Mt Hood's team for FIS Ski Racers

The Mt. Hood HEAT brings together alpine athletes from Mt. Hood and other PNSA clubs who are competing at the F.I.S. level of alpine competition and who desire a full-time training program, tailored academic assistance, year-around racer management and conditioning, and access to the best equipment and technology applicable to F.I.S. ski racing. HEAT delivers it all!

In order to provide the best possible service and support to local elite competitors, HEAT will utilize the many natural resources that Mt. Hood offers: winter training at Mt. Hood Skibowl and Mt. Hood Meadows, early season and speed training at Timberline, and summer training on the Palmer Snowfield. HEAT will operate out of Government Camp providing the closest access to training venues 12 months of the year.

HEAT will also pool together the area's top people: the best coaches for this athletic level, the most experienced administration and racer management, the most experienced academic professionals who understand the needs of alpine athletes, and area experts in equipment and technology.

Athlete Participation

F.I.S. age athletes are welcome to apply to join HEAT. The program will primarily focus on supporting junior-aged F.I.S. athletes; however, athletes who have graduated from high school are also eligible to apply to join HEAT, upon the recommendation of coaches and staff.

Coaching Staff

Roger Taggart will head HEAT's coaching staff. He will include other coaches matched to athlete numbers and abilities, and will partner with local club coaches for winter training, special training camps, and race travel.

Roger is a nationally certified coach, and his leadership and coaching skills are well respected. During the past 10 years Roger has helped athletes win Northwest Cup titles, compete at NorAms, U.S. Nationals and Junior Nationals, and race for the U.S. Ski Team.

Full-time Training & Academics

HEAT will work closely with Mt. Hood Academy's accredited boarding school to coordinate academics with full-time training and racing during the winter season. Mt. Hood Academy has a 25 year history of successfully coordinating schedules and providing certified instruction for alpine athletes. The Academy's 5 month academic program has worked in sync with both public and private high schools in Oregon and throughout the West. The Academy's staff has helped numerous student-athletes gain admission and athletic scholarships to major universities and private colleges across the nation. Attendance at Mt. Hood Academy is not a requirement to participate with HEAT. Athletes are welcome to seek other academic solutions if those options better fit their needs – e.g. web based courses, summer term, and early dismissal, are options. However, participation with HEAT will require an "Academic Plan," approved by staff, that is appropriate to the athlete's academic and athletic goals. Additionally, lodging at the Academy house is reserved for those student athletes enrolled in Mt. Hood Academy.

HEAT Management

Mt. Hood Ski Education Foundation (MHSEF) will administer and manage HEAT programs. MHSEF also hosts the Mt. Hood Academy and Mt. Hood Race Team. For 25 years, the Foundation has successfully helped develop athletes, assisted students with college preparatory education, and promoted ski racing on Mt. Hood and throughout the West. Over the past 20 years MHSEF athletes have raced on the World Cup and competed at the Winter Olympics and JR World Championships. MHSEF athletes have earned numerous JR Olympic medals, and have won the Northwest Cup Team title eight times. MHSEF has the experience and the success to lead HEAT and help its athletes achieve their goals.

Club/Team Membership

Participating athletes will train, travel and race with HEAT. Athletic and academic management will also be integral aspects of participation. However, HEAT is not be a membership club, and is not a USSA member club. When registering for a USSA Competitor License, athletes may register under their current club or may register under MHSEF. Training and competing with HEAT does not necessarily change an athlete's club/team membership.

Part-time Training and J3 Athletes

HEAT is a full-time training program and race team for J1 & J2 athletes aspiring to F.I.S. competition. Mt. Hood area clubs will continue to provide part-time training programs for J1 & J2 athletes as well as training programs for their J3 athletes. These athletes will have the opportunity to join HEAT at various winter and summer training projects. Mt. Hood area club J1/J2 athletes may join with HEAT for coordinated race travel and coaching at Northwest Cup competitions and other designated PNSA races.