Volunteering

Ford Sayre programs rely heavily on the cooperation and participation of our parents to keep the organization strong. All parents are expected to help with the running of the program and/or races for three reasons.

Without parent power, kids will not have as many opportunities to ski and race.
Volunteer program management and race workers enable us to keep our program fees lower.
Participating in the program and/or races helps to build relationships among families and to build knowledge of the sport of alpine ski racing.

Volunteer Requirements

Devo

Parents of Devo participants who are comfortable skiing are required to be a lift helper for at least two days in the season. Lift helpers are assigned to specific days and groups to ensure that our youngest skiers are safe on the lift.

A Parent who cannot safely ski can fulfill their requirement by taking on the role of “Devo Season Celebration Coordinator” who coordinates an end-of-season event to celebrate the hard work, fun and camaraderie of the season.

Devo parents are not obligated to work races. (If you are interested in doing so, please reach out to the Race Coordinator. We’d love the help!)

U10, U12 & U14

Parents of U10 athletes are required to work one race day and parents of U12 and U14 are required to work two race days. There is a maximum of four race days per family.

Alternatively, parents can fulfill or reduce their volunteer requirement by serving in another volunteer role. Please see other volunteer opportunities in the section below.

For additional information on race work requirements, please visit the “Race Work Guidance & Rules” page.

Requirement Deposit

All families must provide a $400 deposit. This check will be destroyed at the end of the season if you fulfill your entire volunteer commitment.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are various ways for parents to get involved in supporting the program (and fulfilling the volunteer requirement) outside of race work. Some of these roles are open for the 2023-2024 season. If you’re interested, please email alpinerace@fordsayre.org.

Program Director: Oversees and administers the Junior Racing program. Works with the Alpine Committee and Ford Sayre Council to plan for and deliver a positive and meaningful experience.

Previously, Jane LeMasurier & Lindsay Coe → Currently, Sarah Billmeier & Lindsay Coe

Race Work Coordinator: Coordinates the race work assignments and training for Ford Sayre hosted events at the Dartmouth Skiway.

Previously, Liz Hackett → Currently, Courtney Farrell

Devo or U10 Coach: Leads a ski group one or two weekend days each week. U10 coaches are required to be Level 100 certified.

Gear Manager: Coordinates the ordering, distribution and sale of Ford Sayre alpine gear for Jr. Alpine and FSA.

Previously, Heidi Reiss → Currently, TBD

Photography Lead: Snaps, collects and shares photos throughout the season. Ideally, this person is a trained photographer with advanced equipment and knowledge of photo storage. (Provides exemption from one race work day.)

New position, TBD

Slideshow Coordinator: Collects photos from across Jr. Alpine to create a celebratory end-of-season visual summary. (Provides exemption from one race work day.)

Previously, Emily Blake → Currently, Mike Novello

Championship Coordinator: Arranges for blocks of hotel rooms for the various end-of-season events. (Provides exemption from one race work day.)

Previously, Allison Winchester → Currently, TBD

U12 & U14 Tailgate Coordinator: Organizes potluck tailgates for main racing events. (Provides exemption from one race work day.)

Previously, Allison Winchester → Currently, Emma Cottage & Scotty Harris

U10, U12 & U14 Season Celebration Coordinator: Coordinates an end-of-season event to celebrate the hard work, fun and camaraderie of the season. In 2022, this celebration came in the form of a potluck tailgate at the base of the Winslow lift. (Provides exemption from one race work day.)