Hello!

Packing my bags - heading to Vancouver to watch Hannah and Michael this weekend! Wahoo!!!

There is a ton to tell you this week, so I am going to use the bulleted format.

Updates to the web site this week:

• Added a Parent's page. Thanks to Thach Pham for creating a Parent FAQ. There is MUCH more to add - feel free to send him questions for the document or better yet, questions and answers!! lol!
• Updated the Jump Qualification pages.
• Added a Coaches Certification Process link.
• Still no pictures yet - maybe while I am on the road for the next month!

EQS SKIERS:

• All EQS skiers, athletes and parents - check your regional affiliation on your athlete "history" - see EQS Ranking Link. You can change it - there is a button that reads "Current Region: Central Region (VT) To change region selection click here" THIS IS CRUCIAL! Check your friends, too! Send them a note if theirs is incorrect. Incorrect regional designations WILL NOT be an excuse if your invite is incorrect.
• EQS Regional Final Invitations will come out on February 22nd at 6pm.
• EQS Championship Invitations will come out on March 15th at 6pm.
• Read the rulebook about the quotas and invite process for these events. Make sure EVERYONE understands how it works - make a copy of it and carry it with you! Share your knowledge. That's what we do in the B's - educate!
• The Whaleback Shoot Out on March 13-14 will count towards the 2010-2011 season.
• Sugarbush canceled event - Because the Eastern Office has not heard differently, we are assuming that Sugarbush is following the refund rules stated in the Eastern section of the rulebook and not providing any refund for their canceled event. Please direct ALL COMMUNICATION to Sugarbush. This is out of our control and out of HF Tech's control. It is a rule for a reason though. Event budgets are tight. We keep the mountains in the East on a shoestring budget in comparison to other divisions. Please respect the system. The best way to voice your opinions is to send an email to the Chair that voices your concerns and provides suggestions of how we can improve! Complaints and demands are filed appropriately.
• Reminder: All athletes, coaches and families are reminded to clean up after themselves in the base lodges. Take a minute to pick up your trash and push in your chairs!

ECS SKIERS:

• List #3 List closes on Monday. Invites for Junior Olympics will come out on February 22nd. Be sure that you understand the quota, alternate and registration process.
• The Stratton Mogul Fest will count towards ECS Champs and US Championships.
• The invites for ECS Champs (moguls and duals) will also come out on February 22nd. (Larry - we are gonna be busy on that Sunday night!! lol!!)
• Halfpipe, Aerials and Slopestyle are open events for divisional championships - no invite necessary.
• The invites for US Championships come out after List #4.
• In order to remain on List #4, athletes must compete in their divisional championships. Having said that, Nor Am Finals are during Eastern Champs. Please send an email to me if you will not be attending championships and your reasons for not being able to attend by February 20th.
• Reminder: All athletes, coaches and families are reminded to clean up after themselves in the base lodges. Take a minute to pick up your trash and push in your chairs!

EVENTS THIS WEEK:

Open: Kagan Cup Freeride Tour SS-HP OR SS-SS, Feb 11
There should be an update tonight at midnight about whether the half pipe event will happen. Check back! LOL!! I will be up - leaving for airport at 2:30am. See event info sheet.

ECS A: Kagan Cup Moguls/Duals, Feb 12/13
They are skiing in the mogul course and building the jumps today - hoping to see everyone for training on Thursday! See event info sheet.

Open: J'APRIL CUP / PHIL'S HILL EASTERN AERIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, Feb 14
Waterville is all set to host this year's Eastern Aerial Championships!

REGISTRATION: Online registration will close on Thursday at Midnight.
OFFICIAL TRAINING: Training will be held on the Phil's Hill Air site on Saturday, February 13, 11am - 2pm. Coaches or parents who are bringing athletes to train are encourage to help us chop the air site. We will meet in front of the BBTS Comp Center at 9am on Saturday morning. Training tickets will be available from 8:30am - 12:30pm in the BBTS Comp Center for $35. Cash or check only!
COMPETITION DAY:  Training will begin at 9am on Sunday, followed by the start of the first competition at 10:30am. Athletes should check in at registration in the BBTS competition center between 7:30 - 8:30am. We encourage you to register online, as you will be charged a $15 late fee for day-of registration. WVBBTS only accepts cash or check. Again, coaches are encourage to head to the air site at 8am to help chop the landing. Waterville Valley does not offer parent tickets; however, discount tickets can be purchased online for $55. The Phil's Hill air site is also a mild hike from the base of the mountain for spectators who choose to not ski. 
AWARDS: Awards will take place in the BBTS Clubhouse 1/2 hour after the competition ends. J'April Cup is part of the Salomon Freeride Tour! We have some great prizes for our athletes!

EQS Eastern Region: Griffin Cup, SS-A/M, Feb 13/14
Loon is anticipating one of their best year's of competitions yet with great snow conditions and more on the way! See event info sheet.

EQS Western Region: Flite Cup, M, Feb 13
See event info sheet.

EQS Western Region: Buffalo Aerial Assault, A-A, Feb 14
See event info sheet.

GO TEAM USA!!!

Women's moguls on Saturday, Men's moguls on Sunday

I will miss everyone at ECS Champs banquet!! Hope to catch up with you one more time at EQS Champs! or at JO's! or at US Champs!! or at the Killington Spring Klassic!

Have a great rest of the season.

Train Hard! Go Big! Be safe and have fun!

Peace out!
Coach Deb

Please hold off on emails until Monday, February 15th if you can!!