reminders to help you prepare for another season of skiing!

1. Check Fit, so you have time to acquire new equipment, if necessary.

   • Have a Professional Check Binding Setting! 
     As kids grow their bindings need to be adjusted. This must be done by a Professional. Please, do not ask a coach to do it.
     If you have questions about equipment or checking bindings, please visit Free Flight to speak with one of their qualified technicians.

   • Tune & Wax Skis, Please make sure edges are sharp! Early season snow is frequently icy & slick. Sharp edges help kids build confidence.

   • Check Helmets, Goggles (Don't forget Yellow lenses for training at Night!), boots, socks gloves/mittens, jackets, insulation layers, and protective gear.
      

   • U12 or U14 & Up must acquire Protective Gear, (i.e. Shinguards, Forearm Guards, & Pole Guards. IMPORTANT: Pole guards are allowed only for SL. Racers are not allowed to use pole guards in GS for safety reasons).
     
     Where to find protective gear:

     • Free Flight stocks New Protective Gear.

     • Sideline Swap for Used. (sidelineswap.com)

     • eBay.com,

     • SRT Gear Swap!
        

2. Buy & Pick-up your Sundown Season Pass ASAP.  Please don't wait to pickup your season pass the night of first practice.
    

3. Complete Sundown Race Team Registration. 

   • Remember, you need to have your racer's bib number, in order to register. (Click here to view bib numbers by team member).
      

4. Wijara Registration to be Opened Up, then register.

5. Sign-up for Team Updates & Announcements: If you haven't already, join SRT Facebook Online.  All team announcements will be posted both here on the team's website and copied to our Facebook Page.

Finally, please keep in mind the more you ski the better you'll be! So get out there and enjoy the few months of skiing that we have access to here annually! 

Coach Mya

I. Team Dues for 2025 Increases by +$40 per Athlete

This season the team has increased the team registration fees by $40. This increase provides our racers with an additional opportunity to race, as now all SRT racers may enter the Iowa Games without paying the race entry fee. As in prior years, the team continues to offer a generous opportunity for families with more than one racer. 

Please note, SRT's registration fees continue to remain in the lower 1/3, when compared to other WIJARA teams. All funds received by the team go directly back into supporting the athletes needs. No doubt ski racing is an expensive sport. Please feel free to discuss financial dilemmas with the team's board of directors.

Any questions or comments may be directed to the team's board of directors.

2024/2025 Team Registration Base Fees*

• First Racer $315
• Second Racer $265
• Third Racer $215
• Fourth Racer $165
• Fifth Racer $165

*This season's fees include the entry fees to the Iowa Games Races on February 1st, 2025, (a $40 value).

II. Coaching Changes

SRT Board is excited to announce Coach Dan Sherr, will be taking over the Head Coach responsibilities.

Coach Dan will be focusing on the U14 & Up program. He will be supported by our staff of qualified and experienced coaches.  Dan is a former SRT ski team member. He brings with him an abundance of ski racing knowledge and experience teaching and coaching ski racers and other sports. (Dan's daughter Vera has consistently been one of our top junior ski racers on the team winning several WIJARA races and consistently finishing in the top 5. This year she will be moving up to the U14 & Up Team).

After five successful seasons as Head Coach, Coach Mya will now focus on leading the development of the U12 and Under program in the upcoming season(s). “I hope to keep coaching as long as the team will have me—or until my legs give out, whichever comes first! Then I’m buying a boat!” she jokes. Mya is thrilled that Dan will be taking over as the new Head Coach. “Dan's a fantastic coach and person! ...I'm thrilled with the change.  I will be here to support him. I strongly believe that both the U14 & Up and U12 & Under teams within SRT deserve a dedicated head coach figure, someone to focus on the unique needs and development within each age group,” says Coach Mya.

We have seen fantastic results coming out of our U12 & Under program. The goal is to concentrate on developing the youngest racers, within the SRT program, by building a strong foundation in skiing fundamentals, which is key to their future success. “This is essential for creating fast ski racers,” says Schaefer. “The sooner you can interdict the bad habits and introduce good ones—like learning to carve their skis, maintaining a balanced stance, and understanding race tactics—the stronger their foundation will be. This will prepare them for the challenges ahead as they grow-up within the program. With a solid grasp of the fundamentals, they have a much better chance at truly developing their skiing skills as they grow.” 

I would like to thank all of the parents, board of directors, and especially the other coaches for your support over the last 5 years! We've made tremendous progress in several areas by working as a collective. I'm looking forward to continuing support SRT for several more years to come!
~ Coach Mya

III. Junior Coaching Spots Open for 2024/2025

SRT is once again looking for a few of our Senior Athletes to become Junior Coaches.  Senior SRT Athletes, (U18 & Up may apply to become a Junior Coach). 

Junior coaches receive the following benefits...

IV. Before Registering PLEASE Read

Ten minutes of reading instructions will save you and the team tracker hours of extra work!

The SRT Registration Packet has been updated for 2025 team registration. 

