Mission Central for Volunteer Alpine Ski Race Workers 

Other Duties

• Equipment management - Each section crew will be assigned the necessary tools to do their work. It will be their responsibility to see that this equipment remains in good repair and in their possession. Replacement of or additional equipment needs should go through the equipment manager.
• Slip Pullout Management - If a slip station is located in your section, your Assistant/Crew Chief must be assigned to manage that slip station during training and racing. This will include keeping the slip station free of obstructions and unnecessary people. It must also be clearly visible to incoming slippers.
• Instructions regarding where to slip in the area below must be passed across quickly and clearly. Assistant Section leaders will coordinate slippers and any special slipping needs during training and the races.
• Winch Cat Anchors - Locate and mark any winch cat anchors in your section.
• Open/Close Safety Nets - Be prepared to open safety systems to allow access to winch cat anchors if grooming activity is anticipated, and button up safety systems in the morning, if required.
• Snow Dump Locations - Be aware of snow dump locations within your section.

Section Checklist

Section Tools

Listed below are most of the tools and equipment you will need to complete your tasks as section crews. All tools must be in your possession prior to departing base. Some are available only at the equipment trailer or the radio trailer. Others you must collect from on-mountain locations.  You may have stored some tools overnight in your section. Upon arrival in your section check all stored tools and re-supply as necessary.

• Radio x2, one for the section leader, one for the assistant, spare batteries.
• 18V Drill and Bit.
• 2 spare drill batteries
• 1 Gate Key (2 if available)
• 10 wedges
• 1 Hammer for wedges
• 1 Tool Belt
• Spare Gate Panels
• 4 Replacement gates, 2 flex, 2 rigid
• 30 Replacement B/2 Net poles (Naked) preassembled B/2 nets. 1R, 1L
• 10 B/2 Net clips
• Shovels for each worker in your section, and two rakes for finish work.
• Slip skirt repair sections with bungees (in A Net sections).
• Crampons- if required in your section collect and inventory daily, store in back pack.
• Back pack- to transport drill, gate key, crampons, spare flag etc. Water for snow patches, 2 gallons minimum, transported to section daily to keep from freezing.

Post Training and Racing

Following a training or race run the section leader will consult with the Coordinator on work needing to be accomplished and how it will be done. At the conclusion of work in your section check with the Coordinator for work in other sections you and your crew can assist with. If there is no work, exit at the closest point.

Pre-race work
Between arrival at your section and the course freeze, certain projects must be completed. Depending on the weather and snow accumulation this may be a simple task or a major operation.

• General inventory, tools, personal, materials
• Location scrutiny, i.e. what tasks need to be completed.
• Check all gates are in their correct position, assist to install gate panels, check all gates are straight, parallel and screwed in properly. Replace if damaged. Straighten gate panels and pull tight.
• Snow Removal. Complete all snow removal tasks. If a major job, call dispatch for your assigned course workers and tools. If a minor job, complete snow removal and begin “fluff and buff” work to improve appearance of section. Try to use the minimum number of assigned course workers for minor jobs to reduce worker movement on the course. Begin any tasks left over from previous day. The whole course should be perfect in appearance on race days.
• Check, B/2 net, replace any damaged parts (collect and remove to base at end of day). Pack, or remove any accumulated snow at the base of the B/2 net. Reset B/2 net if required.
• Check all A/4 Net, remove any excess snow from front and back of the A/4 Net.
• Check all timing positions, airfence and willy bags. Remove any accumulated snow. Reposition padding if it has moved due to wind, etc
• Check all the Spec Fence in your section. This must be unburied and reset each day.
• Collect all unused tools and personal equipment and store laying down in a safe area. These tools must be stored out of the spill zone.
• During inspection move all workers away from the race line to allow the athletes a clear and uninterrupted view of the course, ensure “Yellow” flag is in place and visible to athletes if in your section.
• After inspection clear any built up snow away from the gates. Both the inside and outside gate. Remove any berms that may have built up.
• Check that all slip station signs are in place and are clearly visible.
• Ensure any intermediate timing equipment in your section is kept unobstructed and all workers in your section are aware of its location
• Dispatch all unneeded course workers to Coordinators. If the workers want to watch the race and are not required by the Coordinators, move them outside the fences. In most cases they must be behind the Spec fence. They must not re-enter the race arena until after the race has finished.
• Re-check that all tools and personal equipment have been removed from the race arena.
• Communicate to the Coordinator your section is ready when all tasks have been completed.
• Keep all tools needed during the race in your hands (or in a work belt) e.g. drill, gate key, wedges, hammer, gate flag, etc. Keep spare B/2 Net poles nearby.
• Check along all A/4 Nets for ANY items and remove. e.g. water bottles, lunch boxes, bamboo, extra gates, etc.
• Check all section personal. All the runners and slippers must be in place.

