FAQs
If Your interested in joining, please Contact The Team Development director at:
Racer Must first pass a race team preparation assessment administered by the Timberline mountain Ski School. The assessment is completed outside of dues required for the team. Skiers must be able to load and unload the lift independently. Racers under 8 years old must ride with an adult, and if a coach isn’t available, the parent must accompany the child. During practices and race events, skiers need to stay with the team and follow the coaches’ directions. A valid Timberline Mountain Season Ski Pass is required. Additionally, skiers must show respect to the staff and guests of the host mountain (not just at Timberline) and obey the ski patrol and coaches at all times
The TRT training season typically starts a couple of weeks before the winter holiday break and continues through the first week of March, ending with the SARA Championship Races and the Governor’s Cup.
Expect a warm and inviting community. Families spend time together in the hut, at casual events, and working on races, creating a supportive environment for both parents and children.
Many non-skiing parents are actively involved in the program. Kids aged 8 and up can ride the lift on their own, and parents can establish their own rules for independent skiing.
The Hut is the Timberline Race Team’s clubhouse and central meeting point on the mountain. It provides a place for racers and families to store their gear while skiing. Inside, you’ll find men’s and women’s restrooms, a small kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator, and sink, along with coffee and hot chocolate makers.
The Hut is accessible via Four Seasons Dr. From Timberline Rd, head toward the main Timberline Mountain lodge.Take a right onto Herzwoods Rd, drive through the parking lot, and you’ll see the Timberline Race Team Hut on the left.
No, the TRT participation does not include your Timberline Mountain pass. You will need to coordinate this separately.
Race participation is essential for the team’s development, helping skiers build skills, confidence, and a competitive spirit. U12 and above racers are required to participate in at least one race during the season, and we strongly encourage all other skiers to do the same to enhance their growth and experience.
Your child will experience significant improvement in skiing ability, learning to handle the mountain in various conditions. However, if your child isn’t parallel skiing or can’t navigate independently to the lift, they may benefit from another year in ski school.
Attendance registration on TeamSnap is required weekly by midnight on Wednesdays. This allows the coaching staff to adequately prepare and staff the weekend practices. Regular attendance is encouraged to foster a strong team environment.
If you need to miss a practice, please update your attendance on TeamSnap as soon as possible. Racing is a key part of the team experience. We require U12 skiers to participate in at least one race and strongly encourage all other skiers to do the same.
As representatives of the Timberline Race Team, skiers are expected to demonstrate respect, sportsmanship, and safety at all times. This includes following all mountain rules, practicing good lift etiquette, and interacting courteously with staff and fellow skiers. Maintaining a positive relationship with Timberline Mountain is key to our continued training privileges.
Each family is expected to participate in Hut Duty at least once per season, which includes setting up the Hut before practice, keeping it clean, and ensuring it’s ready for use. For a race, all parents are required to support the event as assigned by the team’s race committee. It takes an entire team to run an efficient race! TRT takes pride in its reputation for its ability to run a smooth race and we rely heavily on parent support. Required volunteering for hut duty and other team events are managed through TeamSnap
While all mountain skis are appropriate for most practices, as your child advances in skills and experience they will likely want to consider race specific skis for both GS and SL races. Many resources are available for pre-owned gear through team swaps, local used ski events, and online resources. Also, FIS compliant helmets are required for races.
The team practices in all conditions, including rain. While coaches may bring younger kids in more frequently when it’s cold, parents must ensure their child is dressed in enough layers and has hand or toe warmers. Keep in mind that the weather at the top of the mountain can be much different than at the base.
Team jackets are optional but popular. TRT orders Karbon jackets once a season, generally in late winter. Jackets arrive the following fall for distribution. Used jackets are often available through TeamSnap or the team hut. It is common for first year participants not to have a team jacket. We do not order extra quantities or sizes, so be sure to place your order on time.
Yes, if you have a TRT jacket, it should only be worn during practice hours. If you plan to ski after practice, please bring a different jacket.
Registration to participate on the Sugar team for the season is completed online. See link on home page.
- Ages 5-19 (as of December 31) are eligible to join the team. Regardless of age, prospective team members should be able to perform all of the following:
- Get on the chair lift and lower the safety bar without assistance.
- Raise the safety bar and off-load the chair lift without assistance.
- Ski from the chair lift to the practice area without constant supervision.
- Be mature enough to be able to follow a coach’s instructions.
- Team members who are unable to perform any of the above must have a parent with them at all times.
Absolutely. The majority of team members live outside of the High Country area. Many members choose to spend the weekends in the area since there is a Saturday practice and most races are on Sunday.
By signing up for the Sugar Mountain Ski and Snowboard Team, you are making the commitment to participate in practices and races as much as possible. Activities and staffing are planned based on the number of members. If you are unable to come, please notify your coach or indicate your availability in TeamSnap.
Yes. Both skiers and snowboarders are part of the team.
Registration for each race is completed about 1-2 weeks prior to each race. More information will be sent at that time. Each race is paid separately prior to the race. While rates may change this year, to give you a baseline, last year HCJRS races were $7-$12 and USSS races were $45. In addition, when traveling to other mountains, racers will need to purchase a lift ticket; however, the host mountain typically gives a discounted rate to racers.
Groups are assigned based on age and ability.
Race days are fun! Check-in is between 7 am and 9 am depending on the location of the race. Course inspection starts about an hour before the race. This time allows racers to visually inspect the course. Races at Sugar start at 9 a.m. Some mountains start the races at 10 a.m. Once the race starts, it lasts about 2-4 hours. Family members on skis can often watch the race from the sidelines. Depending on the location, there may be areas to watch for non-skiers. Talk to other parents and racers to learn helpful tips and tricks for a successful race day.
We’re glad you asked! Family volunteering is an integral part of making the team operational. Each race requires 20-30+ volunteers. Volunteers are critical to the success of the races. We require that each family commit to 6 volunteer slots throughout the year, which include race days, fall and spring team clean-up days, and other events at Sugar, such as Summit Crawl and Oktoberfest. Sign-ups are available through Sign-Up Genius (a link will be shared with the team). If your 6 slots leave you wanting more, please talk to one of the coaches or a board member about other ways to get involved.