q…Who are we?
a… We are employees, retirees, friends and, family of Southwest Airlines. While we are not endorsed by, sponsored by or, affiliated with Southwest Airlines Inc., we do try to represent our beloved airline during our ski weeks

q…Who can join?
a…As stated above, employees, retirees, friends and family of Southwest Airlines are all welcome to be a part of our club. No prior skiing/snowboarding experience is required. In fact, our club offers those new to the sport and, those familiar with it, an excellent opportunity to learn or expand on a healthy and active outdoor sport that we have all come to enjoy and love!

q…What do we do?
a…We get together with other airline clubs several times a year during our “Airline Ski Weeks”. I like to tell people that it’s 90% camaraderie, 10% competition. While there are racing competitions during our ski weeks, participation is totally up to you. The competitions end with podium finishers receiving prizes or medals. The winning club at seasons end receives trophies and bragging rights. What we do best is however is, get together with friends, coworkers and, family to enjoy the great outdoors.

q…What is the membership fee used for?
a…Your $25 annual membership fee is used to purchase year end prizes for you, our members. We also purchase club identification items such as ID lanyards and business cards. Your paid membership fee also adds your name to an end of season drawing for skis or a snowboard from Atomic.  We also have an annual fee paid to NAASF to be in their charter.

q…Are there any discounts received from being a member?
a…The Southwest Airlines Ski and Snowboard Club and, the North American Airlines Ski Federation has negotiated discounts on many different snow sports items. From apparel to skis and snowboards, boots and bags and many other related items. The best way to find out, is to just ask us.

q…Who are the North American Airlines Ski Federation and, the International Airlines Ski Federation?
a…The North American Airlines Ski Federation Foundation was created in 1983 to provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants or gifts to deserving individuals and organizations involved in competitive skiing programs. The Foundation operates under IRS 501(c)(3) status.

Throughout the years the North American Airline Ski Federation has raised over $120,000 to benefit junior ski programs, junior skiers, and many individual charities through its foundation. NAASF raises these funds at the airline ski weeks held throughout the winter at various ski areas. This fund raising is an important part of the activities at each airline ski week.

The NAASF Foundation concentrates its support grants on promising young racers at the JIII/JIV level. Those skiers must demonstrate superior academics, dedicated competitive spirit, community citizenship and financial need. Awards funded will be administered by your local Ski Education Foundation. Approximately $2000 to $3000 in awards will normally be divided between two recipients.

The International Airlines Ski Federation started back in 1960 when skiers from Air France and Swissair were invited to take part in ski carnival races at Alaska’s Arctic Valley just outside of Anchorage.Although the races were started at Arctic Valley, they were soon at both Arctic Valley and Mt. Alyeska. They were moved to Mt. Alyeska exclusively and remained there under the sponsorship of the Anchorage Times until 1975.In 1976 the venue moved to Mt. Hood, Oregon and has been held on three continents at many different resorts since that time. This resulted in need for an association or Federation to oversee the conduct and scheduling of future events.Howard Clifford was elected the first president and presided over the first meet under Federation sanction at Les Diablerets, Switzerland in 1977.
The Federation became a non-profit corporation under the laws of State of Washington, USA on 5 December 1977. The purpose of, but not limited to, was the fostering of national and international amateur sports competition and the development and maintenance of the sport of skiing among airline employees throughout the world.

q…What are our different “ski weeks”?
a…As I stated above, we get together several times a year. As many as 7 or more. We have three “Airline Ski Weeks” as part of our NAASF charter. Most often, these take place in January, February and, April at various resorts throughout North America. Most commonly in the western United States. Once a year, we have an International Airlines Ski Week. This takes place in March of each year and, is often hosted by resorts in either the United States or, throughout Europe. However, we have been to Japan for an International Ski Week.
The Southwest Airlines Ski and Snowboard Club also has our own little ski week that we affectionately call a “No-Brainer”. Usually in late February, but not always. We try to keep it true to it’s name, a “no-brainer”. In other words, “just show up at this resort. We’ll have discounts at this place for lodging, these discounts for lift tickets, maybe meet for lunch here, dinner there…etc.”. We have however started something as a group that is really taking off. An afternoon “poker run” on the mountain! Teams of two crisscross the resort looking for “dealers” from which to draw a card. The winning hand at the end of the day, wins!!
Just as our ski club has its own ski week, other ski clubs have theirs. And, just as we invite anyone to our no-brainer, the other clubs invite us to their own little events. For example. The early season is an excellent time to freshen up on your skills, learn new techniques or, learn the sport for the very first time. Having said that, Southwest Airlines Ski and Snowboard Club has a December training camp in Park City, Utah. The United Airlines Ski and Snowboard Club has one at Copper Mountain, Colorado. And, the American Airlines Ski and Snowboard Club has theirs at Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
In addition, the United Airlines Ski and Snowboard Club has an awesome season ending get together at Arapahoe Basin, Colorado.
As if that wasn’t enough. We’re always trying to organize trips to South America in the summer months to get our fill of fresh powder!!

