Welcome to the Mountain Area Ski School! This page was written primarily for newcomers to MASS to help you know what to expect, and how to prepare your young skier or snowboarder for a fun and rewarding experience! Please read through the "Curriculum" and "About" sections of the web site for some history and structure of our great program.

Volunteers are always welcome and needed, and if you can help in the equipment room, or just be there to help keep things organized, please email or phone Peter Leinau, 559-683-7408, or Calvin Lyster, 683-5186.

So here are some tips for an enjoyable day at Mountain Area Ski School!

• SAFETY Your child's safety is our first and highest priority, and we take that responsibility very seriously. We require each new instructor to attend an orientation meeting each year for the first few years in MASS, and there are safety and courtesy rules that need to be adhered to by staff and students alike in order to maintain a safe and fun learning environment.

  Skiing and snowboarding are both exciting and enriching, but like any athletic activity, care must be taken to avoid hazards and accidents. Here are the rules we expect our instructors and students to adhere to:

  RULES/DISICIPLINE
  1. Must stay with Instructor at all times.
  2. Students requesting to leave class, must surrender neck tag
  to Instructor at bottom of hill, and rejoin class at bottom.
  3.Students that are ill, surrender neck tag at bottom of
  hill. Report to MASS desk at Badger Lodge.
  4. Restroom breaks will be taken as class unit.
  5. No skiing in trees, under lifts, on cat tracks or jumping.
  6. Unruly stidents: ONE WARNING ONLY! 2nd time dismissal
  from class. Remove neck tag and TAKE student to MASS desk.
  
  SKIER SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY CODE
  1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop/avoid other skiers.
  2. Skiers ahead of you have the right of way. Avoid them.
  3. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or not visible from above.
  4. Starting downhill or merging into a trail look upward & yield.
  5. Observe all posted signs and warnings.
  6. Skier must have knowledge and ability to load, ride, & unload
  lift safely.
  7. Absolutely no skiing through the trees, on cat tracks, under
  Lifts, and NO JUMPING!

  
  
• CLOTHING

  Weather conditions at Badger Pass are quite variable, from freezing cold snow and rain, to bright sunny spring days, and sometimes all in the same day. We do not operate when the weather is bad, as it's no fun, and hard to learn. Check the HOTLINE on the MASS home page on Thursday evening, or even early Friday morning for the latest information.

  It's not necessary to spend a lot of money on ski clothing, but gloves, hats, and sunglasses are required. It is a cold, wet environment, but when the sun comes out it can get quite hot in a heavy jacket. Layered clothing is best, since layers can come on and off as needed throughout the day. A long-sleeved t-shirt, a sweatshirt, and a good jacket is perfect. Sun block is also necessary, as the snow reflects the sunlight, even on overcast days. And the worst sunburn you will ever get is skiing on a a sunny day!

  Waterproof clothes are best, but not necessary. Many of us skied for years in jeans, sweat shirt and a windbreaker!
  

• EXERCISE!

  Skiing and boarding are athletic activities, and the better shape you're in, the easier and more fun it is. Encourage your child to get some physical exercise every day!

• YOUR SCHOOL

  Please check with your school as to specific arrangements for bus pick-up and drop-off times and locations, etc. as they vary from school to school. The school district also has regulations that pertain to transporting your child or other children in your vehicle.