Dear Parents,
Welcome to the Lake Louise Grizzlies Ski Club - we are looking forward to a great ski season!
I am sure you are just as excited as we are about the coming winter and all that it holds for our athletes. Your role as a parent in the club is critical to the success of all of our athletes. Your enthusiasm for the sport and your willingness to volunteer on behalf of the club goes much farther than you might think.
Our coaching staff works extremely hard to provide the best learning environment for our athletes to develop their skills in a way that is positive and FUN at all times. Parent support is essential in the success of our programs but most importantly, in the success of our athletes.
Whether you are new to the club or you have been a member for a very long time, we look forward to your contribution in making your club the best in Canada. If you are new to the LLSCs, I hope you will share the experience of many of us that our club is really a family ski community. Some even refer to this as an extended ski family, as we all share in the development of the young people in our club.
We hope this document helps you more clearly understand the philosophy and vision of our club as well as some of our policies and procedures. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
We look forward to working with you to make this the best club in Canada. Thank you in advance for a great and exciting ski season.
We love to ski. Thanks for joining us!
Gavin Preziosi, ChPC
Executive Director
Lake Louise Ski Clubs
250 439 8459
[email protected]
Welcome to the Lake Louise Grizzlies Ski Club - we are looking forward to a great ski season!
I am sure you are just as excited as we are about the coming winter and all that it holds for our athletes. Your role as a parent in the club is critical to the success of all of our athletes. Your enthusiasm for the sport and your willingness to volunteer on behalf of the club goes much farther than you might think.
Our coaching staff works extremely hard to provide the best learning environment for our athletes to develop their skills in a way that is positive and FUN at all times. Parent support is essential in the success of our programs but most importantly, in the success of our athletes.
Whether you are new to the club or you have been a member for a very long time, we look forward to your contribution in making your club the best in Canada. If you are new to the LLSCs, I hope you will share the experience of many of us that our club is really a family ski community. Some even refer to this as an extended ski family, as we all share in the development of the young people in our club.
We hope this document helps you more clearly understand the philosophy and vision of our club as well as some of our policies and procedures. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
We look forward to working with you to make this the best club in Canada. Thank you in advance for a great and exciting ski season.
We love to ski. Thanks for joining us!
Gavin Preziosi, ChPC
Executive Director
Lake Louise Ski Clubs
250 439 8459
[email protected]
MISSON, VISION, VALUES
Who Are We?
We are the Lake Louise Grizzlies Ski Club, passionate about skiing and dedicated to our athletes’ development, having fun & building a community of friends.
Our Mission
The Lake Louise Grizzlies Ski Club is committed to an athlete centred approach.
We harness the big mountain terrain of our home at Lake Louise to push limits and overcome boundaries, developing outstanding lifelong skiers.
Our Vision
The Lake Louise Grizzlies Ski Club is Canada’s greatest environment for achieving personal excellence & inspiring a lifelong passion for skiing.
Our Values
Trust
LLGSC Family
Commitment
Perseverance
Sportsmanship
Personal Excellence
Athlete Centred Development
We are the Lake Louise Grizzlies Ski Club, passionate about skiing and dedicated to our athletes’ development, having fun & building a community of friends.
Our Mission
The Lake Louise Grizzlies Ski Club is committed to an athlete centred approach.
We harness the big mountain terrain of our home at Lake Louise to push limits and overcome boundaries, developing outstanding lifelong skiers.
Our Vision
The Lake Louise Grizzlies Ski Club is Canada’s greatest environment for achieving personal excellence & inspiring a lifelong passion for skiing.
Our Values
Trust
LLGSC Family
Commitment
Perseverance
Sportsmanship
Personal Excellence
Athlete Centred Development
LLGSC GUIDING PRINCIPLES
LLGSC GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Our Lake Louise Grizzlies Ski Club coaches are guided by these fundamental principles that ensure the quality of what we do:
General Ski Athleticism
Our goal is to develop “general ski athleticism” in our athletes. From a young age we use the great terrain at Lake Louise Ski Resort to train athletes to do just about anything on a pair of skis. Regardless of what an athlete’s goals are in skiing, they need to be well-rounded skiers with strong foundational skills before specializing in any particular area.
Athlete Centred Approach
We use an athlete centred approach. This means we strive to do what is in the best interest of each and every athlete. This is not always the most convenient or the easiest, but we believe that an athlete centred approach provides the most benefit to athlete development and well-being.
Life Skills
Our athletes are developing in many ways and gaining valuable life skills. Developing an athlete’s character, their ability to work in a team environment, fair play practices, and learning to win and lose like a winner are all woven into our programming. Setting goals and working to achieve them is something that we aim to teach from a young age.