Course Freeze to last Forerunner

•  Re-check schedule for forerunners and course holds.
•  Check B/2 Net around TV towers. The cameramen often disturb the B/2 Net as they move to their cameras, repair as necessary.
•  Check that you, your crew, and any others are not in a TV or Photographers shot. Speak to cameramen when they arrive to determine their shot.
•  Insure all Coaches, service men, and photographers equipment is in a safe area.
•  Remind all personal to remain quiet and focus on the race.

During the Race

•  Remain attentive of any gate repair required. Be ready to dispatch a Runner to repair the gate immediately.
•  Consider sending any excess crew members to rest prior to race ending in order that they will be fresh for after race activities.
•  Insure slipping is progressing as planned. Slippers must be moving on time, getting to the next station, and slipping the race line.
•  Be ready if an athlete falls. B/2 Net poles and Section crew must be ready to move ONCE the course is clear. Remember Racer Down Protocol.
•  Make sure that if you respond to a crash in your section that you give an estimate of the time required finishing all work and clearing the area. Remove all damaged materials and re-set fencing or gates. Insure all workers are clear before calling the Coordinator to report a course clear.
•  Be ready to perform course work during the scheduled course holds. Be aware of upcoming TV holds and plan any required course work. Quickly move on the course and do only the work that is necessary. Be off the course with plenty of time to spare before the course clear. Keep all Section workers in their safe areas until after the last athlete. Remember no one should be on the course unless there is a course hold.
•  Be aware of the sudden rush of coaches and ski service men at the end of the race.
•  At the end of the race, put up all pop fence and rope lines. Open worker exits as required in each section.

After the Race

•  Collect all section workers and any teams of course workers (who watched as spectators), for instructions on after race projects.
•  Wait for the chief of course to tour your section. Instructions will be given as he passes through each section.
•  If snow is expected, roll B/2 Net up where it covers winch cat anchors. Pull up the bottom of the B/2 Net. If wind is expected pull down the top of the B/2 netting.
•  Do any course “Fluff and Buff” in the afternoon to enhance to appearance of your section. Work done now does not have to be completed in a rush tomorrow morning.
•  Check around A/4 Nets for any snow to be removed. It is almost always required at the end of the day.
•  Inventory all equipment. Call for replacements to re-stock, store all equipment in a safe, well marked area. DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING LYING ON THE SNOW. Even the smallest snowfall will bury equipment and it will be lost.
•  Be prepared for any water patching work in your section. This will require extra rope and fencing to keep people off the patch. Call for materials.
•  Place any barrier rope or pop fence as directed by the Coordinator.
•  Call when the Officials are satisfied with your section and ask if other sections need assistance. Move your section crew and workers as required. If no other sections need help move your crew off the course at the first worker exit.
•  If sections above you are still working, wait until they have moved off the course or through your section before departing, ensuring no course damage.
•  Review tomorrows schedule before departing the ski area.
•  Ensure your section crew is ready for the morning.