Frequently Asked Questions
1. When are training sessions held?
Our regular training sessions are held on Friday evenings from 7:00–9:00pm, generally following theschool term dates.
2. Is there a minimum age or skiing ability?
Yes. To train with WGC, skiers must:
• Be at least 6 years old
• Be able to use the button/poma lift unaided
• Be able to ski confidently using controlled parallel turns
You don’t need any previous race experience! Our coaches will introduce you to race training and help you progress.
3. Can I try WGC before becoming a member?
Yes! New racers can attend up to two taster sessions before joining. After two sessions, you must become a Full Member of WGC Ski Race Club to continue training with us.
4. How much does membership cost?
Annual WGC Ski Race Club membership is £25 per person.
Membership runs from 1 September to 31 August, regardless of when during the season you join.
Friday training sessions are currently £15 per session for members.
5. Do I need Snowsport England membership?
Yes. This is a requirement of membership.
WGC Ski Race Club is affiliated with Snowsport England (SSE), our National Governing Body. All skiing members must hold their own separate current Snowsport England membership. You need a minimum of Blue Membership to train with WGC, although some races may require a higher level of membership. Your WGC membership cannot be accepted or activated without a valid Snowsport England membership.
View Snowsport England membership options here.
6. How do I become a member?
Visit the Membership Sign-Up / Current Members section of our website, where you’ll find everything you need to become a member. Once you are a member you will be able to book training sessions.
7. Is ski equipment hire included?
Yes. Ski and helmet hire, where required, is included in the regular Friday training session fee. If you require equipment, please provide the skier’s height (cm), weight (kg) and UK shoe size when requested. As racers progress, we recommend investing in your own equipment, as this provides greater consistency and allows equipment to be set up appropriately for the individual athlete.
8. Does a parent need to stay during training?
For athletes under 16, a parent, guardian or designated responsible adult aged 18 or over must remain on the Gosling premises for the duration of the session. The responsible adult does not need to be the athlete’s own parent, provided appropriate arrangements have been made.
9. What should I bring to training?
Athletes should arrive ready to ski with appropriate clothing and equipment.
You must wear gloves, long sleeves and long trousers, even during warmer weather, due to the nature of dry-slope skiing. Helmets must also be worn and are available to hire on location.
Athletes should also bring a drink with them to all sessions.
10. Do I need race experience?
Not at all!
As long as you meet our minimum skiing standard (see above), our coaches can introduce you to race training and help you develop from there.
Many of our athletes start with WGC having never raced before.
11. How do I start racing?
Speak to one of our coaches! We’ll help you understand which races are appropriate and how to enter. WGC is part of the Eastern Region Snowsports Association (ERSA), which runs a great programme of regional races and is an ideal introduction to competitive ski racing.
We also aim to have WGC coaches at as many races as possible to support our athletes.
Visit the Get Involved in Racing section of our website for race calendars and entry information.
12. Do I have to race?
No. We encourage athletes to experience racing when they’re ready, but you don’t have to enter competitions to train with WGC.
Our aim is to help every athlete develop their skiing and race skills at an appropriate pace.
13. What insurance does the Club provide?
WGC Ski Race Club is affiliated with Snowsport England and benefits from the insurance arrangements
applicable to affiliated Club activities.
This should not be treated as personal accident, travel or medical insurance. Members and parents/guardians are responsible for arranging any personal insurance they consider appropriate, particularly when attending races, camps or activities away from the Club.
14. Can I train with WGC if I race for another club?
Yes.
You’re very welcome to train with WGC regardless of which club you represent in competition.
However, anyone regularly training with us must still become a Full Member of WGC Ski Race Club after their two taster sessions and meet our Snowsport England membership requirements.
15. How can I purchase team kit?
WGC team kit is available through Birds of Dereham.
Details and ordering information can be found through the Club website.
16. How can parents get involved?
WGC is a volunteer-run club, and parent support makes a huge difference.
Throughout the year there are opportunities to help with races, course equipment, maintenance days,
events and other Club activities.
You don’t need ski racing experience to get involved, just speak to a Committee member if you’d like to
help.
17. Who should I contact if I have a question or concern?
For general Club enquiries, please contact:
wgcskiraceclub@gmail.com
For safeguarding or welfare concerns, please contact our Club Welfare/Safeguarding Officer, Serena
Goon:
welfarewgc@gmail.com
