SKI + RIDE CLUB - Flowstate

our mission

We exist to provide fun and safe opportunities for ALL students in the Garfield RE2 school district to enjoy the sports of mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding, while developing a healthy sense of self and others, and a love of nature and learning. We are a non- profit school club which started at Rifle Middle School.

our values

1. Safety for all.
2. Opportunity and inclusivity for all.
3. Stewardship and advocacy for the environment
4. Teamwork
5. Social healthy engagement.

don’t break your bank

Shredding can seem often times reserved for the affuent kids. Ski passes and even daily tickets are very costly and the cost of equipment has gone up tremendoulsy. At Flowstate, we hope to give all students this awesome opportunity that we know can put all kids on a trajectory of success.

there are options…

Over and over, research shows that students who spend a lot of time outdoors are better physically, emotionally, socially, academically, and cognitively. We believe that all students deserve a good life, one that contributes to a better, safer, more giving and more meaningful society. Skiing is just a tool and we want ALL kids to have access to it. So here’s how you can ski and ride without breaking the bank.

3rd-6th Ski Free

Third Graders to 6th Graders in Colorado get to ski or snowboard for only $69 in 20 resorts. Parents can get a gem card with discounted tickets.

Free lessons

The Bob Beverly Program at Powderhorn offers beginners 3 half day lessons, rentals and tickets.

Discounted Passes

Sunlight offers club students $200 season passes, $40 daily tickets, $20 daily rentals, and $70 lessons. Contact the club leader at least 5 days in advance.

Gear Closet

Our community has donated skis, snowboards, and even brand new jackets for all that need it. Contact the club leaders.

Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace has often times cheap options for all your gear needs. make sure the boots fit snuggly and the skis are around your chin.

who we serve

We are a group of educators and parent volunteers, as well as community business owners who are fighting for equity and access to all sports. Our mission is to see all kids in Garfield Re-2 school district on skis, snowboards, or mountain bikes. We know these are sports reserved for the more affluent kids. And we take pride in being able to include boys and girls, white and hispanic kids, and shredders of any type. Each season we serve more than 6o+ kids in the ski club from all socio-economic backgrounds. Our ski club continues with mountain biking where we tend to attract more and more kids as a club that continues to grow in popularity in our district.

Boys

Girls

Hispanic

White

Snowboarders

Skiers

registration

At this time, Flowstate ski and ride club is only open to Garfield Re-2 students from Riffle Middle School. Homeschool middle schoolers who reside in the Garfield Re-2 jurisdiction are welcome to apply as well. Registration opens last week of November and is first come, first served. Students may obtain all the documents from the school office in November. Note: You do not need to fill out the RMS forms IF you already are enrolled in other sports at RMS. You do have the fill out the registration packet, and the Aspen forms.

Please do not submit any forms prior to November. All forms must be returned, fully completed, and the $75 fee attached to be considered. Applications will be time stamped by the RMS office registrar. We hope to be able to offer this opportunity to more and more students in our valley as we continue to work hard to partner with more like-minded organizations who value equity and access to sports regardless of socio-economic status and opportunities for all.

1. registration form

2. Physical History form

3. RMS Athletic forms

4. Aspen rental forms

5. Aspen Ski School forms

how we do it

OUR STORY

It all started with a vision to see all kids on skis, regardless of their socio economic status. I am Mr. Teo and I am a 7th grade science teacher at Rifle Middle School in Rifle, Co. My goal is to inspire students to love science and the outdoors. My hope is that they will become contributing citizens who will solve real world problems, love nature, and love and respect others. I work hard to bring kids outside and to allow them to find joy shredding on the most beautful mountains in Colorado, from our local Sunlight Resort, to Buttermilk, to the famous Aspen Snowmass.We began with zero money, zero skis or boards, zero bikes and a whole lot of passion. We started by taking 25 teens from Rifle Middle School to the famous Snowmass bike park. Our kids received high end bikes for the day, comp tickets and world class instruction.

