YOUTH INSTRUCTIONAL SKI & SNOWBOARDING FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are the answers t a few of the questions we hear most often! 

THE PROGRAM

What is Youth Instructional Ski & Snowboarding?
Youth Instructional Ski & Snowboarding (formerly called Y I Ski) is a program in which all children across the Salt Lake Valley have the opportunity to experience winter sports and learn a new hobby! In many cases, communities that are less than 30 minutes away from the world's top ski destinations have had little to no access to skiing and snowboarding. We're here to change that by providing a ski/snowboard experience accessible for ALL who want to try their hand at the slopes. This program is open to the public and not just current YMCA participants. 

How will this program impact my youth?
The best way to see the amazing benefits of this program is to hear from one of our participants from last year: 

“Just wanted to say thanks to all involved. Aidan had never been skiing before and I haven't been on skis in more than half a century so couldn't take him. He had a ball. I was impressed by what Y staff and Solitude provided. Can't tell you how pleased I am with what you all did. After lesson 2 Aidan began skiing with neighborhood friends and that will continue on borrowed equipment for this season. Without [this program], that wouldn't have happened. Much obliged to you all.”

Do we need our participants to bring their own food & water?
No, Solitude will be graciously providing lunch for everyone and will have water available as well.

What resort are the lessons at?
All lessons will take place at Solitude Mountain Resort.

Who are the instructional coaches?
Solitude provides the instructional coaches! 

How old do they need to be to participate?
Ages 8-17. 

What level should my participant be?
Skiers and snowboarders at all levels are welcome to participate, however this program is designed primarily for beginner and intermediate levels.

What time are the sessions?
We are currently working with the Share Winter Foundation and Solitude Ski Resort to determine the best time for our program. Once we have time secured, we will email all registered participants. If that time does not work for your schedule, we are happy to move you to a different session or refund your program!

What does the program schedule look like?
11:00am - Participants arrive at YMCA CFC 4223 S Atherton Dr.  (We will check-in and load the bus.)
11:15am - Bus leaves for Solitude
12:00pm - Arrive at Solitude  
12:30pm - We will then eat lunch, do bathroom breaks, eat, and hydrate and then put on our gear.  
1:00pm - Instruction begins!
3:00pm - Instruction ends. We will load into the bus and do group reflections.
4:30pm -  Arrive at the YMCA*

(*Depending on traffic at the time of departure, this time may fluctuate. Families will be notified in case the return time changes!)

THE FEES 

How much does it cost?
$325/session, however financial assistance is available!

Is there a deposit?
There is a non-refundable deposit of $30 per session at the time of registration.

How do I pay my deposit and session fees?
Deposit is collected online at registration. Session fees will be collected via auto-pay and are due TWO WEEKS before my session start date. If you need to pay with an alternate form of payment or need to make a payment arrangement, please call 801-466-6299 or connect with us to make those arrangements before submitting registration. 

How do I apply for financial assistance? 
Thanks to the generous support of our partners like the Share Winter Foundation, we are able to offer substantial financial assistance for this program. We understand that accessing winter sports can be costly for families. Our goal is to provide an accessible onramp for developing skiers and snowboarders! Apply for financial assistance here. 

What if I already have financial assistance?
If you are currently enrolled in a YMCA program, your current financial assistance percentage can be applied to this program as well. 

If I need to cancel, when and how should I do that?
Cancellations should be received TWO WEEKS prior to your session start date. To cancel, call 801-466-6299 or submit a request. Failure to cancel on time may result in auto-pay charges. 

Do I need to attend all the lessons of my session?
We want you to succeed and feel confident - we recommend attending all lessons in your session. However, we know life happens. If for any reason you wish to withdraw midway through the session, please let us know. The deposit is non-refundable - you may be refunded a portion of your session fees at the discretion of the director. 

SUIT UP

What is provided?
Transportation to and from Solitude Mountain Resort, 2 hour lesson, lift tickets, rental equipment, goggles, and helmets included.

What do I bring?
The only thing that families are required to provide is appropriate clothing. If you need help determining what appropriate clothing is needed, please connect with Program Coordinator Cali Gurnicki.

When and where is the Gear Fitting Night?
At least one week before the session start - the date and time will be announced at a later date. 

Do I hold onto rented gear throughout the session?
No, rented gear will be distributed and collected at Solitude each individual lesson.

If I arrive late/miss the bus or forget my gear?
That is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to drop off the child or bring missing gear. 

ON THE SLOPES

What waivers do I need to sign?
The required waivers to participate in this program are: Liability Waiver and Solitude Resort Waiver. The only optional waiver is the YMCA Photo / Audio Visual Release. All waivers are part of the online registration process.  

Where and when is pick up and drop off?
Transportation will be provided - we will be driving up to Solitude on a bus. We will be meeting at our Taylorsville Community Family Center located at 4223 S Atherton Dr, Taylorsville, UT.  Details surrounding drop/off and pick/up will be sent to parents prior to the start of the program.

What does the first day look like?
We recommend arriving a little early this day as kids will be assigned to groups for the first time after checking in. We will then load the bus, take attendance like always, and head to Solitude! The first ski lesson will also include a skill assessment to make sure your child is placed in the group that will serve them best. 🙂

What does the last day look like?
This day will look like every other day but end with awards for the kids. Each child can expect a YISKI medal and certificate of accomplishment!

Who do I call the day-of?
You can call or text the Program Director, Cali Gurnicki, at (385) 247-6747. Please note, Cali will be simultaneously contacting Solitude, orchestrating volunteers, and managing youth participants the day of sessions. It is best to email her at cgurnicki@ymcautah.org during the work week (M-F, 9-5) for important questions and time sensitive information. For day of communications, text is preferred as she may not be able to answer or return your call immediately.

GET INVOLVED

How do I volunteer?
Volunteers are responsible for a small group of skiers / snowboarders (approximately 8 youth). All volunteers must be background checked and are supervised by YMCA staff. Responsibilities include:  create space and set goals for the group (this is where the magic happens), and encourage youth. Age requirement is 19 years or older - please contact Cali Gurnicki to volunteer! We would love 6 volunteers for six groups and they can rotate throughout the session. 

Can parents/guardians attend closing ceremonies? 
Unfortunately, there is not a formal closing ceremony nor is there space for an audience at Solitude.