The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation (HSSF) is a non-profit organization 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.
Programs and Initiatives
With a variety of options from the One-Day Program to the Full-Time Competitive Program, the Foundation has something for all ages and levels of skiers and riders. The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation at Lake Tahoe has opened registration for the 2012 - 2013 competitive and development ski and snowboard programs.
Development Programs
This year we’ve created development programs that bridge the gap between the Heavenly Ski and Ride School programs and the Foundation’s intense competitive programs,” said HSSF president Jim Plake. The new Foundation development programs run December 1 through March 31, 2013.
- One-Day Program: Open to skiers and snowboarders, age four and up and includes 18 full days for $950.
- Part-Time Developmental Program: Designed for skiers and riders who want to get a lot of days on the mountain. These programs are for skiers and riders age seven and up and include 40 full days for $1,500.
- Tahoe League Development Race Team: For skiers age seven to 18 that want to race but aren’t quite ready for USSA join our Tahoe League development race team. This team practices Saturday, Sunday and holidays and includes 44 full days for $1,850.
Competitive Teams
Our competitive teams require an extreme amount of commitment from both athletes and parents. With a longer season, mid-November 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, night training, video analysis, pro clinics and more advanced competition training are some of the bonuses.
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With all programs the emphasis is placed on skiing and boarding preparation and equipment care, physical and mental competition techniques, healthy activity and good eating habits, while promoting the values of teamwork and good sportsmanship. The dedication seen from the coaching staff makes the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation one of the best in Tahoe.
Coaching Staff
Last year head freestyle coach Jere Crawford was named “Coach of the Year” by the United States Ski & Snowboard Association. Assistant coach Travis Woodcock is a former member of the HSSF Freestyle Team. This year the Foundation Alpine Team welcomes back Noel Dufty as the U16 head coach.
We are excited to welcome Kyle Kracht and Christine “Corky” Woodcock to our alpine coaching staff; both are former HSSF Alpine Team racers. The Snowboard Team welcomes Dan Rich as the new Snowboard Team head coach. The Foundation also welcomes back Scott Amoroso for his second season.
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Community Involvement and Outreach
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 (Snowsports 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.
Scholarships
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, scholastic standing and the athletes’ submitted essay. The funding for the program comes solely from community contributions and our various fundraising events such as our annual Santa Run and the Grapes & Gates Wine Tasting.
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The committee was able to award over $8,000 in scholarships to 20 athletes for the 2011-12 season. The committee was able to award over $9,000 in scholarships to 24 athletes for the 2013-14 season.
Events
The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation is proud to announce the Groovers Challenge Series and the Kinder Kup Race Series at Heavenly Mountain Resort this season. These events are in cooperation with the Heavenly Race Department, Heavenly Terrain Park staff and made possible by the Vail Resorts Epic Promise giving program.
Groovers Challenge Series
The Groovers Challenge Series will be held in Groove Terrain Park Sundays, January 18, February 8 and March 8. Groove Park will host a variety of features including progressive jumps, boxes, rails and innovative features laid out by new terrain park manager Brian Callahan. Competitors are judged on variety, creativity and execution.
“This event series is designed to get young skiers and snowboarders excited about terrain parks,” said coach Dan Rich, Heavenly Foundation’s snowboard and freeski team director.
Kinder Kup Race Series
The Foundation will also host the Kinder Kup Race Series on World Cup run Sundays, January 25, March 1 and March 15. Open to all skiers age six and under and snowboarders age eight and under (as of December 31, 2014). The Kinder Kup series is designed to introduce young athletes to competition in a friendly environment.
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Every competitor is awarded a participation medal and a swag bag filled with goodies. There are two divisions: ski and snowboard.
Here's a summary of the Kinder Kup Race Series events:
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinder Kup #1 | January 26 | Heavenly Mountain Resort, World Cup Run | Introduces young athletes to competition in a friendly environment. Skiers age six and under, snowboarders age eight and under. |
| Kinder Kup #2 | February 23 | Heavenly Mountain Resort, World Cup Run | Second event in the series, continuing the friendly competition for young skiers and snowboarders. |
| Kinder Kup #3 | March 9 | Heavenly Mountain Resort, World Cup Run | Third event in the series, continuing the friendly competition for young skiers and snowboarders. |
South Tahoe Santa Run
In cooperation with the Himmel Haus, Blue Angel Café, and Rainbow Mountain, the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation will host the third annual South Tahoe Santa Run to benefit the HSSF Scholarship Fund on Sunday, December 21st, regardless of weather.
Ski and Snowboard Swap
The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation will host the 26th Annual Ski and Snowboard Swap at the Harrah’s Convention Center on November 22nd and 23rd, 2014.
Grapes and Gates Wine Tasting
The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation will host the 13th Annual Grapes and Gates wine tasting event on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at the Edgewood Clubhouse’s North Room beginning at 6:00pm. This year’s event will feature gourmet tastings from local restaurants.
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