THE RESPONSE

Months later, it only took a phone call and two ladies with a heart of gold and passion for equity, to invite our club to ski and ride Aspen Snowmass. Since then, 59+ teens, accompanied by 15 parent and teacher volunteers, on every Friday of the season, rode in the most beautiful places on the planet. Our Rifle community saw our vision, and lots of businesses stepped up and helped us financially big time. When I asked many of them what drove them to step up financially, they said ” We love our kids here, we do anything for the kids…“. A born and raised Rifle business man, Michael, said to me ” I wish I had these clubs when I was a student here.” We love what we do and we love doing it with our awesome community. And we continue to need your support to treat all kids right whether it is through proper gear, or a hot springs trip apres ski.

support our cause

OUR STAFF

We know that our kids deserve the best experience on the mountain. Our staff is represented by two talented sponsors and teachers at Rifle Middle School. These sponsors focus on safety first, and on giving all kids the same experience any other kid would get regardless of their zip code. They are fun, energetic, and visionary. And they could always need a hand, because it takes a vilage to educate and inspire our awesome students.

MR. TEO

– Club Leader, Sponsor and Teacher-

Thank you for entrusting me with the safety and well- being of your child. I am Mr. Teo, the Flowstate Club Sponsor here at Rifle Middle School, and your child’s 7th grade Science teacher. I grew up in Romania for my first 20 years and Colorado has been our home for the last 25 years. I love teaching science, and I am a level 1 PSIA ski instructor. I love spending time with my kids, Estes and Teia, and my wife Ricci, skiing, mountain biking, paddle boarding or canoing, and travelling the world. I have travelled and worked in the Gapalagos Islands, Ecuador, Alaska, and Romania and I love small town Silt and teaching in the Garfield district. I started both the mtb club as well as the ski club because I wanted to offer ALL kids the same opportunities I had growing up in the outdoors. I know that kids that love these sports will make better and contributing citizens that will solve real problems, be more kind and make great stewards of our natural resources and our very own communities.

MR. JOE

– Club Sponsor and Teacher-

Hi, I m Mr. Joe Haggerty, the second Flowstate Ski CLub sponsor and the 6th grade Social Studies teacher here at Rifle Middle School. I grew up in small town Maine and have recently moved to Rifle. I love anything outdoors from mountian biking, to paddle boarding, and skiing. My girlfriend and I have a dog and we love our community. I have started a composting program here at our school and I am developing a school garden for kids to learn how to grow healthy food. I am big on recycling and on teaching kids how to live responsible and sustainable lives through organic farming and organic cooking, hiking and knowing our natural places and conserving them for generations. Thank you for trusting me with your child in our ski and snowboard club as as well as the mountain biking adventures. I enjoy teaching social studies, reading, backpacking ( My longest trip was the Apalachian Trail), and being involved in the life of our community.

OUR VOLUNTEERS

These volunteers and 7 more( not pictured yet) are the backbone to our program. They keep our riders safe, and provide valuable instruction. They come from all walks of life- sone are teachers, parents, or simply community members. Some are PSIA- AASI certified, have ridden for a while, while others enjoy the cruisers. All volunteers are district- approved and have been background checked. All volunteers receive complimentary tickets for the day. All volunteers must be able to ski blues at a minimum, all terrain preferrable. Come join us and you will get much more in return. Become a district approved volunteer- the process is easy and it takes only a few days.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Lydia Labelle is our trusted skier volunteer. She is involved in our district and a certified ski instructor with lots of experience on the slopes.

Daryl Gingrich brings his love for teaching choir and theater at RHS wherever he goes. This teacher can send it and he does it singing and whistling.

Tom Willard is sub at RMS and he is helpful in both of our clubs. He loves snowboarding and biking with his son JT and is always joyful.

Kirsten Clancy was a beloved teacher at Rifle Middle School, she an active member in our community, and she makes logistics seamless.

Oliver Isa is a sub at RMS. He works for Aspen Ski Co. and helps us with rentals. Isa loves to coach all kids with a big smile and actionable advice.

Courtney Roberts can keep up with any shredders. She loves riding with her son in our club and always does it with a smile and in style.

Todd Manzanares brings everyone joy. He is a man of faith, a Carbondale native, known and respected in our community. And he can shred!

Eric and Hope Amyot are trusted leaders in both of our clubs. They help our beginners gain confidence and they do it with kindness and joy.

Adam Kramer is a Spanish teacher at RHS. His infectious joy and goofiness is well appreciated by all shredders young and old.

become a volunteer

OUR SPONSORS

Flowstate would not exist without the awesome support of our local communities. When we ask for sponsorships, our local businesses rise to the occasion and donate. It is so encouraging to hear sponsors saying things like ” We love our kids here and we want them to spend time outdoors” or ” we will do anything for the kids”. Thank you Garfield County for making this awesome sport accesible to all kids. Please say thank you to these partners and click.

