MARA athletes will be assigned to coaching groups based on their program, their age and their skiing ability.  We are sometimes able to accommodate moving athletes to a different group at parent or guardian request. Please understand that we may not be able to accommodate these requests if it disrupts group size or breadth of skiing ability within the groups.  Please direct any such requests to the MARA head coach.

MARA is not a learn to ski program. Our programs train downhill skiing across all mountain terrain; teaching a variety of techniques and turns, all of which require a strong foundation of basic skiing fundamentals.

Required fundamentals include: making linked parallel turns (or mostly parallel turns) in both directions at a consistent speed, have the ability to perform a hockey stop safely and effectively, the ability to ski all blue runs on Mt. Ashland, independently load and unload chairlifts (*including Ariel), and comfortably ride chairlifts by themselves. Preferably, athletes ski with poles upon entering the program and are 7 years old by the start of the season.

Athletes’ skills will be assessed on the first day of training. This is to guarantee all athletes are placed in groups appropriate for their development and ability levels. If the skills mentioned above are beyond your athlete, we will refer you to the Mt. Ashland Ski School. They offer lessons that will help get your athlete up to speed. MARA membership fees will be returned in-full in these instances.  Your athlete will be encouraged to re-enroll with MARA the following season!

When available, athletes may switch the day of their program (Sunday to Saturday or vice versa). Once the season begins and/or program days reach capacity, switching days is no longer possible. Single-day or multi-day switches are not allowed.

If a training day is canceled due to a Mount Ashland closure, a single make-up day will be offered one week after the original final day of the program. Note that regularly scheduled and make-up training days each count towards fulfillment of the program, whether or not an athlete attends the training.

A portion of up to 80% of tuition fees will be refunded in the chance of extenuating circumstances that prohibit your child from participating; such as injury or chronic medical condition, requiring note from your child's medical care provider. If the condition occurs prior to the start of the season, fees will be refunded in-full. If the condition occurs after the season begins, the fee will be funded in the value proportionate to the remaining days of the season, up to 80% of the fee. 

If it turns out your skier is not quite ready for MARA, we will refer you to Mt. Ashland's Ski School and provide a 80% prorated refund of membership fees, or full refund prior to the season start. Athletes are always encouraged to join us for the following season!

Refunds will not be provided for any reasons other than listed above.

A deposit check for $100 will be required before an athlete receives their jacket (One $100 Check Per Family). The check will be void and shredded when the jacket is returned to MARA in good condition (other than normal wear and tear) at the end of the season.  If the jacket is returned in an unusable condition, or not returned by May 1st, your $100 check will be deposited for the replacement of the jacket (plus an additional $150 invoice).

We have made an effort to supply all athletes with a jacket, but sometimes certain sizes run out, depending on enrollment.  Jackets are handed out on a first come, first serve basis. Jackets are handout occurs prior to our annual Holiday Camp. If you are unable to attend jacket pickup, jackets will be available on-hill for the first weekend of training.

MARA jackets are primarily intended to be worn on-hill for training and races. Athletes are encouraged to wear their jackets and represent MARA at our neighboring mountain races. In order to limit wear and tear, however, we ask that athletes do not wear MARA jackets when they are off-hill.

Team jackets are available for most MARA athletes in a large number of sizes.  We have made an effort to supply all athletes with a jacket, but sometimes certain sizes will run out, depending on enrollment.  Jackets will be handed out on a first come, first serve basis. Jackets are distributed on the first day of training.

MARA jackets are primarily intended to be worn by MARA athletes during MARA training and events.  It is okay for MARA athletes to wear their jackets when they are skiing at other ski resorts. In order to limit wear and tear, however, we ask that athletes do not wear MARA jackets when they are off-mountain.

Unless your athlete is competing postseason, jackets must be returned on the last training day of their program. Jackets can be returned to a MARA representative outside the old blue lodge or as otherwise specified by MARA. We will send out reminders that your program(s) are coming to an end and jackets need to be returned. If your athlete is competing postseason, the jacket is to be returned on the last day of the event.

MARA parent-coaches are exempt from volunteer requirements. MARA usually holds three races during the season (6 days of racing in total).  These events rely on volunteers to make them successful! Hosting a race requires fulfilling important roles such as registration, timekeeping, gate judging, course breakdown, bib distribution and collection. No experience is necessary and positions accommodate all ability levels. Click HERE to learn more info regarding roles & expectations. Each MARA family is required to volunteer 3 race days. Alternatively, families can provide off-hill volunteering.  A $100 volunteering deposit check (made out to MARA) is required before the athlete can participate in training. The check is void and shredded after completion of the volunteering requirement has been confirmed. If the volunteering requirement is not met, the check will be deposited at the end of the season.

When conditions allow, athletes may extend their session to 9 or 12 week sessions. Please make a request for program extension through the MARA administrator before the last week of your athletes program.

MARA endeavors to provide scholarships for reduced membership fees based on family financial need. Families can apply for a fee reduction by submitting an application.  Family financial information will be required. Click here to view the financial assistance application.

Annual season registration opens the Monday of Thanksgiving week. Registration will close when capacity is reached, or on the first day of our season (the first weekend in January) – whichever occurs first.

Season passes, daily lift tickets, and parking passes must be purchased individually from Mt. Ashland directly.