Question 1

What is Ottawa Sports' coaching philosophy?

Accepted Answer

At Ottawa Sports Alpine Club, we believe every athlete should be challenged, supported, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our coaching philosophy is built around developing strong, confident, well-rounded skiers through purposeful training, individualized attention, and a genuine love for the sport.Every athlete develops differently. Our coaches carefully plan each training session to provide the right balance of challenge and success, selecting appropriate terrain, exercises, and goals based on the needs of the group and the individual. Whether an athlete is building foundational skills or pursuing competitive racing, our focus is on continuous individual progression rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.We place a strong emphasis on technical development, confidence, adaptability, and learning to ski effectively in a wide range of terrain and conditions at a high level. Through small training groups and the strongest coach-to-athlete ratio in the region, we are able to pay close attention to each athlete's development and provide meaningful feedback throughout the season.Above all, we believe athletes develop best when they feel supported, challenged, and part of something bigger than themselves. We aim to create an environment where hard work, friendship, confidence, and a passion for skiing can grow together — helping every athlete Train Smart, Train Hard, Train Together.

Question 2

What is our make-up policy?

Accepted Answer

For all programs: When an outing is cancelled by Ottawa Sports owing to weather or resort closure, a make-up day will be scheduled to replace the cancelled day.
There is no refund, credit, OR replacement for missed days. Missed days of any sort are a loss to the participant. This includes optional races, and camps that a participant my choose to attend.

Question 3

What happens on race days?

Accepted Answer

Athletes who wish to race may compete in SL and GS events throughout the Regional Alpine Ontario Alpin and National Capital Division/Outaouais circuit. To register for an event, please speak with your coach.To participate in sanctioned races, athletes must hold an active membership with both Alpine Ontario Alpin and the National Capital Division of Ski Racing. Annual membership dues are paid directly to Alpine Ontario and typically range from approximately $150–$450 per season, depending on the athlete's age and registration category. For more information about these fees and why they are required, please refer to the following page:Alpine Ontario Membership FeesTo pay your annual Alpine Ontario membership fees, please use the following link:Pay Your 2026/2027 Alpine Ontario Membership FeesEach race day is subject to a $99 + HST race fee. This includes event registration, the race-day lift ticket, and competition support from an Ottawa Sports race-day coach.If a race takes place on one of an athlete's regularly scheduled Ottawa Sports training days, a partial lift ticket rebate may apply. The rebate reflects a portion of the Ottawa Sports group-rate lift ticket already included in the athlete's program and will be processed at the end of the season.Athletes who hold a season pass for a race-day location are not eligible for a discount or rebate on the $99 race-day fee. Season pass holder rebates apply only to regular program training days; and do not apply to Monday night training at Mont Cascades, where no lift ticket rebate is available.

Question 4

What's involved in becoming a chaperon?

Accepted Answer

All Ottawa Sports youth programs with bussing have several parent-chaperones on each motor coach. In the morning, chaperons take attendance, collect lunches and ensure that the bus ride runs smoothly. Upon arrival at the slopes, chaperons place lift tickets on the kids as they disembark, and help us to check that nobody has misplaced or forgotten equipment or clothing. At lunchtime, chaperons secure table space and ensure that all members are able to locate their lunch bags. At day's end chaperons once again take attendance and provide supervision on the bus ride home. Above all, chaperons serve as “parents” to the kids on their program, assisting with whatever situations may arise. But chaperoning is hardly all work and no play! Throughout the morning and the afternoon, chaperones serve as extra eyes on the slopes, supervising the area as they enjoy the skiing or snowboarding. And there is no cost to being a chaperone. The lift tickets and transportation are complementary.

