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Frequently Asked Questions

Membership & Who Can Join

Who are we?

We are employees, retirees, contractors, friends, and family of Southwest Airlines. While we are not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with Southwest Airlines Inc., we proudly represent our beloved airline during our ski weeks.

Who can join?

Southwest Airlines employees, retirees, contractors, friends, and family are all welcome. No prior skiing or snowboarding experience is required. Our club is a great place to learn or improve your skills while having fun with coworkers and friends.

What is the membership fee used for?

Your $25 annual membership fee covers:

  • Year-end prizes for members
  • Club identification items (lanyards, business cards)
  • Entry into an end-of-season drawing for Atomic skis or a snowboard
  • Annual NAASF charter fee

Are there any discounts from being a member?

Yes! The Southwest Airlines Ski and Snowboard Club and NAASF have negotiated discounts on snow sports gear, apparel, skis, snowboards, boots, bags, and more. Just ask us for details.

How do I join?

Easy! Just fill out the membership form on our homepage and pay your $25 dues via PayPal, Venmo, or check.

What We Do & Ski Weeks

What do we do?

We get together with other airline clubs several times a year during “Airline Ski Weeks.” It’s 90% camaraderie, 10% competition. While there are racing competitions, participation is totally optional. What we do best is enjoy the great outdoors with friends, coworkers, and family.

What are our different ski weeks?

We typically have 5–7 ski weeks each season:

  • NAASF Ski Weeks (3 per season): Usually in January, February, and April at resorts throughout the western U.S.
  • International Ski Week (IASF): Held in March, often in Europe or occasionally Japan.
  • SWA “No-Brainer” Trip: Our own casual ski week, usually in late February. Just show up, enjoy discounts, and join us for a fun poker run on the mountain.
  • Training Camps: Pre-season camps in December at resorts like Park City, Copper Mountain, and Steamboat Springs (hosted by various airline clubs).
  • Season-Ending Trip: United Airlines hosts a great closing event at Arapahoe Basin, Colorado.

We also organize summer trips to South America for fresh powder!

What happens during the ski weeks?

Our ski weeks follow a typical schedule:

  • Monday: Welcome party
  • Tuesday: Snowboard racing (optional)
  • Wednesday: Ski racing (slalom & GS, A & B divisions) + theme/costume party
  • Thursday: More ski racing + awards dinner
  • Throughout the week: Après ski gatherings, raffle for NAASF Foundation scholarships, and lots of fun with friends

Racing is a tradition but not required. Many people try it once and get hooked—it’s exciting and fun! But if you’d rather just ski, socialize, and enjoy the mountain, that’s totally fine too.

Why does NAASF/IASF have a registration fee for each ski week?

The registration fee (typically $100 for NAASF weeks) covers:

  • Monday welcome party (~$15/person)
  • Wednesday theme party (~$25/person)
  • Thursday awards dinner (~$20/person)
  • NAASF sanction fee (~$10/person, used for raffle prizes supporting the NAASF Foundation)
  • Resort expenses (registration staff, credentials, brochures, race courses) (~$5/person)

Very little of the fee goes directly to racing—most covers the social events and logistics that make the week fun and memorable.

NAASF & IASF

What is the NAASF?

The North American Airlines Ski Federation (NAASF) was created in 1983 to provide financial assistance through scholarships, grants, and gifts to individuals and organizations involved in competitive skiing programs. NAASF operates under IRS 501(c)(3) status and has raised over $120,000 to benefit junior ski programs and individual charities.

NAASF awards typically support promising young racers at the JIII/JIV level who demonstrate superior academics, competitive spirit, community citizenship, and financial need. Awards are administered by local Ski Education Foundations, with approximately $2,000–$3,000 divided between two recipients each year.

What is the IASF?

The International Airlines Ski Federation (IASF) started in 1960 when skiers from Air France and Swissair were invited to ski carnival races at Alaska’s Arctic Valley near Anchorage. The races moved to Mt. Alyeska and remained there until 1975, then moved to Mt. Hood, Oregon in 1976.

Since then, the IASF has held events on three continents at many different resorts. The Federation became a non-profit corporation under Washington State law in 1977, with the purpose of fostering national and international amateur sports competition and developing the sport of skiing among airline employees worldwide.

First-Time & Beginner Tips

We know learning a new sport can feel overwhelming. Use this simple checklist and tips to make your first mountain day smooth and fun.

Packing Checklist

Gear

  • Skis or snowboard
  • Boots
  • Poles (if skiing)
  • Helmet
  • Goggles
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Neck gaiter or face mask

Clothing

  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof pants or bibs
  • Base layers (top and bottom, moisture-wicking)
  • Mid layer (fleece or light puffy)
  • Ski socks (no cotton)
  • Warm hat or beanie (if not using a helmet)

Extras

  • Sunscreen (high SPF)
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Sunglasses
  • Hair ties (if needed)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small snack (bar, nuts, etc.)

Dress in Layers

Wearing layers keeps you comfortable as the weather changes. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer next to your skin, add a warm mid-layer, and finish with a wind- and waterproof outer layer. Avoid jeans and cotton—they get wet and cold quickly. One good pair of ski socks is better than multiple pairs.

Hands, Head, and Eyes

Gloves or Mittens: Choose waterproof, insulated gloves or mittens. Even on warm days the snow can be very abrasive on bare skin.

Helmet: Modern helmets are light, warm, and comfortable. They offer added protection and you don’t need to worry about a separate hat.

Goggles & Sunglasses: Sun, wind, and snow are hard on your eyes, especially at higher altitudes. Bring both goggles and sunglasses—weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Sun & Skin Protection

High elevation plus reflection from the snow means you can burn fast, even on cloudy days. Use a strong sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, and reapply during the day. Wind can also burn your skin, so cover exposed areas when it’s cold or windy.

Know Your Fitness & Pace Yourself

Snow sports are for everyone, but it helps to work within your own fitness level. Take breaks, stay close to lodges and rest areas, and ski or ride with people of similar ability. As you progress, simple off-snow workouts can make your days on the mountain more enjoyable.

Warm Up, Warm Down

Cold weather can make muscles feel stiff. Take a few minutes to stretch and warm up before your first run. When you’re done for the day, keep moving until you get indoors and out of the cold so your muscles don’t tighten too quickly.

Hydration, Food & Sleep

Altitude, sun, and exercise all dehydrate you. Drink water throughout the day—coffee and soda don’t hydrate as well as water or juice. Eat a solid breakfast, bring a small snack for mid-morning, and enjoy a good dinner after skiing. Avoid alcohol while skiing or riding; it slows your reactions and dehydrates you.

Winterizing Your Car

Before driving to the mountains, make sure your vehicle is ready for winter conditions:

  • Check fluids, including antifreeze and windshield washer fluid
  • Use appropriate winter-weight oil if needed
  • Carry snow tires or tire chains if required
  • Consider a roof rack for skis/snowboards
  • Keep an extra set of car keys in a safe place (not in the car)

Take a Lesson

A lesson with a professional instructor is the best way to start. You’ll learn proper technique, how to use the lifts, and how to stay safe on the mountain. Even experienced skiers and riders benefit from a refresher at the start of the season.