1. Know What You're Signing!

• Alpine Ski Racing, like skiing, is intrinsically more dangerous than other traditional sports or activities.
• Ski racing involves skiing down trails, at higher than normal speeds, in a group setting or thru a predetermined course. Snow conditions vary dramatically, the trails are lined with trees, other skiers, and ski area equipment, much of it permanently installed, capable of stopping a car on impact. 
• Participants MUST be capable of identifying and navigating such obstacles and understanding the risks involved in the sport and the importance of keeping themselves and other safe while skiing.
• Please Review SRT's Safe Skiing Code. (Click Here)

2. About the Registration Packet's Forms, Liability Waivers, and Checkout Options

Due to our country's Liability Laws, SRT requires that parents and guardians to be well informed of the risks involved in skiing and ski racing. And, to remind parents that you play a vital role in teaching safe skiing practices, enforcing safe skiing habits, and educating your skiers on risk awareness within your family.  

	A Note from Coach Mya: When skiing and racing crashes happen. Overcoming those bumps and bruises is one of the life-lessons kids learn thru the sport.  As parents of ski racers we must understand that serious crashes and accidents can occur as well. A skier's risk is influenced by their behavior and ignoring safe skiing habits. Therefore, its incredibly important as parents for us to understand the risks and how to mitigate it thru education and reenforcing good habits.  To assist you, I've written up a Safe Skiing Code, specific to Sundown Mountain and our ski team. It's for parents and guardians to review with their racers. Please take time to review it and to check your kid's ski gear before they head out to ski for the first time this season. Please Review SRT's Safe Skiing Code. (Click Here) If you have any question, please feel free to contact me. Coach Mya

The registration packet contains an extensive set of liability waivers, which modify your legal rights, these waivers must be signed before your children may participate in the SRT's ski racing program. Contained in a registration packet you will find the following forms & pages:​​

--

3. Racer Information

For returning racers, you will need to enter F & L Name, Date of Birth, and Bib Number from the Previous Year.  For new racers, enter zero "0" for the Bib Number and please contact the team's tracker.  You should also send an email to the team's tracker at, srteamcoordinator@gmail.com, to let them know you've registered.  The tracker will provide you with a bib number.

4. Parent Volunteering

Reminder: As you fill out the registration packet, you will need to pick out your Volunteer Positions while Registering, please have your calendars handy.

Beyond supporting the races, the SRT program can use your help working to deploy an extensive safety system comprised of crash nets (B-Nets). Each B-Net weighs approximately 30 to 40 pounds. The nets are approximately 2 meters tall by 20 meters long. Each section contains 9 to 12 eight foot long plastic poles.  The team owns approximately 20 to 25 rolls of netting, enough to line our most high risk spaces. Deploying B-Net is a labor intensive effort. Early in the season SRT frequently has to remove the B-Nets so Sundown Mountain can make snow. Deploying and removing B-Nets for each practice incredibly labor intensive, but it's well worth the effort. When properly deployed, B-Nets help mitigate the risks associated with a racer loosing control, crashing, sliding, or otherwise headed towards trees or ski area equipment. 

Below you will find detailed instructions depending on whether you're a returning racer or new to the SRT Program.

Review SRT's Safe Skiing Code with Your Racers (Click Here)

Instructions for Returning Racers

Are you returning for another year of racing?  Follow the instructions below. The following instructions have been streamlined to support your needs and expedite registration.

1. Login or Create a New User ID & Password.

2. Venmo Only for Online Checkout, via Venmo's send money!

3. PLEASE! Enter all of your children into ONE Registration Packet. Do not fill out individual packets for each child.

4. Make sure you have the following before you start registration...

   • Volunteer spots.  in order to complete your registration packet. 
     Must pick two jobs, 1 for the home race and 1 away race assignment. 
     If you have questions regarding volunteering please read Parents Volunteer Page under Team Resources.
      

   • Proper bib number(s): Click Here to Lookup Last Years Bib Number Assignment 

   • Venmo account.

   • Emergency Contact(s), Info for a Second Parent, Guardian, or Other? You may add as many contacts as you wish.

   • Finally, Register with Wijara at www.wijara.org (Registering with SRT is separate from WIJARA.

   • Fill out a Racer(s) Registration Packet with SRT. The registration package (form) is lengthy! This is due to the extraordinary liability challenges facing the sport in US legal system.  Make no mistake, ski racing is an amazing sport, but it's also dangerous! Your kids will be skiing downhill, on snow and ice, good weather and bad, day and night, around other racers, free skiers, trees, and other immovable objects line each trail. 
     
     The registration package includes the following forms & pages: 
     1. Racer Information, (enter up to five children on this page).
     2. Emergency Contact Form.
     3. Liability Waiver for SRT.
     4. Concussion Waiver.
     5. Code of Conduct (for both Racers & Parents)
     6. Volunteer Job Selection.
     7. Checkout with Venmo. (Submit Page)

Click Here to Open a New Registration Packet

IMPORTANT: Each season we have a number of prior year racers with the wrong bib number.  
Help fix this issue by looking up their bib numbers before you register.
Click Here to Lookup Last Years Bib Number Assignment 

Checklist for First Time Families & Racers

First Things First -- Welcome to SRT!

