Volunteer Work Credit Program

For Alpine, Freestyle & Nordic

The Abenaki Outing Club relies on the support of our member families to successfully run races and events throughout the season. By volunteering, each family plays an important role in supporting our athletes and helping them compete at their home mountain. When everyone contributes, we’re able to run well-organized events without placing too much responsibility on just a few individuals, ultimately creating a better experience for all of our athletes.

To ensure the successful operation of our events and competitions, each family is required to fulfill a number of worker assignments throughout the season. A worker assignment refers to a specific volunteer task such as serving as a gate judge on race day or assisting at the Ski & Skate Sale.

Each Program has a designated number of worker assignments required per family:

Volunteer Worker Assignments

If your family is enrolled in multiple programs, you are responsible for completing the highest number of assignments required among those programs — not the total or a combination. For example: If Nordic requires 1 assignment and Alpine requires 3, your family must complete 3 assignments total for the season.

How to Earn Credits

Sign-up via our online program which will be made available and announced via email well in advance of the event.
Report to your "shift" on time and complete the entire shift to receive one worker credit. Shifts may be shared by adult members of the same family.
If you sign up for a job and are unable to work, it is your responsibility to find a replacement.
You can sign up for an event in another program. For example, if you are enrolled in the Alpine program you can volunteer at a Freestyle event.

Club-Wide Volunteer Opportunities

Ski & Skate Sale (November)

Event Setup/Teardown – Set up racks, organize space at Kingswood High School, assist with teardown after the sale
Shop Coordination – Liaison with ski shops
Marketing Support – Assist with executing the marketing plan
Sales Floor Volunteer – Help customers, manage transactions

Each family can earn one Worker Credit for volunteering at the Ski & Skate Sale.

Alpine Race Volunteer Opportunities

On-Hill Positions (Skiing Required)

Gate Judge – Monitor skier passage through assigned gates. Training video required: Gate Judge Training Video
Course Worker – Assist with gate setup/removal, B-netting, and equipment maintenance. Physical role; intermediate to advanced skiing ability required
Starter – Releases racers from the start gate; works with timing and Start Referee
Start Roundup – Calls racers to the start gate in bib order; must project voice clearly
Start Hand Timer – Uses stopwatch to time racers at course start
Head Gate Judge – Supervises all gate judges and supports gate assignments and course integrity

Off-Hill Positions (No Skiing Required)

Finish Hand Timer – Uses stopwatch to time racers at finish line
Backup Timer – Operates backup timing computer; computer proficiency required
Announcer – Announces real-time results over PA system from timing booth
Workers Lunch Coordinator – Purchases and serves lunch for volunteers (expenses reimbursed)
Race Registration – Verifies payments and hands out racer bibs
Lodge Cleanup/Bib Collection – Keeps lodge tidy, collects bibs and equipment after races

Certified Alpine Official Roles (USSA Certification Required)

Chief of Race – Oversees and runs the race; controls all race officials; member of Race Jury
Chief of Course – Responsible for course setup and maintenance; coordinates course workers
Chief of Timing – Manages timing and calculations; publishes official results
Start Referee – Enforces start gate rules and reports violations to the Referee
Finish Referee – Monitors finish area and finish line rule compliance
Head Gate Judge – Organizes and supervises gate judges; collects fault cards

Most certified positions require a current USSA Alpine Official (AO) card.

Freestyle Race Volunteer Opportunities

On-Hill Positions (Skiing Required)

Starter – Delivers start commands and records timing; works with Assistant Starter
Assistant Starter – Calls competitors in bib order and checks equipment
Announcer – Announces competitors and results; must ski to venue if needed
Course Crew – Maintains venue, start/finish areas, jumps, and landings. Physical job; training video recommended
Score Runner – Skis completed scorecards to the competition center for scoring

Off-Hill Positions (No Skiing Required)

Judges Assistant – Organizes and prepares score sheets for judges; supports judging team
Registration Assistant – Supports day-of registration, distributes and collects bibs, delivers lunches, and assists with après ski setup

FAQ's

What if I no-show for a race I signed up for, or cancel within the 5-day window before an event?

We heavily rely on our Worker Credit volunteers for event staffing. If you no-show to an assigned obligation you signed up for, or cancel within the 5-day cancellation window prior to an event you will be putting the event in jeopardy of cancellation. Please coordinate with the volunteer coordinator if you have any questions.

Can I change my commitment dates?

You can request cancellation of a race work obligation up to 5 days prior to the date of the event. But, you must find a replacement date later in the season to complete your required obligations. Once you are inside the 5 day cancellation window, you must contact the volunteer coordinator.

I have never worked at a ski race before, how do I get started?

Starting out as a course worker, gate keeper, or a hand timer is great introduction to ski racing events. You will receive instruction for these positions on the morning of the event. As your career as a race worker progresses, you might want to get your Alpine Officials' (AO) License and attend a certification clinic in order to qualify for more roles.

What races should I sign up for?

It's great to choose races that your child is participating in. You should also check you child's "away" race schedule and consider possible championship and/or invitational events your child may qualify for PRIOR to signing up for your race commitments. Head Coaches will have race calendars posted on their team pages on the website.

Do I need any special training to do race work?

For gatekeeping, hand timers, etc., training will be provided on the morning of the event. For members interested in timing or other jobs that require Alpine Official (AO) certification, attendance at a USSS/NHARA Clinic is required. Check the NHARA web site for exact date, time, and location. There are several AO clinics held during the fall to ensure you stay current.

Are races ever cancelled because of bad weather (rain, snow, or cold)?

Races are seldom cancelled due to weather; be prepared for the cold, wind, sleet and rain.

What can I do if I don't ski?

There are a limited number of positions for non skiers; registration, catering, and those willing to hike a little there are also positions near the finish (finish hand timer or gate keeper on the lower section of the course).