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How many of you knew NU had a Ski Team?

We're working to resolve that now. As surprising as it is to learn, Northeastern had one of the best Ski Teams on the East Coast from the mid 1950's until the 70's. It had the largest team budget on the East Coast and a huge Mercedes Bus. The program was cut for a few years.

Michael Alekson (class of '94) restarted the Men's Team. NU consistently placed in the top 3 Teams in the then NCSA (National Collegiate Ski Association and USCSA predecessor) in the McBrien Division. After 4 years in the McBrien Division, NU was then moved into the more competitive Thomson Division for several reasons by New Head Coach Chris Haigh. We remain in that Division today, which is fitting as it is named after an NU Coach from the 1960's.

Eligibility:

• All students must maintain a gradepoint average of 2.0 or better to participate in any USCSA sanctioned races.
• Any incoming freshman must have attained a minimum 700 on SAT scores as well or they will be ineligible.
• You must be a full time Northeastern student and be at least a "non-scored student" license holder in the USSA (United States Ski Association). The cost for that will be $90.00 per person. You will also need to fill out one form for USCSA (the "individual competitor form") and sign a "team form". Before dryland practice the hazing & informed consent must also be filled out.
• Lastly, people are only eligible for 4 years of racing (mention the "B" Ski Team). One year to spare.

Goals and Expectations:

• No Swearing on the mountains at either races or practices!
• Dry land training 1-2 times a week, weight train on your own
• On snow training will be 1-2 times a week at Skibradford, near the NH boarder
• All must help Fundraise with specific programs offered
• Team dues is charged each year, that includes racing fees, lift tickets, lodging, and transportation.
• Everyone on the team must help out with gatekeeping responsibilities
• There are 20 spots avaliable for women and 20 spots avaliable for men. 10 women and 10 men race on each team, B teams will be made if necessary. A B team consists of 10 women and 10 men. A rotation schedule will be made by the coaches for slot selection between A and B teams.

Season Details:

• 5-6 regular season races starting the 2nd weekend in January, running through the end of February. Races run all weekend. We usually leave Friday eve around 7PM and return Sunday night around 7PM. Races are on both Saturday and Sunday, we race Slalom and/or Giant Slalom, depending on the schedule. The top 3 racers times count towards the combined team time for day. We run 2 runs of each event, and a wipeout first run gets you disqualified for the second run, where you will be expected to gatekeep and support the team.
• On-Snow Practices ideally are held twice a week at Ski Bradford, most likely Tuesday and Weds nights from 6-11PM, this includes travel time. Cost is $15/night per person.
• Training Camp/Christmas Camp is an OPTIONAL 4-6 day Camp usually held after finals week. This year will most likely be at Mont Saint Anne in Quebec. Cost is usually around $300-400. This will include lodging, lift tickets and training costs.
• The season schedule is released around the middle of November every year.
• Overall Cost-  around $525 which covers motel expenses, transportation, lift tickets and racing fees. You will be responsible for your own food as well.
• Lastly, the big cost could be EQUIPMENT, which ranges in price. Usually racers have one pair of skis for both SL and GS, although some have two separate for the events. The regulation size for Giant Slalom is 175 for women, 180 for men. The regulation size for Slalom is 155 for women and 165 for men. Minimum ski radius for men and women in Giant Slalom is 21m and there is no requirement for Slalom.

Equipment:

• Pro-form or partial sponsorship from Ski Shops. Average savings of some 50% off. Only open to those who pay their dues. This will be discussed later in the season.
• Team apparrel will be discussed later.