What's Inside
Please read on for updates and information about:
One of the two teams of PCSS Cross Country athletes that participated in Running with Ed on May 18
Message from Executive Director, Christie Hind
We are thrilled to announce that Park City Ski & Snowboard has achieved US Ski & Snowboard's Podium Club Certification at the Gold level. As a "Gold Club" PCSS now ranks in the top 7% of all Ski & Snowboard Clubs in the country - a significant achievement! In presenting the award, USSS Club Development Manager, Ellen Adams, commented, "The daily investment in running an outstanding organization and the extensive effort involved in the certification process itself were obvious to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Club Certification team." PCSS is the first and only club in the country to go from Bronze to Gold certification through USSS's new certification process.
Just some of the accomplishments that sealed our Gold status included:
- Expanding training and racing venues.
- Creating and growing participation in the Youth Development division.
- Adding diversity by increasing volume of non-traditional athletes.
- Improving professionalism of Club communications.
- Implementing important compliance policies and procedures.
- Offering enhanced employee pay and benefits.
- Providing valuable training opportunities for employees.
- Improving Club operations in multiple ways, including replacing our sports registration and management system.
We are incredibly proud of this important accomplishment. Many thanks to the USSS Club Certification Team for their extensive time and support. Thanks also to PCSS athletes, coaches, parents and Board for supporting our efforts as we achieved this important distinction.
In other news, Summer 2024 is finally here! Our freestyle athletes are water ramping, cross country athletes are roller skiing, the airbag is preparing to open, several FIS dryland camps start on Monday, and we are gearing up for the many summer camps - including both local camps and on-snow camps - that we have in store for athletes and community members this summer. If you haven't already done so, be sure to check our website to secure a spot in your favorite program.
Wishing all Park City School District students happy last days of the school year. We hope everyone enjoys a fun, safe and active summer! - Christie
PlayMetrics User Tips
Hopefully many of you have already started using our new sports registration and management system, PlayMetrics, as you register for summer programming and/or events. We are getting very positive reviews from both parents and our staff and are certain PlayMetrics is a much-improved solution.
If you've not already set up a PlayMetrics account, simply click here to create your account. Be sure to complete the final step of confirming the account by responding to the message sent to your email address. Then, download the PlayMetrics app as that will be easiest way to view and manage the information for your athlete(s)/player(s) and team(s).
An important change PlayMetrics gives us is there are now two different methods for payment. If you choose to pay via credit card, you gain the advantage of deferring payment until your credit card bill is due plus earning the miles or other credits offered by your card; however, you will also be charged a service fee equal to 2.9% of fees plus $0.30. As an alternative, if you link your bank account and pay via ACH, service fees will not be applied. To link your bank account, follow the steps below.
We welcome your input as you use PlayMetrics. Please share your feedback with your coach or send an email to jwilkinson@parkcityss.org.
Making ACH Payments
From the PlayMetrics app, click “Menu” and then choose “Billing"
Then, click “Add” in the “Payment Methods” section. Select “Bank Account,” enter the required information, then click “Save Account"
2024 Spring Carnival!
For the first time, we combined the final Town Series races with our traditional end-of-season pond skim to create a PCSS-wide event - the 2024 Spring Carnival! We encouraged costumes and provided a food truck, beer garden, music, awards, and a swag toss. Although a bit windy and chilly, the event was well attended and a very enjoyable afternoon of fun!
Moose on the Loose Race Series
Starting this year, PCSS will host the annual Moose on the Loose trail running series for kids ages 3-14. We are excited to add this series of four races to our events calendar as it aligns with our goals of inspiring kids to enjoy the outdoors while challenging themselves both mentally and physically. Parents are encouraged to run with their athletes, and you can register for any one or all races - there is a discount if you sign up for all four events.
For more details, scan the bar code in the image or click here. If you have questions, please send an email to events@parkcityss.org.
We also need volunteers for race days to help with course set-up, check-in and start/finish area, providing direction on course, and water stations. All volunteer hours will be counted toward your 2024/25 season requirements, so this is a great opportunity to get ahead! To volunteer, click "Signups" at the bottom of your PlayMetrics app and register for the slot(s) that work for you. We appreciate your help!
Division Updates
Alpine
With snow melting out and our local areas now fully closed, the Alpine Team is gearing up for the new season. At the beginning of the month, we saw Alpine groups from South Series, Jr IMC & IMC U16 all take advantage of the late home snow. Our FIS groups are now in Copper finishing up a 10-day camp with our oldest group of junior athletes.
