FAQs
If you are new to Kitsap Ski School, or are considering enrolling your son or daughter in our program, then you most likely have a few questions that you would like answered. Our FAQs listed below are arranged by topic including General, Costs, Gear, Passes/Lift Tickets, Safety, and Instruction.
After reviewing the information below, we hope all your questions have been answered. If you still have questions, please contact John Howard, Executive Director, at [email protected].
After reviewing the information below, we hope all your questions have been answered. If you still have questions, please contact John Howard, Executive Director, at [email protected].
General
Q: How old do you need to be to participate?
A: Anyone in grades 5-12 is welcome to join.
Q: Does the student have to live in Kitsap County?
A: No. Anyone in grades 5-12 is welcome to join.
Q: Is Kitsap Ski School funded by the Central Kitsap School District?
A: No. We are an independent 501(c)3 organization. We are not affiliated with the Central Kitsap School District.
Q: What time do the buses leave and return?
A: The buses leave the parking lot at 7:30 AM and return at 10:45-11:25 PM
Q: Where do the buses leave from?
A: Students will leave from the CK High School School Bus lot.
Q: Can I ride a bus with my friends?
A: Yes, though the buses are typically arranged by grade level.
Q: Do School rules apply during Ski School trips?
A: Yes. Although we are not a school program, we have similar expectations. Failure to adhere to Kitsap Ski School rules can result in removal from Ski School without a refund. The best thing to do is to treat this like a school field trip - a very, very fun field trip.
A: Anyone in grades 5-12 is welcome to join.
Q: Does the student have to live in Kitsap County?
A: No. Anyone in grades 5-12 is welcome to join.
Q: Is Kitsap Ski School funded by the Central Kitsap School District?
A: No. We are an independent 501(c)3 organization. We are not affiliated with the Central Kitsap School District.
Q: What time do the buses leave and return?
A: The buses leave the parking lot at 7:30 AM and return at 10:45-11:25 PM
Q: Where do the buses leave from?
A: Students will leave from the CK High School School Bus lot.
Q: Can I ride a bus with my friends?
A: Yes, though the buses are typically arranged by grade level.
Q: Do School rules apply during Ski School trips?
A: Yes. Although we are not a school program, we have similar expectations. Failure to adhere to Kitsap Ski School rules can result in removal from Ski School without a refund. The best thing to do is to treat this like a school field trip - a very, very fun field trip.
Cost
Q: What is the total cost of Ski School?
A: Costs vary from year to year and also depend on the age of the student. Click here for this year's costs and registration information.
Q: Can I pay with a credit card?
A: Yes. You can pay through our website by clicking here.
Q: Where can I get the Registration Forms?
A: Registration forms are found here
Q: How much will I have to pay for equipment?
A: That depends on how much you want to spend. Kids will always claim that they need the hottest newest snowboard or a $300 jacket, but the truth is that used equipment, rental equipment, and clothing purchased at discount stores works just as well. If you are just starting out, you should either rent your equipment or buy your boards, boots, and bindings at the Ski Swap. Gloves, goggles, jackets, snow pants and long underwear an be purchased at stores like Costco, Big 5 , Dick's or the thrift stores.
Q: Are there scholarships available?
A: Yes, for those with personal and financial hardship. Contact John Howard, Exec Dir at [email protected] for more info. Deadline for applications 25NOV25.
Q: I am already an excellent skier, do I still have to take lessons?
A: Yes. All participants must enroll in lessons unless they meet the following criteria:
A: Costs vary from year to year and also depend on the age of the student. Click here for this year's costs and registration information.
Q: Can I pay with a credit card?
A: Yes. You can pay through our website by clicking here.
Q: Where can I get the Registration Forms?
A: Registration forms are found here
Q: How much will I have to pay for equipment?
A: That depends on how much you want to spend. Kids will always claim that they need the hottest newest snowboard or a $300 jacket, but the truth is that used equipment, rental equipment, and clothing purchased at discount stores works just as well. If you are just starting out, you should either rent your equipment or buy your boards, boots, and bindings at the Ski Swap. Gloves, goggles, jackets, snow pants and long underwear an be purchased at stores like Costco, Big 5 , Dick's or the thrift stores.
