CK Ski School

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question for more information

So what is the actual/total cost of CK Ski School?
Yikes! I have a bit of sticker shock after looking at the expenses. Is
       
ski school worth it?   
How old does my son or daughter need to be to participate?
Can my student ride on the same bus and take classes with their
       friends?

Will there be an opportunity for skiing and boarding outside my
       class?

Should we lease or purchase the equipment?
How do we know what equipment will be necessary and once we
       have it, how can we be sure it isn't lost?

Does my student have to take lessons?
Are helmets required?
What time do you leave on Saturday and where do we drop off
       and pick up?
What students are eligible to attend?
How will we know about cancellations or schedule adjustments?
If the skier or snowboarder finds they are in a class above
       or below their level, can they change?

What about getting food and other services on the mountain?
Are there any price breaks for ski school participants?
Where do I get the CK and Stevens Pass registration forms?
Can we get a refund if the participant doesn't want to attend
       anymore?


Q. So what is the actual/total cost of CK Ski School?

A.
The actual cost for the CK part of the program - that is the expense to administrate 400 plus participants and the cost of transportation for 8 weeks is $240.00 per student. The expense charged by Stevens Pass for lessons and a seasons pass is $449.00 adult fee or $328.00 for students 12 or younger. This makes a total (combined) cost of $689.00 for students 13 and older or $568.00 for students 12 and under. Furthermore, if you have actively participated in ski school lessons for at least 3 years and you are in high school, you can sign up for transportation only. The transportation cost of $240.00 plus the expense of a season pass at $344.00 combines for a cost of $584.22 for eligible participants. 

In addition, you must provide your own equipment. There is not a specific price for equipment. It can be as much or as little as your particular needs dictate. Beginners can save money with leasing or purchasing used gear. There are great deals at the ski swap. You can also find bargains and suitable outerwear if you search around. Lots of good stuff like gloves and long underwear and even jackets at places like Costco. CK Ski School also provides a limited number of equipment scholarships each year. Contact one of the directors for more information regarding this opportunity.


Q. Yikes! I have a bit of sticker shock after looking at the expenses. Is ski school worth it?

A.
These are the tough questions we parents must address as our students try on different lifestyles that continually challenge our discretionary income. Thousands of families over the last 3 decades would say that the CK Ski School experience was definitely worth it. We agree, especially when you look at the relative value. For example, the off-the-street price for a two hour lesson is $50.00, our kids pay $30.00. A season pass is $769.00, our kids pay $270.00 when combined with lessons. Or, $344.00 when combined with Transportation Only. 12 and under is even a more substantial savings. The cost of driving to Stevens Pass in the family SUV when you include, gas, ferry, parking, and wear and tear far exceeds the cost of a season of safe transportation we provide for $240.00. We are a non-profit group. The expense we charge is a direct reflection of the cost of the program.


Q. How old does my son or daughter need to be to participate?

A.
The program is available for grades 5 through 12.  The program is organized and well monitored , but we don't provide one-to-one kid care. It helps if the younger participants sign up with a friend.


Q. Can my student ride on the same bus and take classes with their friends?

A.
Yes. We group by grade and where the kids go to school. We always try to honor special requests. However, classes are structured based on level so we wouldn't place a beginner with an advanced student or vice versa.


Q. Will there be an opportunity for skiing and boarding outside my class?

A.
Definitely. The participants are on the mountain for about 7 hours. Of that time 2 hours are focused instruction. The classes all begin at 10:00 so kids can ski and ride together before and after lessons. In addition, there are two practice days built into the schedule, so on Jan 13 and Feb 17 students can ride together all day without the lessons. Again, there will be plenty of time to ride with friends and explore the mountain.


Q. Should we lease or purchase the equipment?

A.
A variety of packages and options are available at Kitsap Sports @ 698-4808 and The Northern Wave @ 307 WAVE. Great bargains can be had at the Ski Swap .  We do not suggest that you rent on the mountain.  In addition there might be lease packages available from Navy recreational services at Bangor or on the Shipyard.


Q. How do we know what equipment will be necessary and once we have it, how can we be sure it isn't lost?

A.
In this sport (like all sports) there is a large difference between what you need and what you want. The list of essentials include:

boot
boards
poles
hat
gloves
goggles
pants and jacket

Make sure that your pants and jacket will protect against cold and snow. This doesn't have to cost a lot of money, if you shop carefully. In all circumstances, we request that you label all items clearly so you can easily identify yours from the rest of the crowd .  


Q. Does my student have to take lessons?

A. Yes and no. First and foremost we are a ski school not just a bus ride. The CK district's philosophy is to provide a variety of educational opportunities. Even though the CK Ski School is totally self-supporting, we keep the educational component at the forefront of our program.  High school students who have completed the progression of instruction (at least 3 years of attendance in the CK program) can sign up for transportation only at a reduced cost of $240.


Q.
Are helmets required?

A.
Helmets are not required for most classes but very much encouraged. The most common injuries in our program are head bumps and wrist injuries sustained by snowboarders. We seriously emphasize the need for these snowriders to use helmets and wrist guards.