Individual Programs
We look to individualize programs as much as possible - especially as the athletes become more mature. We coach to individuals, but we are a very team-based club that aspires to form a family atmosphere where everyone is included and accepted equally. This is reflected in our planning and programming.
Long-Term Athlete Development
We train our young skiers towards future success in the directions that they choose, whether that is racing, freeride, or just skiing recreationally. All our programming and planning is based on our long-term development plan where our main goal is to have our athlete’s become life-long skiers. We focus our programs on skill development and windows of opportunities.
Family and Social Environment
The Lake Louise Ski Clubs purposely develop a true ski community. Parents, coaches, and athletes enjoy the friendships and social aspects of the club. We know that this ski community we nurture makes us a stronger, more successful club.
R.I.S.E. Philosophy
Our Lake Louise Grizzlies Ski Club coaches are guided by these fundamental principles that ensure the quality of what we do:
General Ski Athleticism
Our goal is to develop “general ski athleticism” in our athletes. From a young age we use the great terrain at Lake Louise Ski Resort to train athletes to do just about anything on a pair of skis. Regardless of what an athlete’s goals are in skiing, they need to be well-rounded skiers with strong foundational skills before specializing in any particular area.
Athlete Centred Approach
We use an athlete centred approach. This means we strive to do what is in the best interest of each and every athlete. This is not always the most convenient or the easiest, but we believe that an athlete centred approach provides the most benefit to athlete development and well-being.
Life Skills
Our athletes are developing in many ways and gaining valuable life skills. Developing an athlete’s character, their ability to work in a team environment, fair play practices, and learning to win and lose like a winner are all woven into our programming. Setting goals and working to achieve them is something that we aim to teach from a young age.
Individual Programs
We look to individualize programs as much as possible - especially as the athletes become more mature. We coach to individuals, but we are a very team-based club that aspires to form a family atmosphere where everyone is included and accepted equally. This is reflected in our planning and programming.
Long-Term Athlete Development
We train our young skiers towards future success in the directions that they choose, whether that is racing, freeride, or just skiing recreationally. All our programming and planning is based on our long-term development plan where our main goal is to have our athlete’s become life-long skiers. We focus our programs on skill development and windows of opportunities.
Family and Social Environment
The Lake Louise Ski Clubs purposely develop a true ski community. Parents, coaches, and athletes enjoy the friendships and social aspects of the club. We know that this ski community we nurture makes us a stronger, more successful club.
R.I.S.E. Philosophy
|
Respect - We will respect everyone
Inclusion - We will include everyone Supportive - We will support all teammates & competitors Effort - Always working hard, always having fun |
EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
*Important* - Having the proper equipment and the proper fit is crucial for a successful season!!
Finding the right ski equipment can seem like a complicated process, but the LLSC’s are here to help answer your questions and make this process easier by helping you understand what equipment you need, and how to make sure it is the proper fit.
The following chart summarizes the equipment needs for Grizzlies athletes.
Finding the right ski equipment can seem like a complicated process, but the LLSC’s are here to help answer your questions and make this process easier by helping you understand what equipment you need, and how to make sure it is the proper fit.
The following chart summarizes the equipment needs for Grizzlies athletes.
Please refer to the Equipment Guidelines document for more detailed information regarding equipment specifics and tips for getting properly fitted equipment.
| llsc_equipment_recommendations_2023-24.pdf |
To ensure your child is properly fitted with equipment please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Grizzlies Head Coach or visit one the trusted ski shops listed below.
**We also highly recommended that all athletes wear their boots a few times PRIOR to their first day on snow. This will allow them to identify any issues with fit and comfort. It will also reacclimatize them to the feel of a boot allowing them to enjoy the first weekend on snow.
Where to buy new gear:
The following retailers provide excellent gear and expertise, and are also supporters of the LLSC. We strongly encourage you to check out these fine retailers when looking for new gear or tuning.
Where to buy used gear:
Second-hand gear is also a great option. The LLSC’s are a host organization for the Calgary New & Used Ski Swap at the end of October - this is a great opportunity to support the club and outfit your child with all the equipment and clothing that they need. The club also has a great buy and sell page on Facebook with a variety of equipment and clothing in all sizes.
**We also highly recommended that all athletes wear their boots a few times PRIOR to their first day on snow. This will allow them to identify any issues with fit and comfort. It will also reacclimatize them to the feel of a boot allowing them to enjoy the first weekend on snow.
