What is SSRA?

Spokane Ski Racing Association is the team that operates out of Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park. SSRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The team was formed in 1960 and has a long and successful history in alpine competition. SSRA offers programs to competitors ages 5 to adult. Although SSRA operates at Mt. Spokane, it is an independent entity that enjoys special privileges related to pass pricing, grooming, early lifts, fundraising and designated meeting and training space at Mt. Spokane, our greatest supporter!

What is the program's philosophy?

SSRA provides an important service to the communities of the Inland Northwest. We help young people to be involved in a healthy outdoor competitive experience rivaled by few. We teach athletes to have fun while learning to be expert skiers and outstanding competitors and do so more efficiently and effectively than any other team in the Pacific Northwest . We strive to retain athletes through the entire continuum of competitive programs that SSRA offers. We realize that while having fun and learning to ski all terrain and conditions is the goal at the entry level, healthy and exhilarating competition teaches the greatest lessons as racers progress through SSRA. Life skills such as dedication, hard work, time-management, goal setting and ability to travel become an important part of what we teach. SSRA strives to develop outstanding skiers who love the sport and the outdoor winter alpine environment. And SSRA strives to develop outstanding young human beings. SSRA also strongly promotes the concept of being a member of the team. Although ski competition is individualistic in nature to some degree, the vast majority of the SSRA experience is one of teamwork and reliance on others in the collective pursuit of excellence. SSRA promotes participation and seeks to grow our organization in all areas, each year. We host events and showcase winter snow sports competition at Mt. Spokane .

SSRA is committed to fun.

SSRA is committed to learning.

What does it mean to be a member of SSRA?

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, SSRA is bound by its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.  SSRA is governed by a body of annually/biannually elected directors who set policy in accordance with the organizations Bylaws. Operations and the day to day management of SSRA rests with the organization's Program Director. Participants in SSRA's full-time programs are required to pay tuition to take advantage of the program and its benefits. Although membership does not include ownership interest in the club, or the right to participate in governance of the program, all members are welcome at board meetings and have voting rights in annual SSRA BOD elections, normally in May.

What are the coaches' credentials?

Our coaching staff consists of dedicated and caring skiing professionals who share a genuine interest in each athlete's personal growth as a skier, alpine competitor and human being. Coaches are involved in two nationally accredited organizations: USSCA (United States Ski and Snowboard Coaches Association) and PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America). Through these systems and in-house clinics, SSRA coaches remain on the cutting edge of the sport of ski racing.

Am I ready to be a part of the team?

If you are an intermediate skier and can independently load the lift, you are ready for SSRA! Of course an eagerness to ski, have fun and aggressively pursue the skills of the sport are important parts of fitting into a competitive alpine team environment.

SSRA coaches evaluate athletes during the first two weekends of training. If you are not ready, or it proves to be too much of a challenge, program fees are refunded in full. Athletes may also choose our TBYB, try before you buy program. (In any involvement with SSRA (TBYB or otherwise, an enrollment form/liability release must be signed prior to participation)

In what program should I enroll?

All of SSRA's programs are designed around our athletes. Programs emphasize opportunity as opposed to ability required in order to participate. Groups are created with athletes of commensurate ability, age and maturity/focus within each SSRA program to the best of our ability. If you have specific questions, you should consult Chuck Holcomb, Program Director.

How do I enroll?

Simply fill out an SSRA enrollment form and submit fees with the completed form to SSRA, P.O. Box 141005, Spokane, WA 99214. These forms can be found online on the www.gossra.org homepage. Print one out, complete it in full, and mail with fees.

How much does it cost?

Fees vay from program to program. Fee structure can be accessed on the www.gossra.org homepage under, "registration information, enrollment form". Tuition is subsidized up to 30-40% annually from membership fundraising.

When are fees due?

For returning members who want to take advantage of the "early bird discount", fees are due by October 15th, 2004. Otherwise, fees are due in full by December 31, 2005. If you need to work out a different payment schedule, mail your request to SSRA, P.O. Box 141005, Spokane, WA 99214 for review by the board of directors on an individual basis.

Can I ungrade to another program during the season?

Absolutely! You may upgrade to another program at any time during the season. At that point, the fee difference will be prorated. However, those enrolled in the introduction to ski racing program must upgrade by Dec. 31st to be eligible to qualify for the Buddy Werner Championship team.

What does membership include?

Membership includes training tuition fees. Membership provides the priviledge of receiving the highest quality coaching available and training on the best venue in the Pacific Northwest!

Does membership include a season pass? Rental equipment? Transportation?

Do I need a season pass?

Membership does not include a season pass since SSRA is an idependent entity from Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park. However, SSRA enjoys exclusive pass rates for each athlete and ALL immediate family members (parents and siblings). These rates are $149.00 for youth passes (ages 7-15) and $199 for adult passes (ages 16 and up). And, yes, a season pass is the most affordable way to participate in SSRA since you will pay for your pass many times over!

Please note that 5th graders can receive a free season pass ($25 processing fee) at Mt. Spokane. Apply at the INSA website. Mt. Spokane is the only Inland Northwest ski area that offers this outstanding program to families all season long.

SSRA does not provide rental equipment. However, special equipment sales are offered each fall to our team at the local shops. In addition, Junior athletes order deeply discounted equipment directly from the manufacturers.

SSRA does not provide transportation, but many families co-operate on carpooling.

Where do my fees go?

Fees are spent on adminstration, equipment, coach compensation, etc. However, fees cover only 60-70% of these expenditures.

Am I expected to volunteer?

Volunteering is an essential component of being part of a club like SSRA. There are countless reasons why we need volunteers to make our program and services the best in the Pacific Northwest. These include helping out at home races, fundraisers and other functions. Without volunteering, the cost of participation in SSRA would almost double as revenue received as a result of volunteering heavily subsidizes the club's programs.