Annual Ski Program 2025
Program Overview
Skiing is an important part of our outdoor education program, and all students, K–8th grade, participate. Students build courage on the slopes and benefit from physical activity and connection to the outdoors.
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Zip: All Zip students this year will be heading to Discovery as part of the Sussex ski program. Discovery offers terrain to help new skiers build foundational skills while still challenging even the most advanced skiers.
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All K through 4th-grade students will have two ski lessons on Wednesday, January 22nd, and Wednesday, January 29th, from 10:30 am-12:00 pm.
Zep/Zap: For the past 38 years, Sussex students have been skiing at Montana Snowbowl, and we are excited to return with the 5th-8th graders again this year.
All 5th through 8th grade students will have four ski lessons on Wednesdays from 10:00-Noon at Snowbowl. Lesson dates are February 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th. After lessons each day, students will have the opportunity to ski with friends and adults until departure time at 3:00.
Pre-Season Parent Checklist
It takes a village to get our entire student body up to a ski hill several times throughout the winter. To help make that process as smooth as possible for everyone, here is a checklist to ensure that you and your student are ready to go for the first day:
For all students/parents
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You know how to navigate to the “Sussex on Snow” landing page
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You have filled out a Discovery or Snowbowl liability waiver and returned to school
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You have filled out and returned a rental agreement for your student if they need rental gear​
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You have reviewed the packing list and your student has everything on the list
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If you are unable to provide something on the packing list, you have reached out to Daniel about it
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If able and interested, you have signed up to drive to and chaperone at the ski hill
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If you are a driver, you have made a background check appointment
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You have brought your fingerprint card into Lisa or Carolyn
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You have submitted your insurance information to Carolyn or Daniel
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You have submitted a request for reimbursement for your background check ($15)
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For Zip skiers/parents only
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If you (parent) needs to purchase a lift ticket or rental gear from Discovery, you have purchased a ticket and reserved gear via Discovery's website
For 6th-8th grade skiers/parents only
Forms & Waivers
PLEASE fill out the Sussex ski forms to give us information about your skier(s). Filling out this form ensures that your child will be placed in the ski group that fits their skill and motivation levels.
Your child cannot participate in the ski program until the release form for Discovery or Snowbowl is turned in.
5th grade students can free ski with their friends AND an adult after lessons.
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6th–8th grade students are allowed to free ski with at least two friends after lunch until 3:00 if they have a signed ski waiver. Students are able to stay until last chair, but MUST check out with Daniel or Matt at 3:00pm.
Free Ski Waiver 6th-8th Only
6th-8th Only
Volunteering/ Parent Hours
If you are able to volunteer during the ski season, please sign up using the spreadsheets linked below. Find the correct date and grade group in the tabs along the bottom. We are also requiring parent drivers to review and sign the Sussex Parent Driver/Vehicle Policy and provide the office with proof of auto insurance.
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There has been a change in our chaperone policy and to ensure you are able to join us on the mountain, all chaperones who plan on driving any kid besides their own or plan on participating in lessons and/or freeskiing need to submit their vehicle insurance to Sussexoffice@sussexschool.org AND complete a background check through the Missoula County Sheriff.
You can schedule an appointment for your fingerprints using this link. You will select “Fingerprinting” under the “Type” dropdown. You will need to bring your fingerprint card to Carolyn. You will also need to complete this form for your fingerprint appointment. Please reach out to Daniel with any questions or concerns you have during this process. Appointments are generally 2-3 weeks out, so it is recommended that you schedule sooner rather than later.
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PARENT HELP IS NEEDED FOR THESE TASKS:
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Drivers to transport kids up and back from the mountain
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Helpers in the rental shop before and after lessons
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Supervisors in the Lodge during and after lessons.
Discovery (for parents only) ski tickets and rental packages must be ordered and paid for online prior to the ski day. You can book rentals here ($30) and purchase tickets ($60-$65) here.
Parent volunteers can pick up discounted Snowbowl tickets ($45) from Daniel at the base of the mountain. You will pay for all of your tickets after the ski program has concluded. Please check in with Daniel when you arrive to let him know if you will be using a ticket that day. You do not need to purchase a ticket if you are only riding the rope tow.
Parents receive parent hours while they are actively assisting students, either in groups, in transport, while chaperoning skiing, or in the lodge.
Equipment
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Skis/Board/Boots/Poles/Goggles
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Helmet REQUIRED
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Students may rent helmets and/or goggles at their own expense.
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Snowbowl: Helmet $7
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Discovery: Helmets $10
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Show Up Ready
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Packed lunch
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Hearty snacks
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Water bottle
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Jacket/pants (warm & waterproof)
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Long underwear (top & bottom)
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Hat liner, warm for under helmet
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Mittens or gloves (waterproof, must withstand rope tow use if applicable)
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Socks (warm, well-fitting, not heavy wool)
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Dry clothes for ride home (recommended)
Food
Zip: Students are welcome to eat outside or in the chalet. Please send your child with a water bottle and some additional snacks. Students may purchase food in the lodge if desired.
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Zep/Zap: Students are welcome to eat outside or in the chalet. Please send your child with a sack lunch, water bottle, and some additional snacks for the afternoon. Students may purchase food in the A-frame lodge if desired. Students should not enter the bar for any reason.
Returning to School
Road conditions and slow drivers happen, and sometimes students are delayed. If your student must be home by a certain time, please let us know so we can help ensure they meet this time deadline. Some families make arrangements with their carpool to ski after the Sussex day has ended until the last chair. Please make note of who your child is carpooling with so you may be in touch with the parent if necessary.​ Parents are welcome to arrange for students to be picked up and dropped off at locations other than Sussex on the morning of. Parents are responsible for coordinating and must let Daniel know of their plans so students are not counted as absent.
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Zip students should arrive back at school around 5:00-5:30 pm.
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Zep/Zap students will return around 4:00 pm.
Ski Groups
Students will be placed in mixed-age groups reflective of skill, experience, and ability. Sussex and Ski School staff urge parents to speak directly to Daniel if you have concerns about your child in the ski program, both in terms of group placement and in your child’s instruction. Daniel can address requests or questions about your child’s ski group after the lesson or via email during the week, but, please, not right before the lesson—thanks!