Where to buy new gear:
The following retailers provide excellent gear and expertise, and are also supporters of the LLSC. We strongly encourage you to check out these fine retailers when looking for new gear or tuning.
- Bear Street Outfitters, 203a Bear Street, Banff, bearstreetoutfitters.com
- GearUp Mountain Sports Rental & Service, 1302 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, gearupsport.com
- Ski West, 300 – 14 Street NW, Calgary, skiwest.ca
Where to buy used gear:
Second-hand gear is also a great option. The LLSC’s are a host organization for the Calgary New & Used Ski Swap at the end of October - this is a great opportunity to support the club and outfit your child with all the equipment and clothing that they need. The club also has a great buy and sell page on Facebook with a variety of equipment and clothing in all sizes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need an annual ski pass?
Yes, an annual Lake Louise Ski Resort seasons pass is your most affordable lift ticket option. We highly recommend purchasing your annual pass as early as possible for best prices. Visit Lake Louise Ski Resort at skilouise.com for further information.
Does my child have to compete?
The Grizzlies program provides all athletes with exposure to Race, All Mountain/Freeride, and Freestyle skiing. All Grizzlies Basic and Grizzlies Plus athletes will participate in 3 events throughout the season - an in-house race, an in-house all-mountain competition, as well as the Doug Meyers Invitational - a large, multi-club race at the end of the season. These provide invaluable experience, insight into different pathways, as well as lots of fun for parents and athletes alike!
It is not mandatory for athletes to participate in these competitions, however, if your athlete chooses not to participate in any of these events, there is no alternate training available during those days.
Grizzlies Plus athletes will also have the option to attend two away races or freeride competitions during the season. Grizzlies 1-Day athletes that are interested in attending these events should speak to the Grizzlies head coach about early about this so a plan can be put in place to prepare for this competition.
Is there a club uniform?
We do have club jackets that all athletes are encouraged to purchase; this fosters a great sense of camaraderie and community among club members. New jackets can be purchased online through our supplier Sync Performance. Used jackets are often available within the club – check the LLSC’s Facebook buy and sell page.
How should I dress my child for a day of skiing?
Our athletes ski in a wide variety of weather conditions, so layering is an important consideration for greatest comfort. A wool/synthetic base layer followed by a fleece and a good technical jacket is recommended. Additionally, you should keep neck, hand and foot warmers on hand for very cold days. If it warms up in the afternoon, kids can take layers off. You can’t underestimate Lake Louise’s inversions and varying temperatures. It is important to be prepared for all kinds of temperatures.
*NOTE: Cotton socks or layers are NOT recommended. These do not insulate once they get wet, and result in cold athletes.
Does the LLSC have a designated store in Calgary/Canmore/Banff to buy equipment? Where else can I buy ski equipment?
The following retailers provide excellent gear and expertise and are also supporters of the LLSC. We strongly encourage you to check out these fine retailers when looking for new gear or tuning.
Second-hand gear is also a great option! The club takes part in the Calgary New & Used Ski Swap at the end of October - this is a great opportunity to support the club and outfit your child! The club also has a great buy and sell page on Facebook.
Where do families stay on ski weekends?
There is no magic formula on accommodations. It really depends on your family’s needs and preferences. Lake Louise pass holders enjoy discounted rates at many facilities and the club negotiates preferred rates when possible, so be sure to inquire about discounts at the time of booking.
Lake Louise Village
Some families opt to find a rental arrangement in Canmore or Banff. Peka (peka.ab.ca) and Asset West (assetwest.com) are two property managers who can assist with finding rental properties. The rental option enables families to cook in versus eat out and keep their gear at the rental.
If you have a winterized camper, there are camp sites in the area for use. You will want to explore your options through Parks Canada if this interests you. pc.gc.ca/eng/index.aspx
Any other tips for a fun experience?
Food! You can’t underestimate the power of fuel! A great breakfast, hearty lunch and some healthy pocket snacks will make for a great ski day experience for all. Please ensure athletes enjoy long-lasting fuel and have a snack with them for each morning and afternoon sessions. If you are leaving really early to drive out to the mountain and your child eats early, make sure you have your child eat something again as they are getting their gear on in the morning.
Hand and toe warmers! Have a set of each of these in your athletes pocket for when they may be needed. If you know your kiddo has cold digits, make sure they go on first thing in the morning!
What is the Grizzlies Lodge Parent?
