Heavenly foundation announces 2011-12 programs, scholarship opportunities

By Aimi Xistra-Rich
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation has opened registration for the 2011 – 2012 Alpine, Freestyle, Freeride and Snowboard Programs. With a variety of options from the One-Day Program to the Full-Time Competitive Program, the Lake Tahoe foundation has something for all ages and levels of skiers and riders. Registration packets are available online, at the HSSF building, or by calling the HSSF administration office. Those who register and pay in full now will receive the early registration pricing; prices increase $100 on November 1, 2011.

“The foundation continues to strengthen its relationship with Heavenly and work with the community to provide skiing and snowboarding options to the local youth,” said HSSF president Jim Plake. “With the Blue Angel middle school program we’re reaching out to children who want to ski recreationally. But then with our Full-Time competitive program we’re also catering to those who are striving to reach the Olympics.”

The HSSF programs are divided by age and ability; prices vary. The One-Day Program offers all ages and abilities up to 18 training days, primarily Sundays, December through March. A Heavenly restricted pass, equipment and gear are required. Alpine and Snowboard registrants can choose to participate in the Lake Tahoe League and U.S.A.S.A. South Shore Series respectively for an additional fee.

In addition to the One-Day Program, the HSSF also offers Part-Time, Part-Time Plus (Alpine/Snowboard only) and Full-Time programs. These programs require additional commitments from both parents and athletes. With a longer season, December through as late as mid-May, these programs offer a lot more time on the mountain with professional coaches and more participation in competitions. Dryland and gymnastics training, Sunday Fundays, night training, video analysis, pro clinics and more advanced competition training are some of the bonuses of these programs depending upon what is right for your young athlete.

With all programs the emphasis is placed on skiing and boarding preparation and equipment care, as well as focusing on physical and mental competition techniques. The programs also teach physical fitness through healthy activity and good eating habits while promoting the values of teamwork and good sportsmanship. Program costs range from $700 to $3,100 and scholarships are available. Program tuition prices increase $100 if not paid in full prior to November 1, 2011. For more information visit www.heavenlyfoundationteam.org or call the administrative office at 530.541.7354.

The HSSF prides itself on selecting the best coaching staff available to nurture young athletes. The dedication seen from the coaching staff makes the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation one of the best in Tahoe. This year the Foundation Alpine Team welcomes back Noel Dufty as J1/2/3 head coach. Dufty begins his 20th season at the Foundation. He has over 30 years of professional ski coaching and is a former professional ski racer; has coached in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Italy and the USA; and has an International Level 4 certification. He coached Heavenly’s National Team and Olympic Team member Jonna Mendes; US Team Member Alicia Howard; and World Championship Team and National Team member Wisi Betschart. We are also excited that Raquel Norton will return as the J4/5/6 head coach beginning her 12th season with the Foundation. Norton skied competitively for 15 years; was a Collegiate Athletic 1st Team All American-NCSA; is a Level 200 USSA Coach; holds a B.S. in Physiology and M.S. in Health Science; and is a California credentialed teacher and ski coach.

The Freestyle Team will welcome back head coach Jere Crawford for his 18th season. He was an amateur and pro mogul skier; is the original Top Gun on Gunbarrel; designed and built courses for Nationals, Junior Nationals, pro events, and countless regional events; and is a Level 2 aerial coach. Assistant coach Travis Woodcock is a former member of the HSSF Freestyle Team. He has competed in many skiing disciplines including moguls, racing, aerials, slopestyle, halfpipe, big mountain and even acro; he was a National Combined Freestyle Champion; and was the first person to do eight twisters.

The Snowboard Team welcomes Garrett Gibb as the new Snowboard Team head coach. Garrett begins his fourth year coaching for the Foundation; he’s competed competitively for seven years; was a member of HSSF for six years; has a resume of impressive results including a 1st place at the 2010 Mt. High Gatorade Free Flow Tour in slopestyle; currently coaches ski/snowboard based gymnastics at Tumbleweeds and coached at Gardnerville’s WOW wakeboard school this summer. The Foundation also welcomes JT Chevallier as the team’s new assistant coach. JT previously coached kids snowboarding for three years and is very passionate about sharing the athlete experience through video and photo.

Scholarships are available to those who qualify and applications are due by September 30, 2011. Please visit www.heavenlyfoundationteam.org for applications and qualification information. The Heavenly Foundation’s Scholarship Committee is an independent group of community leaders who evaluate each application and award financial assistance based on family income, the athletes’ written essay, and scholastic standing. The funding for the program comes solely from community contributions and our various fundraising events such as our Annual Ski Swap, The Grapes & Gates Wine Tasting and our Kinder Kup Race Series. The committee was able to award over $12,000 in scholarships to 18 athletes for the 2010-11 season. Over the past five years the Foundation has awarded over $65K in scholarships.

About the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation
The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation is committed to facilitating and leading the local community in the development of programs to encourage youth to participate in winter sports, alpine skiing and snowboarding. The HSSF operates independently on donations and fundraisers. In addition to providing a safe skiing and riding experience to those within the foundation, outreach and community involvement also play a big part of the base of the Foundation.

Throughout the winter season the HSSF provides scholarships to families whose children would not be able to participate in the race program; hosts a non-race Blue Angels program through the middle school; works with the SOS (Snowboard Outreach Society); works with the Boys and Girls Club of South Lake Tahoe; and organizes multiple events, like the Kinder Kup series, and fundraisers including the annual spring wine gala, Grapes and Gates, at Edgewood. For more information on the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation visit www.heavenlyfoundationteam.org, e-mail aimix@heavenlyfoundationteam.org or call the administrative offices at 530.541.7354.

— Writer Aimi Xistra-Rich is the executive director of the Heavenly Ski & Snowboard Foundation. She can be reached at (530)314-9285.