Some Frequently Asked Questions

About Alpine Adventures

Q: Who are Alpine Adventures and how long have they been in business? 
A: Since 1965, we have delivered high quality snowboarding and skiing adventures for teens.

With an emphasis on athletic development and personal growth through ‘supervised independence’, our programs provide an opportunity to learn and progress in a safe and exciting environment, while creating l lasting friendships with fellow participants.

Year after year our customers return because we simply provide the best boarding and skiing adventures available.

First-time Boarders/Skiers

Q: What if I don't have a board or skis?
A: Your snowboard/boots or skis/boots/poles are already included in the price of our ‘Learn to Board/Ski’ day. For our Alpine Juniors and Snowdrifters programs we have made arrangements with local shops to provide to these to you at a substantial discount.

Q: What shops participate in the program?
A: Call the office (916) 737 SNOW for our list of preferred suppliers

Q: What if I have my own gear?
A: You're welcome to bring it along. Make sure you take your gear to your favorite board/ski shop and get it safety checked for your current height and weight and tuned before the start of the season

Q: I need rental equipment, can I rent it on the mountain?
A: For our “Learn to Board/Ski” day your rental gear will be issued at the resort. For our Alpine Juniors and Snowdrifters programs participants must have their gear before getting on the bus. By renting locally you will save valuable time and you'll be guaranteed the best equipment.

Q: Should my child wear a helmet?
A: Skiers and boarders who chose to wear a helmet should ensure that it is designed and certified for the sport, fits properly and is worn properly. Children who wear helmets sometimes feel that they can take more risks because the helmet will protect them. Please reinforce the idea that wearing a helmet does not make you indestructible. Wearing a helmet does not give permission to ski or board in a manner that increases your risk.

Q: What should I wear?
A: Visit our Equipment Checklist page. The most important thing to remember is to bring appropriate clothing for the expected weather. Temperatures in the Sierra can range from -5 to +50 by spring. Watch the weather forecast the night before and bring the right amount of clothing

Q: Should my child wear wrist guards?
A: Yes. Unfortunately the number of children injuring their wrists has increased. By bringing and WEARING the same sort of guards they use when in-line skating or riding a bike, most of these injuries can be avoided.

Q: Should I bring a lock for my board/skis?
A: Yes. Unfortunately not everyone is as honest as you, and the number of thefts in the resorts is rising. Bring a lock and use it. Some of the resorts we visit have ski/board check facilities, which cost $1-$4 to mind your skis. It is cheap insurance.

Parents

Q: I am a parent. Can I ride up on the bus without having to buy a lift ticket?
A: Yes. In fact we encourage parents to watch our programs first-hand.

Q: I like to ski/board. Can I ride with my kids if they participate in either Alpine Juniors or Snowdrifters?
A: Yes. We would just collect the regular transportation fee for you. We can also arrange for the purchase of a discounted lift ticket.

Lift Tickets/ Lessons

Q: I have a season ticket? Can I use it with your program?
A: Yes. For a child who participates in our Alpine Juniors or Snowdrifters programs we will credit you the difference in price as a result of you not needing a lift ticket.

Q: Does my child have to take a lesson?
A: We encourage all beginners as well as intermediate boarders/skiers to take lessons on each trip. Children who are accompanied by their parents throughout the day are not required to take instruction. However, for the small difference in price you will find is worth the extra investment as it makes your child's experience significantly better. Besides, it gives you a couple of hours to board/ski on your own.

Single Trips

Q: What is included in the Learn to Board/Ski package?
A: Rental skis/snowboards
Transportation
Beginner Lift ticket
Beginner/Novice instruction
Supervision and assistance throughout the day

It does not include
Clothing and miscellaneous items of a personal nature

Alpine Juniors and Snowdrifters programs

Q: What is included in the Alpine Juniors program?
A: Choice of Saturday or Sunday trips
• Choice of Saturday or Sunday trips
• Multiple departure points throughout the Davis/Sacramento/Elk Grove/Roseville regions
• Luxury chartered buses with VCR and DVD
• All-day lift ticket
• Professional instructors in small groups
• Adult supervision on and off the slopes
• Discounts on snowboard/ski gear rentals and leases

It does not include
Rental skis/snowboards. All participants must rent their skis/boards locally before the trip.
Lunch
Clothing and items of a personal nature

Q: What is included in the Snowdrifters program?
A: Choice of Saturday or Sunday trips
• Multiple departure points throughout the Davis/Sacramento/Elk Grove/Roseville regions
• Luxury chartered buses with VCR and DVD
• All-day lift ticket
• Optional professional instructors in small groups
• Adult supervision on and off the slopes
• Discounts on snowboard/ski gear rentals and leases
It does not include
Rental skis/snowboards. All participants must rent their skis/boards locally before the trip.
Lunch
Clothing and items of a personal nature

At the Resort – Alpine Juniors & Snowdrifters

Q: Are there lockers in which I can leave a bag/backpack for the day?
A: Yes. But, for efficiency it's best to plan on leaving your bags on the bus and retrieving the items at lunchtime. We highly recommend that your child eats lunch on the mountain (with their friends) and leaves bulky items on the bus.