The lodge parent is a volunteer shift that families are asked to fill a few times during the ski season. A sign-up sheet will be sent out and then posted. The lodge parent stays in the Whiskyjack lodge (where most club families sit) for either a morning or afternoon shift. There is a corresponding lodge parent backpack equipped with a radio to communicate with on-hill coaches, and a few toys and snacks to occupy a child should they be unable to finish out the day on the slopes. The hill can be very busy at times and it is a very large resort. Having a “safe parent/adult” identified to all of our athletes by the back-pack allows for a safe place for them to go should they not be able to see or find their own parent or coach for any reason. Please note this is not a place to leave your child for the day if they are unable to ski. This is a resource for coaches so they can drop athletes and continue to ski with the rest of their group as well as a safe place for lost athletes.
What happens if my child gets injured?
The coaches all have an Emergency Action Plan that they must follow in order to keep all of their athlete’s safe while seeing to the needs of the injured child. If the child is able to get up and continue without any assistance, Ski Patrol will not be called but may later be visited should the coach feel this is necessary. Parents will always be informed of any and all crashes that may or may not need follow up. Should a child be unable to get up on their own for any reason the Ski Patrol is always called (coaches have access to Ski Patrol through their radios). The coaches refer to their expert opinion.
What happens if my child gets lost?
Should a child go missing from a group while skiing the coach immediately sends word over the radio – providing as much detail about the missing child as possible. This enables other coaches to assist in locating the missing child. The athletes are told to go directly to the base of last chairlift they rode or the nearest chair lift if the other is not possible. Athletes are told to then identify themselves to the lift operators as a “lost Grizzly” - thus allowing a Coach to locate them via any of the other lift operators and their radios. This also means that the child has somewhere warm to wait should the weather be inclement.
Parents, should you come across a “lost Grizzly” please accompany them to the above-mentioned chairlifts lodge parent and wait WITH them for their coach. Should you feel that it is best to escort them to the base of the mountain please do so ONLY after informing the lift operators of this – that way the search will stop and the coach will know to head to the base to meet you and the “lost Grizzly”.
Athletes are also told they can and identify themselves to the lodge parent in the WhiskeyJack Lodge if they are skiing on the lower front side of the mountain. The lodge parent will then use their radio to get a hold of the coach.
What are Race Accounts (Grizzlies Plus only)
These are accounts that families with athletes competing in away competitions or races pay into. These accounts are used to pay for expenses associated with these events such as entry fees and coach expenses. Athlete accounts are only charged for events that the athlete attends.
If an athlete registered in Grizzlies Basic attends an away competition, they will register via RAMP and pay the set fee associated with the event.
Yes, an annual Lake Louise Ski Resort seasons pass is your most affordable lift ticket option. We highly recommend purchasing your annual pass as early as possible for best prices. Visit Lake Louise Ski Resort at skilouise.com for further information.
Does my child have to compete?
The Grizzlies program provides all athletes with exposure to Race, All Mountain/Freeride, and Freestyle skiing. All Grizzlies Basic and Grizzlies Plus athletes will participate in 3 events throughout the season - an in-house race, an in-house all-mountain competition, as well as the Doug Meyers Invitational - a large, multi-club race at the end of the season. These provide invaluable experience, insight into different pathways, as well as lots of fun for parents and athletes alike!
It is not mandatory for athletes to participate in these competitions, however, if your athlete chooses not to participate in any of these events, there is no alternate training available during those days.
Grizzlies Plus athletes will also have the option to attend two away races or freeride competitions during the season. Grizzlies 1-Day athletes that are interested in attending these events should speak to the Grizzlies head coach about early about this so a plan can be put in place to prepare for this competition.
Is there a club uniform?
We do have club jackets that all athletes are encouraged to purchase; this fosters a great sense of camaraderie and community among club members. New jackets can be purchased online through our supplier Sync Performance. Used jackets are often available within the club – check the LLSC’s Facebook buy and sell page.
How should I dress my child for a day of skiing?
Our athletes ski in a wide variety of weather conditions, so layering is an important consideration for greatest comfort. A wool/synthetic base layer followed by a fleece and a good technical jacket is recommended. Additionally, you should keep neck, hand and foot warmers on hand for very cold days. If it warms up in the afternoon, kids can take layers off. You can’t underestimate Lake Louise’s inversions and varying temperatures. It is important to be prepared for all kinds of temperatures.
*NOTE: Cotton socks or layers are NOT recommended. These do not insulate once they get wet, and result in cold athletes.
Does the LLSC have a designated store in Calgary/Canmore/Banff to buy equipment? Where else can I buy ski equipment?
The following retailers provide excellent gear and expertise and are also supporters of the LLSC. We strongly encourage you to check out these fine retailers when looking for new gear or tuning.
