USSA Club Development Program Announces New Podium Certified Clubs

PARK CITY, UT (May 21) –The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) named ten ski and snowboard clubs as its first podium certified clubs as part of its new club development program. The clubs were recognized on May 14 at the annual USSA Club Excellence Conference in Park City, UT. The podium level certification process involves a rigorous self-study and peer review of best principles and practices for ski and snowboard clubs. Each club had an on-site visit and review conducted by USSA High Performance staff and other leaders in the ski and snowboard club world.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ten ski and snowboard clubs from around the country were awarded podium certification as part of the USSA’s new club development program.
• USSA Club Development offers clubs a basic certification level as well as Bronze, Silver or Gold levels of certification.
• Four additional USSA clubs are continuing to work through the certification process, including the Park City Ski Education Foundation, Park City Freestyle Ski Team and Utah Olympic Park Sports Club (all of Park City, UT) and the Squaw Valley Ski Team (Olympic Valley, CA).
• An additional 20 clubs are on deck to start the process in the 2014-15 season.

Gold-Certified Clubs
Burke Mountain Academy (East Burke, VT)
Killington Mountain School (Killington, VT)
New York Ski Education Foundation (Wilmington, NY)
Stratton Mountain School (Stratton, VT)
Waterville Valley BBTS (Waterville Valley, NH)
Buck Hill Ski Racing Club (Burnsville, MN)
Ski and Snowboard Club Vail (Vail, CO)
Rowmark Ski Academy (Salt Lake City, UT).

Silver-Certified Clubs
International Snowboard Training Center (Frisco, CO)
Sun Valley Ski Education Foundations (Sun Valley, ID)

QUOTES

Kirk Dwyer, Headmaster, Burke Mountain Academy
We wanted to be involved in part as it's important to engage in the key initiatives of our governing organization.  I also believe the process was very productive for us as a program and especially for our new head alpine coach. You've done a great job of establishing a process, which balances looking outward and inward similar to the well-established accreditation for independent schools.

Brian Krill, USSA Club Development Manager
This is an exciting time for the USSA and its partnership with clubs. This process not only recognizes club excellence, but also gives a clear roadmap for all clubs to become stronger organizations. This is a strategic move for the USSA to support clubs, be a more club-based organization and better understand the challenges and opportunities that exist for clubs in every corner of the country.

Aldo Radamus, Executive Director Ski and Snowboard Club Vail
The certification process has made us a better organization and will drive continued improvement in all aspects of how we operate and serve our community.

Jon Nolting, USSA Sport Education Director
The process to achieve podium level certification was not easy for any of these clubs, but all the clubs found value in doing the work to complete the certification. The positive impact was not so much in the certification designation as it was in uncovering the true opportunities each club has to continue to deliver sustained excellence. These clubs all set a great example and offer excellent programming for their membership.

Luke Bodensteiner, USSA Vice President of Athletics
Working in closer partnership with our member clubs to recognize excellence and create a platform for continued improvement is the next frontier for our organization.  Our clubs are our sport’s biggest asset to athlete recruitment and development, and working and-in-hand with them to enhance their levels of achievement will transform the performance of our athletes and teams at all levels.

Rob Clayton, Executive Director, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation
The resources available through club certification…to actually show some care down to the club level and give direction and professionalism and leadership in that regard to the overall institutional advancement of each club and organization is a really great service to be offered to us by USSA. To be a Best in the World club is to be a small part of the whole.

Krista Katz, Director of Advancement, Marketing and Communications, WVBBTS
Having participated in the first round of USSA Club certifications, we highly commend Brian Krill and his team for putting together a thorough and collaborative process that now forms the basis of a strong ongoing partnership to further the mutual goals of our development programs and the National Team's objectives. We came away with a clearer, more strategically focused picture of BBTS through the presentation of our organization to USSA and our own self reflection. It was a valuable and informative process that we know will benefit our athletes, families and members.

Walt Evans, Director of Excellence, Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club
I had the privilege several years ago of working with many club, sport and industry leaders to initiate and envision this program. I am not only pleased, but impressed with the progress that has been made - it was exciting and inspiring to see the first certifications announced.