Question 5

What are the benefits of attending enhanced training camps?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced Training Camps give athletes the opportunity to accelerate their development through focused, high-volume training in new environments. Multiple consecutive days on snow allow athletes to build skills faster, receive more individualized coaching feedback, and spend additional time refining their technical and tactical performance.Athletes competing during the season are highly encouraged to attend a minimum of two camps per season: at least one pre-season or early-season camp to build a strong foundation, prepare for the demands of the season, and gain valuable mileage before competition begins, plus one mid- or late-season camp to reinforce technical development, address areas identified during the season, and maintain momentum when progress can otherwise begin to plateau.Camps also expose athletes to different mountains, terrain, training environments, and conditions—helping them become more adaptable, confident, and well-rounded skiers. Just as importantly, camps provide a unique opportunity to spend extended time with teammates, build strong friendships, and take part in our tight-knit community that makes Ottawa Sports Alpine Club special.What's Included:
Camp inclusions vary by location and format. Camps will often include lift tickets, transportation and, for overnight camps, accommodation. Meals may or may not be included depending on the specific camp. Always review the individual camp details carefully before registering or attending.Overlap With Regular Training Days:Enhanced Training Camps may occasionally overlap with regularly scheduled in-season training days. Missing a regular training day to attend an Enhanced Training Camp is not eligible for a make-up day. The same policy applies when an athlete misses a regular training day due to a race or any other matter.However, when a regularly scheduled training day overlaps with an Enhanced Training Camp, this is one of the few situations where a partial lift ticket rebate may apply. Ottawa Sports will track eligible overlaps and, at the conclusion of the program, issue a refund or credit equal to Ottawa Sports' cost for a single group-rate lift ticket.

Question 6

What if my child has a season pass to one of the hills visited by the program?

Accepted Answer

For programs at a single fixed location: Seasons pass discounts are typically available prior to registration. For all travelling programs: Provided your child brings along and uses their season pass at any given hill, we will track this and, at the conclusion of the program, issue you a refund or credit valued at the cost to Ottawa Sports of a single day, group rate lift ticket.No lift ticket refunds for seasons pass holders will be provided for Monday's at Mont Cascades.

Race Days:
If a race takes place on one of an athlete's regularly scheduled Ottawa Sports training days, a partial lift ticket rebate may apply. The rebate reflects a portion of the Ottawa Sports group-rate lift ticket already included in the athlete's program and will be processed at the end of the season.

Athletes who hold a season pass for a race-day location are not eligible for a discount or rebate on the $99 race-day fee. Season pass holder rebates apply only to regular program training days; and do not apply to Monday night training at Mont Cascades, where no lift ticket rebate is available.

Question 7

What are the clubs volunteer requirements?

Accepted Answer

Competitive ski racing is a team effort. Volunteers play a crucial role in creating safe, successful races and a great all-round experience for athletes both within our club and the region as a whole. As part of the competitive race program, each family makes a mandatory volunteer commitment, helping share both the load and the fun. Recreational racer families are encouraged to participate as well, especially for our in-house recreational race(s), but it is not mandatory. More hands make for light work and an overall better day for athletes and families alike. Come out and join the fun – learning the ins and outs of a race day. No knowledge or experience required, we got you! Competitive Athlete Parent Volunteer Commitment First competitive racer in a family 3 volunteer days per season. This is a minimum – races are a fun way to be involved in the community, meet other parents, and gain a better understanding of the sport from the inside! 
Of the 4 days, at least 3 days supporting race organization and operations. 
The fourth day may support other club activities such as team dinners, photography, committees, or participating in Officials training. 
Each race family is also expected to have at least one parent/guardian become a certified ACA race official. The training is straightforward, and the club will support and guide you through the process. No prior race experience is required—we'll help you get started and build your confidence along the way. Do you have multiple racers in your family? For each additional racer 2 additional volunteer days per season, normally supporting race operations. 
If race-volunteer opportunities are limited, club activities can be substituted. Everyone Can Contribute You don't need to be an experienced ski racer or official to volunteer. There are roles for different levels of experience, skills, and availability. Officialspositions require training or certification, while others just require time and a smile. Our club will provide guidance, facilitate training, and clear information about volunteer roles and expectations. A Bonus for High School Students Racers and Students can volunteer too! For students working toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), volunteer hours spent supporting regional competitive races count toward the 40-hour Community Involvement graduation requirement. Why It Matters Each race takes a team of over 40 volunteers working behind the scenes. By volunteering, families contribute directly to the quality of our athletes' racing experience and help to sustain race opportunities for all the athletes within the region. In the 2027 season, Ottawa Sports will host one of the first invitational recreational races in the region in over a decade. This will give recreational athletes a unique, low-pressure opportunity to apply everything they have learned, have fun with their teammates, and see what racing is all about. Joining the race program means joining a community where every family plays an important part.THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