Q: What happens if my child forgets to bring money for lunch?
A: They should contact one of the supervisors who will ensure they are taken care of. Our goal is to make sure their day is successful and stress free. Our supervisors are capable of dealing with any situation that arises.

Q: Does my child ski/board alone?
A: No. Our program works on the buddy system. All participants are required to ski with a buddy or supervisor throughout the day.

Q: If my child gets separated from their buddy or lesson how do they get back together?
A: Each child, before being allowed to ski with their buddy will be provided with the steps necessary to find their buddy. This list will be sent as part of your welcome package before the program starts and we will remind them again before they leave the bus on the first day. We would also encourage them to bring this list with them each week, so they don't have to memorize it. We have never lost anyone!

Q: What happens if my child is hurt during the day?
A: Our supervisors carry two-way radios and have direct access to ski patrol and often arrive in first-aid before they do. In addition, we check in regularly with resort staff. Before accepting a child for the program we require a signed medical release. If your child is injured we will be with them while they are attended to. We will contact you and keep you updated with progress throughout the day. Consider the safety of your child – If you buy a seat on another ‘ski bus’ ask them how they handle emergency situations.  

Q: Should my child bring lunch or buy lunch?
A: They can do either, but on the Learn to Ski day and the first day of the Alpine Juniors and Snowdrifters programs we highly recommend they buy their lunch. If they bring a lunch, they will have to take it with them on the hill, which will be inconvenient. Most of the areas have a variety of food service. Purchasing will cost about $7 to $10 for a typical lunch.

Q: Can they wear a backpack while skiing/boarding.
A: Yes, but these tend to throw them off balance and alters their center of gravity. Therefore, we discourage it.

Q: Is there a check-in throughout the day?
A: No. The kids are mature and responsible enough to be where they are supposed to be. We give them a level of responsibility and bundle this with a sense of freedom. One of the benefits of joining a program like this is that it helps build a child’s independence. Children are granted the freedom to ski/board with a buddy throughout the day. However, if they abuse this trust we will have to re-evaluate their appropriateness for the program

Q: How will they recognize the supervisors?
A: All of our supervisors wear highly visible red and grey jackets. We are easily recognized throughout the resort. Because of our long standing relationship with all of the resorts in Tahoe, their staff also recognize our jackets and have access to our cell phone and radio networks.

Q: How will the supervisors recognize my kids?
A: We will send you a patch, which should be affixed to their clothing (or placed inside a plastic sleeve). If worn correctly, we can spot your children from a chair lift or in a lift line. The patches also allow resort staff to call us if a problem should arise with your child during the day.

Q: What happens if my child gets lost during the day?
A: Contact resort staff, go to first aid/ski patrol or get in contact with one of our supervisors. Our staff carry two-way radios. Although we try our best, conditions sometimes prevent us from being contacted all over the mountain. In these rare instances it may take us a short amount of time to respond to your child’s request for assistance.

Q: How can my child get in touch with a supervisor if they have a problem during the day?
A: Our years of experience at all the Tahoe resorts means their staff know us well. The easiest way to contact us is by asking resort staff at the information booth to contact us via cell phone or two-way radio. Alternatively, lift operators and first aid/ski patrol are able to contact us directly.

Q: What happens if your child is injured during the day?
A: Because we don't allow children to board/ski by themselves, their buddy will be able to contact resort staff and ask for assistance.

Q: Where do they have lunch?
A: Before we leave the bus for the day, we will let the kids know where the supervisors will be eating. They are welcome to join us.

Q: Are the children allowed to ski/board by themselves?
A: All participants must board/ski with a partner. If they are signed up for the program without a partner we will make sure they have buddy before getting off the bus.

Q: What areas will my children be allowed to board/ski?
A: If they have never boarded or skied before they will be restricted to a small section of the mountain, which is ideal for beginners. For those participants that have more experience, they are free to use the whole mountain. However, they typically remain a small distance from the main lodges.

Q: How do they turn up at the designated time?
A: We have found that all of our participants have the maturity to follow direction and return at the designated time. However, we emphasize the importance of turning up to the bus at the designated time by levying a $50 fine if they are not back when requested. This fee is necessary to cover our costs for chartering the bus for a longer period of time.