Q: Are there scholarships available?
A: Yes, for those with personal and financial hardship. Contact John Howard, Exec Dir at [email protected] for more info. Deadline for applications 25NOV25.
Q: I am already an excellent skier, do I still have to take lessons?
A: Yes. All participants must enroll in lessons unless they meet the following criteria:
- They have already completed 2 years of lessons with Kitsap Ski School.
- They are in grades 10-12.
Gear
Q: What equipment do I need?
A: If you are going to ski you need skis, poles, bindings, and boots. If you are going to snowboard, you need a board, bindings, and stomp pad.
Q: Should I buy or rent gear?
A: If you aren't sure if you are going to like the sport, or you are likely going to grow a bit in the next year, you should probably rent your gear.
Q: Where can I get good deals on gear?
A: Ski swaps are the best way to get good gear at low prices. Our annual ski swap takes place in mid-November (check our Calendar for this year's date). Check online to find other ski swaps in our area. Costco and Big 5 also has great deals on clothing, gloves, goggles, long underwear, and helmets.
Q: Where can I rent equipment?
A: You can rent gear locally from Kitsap Sports in Bremerton. Stevens Pass also offers equipment rentals for a little more money. Renting from Stevens gives you the added advantage of immediate cost-free replacement if something goes wrong with your equipment. If you rent from Stevens Pass you can choose to keep the equipment through the end of our Ski School program, or for a little more you can keep it until the end of the ski season (mid-April).
Q: What kind of clothing do I need?
A: To stay comfortable you need to have three layers of clothing, a non-cotton base layer (long underwear), a fleece jacket, waterproof ski pants, and waterproof ski jacket. You also need a helmet, mittens (much warmer than gloves)/gloves, socks, and goggles.
Q: How do I keep my gear safe on the mountain?
A: Most people just leave their skis/snowboard unsecured on outside racks during lunch. This is usually not a problem, although thefts do occur. One way to protect your equipment is with an inexpensive cable lock that you keep in your jacket pocket. The safest way to protect your equipment is to pay for the gear check services at Stevens. Once you have paid for gear check you can leave your skis or board (but not personal items) at the gear check stand and know that it will be safe from theft. Lockers are available in the lodges for the secure storage of your other belongings. Lunches can be left in the ski school food sleds.
Q: Is there a lost and found?
A: YES! Our children will invariably leave all kinds of their stuff on the buses! Simply ask the bus chaperone prior to the start of the next weeks' trip, or review the 'Lost & Found' tab here at our website for pictures of the bigger items! Stevens Pass has their own lost and found for items 'lost' at the mountain.
A: If you are going to ski you need skis, poles, bindings, and boots. If you are going to snowboard, you need a board, bindings, and stomp pad.
Q: Should I buy or rent gear?
A: If you aren't sure if you are going to like the sport, or you are likely going to grow a bit in the next year, you should probably rent your gear.
Q: Where can I get good deals on gear?
A: Ski swaps are the best way to get good gear at low prices. Our annual ski swap takes place in mid-November (check our Calendar for this year's date). Check online to find other ski swaps in our area. Costco and Big 5 also has great deals on clothing, gloves, goggles, long underwear, and helmets.
Q: Where can I rent equipment?
A: You can rent gear locally from Kitsap Sports in Bremerton. Stevens Pass also offers equipment rentals for a little more money. Renting from Stevens gives you the added advantage of immediate cost-free replacement if something goes wrong with your equipment. If you rent from Stevens Pass you can choose to keep the equipment through the end of our Ski School program, or for a little more you can keep it until the end of the ski season (mid-April).
Q: What kind of clothing do I need?
A: To stay comfortable you need to have three layers of clothing, a non-cotton base layer (long underwear), a fleece jacket, waterproof ski pants, and waterproof ski jacket. You also need a helmet, mittens (much warmer than gloves)/gloves, socks, and goggles.
Q: How do I keep my gear safe on the mountain?
