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: skiing with poles, making linked 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. All alpine skiers required 7 years old by the start of our season. Mighty Mites required to be 5 years old by the start of our 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.

Training Day Cancellations and Make-up Days:
If training is canceled because Mt. Ashland is closed, a make-up day will be scheduled for one week after the original last day of the program. Both regular and make-up training days count towards the program, even if an athlete does not attend.

Refunds for Extenuating Circumstances:
If your child can't participate in the program due to a serious injury or medical condition, we may offer a refund of up to 80% of the tuition fees. A note from your child's doctor will be required.

• If the condition occurs before the season starts, you’ll get a full refund.
• If the condition happens after the season begins, the refund will be based on the remaining days of the program, up to 80% of the total fee

If your skier isn’t quite ready for MARA, we’ll refer you to Mt. Ashland's Ski School. You’ll also receive a refund of 80% of your membership fees, or a full refund if it's before the season starts.

We always encourage athletes to come back and join us next season!

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

A $100 deposit check is required for each family to receive a team jacket. Once the jacket is returned in good condition (aside from normal wear and tear), the deposit check will be voided and destroyed. However, if the jacket is returned damaged or not returned by May 1st, the $100 check will be deposited to cover the cost of a replacement jacket, plus an additional $150 charge.

If you do not have hand written checks available, you can keep a credit/debit card on file.

While we strive to provide jackets for all athletes, certain sizes may run out depending on enrollment. Jackets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're unable to attend jacket pickup, jackets will be available at the mountain for the first weekend of training. Please be advised that sizes may vary as it is first-come, first-served

MARA jackets are intended for use on the mountain during training and races. Athletes are encouraged to wear their jackets proudly at neighboring mountain races. To help reduce wear and tear, we ask that athletes refrain from wearing their jackets off the mountain.

We do our best to ensure that jackets are available in a variety of sizes, but availability may vary.

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). 

- 6-week parents: Volunteer for the Shakespeare Cup on February 1 or 2
- 9-week parents: Volunteer for the Keiser Cup on Feb 15 or 16
- 12-week parents: Volunteer for the Sloan Cup on March 8 or 9

We rely on volunteers to make our races a success! Key roles include registration, timekeeping, gate judging, and course breakdown & maintenance. No experience needed, and positions are available for all skill levels. Click HERE for more info on roles and expectations. Each MARA family is required to volunteer for 2 race days. A $100 volunteer deposit check (made out to the Mt. Ashland Racing Association) is required at jacket pickup. The check will be void and destroyed once requirements are met. If not fulfilled, the check will be deposited at the end of the season.

If you do not have hand written checks available, you can keep a credit/debit card on file.

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.