First and foremost... You do not need to be a racer to join us. We have all levels of skiers from non-skier/boarders to beginners to advanced. There is a misconception that you need to race to be a part of this organization... we welcome all levels... in fact some of our most loyal members are beginners to intermediate level.
NAASF - www.naasf.com
North American Airline Ski Federation (NAASF) is an organization comprised of Teams or Clubs from virtually all of the airlines in North American (American, Delta, United, Fedex, Southwest, NetJet, Skywest, etc). These Teams/Clubs are comprised of airline employees/retirees and their families.
NAASF currently sanctions three ski weeks each season at a variety of resorts around North America where the member Team/Clubs compete in Snowboard and Ski Racing, Partying, and Free Skiing. Those that want to race have the opportunity, but those that don't are welcome to come cheer for your favorite team or just enjoy the mountain at your own pace.
The NAASF Ski Weeks offer some of the most affordable ski/riding possible. As a general rule, the NAASF contracted rates offer slope side or near slope side lodging at discounted prices, Lift Ticket Prices for about 50% of rack rate, and a variety of discounts on rentals and purchases around the resorts. It is rare that you will find a less expensive way to have a ski week.
NAASF charges a registration fee for the week. This allows you the discounted lodging, lift tickets, discounts, and allows you to attend all the week's events/parties and racing. It is a bargain for what you are paying.
All of the NAASF Weeks are "Family Friendly". The evening parties feature such adult entertainment as alcoholic beverages, live music, dancing, and costume parties, but families are welcome to ski, race, and enjoy the week. Baby sitting services are available in most resorts so the adults can join in the evening activities.
AIRLINE CLUB/TEAM
Each Airline Team/Club (some like to be called Teams, others Clubs....it's a mute point as we all do the same thing) is managed differently, but they are all welcoming. Most of Teams/Clubs have matching uniforms to identify their members.
AMERICAN AIRLINES CLUB
The American Airlines Club is the largest and one of the most "structured". The AA Club offers a "TED" (Team Event Director) for each ski week. The "TED" is the AA Club coordinator for the week and will be the point of contact for that week. The TED will also attempt to put people together to share rooms or condos and to share rides.
The American Airlines and the United Airlines Clubs offer "training" in December each year. United conducts their training in Copper Mountain. I don't have all of their details, but you can visit the NAASF website to contact them directly.
RSVP
It is VERY important to RSVP if you plan to attend a ski week. During the training week this allows the resort to staff the instructors appropriately and during a normal ski week this allows the resort to plan food, staffing, and venues appropriately.
For those attending as an American Airlines employee/retiree or guest, once you become a member, please navigate to the ski week/s you plan to attend and complete the RSVP form.
AMERICAN AIRLINES TRAINING CAMP
The American Airlines Club holds their "Training Camp" the first week of December each year in Steamboat Springs, CO a the Billy Kidd Performance Center. To participate in the full "camp" you arrive on Monday and ski/snowboard train Monday thru Thursday (but you can come early/stay late OR come for a shorter period if you need to). I will personally guarantee that if you attend the AA Training Camp you 100% will be a better skier/rider after spending all day with one of our top coaches for four days in a row. This instruction is priced at less than 50% of what the public pays for similar training.
The Steamboat Grand is one of the nicest facilities in Steamboat. It is directly across the street from the Gondola, offer free ski storage at the gondola area, and gives AA one heck of a good deal.
Even though the "Training Camp" is an American Airlines Club event, it is open to all airlines and guests. Historically we have Southwest, Delta, SkyWest, and a variety of other airlines represented. Bottom Line, EVERYONE is welcome. "Training Camp" is one of the best and safest ways to start your season.
IASF and WASC - www.airlineski.com
Once each year the NAASF team/clubs join with airlines from around the world for the World Airline Ski Championships (WASC) which is sanctioned by the International Airline Ski Federation (IASF). IASF is comprise of teams representing the majority of airlines in the world. The competition and parties are stepped up a little on the "world level", but the camaraderie remains the same.
If you are NOT an Airline Employee/Retiree or family member, you will need a "sponsor" to attend a NAASF or IASF ski week. This is usually just a matter of asking one of your airline friends to vouch for you.
Typical Ski Week
Most NAASF ski weeks have a very similar schedule. You can verify the events, but this is good for planning purposes.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
The IASF World Airline Ski Championships are "slightly" different, in that their race training begins on Sunday and races begin on Monday (NAASF trains on Monday and begins racing on Tuesday). The WASC also includes several Nordic events (cross country skiing) and a "Fun Race" event where teams from around the world offer samples of a food/beverage typical of their country (It's really an International food/beverage tasting party on the snow).
The AA Training Camp in December has a similar schedule, BUT they include a free breakfast and "chalk talk" by Billy Kidd on Monday morning and a "Pub Crawl" on Wednesday (rather than a theme party). We also have a Tuesday "Team/Club" dinner and a Happy Hour Awards Party on Thursday.
If you would like to attend any/all of these events, please Join our Club and let the good time roll.