A: Most people just leave their skis/snowboard unsecured on outside racks during lunch. This is usually not a problem, although thefts do occur. One way to protect your equipment is with an inexpensive cable lock that you keep in your jacket pocket. The safest way to protect your equipment is to pay for the gear check services at Stevens. Once you have paid for gear check you can leave your skis or board (but not personal items) at the gear check stand and know that it will be safe from theft. Lockers are available in the lodges for the secure storage of your other belongings. Lunches can be left in the ski school food sleds.
Q: Is there a lost and found?
A: YES! Our children will invariably leave all kinds of their stuff on the buses! Simply ask the bus chaperone prior to the start of the next weeks' trip, or review the 'Lost & Found' tab here at our website for pictures of the bigger items! Stevens Pass has their own lost and found for items 'lost' at the mountain.
Passes/Lift Tickets
Q: What is a Seasons Pass?
A: A Seasons Pass is a plastic card with an electronic chip in it that allows the owner to access the ski lifts at Stevens Pass as often as they wish all season long - from opening day in December to closing day in April.
Q: If my child misses a week, can it be made up?
A: The lessons can't be made up, but the lift tickets can be used until the mountain closes mid April (or until all 6 days of the 6 day ticket are used up)
Q: Can I borrow someone's pass if he/she isn't going to go that week?
A: NO! It is a criminal act to use a pass that you did not pay for. Don't ever do it. They WILL catch you if you try.
Q: Should I get a Season Pass or should I buy my lift tickets on a weekly basis?
A: The Season Pass is a great deal but best if the family plans to ski more than just teh 6 times we go up. You only have to use it a few times to pay it off! If you know that you are not going to make all the Ski School trips and you won't get to go after Ski School is over, then you would consider buying the 6 day lift tickets option.
Q: If I decide to buy lift tickets instead of getting a Season Pass, where do I buy the lift tickets?
A: You will need to buy a lift ticket directly from Stevens Pass. You will need to call them (see registration page).
Q: How much are lift tickets?
A: The cost of individual lift tickets varies from year to year. Click here to see what the prices are for this year.
A: A Seasons Pass is a plastic card with an electronic chip in it that allows the owner to access the ski lifts at Stevens Pass as often as they wish all season long - from opening day in December to closing day in April.
Q: If my child misses a week, can it be made up?
A: The lessons can't be made up, but the lift tickets can be used until the mountain closes mid April (or until all 6 days of the 6 day ticket are used up)
Q: Can I borrow someone's pass if he/she isn't going to go that week?
A: NO! It is a criminal act to use a pass that you did not pay for. Don't ever do it. They WILL catch you if you try.
Q: Should I get a Season Pass or should I buy my lift tickets on a weekly basis?
A: The Season Pass is a great deal but best if the family plans to ski more than just teh 6 times we go up. You only have to use it a few times to pay it off! If you know that you are not going to make all the Ski School trips and you won't get to go after Ski School is over, then you would consider buying the 6 day lift tickets option.
Q: If I decide to buy lift tickets instead of getting a Season Pass, where do I buy the lift tickets?
A: You will need to buy a lift ticket directly from Stevens Pass. You will need to call them (see registration page).
Q: How much are lift tickets?
A: The cost of individual lift tickets varies from year to year. Click here to see what the prices are for this year.
Safety
Q: Should I wear a helmet?
A: Yes! The snow in the Cascades is often as hard as concrete. Helmets have become the norm at ski resorts in the Northwest and all of our participants are required to wear them.
Q: What is the best way to stay safe?
A: Stay on designated runs, always ski/ride with a buddy, and don't attempt jumps or terrain that are beyond your ability level.
Q: Isn't this a dangerous sport?
A: It's probably a lot less dangerous than you think. Each year we take 250-300 students on 6 trips up to the mountain, and most years we have about 2-4 students who have to drop out because of injuries (usually broken arms). As in bicycling or football, the potential for serious injury exists, but because our program emphasizes instruction and safety, our participants tend to stay safe.
Q: I sometimes hear about high avalanche danger, does this affect the ski area?
A: No. Ski areas have avalanche control down to a science. The Ski Patrol at Stevens knows where avalanches occur and clears out the area before the resort opens in the morning. Sometimes avalanche danger will keep us from going but this is because it makes the highway impossible.
Q: Are there cliffs?
A: Yes, but they are well marked and aren't anywhere near the designated runs. Still it is important that students stay within their ability levels and not venture into areas they are unfamiliar with.
Q: What are the biggest dangers associated with the sport?
A: The three biggest dangers are: trees, jumps, and other people.
A: Yes! The snow in the Cascades is often as hard as concrete. Helmets have become the norm at ski resorts in the Northwest and all of our participants are required to wear them.
Q: What is the best way to stay safe?
A: Stay on designated runs, always ski/ride with a buddy, and don't attempt jumps or terrain that are beyond your ability level.
Q: Isn't this a dangerous sport?
A: It's probably a lot less dangerous than you think. Each year we take 250-300 students on 6 trips up to the mountain, and most years we have about 2-4 students who have to drop out because of injuries (usually broken arms). As in bicycling or football, the potential for serious injury exists, but because our program emphasizes instruction and safety, our participants tend to stay safe.
Q: I sometimes hear about high avalanche danger, does this affect the ski area?
A: No. Ski areas have avalanche control down to a science. The Ski Patrol at Stevens knows where avalanches occur and clears out the area before the resort opens in the morning. Sometimes avalanche danger will keep us from going but this is because it makes the highway impossible.
Q: Are there cliffs?
A: Yes, but they are well marked and aren't anywhere near the designated runs. Still it is important that students stay within their ability levels and not venture into areas they are unfamiliar with.
Q: What are the biggest dangers associated with the sport?
A: The three biggest dangers are: trees, jumps, and other people.
- Trees - hitting one, even at a low speed, is painful and dangerous. Also, after a big snowfall there are dangerous tree wells at the base of the tree in which you could find yourself stuck. Avoid these hazards by staying on designated runs.
- Jumps - getting air is lots of fun but only if you don't crash when you land. Don't go off a jump until you know you are ready for it. Never stop at the bottom of a jump or someone might land on you.
- Collisions - Remember the downhill person always has the right of way. It is always your responsibility to avoid the people below you. Never try to pass someone without leaving plenty of room. If you do run into someone, the law requires you to stay there until Ski Patrol arrives.
Instruction
Q: I am already an excellent skier, do I still have to take lessons?
A: Yes. All participants must enroll in lessons unless they meet the following criteria:
Q: Where and when do lessons start?
A: We usually arrive at the around 12 pm and lessons begin at 4 pm. You will have time for lunch and some free skiing prior to the start of your lesson. Please be 10 minutes early for your lessons. On the first one or two weeks, there will be an orientation to skiing/boarding for the beginners prior to their lessons.
Q: How do I know which lesson to take?
A: For a description of each lesson and the skills involved , click here and scroll to the bottom where the descriptions are listed to assess your skills. Your skill will be assessed by the instructors prior to and during your lesson times.
Q: Can I be in the same class as my friend?
A: Yes, as long as you both ski/ride at the same level.
Q: Can I switch up to a higher level lesson if I think I need to?
A: Yes, provided your instructor agrees. It is important to be in a lesson that is at the right level for your skills, but you don't want to be the person in the class that everyone has to wait for.
A: Yes. All participants must enroll in lessons unless they meet the following criteria:
- They have already completed 2 years of lessons with Kitsap Ski School.
- They are in grades 10-12.
Q: Where and when do lessons start?
A: We usually arrive at the around 12 pm and lessons begin at 4 pm. You will have time for lunch and some free skiing prior to the start of your lesson. Please be 10 minutes early for your lessons. On the first one or two weeks, there will be an orientation to skiing/boarding for the beginners prior to their lessons.
Q: How do I know which lesson to take?
A: For a description of each lesson and the skills involved , click here and scroll to the bottom where the descriptions are listed to assess your skills. Your skill will be assessed by the instructors prior to and during your lesson times.
Q: Can I be in the same class as my friend?
A: Yes, as long as you both ski/ride at the same level.
Q: Can I switch up to a higher level lesson if I think I need to?
A: Yes, provided your instructor agrees. It is important to be in a lesson that is at the right level for your skills, but you don't want to be the person in the class that everyone has to wait for.