Volunteer FAQs

Questions volunteers ask

Do I have to volunteer?

Yes. Most of our clubs require that you volunteer during the season. Ski racing needs many volunteers, so at least one parent or guardian helps at half or more of the races their athlete attends; parents typically volunteer at 50 to 75 percent of their children's races.

How do I sign up?

Open the region's volunteer sign-up, pick a race and a job, and sign in with your phone number. The first time, you tell us which club you are with, so your club gets credit. Sign up early so the race can be planned.

Do I have to get certified?

No, but we really need you to. Getting certified lets you fill one of the key roles on the hill. Without certified volunteers for these roles, we cannot run safe, efficient and fun races for our young athletes.

Do I need a U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership or skis?

Race support jobs need no training and no membership: if you hold none, you sign a volunteer waiver at the race office when you check in. Skis depend on the job, and each job says which. At Spirit Mountain the start is non-skiing and the finish needs skis; at Lutsen every job needs skis.

Do I need to be an expert in ski racing?

No. Most volunteers were not ski racers themselves. We provide mentorship and support on the hill so that volunteers learn the jobs they agree to do.

How big is the time commitment in a key position?

It varies. Several positions are day-of: you show up in the morning with your racers and work through the day. Chief of race and chief of course take some planning with the hill and with Region 1. Start and finish referees train as chief of race, but we will not push you into a chief of race job unless you want it.

Which position should I get certified for?

Like being outside and on skis: chief of course. Enjoy the warmth of the timing shack or race office: chief of timing or race administrator. Like the start and finish: chief of race training, which also lets you serve as a start or finish referee.

I am already certified. What do I need this season?

Renew your U.S. Ski & Snowboard alpine officials license, stay current with SafeSport and the other training requirements, and attend one officials update: online on Tuesday, November 3 or Tuesday, December 8, at 6:00 PM Central. Any update on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard alpine officials page also counts.

Will I get paid?

We do not pay volunteers. Volunteers who fill certified positions on at least three race days can ask Region 1 to reimburse their alpine officials license, and jobs that require skiing come with a lift ticket for the day. Expenses you incur volunteering for a nonprofit may be deductible; ask your tax advisor.

Who do I ask?

Your club's volunteer coordinator, or Nick Clingman, Region 1 training coordinator, at nick_clingman@yahoo.com.