Summer FIS Dryland kicks off next week when our FIS groups return, and IMC U16 Dryland begins several weeks later. Alpine Winter Registration for the 2025 season will be opening soon, so be on the lookout for invitations from PlayMetrics shortly.
Devo athletes mountain biking on May 21
Cross Country
PCSS Cross Country started its season on May 13 by offering dryland practices for Devo and Comp teams. As the saying goes, cross country skiers are made in the summer! Our Devo summer session will start June 10. We do offer cross country training, but this program is also open to kids who want to be active and outdoors. We offer a variety of activities and have flexibility in programming from one day a week up to week-long camps. CLICK HERE for more information.
PCSS Cross Country had two teams participate in "Running with Ed" on May 18. This event is a relay race around Park City and is a fundraiser for the Park City Education Foundation. This was an opportunity to bond with teammates, get some training in, and support a great community event.
Devo Freestyle
The final round of Devo Series events at the UOP were a great success. Moguls was held on the intermediate course, and registration completely sold out! We witnessed some amazing runs from our athletes in both Moguls and Slopestyle.
Four Devo Comp athletes competed at national level events this Spring. Three participated in the USASA Slopestyle Nationals in Copper, and one athlete competed in the USSS Junior National Moguls event at the UOP.
Sincere thanks to all Devo Freestyle families for making it a great season!
Registration for summer training is open, and water ramping begins on June 10. Multiple training options are available to accommodate your busy summer schedule. Athletes can build their own training schedules, sign up for week-long camps, or even just book one-off public sessions to test the waters.
Freeride coaches wrapping up the season in style at Snowbird!
Freeride
It was a slower month for PCSS Freeride as we shift our sights towards the summer. Freeride is launching specialized Air & Water camps through the summer along with aiming to send another trip down to Argentina!
Airbag installation is underway with projected opening date in mid- to late June!
Freeski
Freeski is in preparation mode getting ready for the summer training season. All summer programs are open and you can view our offerings here.
A small crew of athletes went to Mammoth for a successful spring pipe and slope camp in early May.
Summer on-snow camp registrations are also open and taking deposits. Take a look at the dates and locations here. Please contact your coaches if you have any questions about the camps and/or if the camp is an appropriate fit for your athlete.
Finally, the airbag installation is in progress and looking very promising. The current projection for the opening date is middle to end of June.
Freestyle - Aerials
Heading into summer, we are offering several Intro to Freestyle camps. The first session is July 11-13 and the second is August 15-17. Sign up for exclusive access to training on the US Ski & Snowboard Center of Excellence trampolines and UOP water ramps with world class coaches.
If you are unable to make the camp dates, you can purchase "punch passes" for flexible dates and still receive a world-class coaching experience while trying a new sport.
Freestyle - Aerials is looking for gymnasts who want a chance at a fast track to the Winter Olympics. There is an opportunity to compete in World Cup events like Deer Valley with as few as two years of training.
Freestyle - Moguls
The Mogul team ended the competition season on a high note with both Jackson Crockett and Emma Bosco topping the podium for single moguls at the FIS open at Snowbird in April.
After a short break, we are back to training in the gym and on the water ramps. Registration for summer programming is live on the website. We have a ton of options to suit most schedules. It’s fun and exciting to see the mogul program growing!
Liam Demong (age 13) demonstrates his “old school” style at the final practice of the season on March 22
Ski Jumping / Nordic Combined
PCSS Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined’s athletes wrapped their competitive season by hosting Western Regionals Championships at the UOP in March. We were fortunate to have great weather, fun events, high participation and a really strong showing from our team!
Our athletes, coaches and parents gathered one last time for our end-of-season party in early April. We recognized a number of athletes for their skills, sportsmanship, improvements and contributions to the team. Logan Cadman was honored with the prestigious Alf Engen Award - a long-standing award given to a PCSS athlete who best exemplifies the competitive spirit, sportsmanship and leadership that are characteristic of Alf Engen (considered the father of ski jumping in Utah).
Looking forward, we have a busy and exciting summer ahead of us! Our Comp Team athletes have been hard at work in the gym this month, and will soon be back on the jumps. Our Small Hills Fundamentals program kicks off June 3, with jumping on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer. We also are offering a Jumping & Beyond Camp June 17-20, which has space and is open to beginners!
Our summer highlight, the 25th Annual Springer Tournee, is scheduled for July 15-20. This event brings together the Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined community from around North America, with everyone from U10 - National Team athletes participating. If you’d like to see some of the action, mark your calendar for the evening of Saturday, July 20, where we’re going to have a fun event on our K120 large hill and make it a party!
We are also offering a beginner-focused half-day Monday - Friday camp from August 5-9.