- Bear Street Outfitters, 203a Bear Street, Banff
- GearUp Mountain Sports Rental & Service, 1302 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore
- Ski West, 300 – 14 Street NW
Second-hand gear is also a great option! The club takes part in the Calgary New & Used Ski Swap at the end of October - this is a great opportunity to support the club and outfit your child! The club also has a great buy and sell page on Facebook.
Where do families stay on ski weekends?
There is no magic formula on accommodations. It really depends on your family’s needs and preferences. Lake Louise pass holders enjoy discounted rates at many facilities and the club negotiates preferred rates when possible, so be sure to inquire about discounts at the time of booking.
Lake Louise Village
- Lake Louise Inn, lakelouiseinn.com
- Chateau Lake Louise, fairmont.com/lake-louise
- Lake Louise Hostel, https://hihostels.ca/en/destinations/alberta/hi-lake-louise
- The Mountaineer, mountaineerlodge.com
- Truffle Pigs Lodge, trufflepigs.com
Some families opt to find a rental arrangement in Canmore or Banff. Peka (peka.ab.ca) and Asset West (assetwest.com) are two property managers who can assist with finding rental properties. The rental option enables families to cook in versus eat out and keep their gear at the rental.
If you have a winterized camper, there are camp sites in the area for use. You will want to explore your options through Parks Canada if this interests you. pc.gc.ca/eng/index.aspx
Any other tips for a fun experience?
Food! You can’t underestimate the power of fuel! A great breakfast, hearty lunch and some healthy pocket snacks will make for a great ski day experience for all. Please ensure athletes enjoy long-lasting fuel and have a snack with them for each morning and afternoon sessions. If you are leaving really early to drive out to the mountain and your child eats early, make sure you have your child eat something again as they are getting their gear on in the morning.
Hand and toe warmers! Have a set of each of these in your athletes pocket for when they may be needed. If you know your kiddo has cold digits, make sure they go on first thing in the morning!
What is the Grizzlies Lodge Parent?
The lodge parent is a volunteer shift that families are asked to fill a few times during the ski season. A sign-up sheet will be sent out and then posted. The lodge parent stays in the Whiskyjack lodge (where most club families sit) for either a morning or afternoon shift. There is a corresponding lodge parent backpack equipped with a radio to communicate with on-hill coaches, and a few toys and snacks to occupy a child should they be unable to finish out the day on the slopes. The hill can be very busy at times and it is a very large resort. Having a “safe parent/adult” identified to all of our athletes by the back-pack allows for a safe place for them to go should they not be able to see or find their own parent or coach for any reason. Please note this is not a place to leave your child for the day if they are unable to ski. This is a resource for coaches so they can drop athletes and continue to ski with the rest of their group as well as a safe place for lost athletes.
What happens if my child gets injured?
The coaches all have an Emergency Action Plan that they must follow in order to keep all of their athlete’s safe while seeing to the needs of the injured child. If the child is able to get up and continue without any assistance, Ski Patrol will not be called but may later be visited should the coach feel this is necessary. Parents will always be informed of any and all crashes that may or may not need follow up. Should a child be unable to get up on their own for any reason the Ski Patrol is always called (coaches have access to Ski Patrol through their radios). The coaches refer to their expert opinion.
What happens if my child gets lost?
Should a child go missing from a group while skiing the coach immediately sends word over the radio – providing as much detail about the missing child as possible. This enables other coaches to assist in locating the missing child. The athletes are told to go directly to the base of last chairlift they rode or the nearest chair lift if the other is not possible. Athletes are told to then identify themselves to the lift operators as a “lost Grizzly” - thus allowing a Coach to locate them via any of the other lift operators and their radios. This also means that the child has somewhere warm to wait should the weather be inclement.
Parents, should you come across a “lost Grizzly” please accompany them to the above-mentioned chairlifts lodge parent and wait WITH them for their coach. Should you feel that it is best to escort them to the base of the mountain please do so ONLY after informing the lift operators of this – that way the search will stop and the coach will know to head to the base to meet you and the “lost Grizzly”.
Athletes are also told they can and identify themselves to the lodge parent in the WhiskeyJack Lodge if they are skiing on the lower front side of the mountain. The lodge parent will then use their radio to get a hold of the coach.
What are Race Accounts (Grizzlies Plus only)
These are accounts that families with athletes competing in away competitions or races pay into. These accounts are used to pay for expenses associated with these events such as entry fees and coach expenses. Athlete accounts are only charged for events that the athlete attends.
If an athlete registered in Grizzlies Basic attends an away competition, they will register via RAMP and pay the set fee associated with the event.
We love to ski. Thank you for joining us.
