American Airlines Ski & Snowboard Team

 

Hi!

 

My name is Tom Stone and I am the president of the AA Ski & Snowboard Team.  I have published this letter on our web site so new members or prospective members can get an introduction to our club, let them know what to expect at ski weeks and to provide them with valuable information on how to participate in our activities with the fewest hassles and the most fun.  Do not be intimidated by the words “race team”, we are as much a recreational “ski club” as a “race team”, the words are interchangeable.

 

Attending your first ski week is kind of like your first day at a new school.  You aren’t sure where to go, you don’t know anyone and everybody seems to know everyone else.  We have all been there and know how it feels, so we are working very hard to make your first meet fun and rewarding so you will come back again.  Please take the time to read this letter thoroughly and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

 

Who are we?  Check out the FAQ on the main page of the web site at www.aaskisnowboard.com.  The AA S&S Team is made up fellow employees and retirees of American Airlines and American Eagle.  We are a member team of the North American Airline Ski Federation (NAASF), which is comprised of over 20 airlines that meet once a month (Jan – Apr).  We compete against the other airline clubs in races, but we also enjoy recreational skiing and boarding along with other activities.  NAASF organizes the individual meets and all associated après ski parties, which have become an important part of the week activities.  All ski weeks are planned at off-peak times, arrival on Sunday and departure on Friday, with events scheduled all week long. There is no requirement to stay the entire week, so feel free to arrive and/or depart earlier, or later, if you wish.  Details will follow below. 

 

In March we will participate in the International Airline Ski Federation (IASF) World Airline Ski Championship with about 50 airline clubs from around the globe. This year the international meet will be in Garmisch, Germany, from March 2-7.

 

Last season we had over 120 members and this year we hope to increase our membership.  We believe we are the most successful club, because we care about our members and have an organized staff working hard to ensure you have a good time.

 

How we communicate to you.  It is essential for you to receive the needed information to make reservations and find your way to the meets.  Be sure that our Vice President, Earl Weintraub, has your current address, phone number and email address.  The most efficient way to receive information is via email.  We send everyone a monthly newsletter beginning in October, which is full of information about the upcoming ski week, what happened at the last meet, and who to contact for further information.  These are sent via email.  You may contact any of the Board of Directors listed in this part of the web site for more information at any time.  Also, check out the other airlines at www.naasf.com.  These sites are updated regularly and ours will have the current newsletter if you did not receive one.

 

Signing up for a ski week:  Once you decide to attend an event, you may make your lodging reservations directly with the resort or you may contact the “Room Mom” for assistance.  In either case please contact the “Room Mom” for that event. If you would like to lower your expenses for any ski event, the Room Mom will help locate a roommate.  If your plans change at the last minute, please contact the Room Mom immediately as he/she might be able to help you find a room or roommate, cancel a reservation, find someone to take your room or roommate(s), etc.

 

Getting to an event:  The monthly newsletter will provide information on transportation options and discounts available to get to the resort.  Generally if you know someone who is going you can use the team roster we publish on our private forum, www.groups.msn.com/AASkiandSnowboardTeam  to contact them and arrange ride shares.

 

Registration:  Once you get to the resort follow the directions provided to the location where NAASF registration is being held.  It is usually held in a conference room.  Bring your Airline ID, and checkbook or credit card.  There you will be able to pay your NAASF registration fee ($75), which gets you into the parties, special events and racing, and allows you to purchase discounted lift tickets. Information regarding the Team Dinner and other special events and messages will be posted.  Be sure and sign in on the American Airlines list and select the appropriate racing venue if you would like to race.  You will also be given a packet containing valuable coupons, an event schedule and often, free samples from our sponsors.  

 

Guests:  You are welcome and encouraged to bring guests.  Your guests will need to fill out a registration card that includes your name, airline, and phone number. AA employees may attend their first ski week as a guest, but they must join the club to be eligible to race in any venue other than the Newcomers/Guest race.  “Civilians” may come as guests as often as they wish as long as an American Airlines Ski Club member sponsors them.

 

SKI MEET STRUCTURE

 

Sunday         Most people arrive on Sunday so they can register and get settled into their accommodations.  Sometimes there may be an informal gathering posted.