Learn more about all of our offerings on our website here.
PCSS athlete Collin Kryger (age 15) racing at the final Town Series race of the winter
Skimo
Although (most) of our Skimo athletes have long since made the transition from skis to trails, the end of our season was too strong to not take a moment and highlight. Our team closed off the season particularly well in March, starting with the USA Skimo National Championships at the Powderkeg race. We took home five medals at these races (Izzy Crandall 2nd & 3rd U16 F, Sam Kirschner 2 x 1st U16 M, and Joshua Itoi 3rd U16M)!
Shortly after, Griffin Briley continued his run of international success with a Youth World Cup win in the U20 Vertical Race in Molde, NOR. At the end of March, Sam Kirschner took home back to back U18 victories at the Wy’easter Skimo, the final USA Skimo National series event of 2024. Teammate Maci Zaniello also made the trip and returned with a bronze in the U18 individual race.
Due to the success of the season, we’re proud to announce that Sam Kirschner, Joshua Itoi, Maci Zaniello, and Griffin Briley were all named to the 2024/25 USA Skimo National Team! See the full team and press release here.
Now that summer is in full swing, our athletes are training hard for upcoming races on bikes and foot, as well as participating in strength training in the COE alongside the XC Comp team. To learn more about summer and fall strength opportunities for endurance athletes, see our website here.
Snowboard
PCSS Snowboard capped off a ripping season with a party at Woodward on Friday, April 26. Parents, athletes, and coaches mixed it up and smiled the night away. Awards were given for most improved, team player, etc. The coaches had a difficult time choosing from all the success that PCSS had this season!
Coach Caroline took a crew of riders to Steamboat Springs, Colorado for an inaugural freestyle camp from May 1-6. The jumps and halfpipe were in good shape and it was a productive camp for the athletes in attendance. This is a new camp which will no doubt be part of PCSS Snowboard's plans moving forward.
Coaches Nick Poplawski and Chris Lee were on snow in Mammoth Mountain, California. Nick reported that, "the Global Team crew just returned from a very productive spring Slopestyle camp. The snow was great and the jumps and rails were "firing." Highlights included Callie Carman working on BS 720s, Asher Loscalzo putting FS 1080s to feet and Connor Cavanaugh learning FS 1440s." This camp continues to provide athletes with incredible training opportunities and is a highlight of the spring/summer training season."
Youth Development
Summer is almost here and PCSS Youth Development has a variety of camps and programs for your young athletes! Come cool off from the summer heat by jumping into the Freestyle Olympic training pool with one of our week-long water ramp camps or summer-long training programs. If jumping isn't your style, then come explore the over 200 miles of singletrack bike trails with one of our weekly mountain biking camps! Limited spots remain but it is not too late to register. Click here to explore the options and to register, or email Ryan DeVine (rdevine@parkcityss.org) with any questions.
| Scholarship/Link | Description | Eligibility | Important Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| The PCSEF Board of Trustees is committed to providing financial assistance to PCSS Alpine athletes in order for them to pursue ski racing excellence. These scholarships provide critical funds for qualified, talented athletes who otherwise would be unable to pursue their ski racing ambitions. Award will be applied directly to participant’s PCSS Alpine tuition expense, camps, competitions or other projects | PCSS Alpine athletes enrolled in a full-time U14, U16 or FIS level program | Applications accepted on a rolling basis | |
| The i9 Sports Association offers scholarship grants of up to $150 to offset youth sports program participation fees | Athletes under age 18 | Applications accepted on a rolling basis; grants awarded in Feb, May, Aug, and Nov |
HOW CAN YOU HELP SUPPORT PARK CITY SKI & SNOWBOARD AT NO COST TO YOU?
Link your Smith's rewards card to Park City Ski & Snowboard and 0.5% of your eligible purchases will be donated directly to PCSS. Most importantly this does not at all affect your gas points and is ZERO cost to you! This is an easy way to help support PCSS, and signing up takes less than one minute.
To sign up:
- Click here for the Smith's Food & Drug Inspiring Donations Program or copy/paste the following address to your browser: http://www.smithsfoodanddrug.com/inspire
- Sign in to your digital account. If you don't already have a digital account, it's easy to create*
- Search for your organization here
- Enter our name (Park City Ski & Snowboard) or NPO number (NI507)
- Select the appropriate organization from the list and click “Save”
* New users can quickly create an account by providing some basic information, a valid email address and a Smith's rewards card number.
LET'S RAISE SOME FUNDS IN SUPPORT OF OUR YOUNG ATHLETES! THANK YOU!!
