Frequently Asked Questions
What is SkiTAM?
SkiTAM is a fundraising event that generates more than half of the operating budget for the U.S. Disabled Ski Team each year. Heralded as one of the best cable and telecommunications industry networking events in the country – and hoping to expand its appeal to additional industries as well – SkiTAM raises funds that directly benefit the remarkable athleticism and competitive spirit of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team, allowing the organization to remain the top disabled ski team in the world.
Are there prices available for specific portions of SkiTAM?
Yes. We have daily rates available for youths and adults.
Do I need to be a member of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of CTAM to participate in SkiTAM or to make a donation?
No. Anybody and everybody is welcome to attend the event or to make a donation to support the U.S. Disabled Ski Team, a truly worthy cause.
Do the members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team attend SkiTAM?
Absolutely! The U.S. Disabled Ski Team not only attends SkiTAM, but also actively participates in all of SkiTAM’s weekend events. Their participation is especially noticeable during the Pre-Race Clinic, the Youth Race, and most importantly, the big SkiTAM Race, where USDST members provide invaluable skiing tips to their competing race teams. In addition, each 4-person race team is assigned a member of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team as the fifth crucial teammate. Throughout the event, attendees have an opportunity to meet and interact with these incredible athletes. Together, laughs are shared, stories are told and lasting friendships are created. The emotional bond formed between the athletes and SkiTAM’s participants is one of the main reasons this event continues to grow and flourish year after year.
How can I become involved in SkiTAM?
There are a variety of ways to become involved in SkiTAM. In fact, your involvement is the key to SkiTAM’s success! Beyond attending the event and meeting and interacting with the athletes directly, there are volunteer opportunities during the weekend, committee work that is done during the year that needs additional expertise and volunteer efforts, plus a number of sponsorship and contribution opportunities that you or your company may wish to try.
For more Volunteer information click here.
For more Sponsorship information click here.
How long has SkiTAM been in existence?
SkiTAM actually began as an informal skiing day trip in 1988. It evolved into a formal, multi-day fundraising event in 1996 and since then has become one of the best cable and telecommunications networking events in the country. The 2009 event marks the 14th anniversary of this remarkable fundraising and networking event.
How much money has SkiTAM earned for the U.S. Disabled Ski Team?
To date, SkiTAM has donated over $6 million to the USDST. This money represents the majority of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team’s operating budget and is used to ensure that the team’s athletes can train, compete and travel throughout the ski season. In addition, SkiTAM contributed $1 million to create an endowment with the USSA that will guarantee the USDST will race and train for years to come.
I am bringing my spouse, children or a guest. Do I need to register them and is there a cost?
Yes to both questions. We want you to bring your friends and family to SkiTAM. However, SkiTAM is primarily a fundraiser for the USDST so it is necessary to at least cover our costs. All youth must be credentialed to attend any SkiTAM events. Kids 4 and under are free. Kids 5 to 12 may attend for only $50 and those 13 and over receive a discounted rate. There is also a discounted rate for chaperones or nannies. In addition, spouses or guests that are not employed within the telecommunications industry also receive a discounted rate.
For more Registration information click here.
I don’t ski. Do I need a lift ticket?
No. If you wish to join the group for on-mountain activities such as Friday lunch or Tubing, you only need a foot pass. The foot pass will allow you to have access to the Gondola or the Vista Bahn Express that has both upload and download capabilities. Lift tickets and foot passes are available at SkiTAM Headquarters at a substantial discount. You should also know that 20% of the people that attend SkiTAM do not ski or snowboard. There are a lot of non-ski activities available in and around Vail.
If I am a sponsor or on a sponsor team, do I have to race?
No. As part of the sponsor group, you will receive the same benefits as the racers. Only 1/3 of the people that attend SkiTAM participate in the race. Most enjoy the race on a spectator basis.
If I cancel a registration, what is the cancelation policy?
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing by March 19. All cancellation requests will receive a full refund minus a $30 cancellation fee. After March 19, no refunds will be given but you may use the registration fees toward a substitution.
For more Registration information click here.
If Ski Racing isn’t my thing, why should I participate in SkiTAM?
Even if skiing the gates against the clock is not your thing, you can still attend the event and make a difference in the future of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team. Participate in the numerous networking events and socialize with the amazing ski team athletes! In addition, there are plenty of non-skiing activities to participate in at SkiTAM, including exploring all that Vail has to offer. Hot-air balloon rides, snow shoeing, gondola/chair lift rides, shopping and enjoying the night life are just a few alternatives to skiing.
What do sponsoring companies get out of SkiTAM? What are the benefits of sponsorship?
SkiTAM’s continued success depends on the generosity of its sponsors. In return for their kindness, sponsors are prominently featured in all SkiTAM marketing materials, including the organization’s Web site, electronic newsletter, all event materials and the annual Multichannel News supplement. In addition, the benefits of sponsorship can be seen in the faces of the athletes, the camaraderie and unity of the team, and the preeminent performance of the disabled skiers. For example, at the 2002 Paralympics, the U.S. Disabled Ski Team took home 40 medals overall to remain #1 in the world!
For more information on Sponsorships click here.
What is a foot pass?
If you wish to go up the gondola or upload on a lift but do not ski, you will need a foot pass. It allows you to gain access to all of the SkiTAM group events that are on the mountain.
What is the connection between the cable industry and the U.S. Disabled Ski Team?
Despite being comprised of extraordinarily talented athletes with winning personalities, the U.S. Disabled Ski Team is not yet a fully recognized athletic organization alongside others like the U.S. Olympics and the U.S. Ski Team. Early on, several key cable industry executives recognized the need for the USDST to secure additional funding to continue their operations and opportunities for disabled athletes, and the idea for SkiTAM was born. In addition to securing funding for the team’s operating budget, SkiTAM is dedicated to increasing knowledge of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team and the Paralympics among key constituents. The intent is to attain more public support of the team while attracting additional corporate sponsorships and media exposure for these remarkable athletes.
What is the purpose of SkiTAM?
The event was created to directly benefit disabled athletes and help them achieve their dreams. Along the way, SkiTAM became regarded as one of the cable and telecommunications industry’s best networking opportunities. By providing funds that allow the team’s athletes to train and compete throughout the ski season, SkiTAM has been influential in helping a large number of those dreams become reality.
What portion of the funds raised at SkiTAM goes to the U.S. Disabled Ski Team?
After event expenses are paid, all of the funds raised at SkiTAM directly benefit the U.S. Disabled Ski Team. SkiTAM has raised more than $6 million for the ski team since the program began in 1996.