CCSC Voted Snowsports School of the Year
The PSIA-AASI-C Awards Committee has voted Crystal Community Ski Club the Snowsports School of the Year. Read on for the nomination submission.
Dear PSIA-AASI-C Awards Committee,
Thank you for considering Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC) for the Snowsports School of the Year. There are many well-deserving schools, each with unique characteristics. CCSC is unique as a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit member school.
CCSC’s mission: “Engaging youth through inclusive and accessible snowsports programming to build a strong community, boost physical and mental health and well-being, and foster a lifelong passion for the outdoors” is represented in all CCSC programs which reach over 1,100 youth annually. From competitive Alpine and Nordic programs to our Nordic Rocks and Outreach programs, CCSC extends beyond local community boundaries.
CCSC programs also include the Jr. Ski Instructor program and the Jr. Ski Patrol program. These programs serve as leadership education platforms and provide local youth with the opportunity to explore future occupations in the snowsports industry.
To encourage continued education and career advancement for our staff, CCSC reimburses PSIA dues and exam costs. Last season, CCSC allocated funds for eight coaches to attend the PSIA National Academy. Weekly clinics are scheduled and are conducted by CCSC staff members who are also PSIA-AASI-C Education Staff members representing four disciplines.
CCSC incorporates PSIA-AASI education into our alpine race program. We embrace teaching PSIA fundamentals to young ski racers and have witnessed the results. Similarly, we are striving for more PSIA certified Nordic instructors. Last season four CCSC Nordic staff members achieved PSIA Nordic level one status. CCSC hopes to set the Central Region bar for Alpine and Nordic PSIA education and certification.
The CCSC staff is nearly 100% PSIA-AASI-certified. Many on CCSC staff serve or have voluntarily served on PSIA-AASI-C and PSIA-AASI boards, task forces, and subcommittees, as well as other local non-profit organizations. More importantly, CCSC staff members volunteer countless hours participating in fundraising events that help support scholarships, outreach programs, and Nordic Rocks. Note: Coming shortly, the CCSC website will be providing an education library free to all who visit our website.
True to our Vision statement, “A community where all are inspired and engaged to build physical and mental well-being, and a passion for the outdoors through snowsports,” CCSC enables many from diverse social and economic backgrounds an opportunity to explore the Winter environment. While Crystal Community Ski Club provides outstanding competitive opportunities, it also provides an exemplary path for future industry leaders and for those who may not have had an opportunity otherwise.
The following are some numbers from CCSC:
1,100 total youth in our organization last season
704 youth in our Nordic Rocks programs at no cost
101 youth participating in a seasonal program on scholarship
100 youth from diverse backgrounds participating in outreach programs
CCSC coaches consist of a staff of 50, of which 92% are PSIA-AASI certified, with a goal of 100%
Once again, thank you for considering Crystal Community Ski Club for Snowsports School of the Year. At CCSC we feel that our commitment to our mission,vision, and quality allows us to grow our program. Incorporating PSIA-AASI’s certification, education material, and philosophy has also contributed to our success as an industry role model, community partner, and advocate for accessible snowsports for all.