Mitey Mite Parents: Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL:

Q: Who is the Director of MHRT?
A: Bill Gunesch is the foundation (MHSEF) director and the Mitey Mite program director.

Q: Are lift tickets and passes included in the team fee?
A: No, the team fee pays for coaching, race equipment (gates, timing equipment etc), mountain space, and entry into the Mitey Mite council races.  Many families choose to buy a Fusion Pass (good at both Tmberline and Ski Bowl).  If you have very young children, passes may be more expensive than a child’s ticket.  Please check resort websites to learn about deadlines and pricing of Ski Bowl passes, Timberline Passes and the Fusion Pass.


TRAINING DAYS:
Where and when do the kids meet?
On Saturday and Sunday kids meet outside the Ski Bowl east (Multorpor) lodge  at 9:00 a.m. 

Do parents need to ski with the team?
Parents of  5 and 6 year olds must accompany their children, even when skiing with a coach.

Will my child ever ski without a coach?
Yes.  Older mitey mites will often be given some drills while coaches are setting gates.

What if they are late?
Check the lodge dry erase board to see if there is note from your child’s coach .  If not, we suggest you do some family free skiing and perhaps you’ll run into the group.  Look for a MHRT coach and ask them to radio your racer’s group.  If you cannot locate your group, find them at lunch (11:30).

What if it is raining?
We still train but recommend bringing some extra clothing, particularly gloves.  Yellow slickers are helpful on rainy days.

Are kids expected to come on a regular basis?
Yes, it is best if your child attends on a regular basis; however, we understand that families take vacations and if it is a ski vacation – great.

When do they take lunch?
11:30 to 12:30 at the eastside (Multorpor) lodge.  Coaches do not supervise children during lunch.  Lunch is not provided.  This is the parent’s responsibility.

Should my child have money/snack in her pocket?
Yes, particularly the younger children who tend to become cold quicker than the older children. That way the coach can take a “warm-up” cocoa stop with the children.

What time in the afternoon are they dismissed?
2:30 p.m. at the eastside (Multorpor) lodge. We ask that you please be punctual in picking up your child so that you can communicate with the coach if necessary.

Can they carry a family radio/cell phone with them?
Yes; however, sometimes the coach will ask that radios/phones be turned off as they can be a distraction. We recommend that you keep your radio/phone on and let your child be the one to contact you rather than the other way around. 

What happens if they get hurt?
Your child will be taken to the Ski Bowl Ski Patrol. (Either west side or eastside depending on where the accident occurs).  Your child’s coach will endeavor to contact you.

What happens if they get separated from their group?
Your skier should ski to the bottom of ski lift and wait for the group.  He or she should tell the lift operator that she or he is lost.  She or he can ask any MHRT team coach for help.  The ski area is small;  all team parents should keep an eye out for separated children and assist in helping.

What do coaches do if one child has to go to the bathroom?
Older kids, J4s, training gates will be allowed to go and come back on their own. The coach and his or her group will wait for the younger children. PLEASE make sure your racer uses the bathroom before training starts!

Where do they train?
The team uses the entire ski resort.  They will do a combination of directed free skiing, drills and gate training during the day.

How are training groups made?
Groups are made up of a combination of age and ability.  The hope is that each child receives the appropriate training in a group of peers that provide a good social experience.  If you have questions about your child’s group, talk to the coach first.

How do coaches feel about me coaching my child?
During a training day, it is best if the kids learn from their coach and the coaching staff. This maintains consistency of the skills being taught and prevents kids from become confused and frustrated.

If I would like to talk to my child’s coach, when is best time?
At the eastside lodge before training starts (9:00), before or after lunch, on the chair lift, or at the end of the training day. Be mindful of the coach’s time constraints. One of the best ways to communicate with your child’s coach is via email.  If you have concerns, please contact your coach first, and then the program director.  If your concerns are not addressed, then you may contact the board president.

EQUIPMENT:

Does my child need a helmet and face guard?
The MHRT MM program has a mandatory helmet rule.  Face guards on helmets or slalom protective headgear are optional for slalom. If your older child is getting close to the gates a face guard is a good idea.

Where do we buy ski equipment? Are there any equipment deals for my child? Equipment is forever changing hands at MHRT, check the “for sale” page of our web site.  MHRT facilitates discounts on some equipment at the fall potluck.  There are many good ski shops in the greater area. All equipement must conform to current industry standards.

How many pairs of skis should a racer have?
For J5 and J6 age racers, one good pair is usually fine. As racers approach the J4 level, a pair of skis for slalom and a pair for giant slalom is common, but not required.

Can you tune skis yourself?
Yes you can tune and wax your kid’s skis yourself.  Many parents on the team can help teach you AND your child. 


CLOTHING:

Where do you buy the team coat?
Orders are made at the end of the ski season for the next year’s season.

Do children need racing suits?
No, they are not required.  However they are the norm for J4 and J5 racers.

Are there any extra items we should have on hand?
Absolutely you should have extra gloves, a neck gator to protect your child from frostbite on very cold days and a set of dry clothing for wet days and accidents.


RACING:

Does my child have to race?
No.

Does my child need a USSA number to race?
Yes and no.  For the mitey mite council races, your child does not need a USSA card.  However, there are number of other races (our 4way for example) that require USSA membership.  See our links page for the USSA webpage.  The youngest racers would likely only race in the mighty mite council races.

How do I enter my child in the races?
For mitey mite council races, you can download the entry form from our webpage and then mail it to the host team’s registrar (you will need to look at the host team’s webpage to determine where to mail the entry.)  There is no cost for these races.

For non-mitey mite council races (Meadows Challenge, 4way, etc.),  go to the host mountains web site and again download the entry form.   There is an entry fee for these races.

The Buddy Werner race is invitation only.  (To be determined by program director and coaches).


RACE DAY:
The race days vary depending on who is hosting the event.  Please see
‘Race Day questions and etiquette” for more information.


VOLUNTEERING:
Do I have to volunteer?
Yes you do have to volunteer. There are times when it is impossible and we
understand that completely but it really is important that EVERYBODY step up to the plate and share the work.  At most areas you will receive a free ticket for helping and a coupon for a free ticket redeemable on another day.  You’ll also get a brown bag lunch.  You do not have to be a skier to help!

How do I find out what volunteer positions are available?
We hope to have a volunteer section on the website soon.  Until then, look for emails requesting help.

How do I find out what the volunteer job entails?
Descriptions are coming soon to this page.

Do I need special training?
No we’ll give you complete instructions so please don’t worry about that. None of the positions are too complex you just need some enthusiasm and the willingness to give it a go!