Frequently Asked Questions

My child is a young/inexperienced skier or Rider. What are the prerequisites for them to Participate with the club?

The MSSC is not a learn to ski or snowboard club. Participants must be 7 years old (6 year-olds may register and try-out), intermediate to advanced skiers, and meet the following requirements:

Skier Requirements:

The ability to ride expert terrain independently and without hesitation (at the Snowbowl this would include the Allen, Ross, and Cameron). Skiers must be skiing with poles.
Athletes must be able to ride the lift on their own without being lifted up AND be able to lower the safety bar independently.
Athletes must be able to act independently and behave appropriately during lunch and inside breaks.
Athletes must be able to manage their own equipment and clothing needs. (Coaches are available to help, but athletes must be self-advocates).

Snowboarder Requirements:

The ability to ride expert terrain independently and without hesitation (at the Snowbowl this would include the Allen, Ross, and Cameron).
Athletes should be able to: One-foot kick/glide (such as in lift-line), slide slip on both toe and heal edges, ride on flat surfaces, traverse across a slope on one edge.
Athletes must be able to ride the lift on their own without assistance AND be able to lower the safety bar independently.
Athletes must be able to act independently and behave appropriately during lunch and inside breaks.
Athletes must be able to manage their own equipment and clothing needs. (Coaches are available to help, but athletes must be self-advocates).

*The MSSC Will Evaluate Skiers and riders Based On The Above Prerequisites To Determine Suitability For Club Participation. The MSC Reserves The Right To Remove An Athlete From The Club And Will Suggest Appropriate, Alternative Learning Opportunities Based On Skill Level.

My child is thinking about Ski racing this season but isn't sure. How should we register?

All athletes will all receive similar, age appropriate, training during the Saturday sessions regardless of their interest in racing or recreational skiing. This is a great avenue for learnign what ski racing is about. If they would also like to participate in Wednesday evening race training sessions, they will be required to have specific equipment and be registered for the race add-on. You can initially obtain a club participant level United States Ski & Snowboard (USSS) membership and then if your athlete decides to race, they will be required to upgrade to a competitor license (or purchase a short-term license) and then obtain a competitor license from the Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA). Additional race entry fees apply for each race in which the athlete competes.

Using the Crossbar App for Mobile

Once enrolled in a MSSC program, download the Crossbar app on your phone to receive messages from the club director and to sign up for session trainings.

Here's a guide on how to use the Crossbar mobile app.

Registration Questions

Is There a Deadline to Register for the Club?

Yes. The deadline for registration is December 1, 2025 for the winter 2025-2026 season. Registering by the deadline guarantees you a spot and helps us hire the right number of coaches for the winter. Space is not guaranteed after December 1st. Please help us and secure your spot by signing up early!

What is Included in My Program Fee?

Your program fee covers coaching during the season, from dryland training in the fall right straight through to the end of your program in March.

Here are the additional items for which you are responsible:

Middlebury College Snowbowl Season Pass
USSA Membership (non-racer skiers & snowboarders – club participant level; racers – competitor license)
VARA Membership (for ski racing athletes intending to travel to races only)

Please note that all athletes need proper equipment. Please see our Equipment Page for more information.

Why do we need to register for US Ski & Snowboard?

The United States Ski & Snowboard (USSS) is the national governing body for our sport and our club. All athletes, coaches, and board members are required to have a USSS membership to participate in our club activities to meet our insurance requirements.

Which US Ski & Snowboard membership level should I choose?

The USSS registration process can be a bit cumbersome and confusing. Membership with USSS is compulsory for all members, regardless of whether you plan to compete in races. You can sign up for your USSS membership online at https://www.usskiandsnowboard.org.

Non-Racing Athletes (skiers & snowboarders)- can join USSS at the general membership level, regardless of age.
Racing Athletes - must join USSS based on their age-based competition category. Rates vary by age.

Click Here for Step-by-Step Instructions for Registering for USSS

Note: You may upgrade your athlete's membership to a competitor membership for their age class by calling Member Services. The amount paid for the general membership will be applied to the upgrade.

What is the MSSC Refund Policy?

Elective Withdrawal:

If an athlete elects to withdraw from the program prior to the first day of the on-snow training, program fees can be refunded at 50%. Once an athlete has started participating with the club, no refunds are available. Upon withdrawal (with or without refund), the parent volunteer commitment for the season will be waived.

Withdrawal Due to Pre-Season Injury:

If an athlete withdraws from the program due to injury prior to the first day of the on-snow training, program fees will be refunded. Please contact the director to request withdrawal.

Withdrawal Due to In-Season Injury:

A pro-rated refund can be granted for season-ending injuries sustained after the start date of our on-snow program. Please contact the director to request withdrawal.

Withdrawal Due to Dismissal:

Under no circumstances will a refund of any kind be made to athletes or families who are dismissed from the program or the club for cause.

Moving or Family Emergencies:

Partial or prorated refunds for circumstances of this nature will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The MSC Board of Directors shall have full discretion in these instances.

Daily Cancelations/Abbreviation of Season Due to Weather:

No partial or prorated refunds will be offered for canceled days due to weather, force majeure, or other reasons. Refunds for cancelation of an entire season will be considered by the MSSC Board of Directors.