Question 8

Can I get a receipt for the program?

Accepted Answer

Yes, once all fees have been received by Alpine Access for an Ottawa Sports program, a receipt will be emailed to the primary email address that you entered into your online Ot account, or listed on your registration form. The receipt then remains in your online Alpine Access, Ottawa Sports account where you may view or print it at any time. To log in to your online account visit: registration.ottawasports.com

Question 9

Are tax credits available for the Ottawa Sports youth programs?

Accepted Answer

You may be in a position to claim childcare costs for some Ottawa Sports programs. To be certain, it would be best to check with your accountant, financial advisor, or with Canada Revenue Agency.

AGES 8+ | SATURDAYs, SUNDAYs, Mondays & WEDNESDAYs

Every competitive ski racing program is built on the same proven coaching staff, training systems, and Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday schedule. As athletes progress from Foundation Pursuit to Core to Elite, they simply spend more days on snow each week.

The Alpine Development Pathway

There's no wrong entry point — this is simply how skiers tend to move through our programs as their interest and commitment grow.

Choose a Training Volume

Consistent coaches, same systems, same standard — the difference is how many days each athlete trains each week depending on their goals.

SUNDAY

SATURDAY

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

SUNDAY

SATURDAY

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

TRAINING VOLUME, AT A GLANCE - Competitive Ski Racing

Every Pursuit program draws from the same four training days. This is the whole system — find your program series row and see exactly which days it includes each week. Colour legend is below.

38 DAYS - 4 DAYS/PER WEEK

30 DAYS - 3 DAYS PER WEEK

22 DAYS - 2 DAYS PER WEEK

Included every week Parents provide transportation to and from ski centres

SATURDAY

Included, with motor coach All Saturdays & Sundays except race days and Jan. 3, Mar. 7 & 14.

SUNDAY

CHOOSE ONE

CHOOSE ONE

You choose an option Pick Monday/Wednesday option or Wednesday only option (see notes below)

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

Not included

What each training day looks like

Extra Training OPTIONS

Enhanced Camps

/ per athlete - Taxes included

Early-season destination camp

DEC 6–11, 2026 | REGISTRATION DUE AUGUST 28

ADD-ON PRICE

Must be registered for Snowhawks’ December Western Getaway with a legal guardian to join this camp. See flyer & details below.

Pre-season training camp

WHAT'S INCLUDED

CLUB MEMBERS

Open exclusively to Ottawa Sports Alpine Club members enrolled in an alpine program, and participants from our sister school, Snowhawks Ottawa. Not open to other participants.

SNOWHAWKS

Another camp is coming…

March 7–10, 2027

A fully inclusive alpine race camp, returning to the Québec Townships. Three days of skiing, training, adventure, and everything taken care of.

What is Ottawa Sports' coaching philosophy?

What is our make-up policy?

What happens on race days?

What's involved in becoming a chaperon?

What are the benefits of attending enhanced training camps?

What if my child has a season pass to one of the hills visited by the program?

What are the clubs volunteer requirements?

Can I get a receipt for the program?

Are tax credits available for the Ottawa Sports youth programs?

Need Help? Speak with a coach today!

Included every week

Parents provide transportation to and from ski centres

Included, with motor coach

All Saturdays & Sundays except race days and Jan. 3, Mar. 7 & 14.

You choose an option

Pick Monday/Wednesday option or Wednesday only option (see notes below)