CORPORATE BENEFITS

You will be supporting OUR school. OUR students, OUR community. All donations are tax deductible ( we are a 501c3 school organization). Corporate sponsorships start at $250.Local businesses that support us with $500 or more will receive recognition on our website, with a direct link. We will recognize you on our ski bibs, as well on our social media channels. We continue to need support to make sure all kids get to shred, stay in school, and make lifelong healthy choices.

support Flowstate

3 WAYS TO HELP

We could not do this without you

Corporate donations start at $500. We will feature you on our website in the section above as well as on our student skiers’ bibs on the slopes. Our community has been so proud to see our students on the slopes and we always need more proud sponsors. All donations are tax deductible. Please reach out to our financial club secretary at Rifle Middle School at jleigh@garfieldre2.net and cc Teo at tmiu@garfieldre2.net

We need parent and teacher volunteers!

Our club has around 60 student members and two school sponsors. Our kids’ emotional and phsysical safety is a top priority and we need you. In rder to join us you must:be able to ski/ ride safely at least blue runs, preferably have some experience teaching kids, and become a district approved volunteer. All volunteers receive free lift tickets for the day and free rentals if they need them. Reach out to Mr. Teo at tmiu@garfieldre2.net

Sell our local coffee and support us

We have an yearly fundraiser event in which students sell Wild Coffee bags for $15. Five dollars go directly to the club. This event takes place in december and this is a great time to not only sell coffee to the community, but also to ask for larger donations that go direclty to the club. Please reach out to your child or to Mr. Teo at tmiu@garfieldre2.net to get more info or download the sign up form and the brochure here.

WHERE WE RIDE

We are working hard to maintain local partnerships with three resorts: Sunlight, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Our students get to experience the best ski resorts in Colorado due to our local closest resort, as well as Aspen Ski Co. and their Charity foundation programs. Students ride almost every Friday and receive instruction from the Ski Pros at Buttermilk or Snomass as well as from our dedicated sponsors and volunteers. And on a good day, who knows, they might be even riding the Breathtaking Alpine Rollercoaster at Snowmass. We try to treat our kids the best we can by offering them the very best opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Watch Drake flying on the alpine coaster without using his breaks ( safe, but exhiliratting..).

FLOW-STATE

When we find our “flowstate”, time stops. We are focused, in the zone and completely focused on the task at hand. The challenges match our skills and abilities. We feel effortless, may lose self-consciousness, and we have a heightened sense of concentration, enjoyment. THIS is FLOWSTATE.

GEAR LIBRARY

We are happy to be able to provide the essential gear to all of our riders. Whether it is rentals from Snowmass, skis donated by our communty members or a gear drive organized by Backbone Media for their employees, our riders get what they need. We have used ski jackets and pants, as well as brand new donated items with tags on. Brands include Patagonia, Roxy, Eddie Bauer, Mountain Hardwear, and more. It takes a village, and you are invited to contribute to our classroom gear library too.

Donate your gear

TESTIMONIALS

ski levels

Please read carefully each description below to finf out what level you are. Levels go from 1 to 9, and they are indicative of the terrain difficulty (green is easiest, followed by blue ( beginner- interediate), and finally black ( advanced and experts only).

LEVEL ONE

“I have never skied.” Don’t worry- you are on your way to becoming a Sigma skier. Auras for being here.

LEVEL TWO

I can slide, slightly change direction, and come to a stop.” – Easiest green terrain.

LEVEL THREE

“I can link turns together and stop where I want to on the easiest green terrain. My turns are usually all the same size.” – Green terrain

LEVEL FOUR

“I am linking turns together smoothly on all green terrain. I can make narrow and wide turns” – All green and easiest blue terrain

LEVEL FIVE

“I am skiing mostly parallel in a couple different turn sizes and shapes on most blue terrain. I am beginning to use my poles and can hockey stop in both directions.” -All green terrain and most blue terrain

LEVEL SIX

“I am skiing parallel and confidently on all groomed blue terrain. I am exploring un-groomed trails and the easiest bumps. I usually make the same turn sizes and shapes on un-groomed trails.” –All groomed blues, easy blue bumps, easy groomed blacks

LEVEL SEVEN

“I am able to smoothly link parallel turns together with a pole plant on all blue and black terrain. I am exploring un-groomed black terrain, including bumps. I can connect different turn sizes and shapes seamlessly for the different challenges.” – All blue terrain and most black terrain

LEVEL EIGHT

“I am making different turns sizes and shapes, including rhythmic short turns and large carved turns, on all blue and black terrain (groomed or un-groomed). I feel comfortable exploring harder blacks and easier double black terrain.” – All black and easy double black terrain

LEVEL NINE

“I can ski the entire mountain and am working on skiing faster, smoother, difficult lines, and learning different strategies in the hardest terrain and snow conditions.” – Entire mountain, all conditions

snowboarding levels

LEVEL ONE

“I have never snowboarded.” Don’t worry- you are on your way to becoming a Sigma skier. Auras for being here.

