Frequently asked Questions

How do we get there? Travel will be provided by Coach Bus. These are sophisticated passenger busses equipped with bathrooms.

Do I have to wear a helmet? We do not mandate helmets for members because we can't monitor all students on the mountain to make sure they are wearing one. However, we do strongly suggest that both skiers and boarders wear helmets.

Think Ski Safety First to Prevent Injury Wear a helmet to reduce chance of injury: The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) says 57 percent of skiers and snowboarders wore helmets in the season compared to 25 percent in NSAA estimates helmets reduce minor head injuries by 30 to 50 percent, but will not prevent major injuries often due to reckless ski behavior. You still need to ski sensibly when wearing a helmet!

 FYI:  New Jersey has a new mandatory child and youth helmet law, effective Nov. 1, 2011, requiring children and teens age 17 and under to wear ski helmets. Mountain Creek - Vernon NJ The Hidden Valley Club - Vernon NJ Campgaw Mountain - Mahwah NJ

Good Habits: -Do not ski or board off trail or back country. -Ski with a buddy. -Have a meeting point and carry a mobile phone in case you are separated or lost.

DAY TRIPS What time do we leave and get back? Each trip is a little different. For the most part students will meet in the back of the building by 6am and 6:15am for check in. Bus departs at 6:30. (We can not wait. If you miss the bus no refunds will be given.) We will board the bus to return home at 4pm. We usually return between 6:30 and 7pm. Students should have rides prearranged for pick up.

Should I take a lesson? If you're not sure, take a lesson. The lessons are helpful and will improve your skiing or boarding.

Does the price for the trip include food? No! Please bring food or money to purchase food at the mountain.

Dressing Dressing appropriately on the slopes can mean the difference between an epic mountain adventure filled with great memories, or a miserable, uncomfortable day marked by coldness, wetness and sickness. Preparing for a ski day is more than just piling up sweatshirts; it's a strategic process that involves carefully chosen layers.

Layering The most important aspect of dressing for a ski day is layering. Any experienced ski traveler or backcountry skier would recommend dressing in layers to provide warmth, moisture management and the ability to adjust to changing weather. Base layers should be made from recognized moisture-wicking materials like wool and polypropylene. Mid layers provide insulation and additional moisture management and outer layers should be waterproof and breathable.

Skiing / Boarding Accessories Other items that skiers wear are considered accessories. A wool or synthetic hat or beanie is an essential accessory, particularly on cold or overcast days since the majority of heat in your body is lost through the top of your head. A good pair of waterproof ski gloves is another important accessory for the slopes. On windy or frigid days, it pays to protect exposed areas on the face and neck with a face mask or neck gaiter.

Sun Protection On a cold day in the middle of January, it can be easy to forget about the sun. However, the sun can be equally dangerous in the winter, as the rays not only shine down from the sky, but reflect off the snow onto your skin and eyes. In fact, according to Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust, a U.K. skin care charity, the snow can reflect up to 90 percent of harmful UV rays. Skiers should wear goggles or sunglasses to protect from sun, snow, wind and other weather elements.

Oh boy!

AT THE MOUNTAIN -When we arrive at the mountain, you will remain in the bus until I get all the lift tickets, rental forms and lesson tickets. -Students who are getting rentals and/or lessons will be called off the bus first. -When you are called off, please see Ms. Irving who will provide you with your passes and tickets. -For all other students who have equipment, you will receive one lift ticket as you leave the bus. You can then leave the bus area and ski/board. We will meet back at the busses at 4:00pm. -If you rented equipment, you must return it before you go to the busses. You can use any part of the mountain and the lodges. -Bring money for food or pack a lunch to bring with you. -Anyone misbehaving in the lodge or mountain will not be allowed on any future trips.

I EXPECT EVERYONE WILL BE WELL BEHAVED. WE HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM, AND I DON'T EXPECT ANY THIS YEAR. REMEMBER YOU ARE REPRESENTING YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR SCHOOL WHEN YOU ARE ON THESE TRIPS. CONDUCT YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY.