Program & Registration
For equipment questions – we have a whole section for that!
Q: When I go to register, what do the Alberta Alpine age categories mean?
A: U8 & U10 Entry Level – athletes in this category can participate in Alberta Alpine–sanctioned entry-level events (often called NGSL – Nancy Greene Ski League races). These are fun, local races that focus on skills and all-mountain development rather than results.
U12 Recreational – athletes can race in sanctioned Alberta Alpine events, but these are zone-level races (local/regional) designed for their age group.
U14 & U16 Recreational – registration does not allow an athlete to enter the sanctioned Alberta Alpine Provincial Series races. Recreational athletes can still race, but their competitions are limited to club-level or regional events.
U14 & U16 National Card – The National Card is Alberta Alpine’s competitive license that allows entry into provincial and national-level races. To compete in sanctioned Alberta Alpine Provincial Series races, athletes must hold the U14 or U16 National Card.
Q: What does the Alberta Alpine fee support?
A: Alberta Alpine Ski Association is the organization that governs ski racing in the province of Alberta. Alberta Alpine Ski Association (AASA) has a proud history, tradition and culture of inspiring excellence in our communities, and enhancing the lives of Albertans through the sport of alpine and ski cross racing. Their core focus with member clubs is athlete centred development, which includes all aspects of the athlete and their personal, academic and athletic success.
Your athlete’s registration fee helps fund:
- Athlete Development
- Race Support
- Communications
- Safe Sport
- Insurance
- Member Benefits & Discounts
- Coaching Education
- Officials Training
- Marketing
Westcastle Ski Club is proud to be part of this community. With Alberta Alpine’s backing, we’ve even bid to host the 2026 U16 Western Canadian Championships—an exciting opportunity that will inspire our athletes and strengthen our club for years to come.
See here for more details and to access membership benefits and discounts.
Q: What programs does WSC offer?
A: WSC offers programs for all levels:
- Nancy Greene (U6-U10): Introduction to ski racing fundamentals (Sundays)
- Performance Programs: Choose the number of training days per week, from one day to three plus days. Offered for U8 through U16
- FIS Program: High-performance racing for qualified athletes. Please contact us directly if interested.
Q: When does registration open?
A: Registration typically opens in early September. Watch for email announcements and check our website. Programs often fill quickly, so register early to secure your spot; REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2025/26 SEASON!
Q: What is the breakdown of the registration fee?
A: Registration fees are in three parts:
- Programming fees: cover professional coaching that follows the Long Term Athlete Development model, Gate training and course access, program administration
- Alberta Alpine Family and the Alberta Alpine Athlete Fee: see above information for all that Alberta Alpine does for Westcastle Ski Club
- Westcastle Family Fee: helps primarily to offset expenses related to running the club, go towards hosting the AGM and end of season athlete awards and BBQ. The fee is per family, not per athlete.
Fees do NOT include: lift tickets, travel, race entry fees, extra camps as they are offered, or equipment.
Volunteering
Q: How can I help?
A: At Westcastle Ski Club, our strong community of essential volunteers is the backbone of our program, supporting our athletes, coaches, and families. It is a balance between managing club fees while covering the cost of running a high-quality ski program, and we simply could not operate without the commitment of our volunteers.
There are many ways to get involved, with opportunities to suit every skill set and schedule. Whether you’re on the hill, behind the scenes, or helping organize, your efforts make a direct impact on the success of our athletes and the strength of our club.
Training & Schedules
Q: When and where do we meet?
A: Castle Mountain Resort
- Meeting time: 9:00 AM (dress with equipment in hand, ready for warm up) on Saturdays and Sundays
- Location: Beside the West Castle Race Shack at the bottom of Jelly Roll/Whiskey Jack run
A: Pass Powderkeg
- Meeting time: 5:00PM dressed with equipment in hand on Friday starting in January
- Location: outside the day lodge at the top of PPK
Please note that lift tickets/seasons pass for PPK is required
Q: How is programming cancelled?
A: Programming is only cancelled facing force majeure. Stay informed by:
- Joining WhatsApp groups (find “West Castle” and join your appropriate group)
- Checking email updates
- Monitoring team communications
Make up days are not guaranteed or subject to refund
Racing
Q: Can my child attend ski races?
A: Yes! ALL athletes registered with West Castle can attend races, including:
- Nancy Greene stream athletes
- Performance stream athletes
Contact kari@westcastle.org for race information. Look at the Alberta Alpine Calendar for the season schedule
Q: What are typical race costs?
A: Race costs typically range from $200-500 per athlete per race, including:
- Entry fees: $40-60 per day
- Lift tickets: Daily rates at host mountain (sometimes 25% racer discount)
- Coaching fees: Shared cost of coach’s lift tickets, accommodation, food, and mileage
You’ll also need to cover your own accommodation and travel.
Safety & Weather
Q: What is WSC’s cold weather policy?
A: Safety is our priority, especially for families traveling to Castle Mountain. Our policy:
- -21°C or colder: Programming cancelled (we’ll reschedule when possible)
- -15°C to -21°C: Delayed start – we will announce a later start time if the weather is forecasted to warm up in the morning; be prepared for cold
- Above -15°C: Normal programming
Check Facebook/WhatsApp channels for updates posted late afternoon the day before.
Q: What if my younger skier needs a snack break?
A: Inside the CMR day lodge, we will have a volunteer known as the Den Parent.
As a Den Parent, you act as the primary point of contact between the coach and any athlete requiring assistance. This may include:
- Primarily warming up cold athletes
- Helping with bathroom/snack breaks
- For our younger skiers, offering support to a child who is feeling ill, homesick, tired. Athletes requiring medical attention will be taken to ski patrol.
You should plan to remain in the lodge for your shift. The safety of our kids and families is our top priority.
Financial Support
Q: Do you offer financial assistance?
A: Yes, we believe finances shouldn’t prevent participation. Options include:
- KidSport and JumpStart programs
- Club bursaries (application required)
- Used equipment through gear swap
- Payment plans available
Contact us confidentially for assistance options.
Team Jackets, Pants and Puffy Coats
Q: Where can I purchase the orange club coats/blue ski pants/black puffy coats?
A: The athletes are outfitted by Karbon’s team line with the help of our wonderful supporters at Alpenland. Because it is the team wear line, orders can only be placed in January and are back in our hands, complete with the WSC logos, usually by December. Luckily, every season there are usually second hand items available for sale through other club members.
Still Have Questions?
General Inquiries: Kari Grandoni (WSC President) kari@westcastle.org
Program-specific: Philip Moran (head coach) philipmoran@westcastle.org
Remember to join WhatsApp for the fastest updates and community connection!