What is QAST?
The Queenstown Alpine Ski Team is an autonomous incorporated sporting body administered by a voluntary committee.  It provides a training programme for alpine and freestyle skiers aged seven years all the way through to a Masters Programme. 

Where is the office?
40 Robins Road, Queenstown - next door to the Bella Vista Motel.  Telephone 442-8182 or email .

What are the entry requirements for QAST?
Athletes must be at least seven years old and be able to ski anywhere on Coronet Peak.

What is the Ski Academy?
QAST has been instrumental in setting up a ski academy at Wakatipu High School to enable athletes to train on school days and continue their education.  An Academy co-ordinator is employed to teach the athletes after training from 3:45pm – 5:45pm.  Athletes must first get approval from the school and pass a physical fitness test.  For more information, please contact Jo Grimmer on 442—5165.

Do the athletes need the First Tracks Pass?
K2 athletes and older do need a First Tracks Pass for early morning training.  This can be ordered on line at any time over the season for an additional $150.00. 

Where are the schedules posted?
You can find them on line at www.qast.org.nz under the heading schedules. 

How do I receive correspondence?
All of our correspondence is done by email, and we ask you provide us with a frequently-checked email address.  Keeping you well informed is a priority and we use email to be frugal with time, paper and postage.  However, all information is available by “snail mail” if you prefer.  To request written materials, please contact the office to be added to the postal list.

What is the Ski Racing New Zealand/Freeski New Zealand registration fee for?
SRNZ is our Alpine national body responsible for the conduct of ski racing in New Zealand.  They are affiliated with the Federation Internationale de Ski (FIS) and the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) through Snow Sports NZ, and the New Zealand Ski Council.  Like most sports we are governed by the National Body and collect their fees on behalf of them.  The website for SRNZ is www.skiracing.org.nz

Freeski New Zealand is the national body for freestyle skiing in NZ and their website is www.freeskier.co.nz

What is the role of parents and why do we have to sign a Volunteer Work Form?
The active involvement of parents in QAST is important to the success of the programme.  A level of commitment is expected from parents to meet the demands of this voluntary organization.  The programme is funded through fees, ski races we host, fundraising events and grants.  Volunteering is critically important to help with the success of the organization and, of course, to help subsidise your fees.  By signing a volunteer work form you agree to help on race days and with other fundraising projects - without your help we would not have a ski team.

What should my child bring to training?
A healthy lunch, water, a good attitude, layers, a snack in a pocket to prevent low blood sugar meltdowns.  Backpacks can be left in the QAST container located at the base of the t-bar or outside the main building.

Is van transportation available?
Van service is provided for (in order of priority)
Academy
Competition travel
Weekend programmes

Bookings for weekends are ESSENTIAL and must be made to Grant Stockman by way of text or phone on 021 518144 by Friday 6pm.  Space is allocated strictly on a first come first served basis. 

Van fees for the 2010 season are as follows:

Academy -       $595 based on three days per week (Tuesdays-Thursdays)

Coronet Peak - $12.50 each way - pick up points QAST office/bottom of CP

Remarkables -  $15.00 each way - pick up points QAST office/Frankton                                                  shelter/bottom of Remarks.

Race Events -    Per kilometre price

Season pass -   Available on request

Please call the office to arrange for a season van pass. 

What is the role of the board and who are the board members?
To formulate policy, programme development and maintain the economic stability of the team; to serve as liaisons between parents and also in the community; to facilitate communications with Ski Area Management as needed; to promote the team; to approve and oversee the budget; to hire qualified staff.
Board members are:
Kevin McLaughlan– Chairman
Christina Shaw - Treasurer
Tom Ellis - Vehicles & equipment
Alistair Nicholson - Race
Rebecca Lucas - Interfield

David Parker - TNT

Chris Pascoe

Paul Gamson

How is my voice heard?
First, always talk with your primary coach.  The next step is to meet with the head coach.  Ultimately the board is available to resolve any conflicts or concerns.

What is the training week?
This is an additional week of training that is included in some of our programmes.  Dates for the 2009 season are:
Seniors                     10-14 August TBC
K1’s and down           14-18 September

It is the parents’ responsibility to organise the time off school for their children.  QAST provides schools with names and numbers attending the training weeks.  Your coach will provide you with a schedule for the week.  If you do not wish for your child to partake in training week a credit of $150 will be given.

What is the school skiing option?
Athletes that are at the local primary schools are able to ski with QAST on their school skiing days offered as part of the school curriculum.  Parents should notify their athlete’s school that they will be taking this option.  QAST also provides the schools with names of those athletes attending training on these days.

How do I sign my children up for a race?
Each race is different and your coach will let you know deadlines and how to sign up for races.

What if the mountain is closed?
 On snow training will be cancelled however dryland training may go ahead. You will receive instructions from your coach via text .  No refunds will be given for inclement weather.

What kind of equipment will my child need?
Please check with your child’s coach who will be able to advise you on the best equipment to purchase.  Please ensure all equipment is kept in good condition and working order.

What happens if my child is injured on the mountain?

In the event of an accident which requires the involvement of ski patrol the QAST coach will stay with the injured athlete until ski patrol arrives and takes control of the situation.  He/she will make arrangements for the rest of the group before travelling to ski patrol where he/she will contact the head coach Grant Stockman. Grant will then contact the parents of the injured athlete to inform them of the accident and advise them that ski patrol will be calling them.  Ski patrol, both at Coronet Peak and the Remarkables has contact details and emergency telephone numbers of all QAST athletes and once the athlete has been assessed ski patrol will call the parents to inform them of the level of injury.

Does QAST have a code of conduct?
Yes.  This is outlined in the handbook that is given to you at the Welcome afternoon and strictly enforced by the coaches.  Please make yourselves familiar with it.

Will my child have to travel away on race camps?
Athletes may travel away from Queenstown for races at other ski areas.  QAST organizes transport, accommodation and food requirements.  A deposit is required for camps and the balance of the costs will be billed at the end of each camp. 

What happens if my child becomes sick or injured and is unable to continue with training?
If your child is sick or injured for more than one week a refund will be given for days missed after the first week provided you provide a medical certificate.  Refunds will also be given for days missed after a week in the case of a family bereavement.