 

Monday         You can free ski and/or practice on race courses set up for NAASF.  Location for these courses will be posted at registration.  The Monday night welcome party is a good place to catch up with old friends or meet new ones.

 

Tuesday        This is race day for the Snowboarders and the Newcomers who wish to race.  Location of the race will be posted at registration.  This is the 9th year for the snowboard race and it continues to grow in popularity.  The AdvenTours Newcomers/Guest Race will most likely be held following the snowboard race on the same course. The Team Dinner and team meeting is held Tuesday night.  Check for the location at registration.  It should also be in the newsletter.  Attendance is mandatory for team members.  This is the only chance we have of getting everyone together at the same time.  If you are unable to attend, “tell your room mom”. This is a wonderful place to meet members of the team and learn about things we are not able to cover in the newsletters.   

 

Wednesday The A team races Slalom and the B’s race Giant Slalom.  Wednesday night is a theme party.  The newsletter and the NAASF mailings will announce the theme.  These are great parties so come prepared with a costume.  You’ll be amazed at the creativity of some of the outfits!  There are always great prizes given for best costumes too.

 

Thursday      The A team races GS and the B’s race SL.  Thursday night is the awards ceremony and party.  Awards for the day’s races and combined totals are presented.  This is a great time to say goodbye to your friends before leaving.   

 

Friday    Most people depart.  We realize you can not always bid the entire week off.  If that is the case I recommend arriving Monday night, as you will miss less of the action that way.  This will allow you to attend all the parties and races.  There is no minimum number of ski weeks you must attend – show up for as many as you like or can afford.

 

NAASF RACE RULES

 

 

Snowboard Race:   There is one race for snowboarders, which is normally scheduled for Tuesdays.  Snowboarders make two runs and count their best time. You may participate in both snowboard and ski races each week.

 

Sponsor Newcomer/Novice Race:  AdvenTours, a company that provides scuba training and fun dive and sailing trips (owned by AA team member Jim Tullos), sponsors a race geared towards skiers new to racing.  The intent is to introduce you to racing on an easy course (normally the snowboard course when that race is finished) and provide a venue to develop your skills prior to entering a B race.  All NAASF participants who have not previously raced on the A or B team are eligible. In addition, guests of team members may participate in the newcomer race.  Men and women 1st place finishers receive a $100 gift certificate, 2nd place finishers receive a $50 gift certificate, and 3rd place finishers win a $25 gift certificate.  Gift certificates can be used towards any of the trips and services provided by AdvenTours.

 

B Races:  The B team is composed of intermediate skiers new to racing.  The B team will race GS on Wednesday and SL on Thursday.  Racers will compete in one run in both GS and SL.  A second run is optional, if the snow looks good, then go cruising.

 

 

A Races:  The A team members are expert skiers/advanced racers. 

 

MORE INFORMATION

 

Tips for meeting fellow team members:  The best way to meet fellow team members is to go to Training Camp at Steamboat Springs in December.  This will be only American Airlines employees and guests (though we may have a few people from some other airlines).  Next is to attend the Team Dinners.  Here you will be welcomed by the rest of the club and have a great opportunity to meet us.

 

Uniform Items:  As a member of the team you may purchase uniform items.  Our current team jacket is made by Spyder and is extremely high quality and is available at a tremendously discounted price.  Other team items include hats, neck gaiters, turtlenecks, team pins, bag tags and more.  Jackets are only available for team members, but guests may purchase other items.  Refer to our Website Store for available items and contact our Uniform Coordinator if you are interested.

 

Fun Stuff:  At the last meet in April we will have fun awards and roast members for embarrassing things they have done throughout the season.  Keep track of funny things that happen on and off the slopes so we can use them at the end of the year.  Send your Dirt to Dirt@aaskisnowboard.com. At the evening NAASF parties you have the opportunity to win great prizes by purchasing raffle tickets.  Proceeds from raffle sales go to benefit the NAASF Foundation, which provides scholarships to young skiers.  You will also receive 2 free drink coupons just for attending the party.

 

Join NOW!  Print our annual membership application.   Fill it out completely and return it to the address provided along with your annual dues of only $30 to join for the season.  See you on the slopes and…Welcome to the Club!