FAQ.
A list of our the common questions, as well as details about our programs.
What are the teams of TWST?
TWST has 7 teams
- DEVO
- Gateway
- Aline race
- Freeride/Big Mountain
- Snowboard
- Special Olympics
- Masters
What are the ages of TWST Athletes?
The athletes’ age class is determined by year of birth (YOB) and their age by December 31st.
DEVO (Development)
U8 – YOB: 2018-2017
Gateway – U10-U14
U10 – YOB: 2016-2015
U12 – YOB: 2014-2013
U14 – YOB: 2012-2011
Alpine Race
Full-time – U14 -U21
U14 – YOB: 2012-2011
U16 – YOB: 2010-2009
U18 – YOB: 2008-2007
U21 – YOB: 2004-2006
Full-Time and Part-Time- U12
U12 – YOB: 2014-2013
Freeride/Big Mountain
Age Classifications for Competitions
U12, U15 and U19.
Full-Time – U14-U19
U14 – YOB: 2012-2011
U16 – YOB: 2010-2009
U18 – YOB: 2008-2007
U19 – YOB: 2006
Full-time and Part-time – U12
U12 – YOB: 2014-2013
Snowboard
Full-time COMP – U12-U19
U12 – YOB: 2014-2013
U14 – YOB: 2012-2011
U16 – YOB: 2010-2009
U18 – YOB: 2008-2007
U19 – YOB: 2006
Snowboard DEVO – U10-U12
U10 – YOB: 2016-2015
U12 – YOB: 2014-2013
When does the TWST season training start?
TWST’s on-snow program starts on different dates for each team, depending on the commitment level of athletes. Getting the most out of training dates early in the season for competitive athletes is very important.
Holiday Camp is a great opportunity to fine-tune your skills.
A Day with TWST is for NEW athletes to TWST – to get them ready for Holiday camp and Team training. If TWST coaches deem that an athlete may not be ready for TWST participation – we will recommend alternative programs to build the skills needed to be on the TWST team.
Full-time/Part-time Alpine Race
Opening weekend at TSV: Saturday, November 30th, 2024
Full-time/Part-time Freeride
Opening weekend at TSV: November 30th, 2024
Full-time Snowboard
Opening Weekend at TSV: November 30th, 2024
DEVO/Gateway/Devo Snowboard: January 4th, 2025.
Athletes who are new to TWS
A Day to Ski with TWST: December 7th, 2024
Holiday Camps
- Session 1: December 21, 22, 23
- Session 2: December 27, 28, 29, January 2, and 3
How much does the TWST Program Cost?
Please visit pricing on our registration page to learn about TWST program costs.
Is there a Concussion Protocol for athletes and parents?
Yes. Each athlete is required to take a yearly ImPACT concussion test a week before their first day in training. Several baseline testing events will be scheduled pre-season. Please plan on attending. Parents must also supply a certificate from the CDCs ‘Headups’ concussion training to ensure proper care for our athletes. The link to the CDC Headsup will be in the team manual and Guidelines.
- For athletes over 12 years of age, this is done by email invitation, on your home computer.
- Athletes, 11 years old and younger, will take the test in an in-person, monitored situation organized by the team. Several events and testing times will be arranged. An athlete may not attend training if they have not completed an ImPACT test.
Will my athletes receive a team jacket?
A Taos Winter Sports Team athlete will receive a jacket before the first day of practice.
Team jackets are more than just practical mountain apparel. They are livery – symbols of teamwork, belonging, and commitment to athletic excellence. They are part of our group identity – how we represent ourselves to the outside, and also to each other. We wear them with great pride.
Athletes need to keep a few things in mind concerning the use and upkeep of their jackets:
- If an athlete is representing TWST at a competition, they must wear their team jacket, both during the competition and on the podium.
- Your coaches expect all athletes to wear their TWST jackets at any time they are in program training.
- Athletes are responsible for the care of their uniform jackets. It must be clean and repaired at all times.
- If the jacket is damaged or lost, athletes will be assessed the replacement value of the jacket.
- Failure to return the jacket may affect future participation on the team.
Team jackets will be distributed before the team goes on snow training. Distribution days will be posted along with team orientation dates. A team manual will accompany the jacket.
Parents and athletes will be responsible for keeping the jacket free of rips, tears, and stains. Please report any damage or loss to the Executive Director ASAP. Replacement cost of liners or jackets will be the responsibility of the athlete’s family.
Are there scholarships or financial aid available?
Yes, Scholarships are available.
James Herrera Scholarship
TWST Team Program scholarships can be applied for via the JHS application can be downloaded here, or you can ask to receive one from the ED. These scholarships are based on the athlete’s financial need only. Scholarships are awarded in %25, %50, %75, and %95 increments and are calculated on program fees. When filling out the registration, indicate you are applying for a scholarship. Registration forms must be submitted before the scholarship application is filled out. Please be sure to fill out the application promptly and all accompanying paperwork is gathered before submitting it.
Any remaining program fee balance will be billed through the registration. Please remember to request the percentage you require to be a member of the TWST team. The committee consists of two board members and one coach. Raffle and Volunteer deposits are not included in scholarship fees and will be expected at the time of registration.
Taos Regional School Group Program
Scholarships are available and must be submitted via the Taos Regional School Snowsports Program jot form registration. Although these scholarships are funded 100% by TWST donors, they are not determined by TWST committees. TWST pays for all Economic and Adaptive Taos Regional School Groups Program Scholarships.
What commitments do families need to be prepared to make?
Team Deposits
Raffle Deposit
There is a $300.00 prepayment, and the sale of tickets is kept by the family.
The tickets will be provided to each family before Christmas and the raffle will be held in February. The Deposit is paid at the time of registration. Parents and athletes will sell the tickets for $10 each, (30 tickets), and keep the money from the sales to reimburse them for the paid deposit. The Raffle Deposit payment is due with your registration. TWST Family
Volunteer Deposit
Each family is obligated to give 8 hours of volunteer time during the season – (equivalent to $25 an hour). Volunteering for TWST or TSV events, fundraisers, community races and competitions helps our community and team succeed. If completing these volunteer hours is not possible, this deposit can be donated directly to the TWST endowment fund in place of your volunteer hours: please email the ED directly to request that your deposit be contributed to our TSA Endowment fund.
This $200 deposit will be returned once your family completes the required volunteer hours. You will keep track of your hours and turn them into the ED upon completion on or before April 5th. Failure of scholarship recipients to complete all volunteer hours will make the family ineligible for future scholarships.
School Program
This is an add-on product.
This program is offered to Taos Regional School Program attendees who are already registered TWST team athletes. If your TAOS school has a Snowsports program at Taos Ski Valley, (or Home-Schooled program), you can sign up here to ski or ride with a TWST coach on your day at TSV with your school.
This is a 5-week program, one day a week.
Your athlete rides the school-provided transportation or comes up with a parent on the designated school day, skis, or rides with friends in the AM and meets your TWST coach for the afternoon session.
Registration is done with the Taos Regional School program and is mandatory, and you will indicate on the program sheet that you will be attending TWST that day. Your school will have the paperwork for you. Scholarships for this program are available separately from TWST registration. Contact your school directly for more information on the TSV Regional School Program Scholarships.