Q. What time do you leave on Saturday and where do we drop off and pick up?

A.
We depart from the Central Kitsap Junior High parking lot about 5:50 AM and return about 7:30 PM. There are many scheduling specifics that go on between those times and we will address those in detail at a mandatory meeting for all ski school participants on December 7 at 7:00 PM in the Central Kitsap Jr. High Old Gym.


Q. What students are eligible to attend?

A.
CK Ski School is available for all Central Kitsap residents. This includes private schools as well (e.g. King's West and Silverwood).  Just remember this is a school function and we follow the Central Kitsap School District's Code of Student's rights and Responsibilities.


Q. How will we know about cancellations or schedule adjustments?

A.
The ski school website is updated weekly we also have a weekly email newsletter that will notify you of any changes or cancellations.  If poor weather or dangerous conditions are imminent, we will cancel and alert the kids at school with a public announcement.  If last minute cancellation is required, we will publish an updated message on this website under important bulletins .


Q. If the skier or snowboarder finds they are in a class above or below their level, can they change?

A.
Absolutely. Our goal is to make sure each participant gets the best instruction for their needs.  We want them to learn and have fun at the same time.  Review making class selection for general information and/or contact our Stevens Pass contact personnel.


Q. What about getting food and other services on the mountain?

A.
Steven's Pass is a full-operation facility. Its three lodges include four different eating establishments from burgers and sandwiches to sit-down dining. There is a rental facility, sports shop, pro shop, and repair shop. There are also lockers and baskets available to store your own food and cafeteria style places for brown-baggers to eat.  For more information on Mountain services go to the Steven's Pass Website .


Q. Are there any price breaks for ski school participants?

A.
Yes. Students enrolled in the ski school receive a $1
7 .00 discount per week on their lift ticket. The best value and most efficient way to acquire chairlift access it to purchase the deeply discounted Seasons Pass available to all our ski school participants.  On the Stevens Pass end of things, their package price remains virtually the same. 6 weeks of 2 hour lessons plus a season's pass costs $449.00 for participants 13 or older; and $328.00 for students 12 and under. The combined cost for both programs is $689.00 or $568.00 . If you know your participant will ski or snowboard at least 8 times this season, the Season Pass/Lesson package is a very good bargain. Otherwise you are probably money ahead to purchase weekly tickets. Please understand that the Season Pass is an agreement between Stevens Pass and the ski school participant. CK Ski School has no say-so in the pass transaction or policies. In addition, both the Kitsap Sports and Northern Wave have coupon specials for ski schoolers. Also, there are a limited number of equipment scholarships and partial fee reduction scholarships. Interested parties simply need to apply to one of the directors. Additional questions about expenses can be addressed to David Keller, Eric Samson or Tim Knapp.


Q. Where do I get the registration forms?

A.
Application forms will be sent to all previous participants in C.K. Ski School.  In addition, forms will be available in the main office of each secondary school by October 30 .  You can also get necessary forms at Kitsap Sports
or The Northern Wave in Silverdale.   Also, you can link to the application forms from the Signing Up page on this website


Q. Can we get a refund if the participant doesn't want to attend anymore?

A. 
Actually it is very rare that a student just doesn't want to participate.  We can not give refunds for a service (bus and ski school) that has already been contracted for.  However, if a student is injured we do refund the registration fee on a prorated basis, contingent on a physicians recommendation. We do not control the refund process for Stevens Pass. Be sure you read your registration agreement carefully.


FAQ: Costs and Registration

FAQ Links
Q: What is the total cost of Ski School?
A: There are two payments you need to make in order to participate in our program: Transportation and Lessons + Pass
     Transportation is $240 (this covers busses, drivers, fuel, ferries, etc.)
     Lessons + Pass is $449 for students 13 years and older, or $328 for students 12 and under
     You can also choose to pay $179 for lessons only and then buy lift tickets on the ferry each week for $48 ($25 for 12 & under)
Q: Where can I get the registsration forms?
A: Registration forms can be picked up at any school in the CK School district, at Kitsap Sports, or by following the link below
Q: Can I pay with a credit card?
A: You can pay the Stevens Pass portion of the costs (Lessons+Pass) with a credit card, but the $240 transportation fee must be cash or check (Made out to CK Ski School).
Q: How much will I have to pay for equipment?
A: That depends on how much you want to spend. Kids will always claim that they need the hottest new snowboard or $300 jacket, but the truth is that used equipment, rental equipment, and clothing purchased at discount stores works just as well. If you are just starting out you should either rent your equipment, or buy your boards, boots, and bindings at the Ski Swap. Gloves, goggles, and long underwear can be purchased at Costco, and jackets and snow pants can be found at Ross.
Q: I am already an excellent skier, do I still have to take lessons?
A: Yes. All participants must enroll in lessons unless they meet the following criteria:
               They have already completed 3 years of lessons with CK Ski School
               They are in grades 10 -12
    Remember, we are an instructional organization. For the safety of our participants, we insist
   on enrollement in classes.