Q: What happens if they get back to the bus late?
A: Before leaving, all participants are told what time they are required back at the bus. If they are late, a $50 fine will be imposed.

Supervision

Q: Who are the people that are taking care of my kids?
A: All of our supervisors/chaperones have been through our extensive selection process, which includes Livescan fingerprinting and background checks by the US Justice Department. Many are ex ski/snowboard instructors as well as professional adults who have worked in our program for between 7 & 15 years. They enjoy working with kids, and are passionate about sharing their enjoyment of the sport with others.
See our staff profile page for more details.

Q: I would like to become a supervisor too. How can I do this?
A: We encourage parents to be involved in the program and would love for you to see how we work first hand. We have a training program that pairs you with a senior member of staff for the first year. If you make it through this first year and think you can handle a bus load of kids, we will then place you on a list from which we select our best candidates.

Cancellation Policies

Q: What are your cancellation policies?
A: These prices are subject to change for the 2006/07 season.
For our Learn to Board/Ski in a Day, cancellations received less than 2 weeks in advance of the trip date (December 11th), will result in forfeiture of all monies. Cancellations received greater than 2 weeks will incur an administrative fee of $35

For the Alpine Juniors, Snowdrifters & Winterset programs, cancellations received 45 days before the first trip will incur a $35 administrative fee. Between 45 days and the 1st day of the program, we will refund all monies, except your deposit. For cancellations received less than 1 day before the start of the program all monies are forfeited. However, we can work with you to arrange credits for future dates.

General

Q: How do I know if my child is ready for this kind of program?
A: We have found over the years that children who are self-sufficient, have a mature and responsible attitude enjoy our programs the most. The ability to follow direction and act independently (if the need arises) will improve their experience further. Our high ration of staff to participants (3 to 4 per bus), means we are always available throughout the day. But we encourage the children to use this time, not only improve their boarding/skiing, but to gain life skills as well.

Q: It looks kind of expensive, compared to a regular ticket. Why?
A: The learn to board/ski day includes everything except your clothing. The Alpine Juniors program provides transportation, lift pass, instruction and supervision for not much more than a regular ticket. Besides, think of it as cheap baby-sitting for a day.

Q: What resorts are you going to?
A: We use a variety of resorts around Lake Tahoe for our programs. Depending on the program you choose and the snow conditions we will utilize either Northstar, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows and Kirkwood
Q: Under what circumstances don't you go?
A: Weather in the Sierra is not the same as in the Sacramento Valley. If it is raining here, it might be sunny up there. Alternatively, if it is sunny down here, it might be blizzarding up there. We track the weather through the National Weather Service and receive updates from our contacts at the resorts. The most common reason for postponing a trip is when we expect long delays due to chain requirements, or it is forecast to rain at the resort. Forecasts of snow usually don't warrant a postponement as it typically means great conditions. However, the safety of your children is our #1 priority at all times.

Q: Is there a number I can call to check if a trip is going?
A: Our trip information line (916 456 0263, extension 9) is available 24 hours/day. We usually make the determination as to whether a trip is running around 9 pm the night before. However, conditions in the Sierra can change rapidly and we sometimes make the decision around 3 am. To be on the safe side, you should always call the trip line before leaving for the pickup point in the morning.

Q: How do I know if you're going to be late back?
A: We are usually on time returning to the departure points in the evening. PLEASE be on time to pick up your children. The buses can be delayed by several factors (weather, traffic, members not returning to the bus on time). If the bus will be more than one half hour late we will try to get a message on our club information line (916) 456-0263 Ext. 8. You should call this message before leaving home to pick up your child. Parents who have not picked up their children within 30 minutes of our return will be charged $1.00 per minute for any time after the first 30 minutes.

Q: What movies do you watch on the buses
A: We watch G and PG rated movies. If you have a favorite and would like to bring it along, you are more than welcome.

Q: Why do you request a medical form and liability release?
A: Serious injuries are not common, but wrist injuries often occur when snowboarding. If we are unable to contact you in an emergency the releases will allow us to swiftly take the necessary arrangements to take care of your child. The questions on the release are the same questions asked by first aid and clinical staff. The more complete it is, the quicker your child will receive attention.

Q: Can I leave my valuables on the bus?
A: Although the buses are locked whenever the driver is not around, we recommend that you leave your CD/DVD players, and hand-held games at home. We are not responsible for any loss or damage to your personal property.

Q: What are your policies on smoking, drugs and alcohol?
A: None of these are acceptable in our program. Any participant found possessing or using them will be asked to leave and will forfeit any monies paid.

Q: Do you have a sibling discount?
A: Yes. Please call our office for details.

Q: Do I get a discount if I refer a new member to the program?
A: Yes. For each new member who joins the four week program, we will credit your account with $40.