Frequently Asked Questions
Ability and age limits
How good do I need to be to join the team?
For those Under 18..
From 2024 onwards most of our open spaces for sign ups will be reserved for athletes who have gone through Park Labs programming or private club programming. We will leave a percentage of open spaces available to those who can demonstrate that they are at a sufficient level to fill out a spot on the team. If you are coming from a bus-in program or travelling Snow School, Video proof will need to be submitted and a potential trial day will need to be completed in December.
Over 18 - Adult Program (Currently Snowboard Only)
We will have a limited number of open spaces in our adult programs, be sure to get in touch with us to be on our contact list for details.
Resort Access
Do we provide transport? We do not provide transport to our training locations. The geographical spread of our team members throughout the province makes it not logistically feasible for us to do so. Team members regularly carpool together from the Collingwood/Blue Mountain area. We can put parents in touch once registered to help facilitate this.
What are the age limits for team members?
We recommend that anyone under 13 years of age participate in Park Labs or Private Club programming first. Our coaches spend a significant amount of time gaining certifications and receiving training from us, to teach at the higher level. We provide them with athletes that fit that criteria and have learned the foundational skills already through Park Labs in order to make real progress on hill.
How do I know what level I am?
You can find a basic outline on each of our Ski Program and Snowboard Program Pages. You can also find a recap below...
Beginner Freestyle:
Beginner Freestyle Skiers and Snowboarders should be already using the smallest terrain park at their hill. They will work on key foundational skills that will teach them how to clear jumps, learn grabs and hit boxes and straight entry rails. Beginner freestyle riders will be learning on 5-10ft jump sizes from the edge of the Jump takeoff to the beginning of the landing, with ride-on boxes and rails in the smallest terrain park on the hill. (The Senders do not cater to Beginner Youth Freestyle Skiers and Snowboarders. You will need to join a Park Labs program if this describes you).
Intermediate Freestyle:
Intermediate Freestyle Skiers and Snowboarders are already spinning off 15 to 20ft jumps and are sliding rails from a side entry in the terrain park. They are also likely straight airing the largest jumps in the terrain park. This is the level of Skier and Snowboarder that we accept into our programs if we have the availability.
Advanced Freestyle:
Advanced Freestyle Skiers and Snowboarders are completing inverted manoeuvres and spinning on and off rails.
I'm still not sure what level I am?
Send us some footage of you Skiing or Snowboarding and we can let you know what level you are likely at.
Where will I be riding during the programs?
Riders will spend most of their time in the Intermediate/Advanced Terrain Park where there is a mix of small, intermediate, and large size features.
Does the price listed include a lift pass?
No, lift passes are not included in the price. With the number of days on snow for our programs, it makes more economical sense for participants to purchase a season pass. You will be responsible for ensuring you purchase your own pass before deadlines/pass sales finish for the season. It may be possible for us to assist in this process if you have missed the deadlines.
Do we need lift passes at other resorts other than our home base?
If you are attending an event at another resort, you will need to purchase other lift passes. When you are at another resort for an event, there are usually discounted day passes provided by the resort for event participants.
Are there any other costs?
One of the following mandatory memberships is required in order to be able to participate in our programs.All Ski team members require a membership with Freestyle Ski Ontario. All Snowboard team members require a membership with Ontario Snowboard. These can be added on during our registration process inside the system.
Events and Competitions
Do I have to go to events?
All of our coaches attend the events on the schedule, while you do not have to compete, there will be no training options or credits available to those who do not attend. Events now have a Friday training day, and often take place on the Saturday/Sunday often in a double-header format.
Are event fees included in the price?
There are multiple event organizers and as such, they charge different rates for their events. Some include lift passes, some are free and as such, it makes it impossible for us to build that price into our seasonal program costs. All provincially organized events require participants to be registered with a coaching program and under the supervision of a event level specifically certified Ski or Snowboard coach during the events including on the official practice days.
Where are the events?
There are several events at local Ontario resorts during the Ontario Season. Seasonal event schedules are not usually released until close to the season start date in November. Our Skiers compete on the Timber Tour, our Snowboarders compete in the Provincial Series. From time to time we attend higher end events, based on the ability and starting opportunities for our more advanced team members.
How do I become a successful competitor?
The key to doing well at events breaks down to how well you have built your foundation and skill set to hold up under pressure. Great competitors dedicate a lot of time to finding and fixing any weaknesses they have through practice, refinement, and also by building a great working relationship with their coaches and support crew.
Coaching
Who are our coaches?
Our coaches vary in age and experience. All of our coaches are certified with the governing Ski and Snowboard sanctioning bodies and are passionate about coaching. Many of our coaches have extensive certification levels and some of our Coaches have developed and taught multiple World Champions and X Games medalists. Coaches usually either have a lot of experience as sponsored Skiers, Snowboarders and competitors, or have develop up the ranks through our different program levels. Many are former team members who have come through one of our programs.