When registering for the Sundown Ski Team, note that the team/club is separate from Sundown Mountain. We are a group of parents that operate a ski club/ski team for the collective benefit of local children who love to ski. Our mission is to teach advanced skiing skills, mountain knowledge & experience, and most important safe skiing habits. We are open to any and all families and kids interested in learning advanced skiing skills thru participation in a ski racing program.  We keep ski racing competition open, fun, and affordable so as many kids as possible may participate.  

What we do not provide, is the development tempo, intensity, exposure, or duration to produce World Cup or Olympic Level Alpine Ski Racers.  We only compete as a team in WIJARA* races and the Iowa Games (part of Iowa Winter Olympics). 

To successfully join the team and fully participate in SRT you will need to check the following boxes:

1. Your child must be a competent skier, with their:
   • Own ski gear, (boots, skis, poles, goggles with yellow lenses for practicing at night, a helmet with hard ear covers for Giant Slalom, and other cold weather gear).
   • Capable of skiing on Black Diamond trails, and
   • Loading the chairlift by themselves.
      
2. To participate in Wijara, a child must be between age 6 to 20 years, (5 years old in special cases See Age Group in FAQ).
   • If your child only wishes to practice with the team, but not compete, that is fine, just let us know.
      
3. Buy a Season Pass with Sundown Mountain;
    
4. Contact the SRT Team Tracker, email address below, (they must assign your racer a bib to use for the season);  srteamcoordinator@gmail.com
    
5. Fill out a Racer(s) Registration Packet with SRT. The registration package (form) is lengthy! This is due to the extraordinary liability challenges facing the sport in US legal system.  Make no mistake, ski racing is an amazing sport, but it's also dangerous! Your kids will be skiing downhill, on snow and ice, good weather and bad, day and night, around other racers, free skiers, trees, jumps, and other immovable objects that line each trail. 
   
   The registration package includes the following forms & pages: 
   1. Racer Information, (enter up to five children on this page).
   2. Emergency Contact Form.
   3. Liability Waiver for SRT.
   4. Concussion Waiver.
   5. Code of Conduct (for both Racers & Parents)
   6. Volunteer Job Selection.
   7. Checkout with Venmo. (Submit Page)
       
6. Volunteer Page: Note, you'll have to pick out two parent volunteer jobs. Go ahead and pick some options that work best for you. If you are unfamiliar with the sport, don't worry we can work with you, and educate you on the tasks.
    
7. Register with WIJARA.

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to go ahead and register for SRT.. Or to learn more go ahead and create a new account and login. We have lots of resources for new parents, including FAQ and introduction documentation.
See out on the hill soon!
Coach Mya

If you have any questions about SRT, Registering, or WIJARA please feel free to contact Coach Mya at 802-289-4163. (Note, please send me a text message before calling).

*Wijara is not part of US Skiing & Snowboard (USSS, formerly known as USSA)/

Instructions for New Families -- Step-by-Step Guidance

Step1: Send email to Team Tracker: srteamcoordinator@gmail.com
Include the in the email...

• Parent or Guardian Contact Information
• Child's Information, include: Name, DoB, Gender, & Information about Skiing Experience...
• Do they have a Sundown Season Pass?
• Do they have their own ski equipment?
• Are they able to safely ski a black diamond trail in control?
• Can they load and ride Sundown Mountain's quad chairlift by themselves?

After you hear back from the team tracker, with your child's bib number you may continue to register with SRT and WIJARA.. ​​

Step 2: Next, if you haven't already, create a SRT Online user name and password for this site, New User ID & Password *Be sure to check your spam or junk mail folder for automated emails from SRT Online. 

Step 3: Next, read the directions below to be prepared to fill-out the Racer(s) Registration Packet.

The Racer Registration Packets require a lot of data, you will need:

• New Bib Number, from the SRT Tracker.
• Venmo Account to Checkout Online, (or will need to bring a check to first practice).
• If you are new to Wijara select "New" under Wijara Status field.
• Are You Transfering Racers from another WIJARA Club? If you've previously raced in Wijara for another team, please enter your old bib number, and select "Transfer" under Wijara Status field.
• Gather Second Parent, Guardian, or Emergency Contact info, you can enter as many as you'd like.

• Volunteer Job Selection, ALL Parents must volunteer for two jobs annually: 1 for the SRT Home Race, 1 at a Wijara Away Race.
  If you have questions regarding volunteering please read Parent Volunteer Page under Team Resources.

Click Here to Open a New Registration Packet

Step 4: After joining SRT and receiving a bib number from the SRT Tracker you will be able to register with the race league, Wijara.  https://www.wijara.org

Once You've Registered -- Congratulations -- You did it!!!  
See you out on the hill!!!
Coach Mya