q…Why does the NAASF and the IASF have a registration fee for each ski week?
a…Here is a breakdown of what the NAASF registration fee covered in 2013. That fee of $75 has since increased to $100 with most of that increase going to the host resort.
Most people have the misconception that the fee covers only racing, when in fact very little goes to the races.Jackson Hole in 2013 is a prime example how a ski resort breaks down the fee: Monday night party:                  $15/personWed night Theme party:            $25/personThursday night awards dinner: $20/personNAASF sanction fee:                  $10/person (this is paid back to NAASF to cover our cost, this past year a lot of that money was spent on raffle prizes in support of the NAASF Foundation)Misc. expenses for the resort:  $ 5/person (This is supposed to cover staff for registration, printing of credentials, creating the brochure, race and practice courses)While I do not have the exact breakdown for the IASF, it is in similar proportion to that of the NAASF

q…What happens during the ski weeks?a…Our ski weeks follow a usual schedule with apres ski get togethers, evening parties and ski competition. The parties are a Monday night welcome party, a Wednesday night theme/costume party, and Thursday night final awards party. There is racing (NOT A REQUIREMENT!!) on Tuesday (snowboard), Wednesday (A & B Skiing slalom and GS) and Thursday (A & B Skiing slalom and GS) with awards. Finally, there is a raffle to benefit the NAASF Foundation that gives away scholarships to upcoming ski racers from around the country.  The raffle prizes include clothing from North Face and Fuxi racing, men and ladies all mountain skis, sport tubes, US ski team snow board bags and more. Good Stuff!!
The racing is a tradition at NAASF because the organization was founded on it as a competition between the airline ski clubs. It is one of the long standing activities that has helped glue the ski weeks together. It is in no way mandatory to race and, no one should feel overly pressured to participate. That being said, we have found that people who try it get hooked just like we have and find it to be exciting and fun.

q…How do I join the Southwest Airlines Ski and Snowboard Club?
a…I thought you’d never ask.. 🙂 Just follow this link…

We understand that learning a new sport can be overwhelming, so to help make your first mountain experience enjoyable, we’ve put together this brief overview to help you navigate your first day on the slopes.

A Checklist
Make a checklist of the essential items you need, and check it before leaving for the resort. This will go a long way in preventing the need to replace forgotten items once you arrive at the slopes.

Before Your Adventure Begins
This section offers information to help you be well prepared for your day on the slopes. We also offer a few guidelines regarding strategies for refueling your body and maintaining your comfort level while on the mountain.

Dress in Layers
Wearing layers keeps you warmer and lets you adjust your clothing as the day gets warmer or colder. You can add or remove layers to remain comfortable. The two most important layers are the one closest to your skin and the one on the outside. The best underwear is absorbent and “wicks” perspiration away from your skin. The outermost layer, including pants, should be wind and water resistant. Clothes such as jeans or sweatpants absorb water, making you wet and cold. You can lose tremendous amounts of body heat through the top of your head. Wear, or carry, a hat at all times. We recommend that you do not layer when it comes to your socks. One pair of quality wicking socks will keep your feet nice and warm and free from blisters.

Always Wear Mittens or Gloves
Some prefer the added warmth of mittens, while others like the finger freedom of gloves. Whatever you prefer, make sure that your gloves are waterproof and always protect your hands from outside elements. Even on warm spring days, the snow is very abrasive to your bare skin.

Consider a Helmet
Many snowsports enthusiasts wear helmets. The best ones are light, comfortable, warm, and allow you to see and hear clearly. If you use one, you not only provide yourself added protection, you never have to worry about hats. Use a helmet especially designed for snowsports. 

Wear Sunscreen and Lip Balm
In the higher elevations of the mountain environment, the sun’s rays are less filtered. Snow also reflects sun rays, making them even more intense. You can get severely sunburned very quickly. Wind will burn your skin, too. Even if you have darker skin, or believe you always tan instead of burn, use strong sunscreen anyway.

Goggles and Sunglasses
Infrared and ultraviolet rays can be extremely harmful to your eyes, especially at higher altitudes. Good quality sunglasses are an important investment. Wind, blowing snow, cold, and fog can also be very uncomfortable for your eyes. Goggles are every bit as important as sunglasses. Always take both with you, even if the day seems perfect. Remember, weather changes rapidly in the mountains. It’s easy to be caught unprepared.

Understand Your Fitness Level
Snow sports are for everyone – regardless of age, body type and fitness level. But it’s important to work within your own fitness level. Pace yourself, don’t venture too far from resting places and shelter, and don’t overdo it. Stay with companions who are close to you in ability and fitness. As you progress in your abilities, you may consider regular workouts to prepare for mountain adventures.

Warm Up and Warm Down
Cold weather tends to make your muscles more stiff and sluggish than normal. Allow yourself time to acclimate to the mountain environment before you head up-mountain. A few warm-up exercises and stretches pay big performance dividends. If you stay out in the cold long after you stop exercising, your muscles will stiffen quickly. You can get chilled, even leave yourself vulnerable to a sniffle. Keep moving until you can get inside, take off a few layers, and relax.

Drink Plenty of Water
Sun, wind, perspiration and altitude rob your body of fluids. In fact, you can become dehydrated long before you even feel thirsty. Stop frequently for water or carry it with you. Coffee, tea and soda don’t replenish your body fluids as well as juice or plain water.

Eat and Sleep Well
Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day, so be sure not to skip it. And bring along a snack to refuel mid-morning. You will be happily hungry and tired after a day on the snow. Eating too heavily at lunch can leave you sluggish, but a hearty evening meal is a great way to replenish nutrients. Too much alcohol can make you groggy and dehydrated the next day. Never drink alcohol while engaging in sports. Your muscles and reactions will be much less responsive. A good night’s sleep should make you feel great.

Winterize Your Car
Before you travel to the mountain, make sure your car is ready for the colder alpine environment. Top off all fluids, including antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. Add lightweight winter oil if necessary. If your car is not equipped with snow tires, you should buy and carry a set of tire chains. In time you may want a rooftop rack to carry skis, snowboards or other snow toys. Make sure to zip your car keys into a secure pocket when you leave the car. As a back-up, give an extra set to someone else in your party.  

Take a Lesson
This is the key to a great, successful day on the slopes. Like anything, you’ll improve most when you receive some guidance from a pro.