LEVEL TWO

“I have experienced sliding, traversing both directions, and stopping.” – Easiest green terrain

LEVEL THREE

“I can control my speed while moving across the hill, and can stop with confidence. I am starting to turn in both directions.” – Green terrain

LEVEL FOUR

“I can link skidded turns on green terrain.” – All green terrain

LEVEL FIVE

“I am confident and can connect different turn sizes and shapes on all green terrain. I make more or less the same size and shape turn on easy blue terrain.” –All green terrain and easiest blue terrain

LEVEL SIX

“I am riding most blue terrain by connecting various turn sizes and shapes. I am also exploring switch riding, easy bumps, and/or freestyle.” –All blue terrain

LEVEL SEVEN

“I am able to ride all blue terrain in varied conditions and working on easy black terrain, including bumps, trees, and terrain parks.”–All blue terrain and groomed black terrain

LEVEL EIGHT

“I am confident performing dynamic turns on varied terrain and snow conditions, including trees, steeps and powder.” – All black and easy double blacks terrain.

LEVEL NINE

“I am confident riding the entire mountain. I am working on a variety of tactics and techniques that will take me to the next level.”– Entire mountain, all conditions.

SAFETY FIRST

We take our middle schoolers’ safety very seriously. All students are required to watch the following safety video and sign the papers prior to signing up for the club. Using the NSAA’s #rideanotherday concept, Ski Patrol and Ski Instructors teach students the basics of mountain safety, to be ready, to stay alert, to plan ahead, to respect the mountain, and to be responsible.

KNOW MORE

WHAT TO WEAR

You can’t have a great day on the slopes if your clothes aren’t keeping you warm and dry. In this video, Robin Barnes and Amy Gan of PSIA/AASI walk you through the right way to dress for comfort on the mountain. Check it out, then head to your local REI Co-op to find the perfect layers for your next snowy adventure and or stop by our classroom gear library to see what we have.

SKI INSTRUCTION

Here are the videos we recommend all beginner skiers watch prior to heading over to the slopes. We find that these videos, a cooperation between PSIA and REI are easy to watch and they represent the PSIA standards that pro instructors teach. This video is the first one in a series of 5 and you can find the other ones that follow by clicking on the video description below the video. Advanced skier? Check out the link below.

advanced skiers

SNOWBOARDERS

Here are the videos we recommend all beginner snowboarders watch prior to heading over to the slopes. We find that these videos, a cooperation between PSIA and REI are easy to watch and they represent the PSIA standards that pro instructors teach. This video is the first one in a series of 5 and you can find the other ones that follow by clicking on the video description below the video. Advanced riders, click below.

advanced boarders

F.A.Q.

How does registration work?

Rifle Middle School will make the announcement on the school live stream on Monday mid November. We alo announce it in our school newsletter. There will be a student and parent meeting at school as well. Please check with your child and return the forms as soon as posssible. Registration is first come, first served. Only fully completed forms will be considered. You do not need to fill out the RMS forms if you are already enrolled in other sports at RMS. All other forms need to be completed, including the registration, the fee, and the Aspen Ski Co forms.

what is the cost?

$75 for the entire season. This includes all rentals, day passes, transportation and instructors, teachers, volunteers. If you need a scholarship, reach out to Mr. Dean, Athletic Director at rdean@garfieldre2.net or 970-665-7900.

can all students sign up?

Only Students who go to School in Re-2 school district can participate at this time. This includes homeschool students in our district.

do you run student eligibility?

Yes. Every Monday we run eligibility as we do with the other sports at RMS. If your child does not have passing grades, he or she can not ride that Friday. Sometimes they will have to wait 2 or more weeks till they can ride again.

How many times do kids ride?

We divide our riders into two groups: the beginner/ intermediate group and the advanced group. Every group rides 5 times. One day at Sunlight, and the rest four days at Snowmass and or Buttermilk.

What gear will kids need?

Kids must have ski gloves, ski jacket and pants, goggles, base layer, mid layer, ski socks, lunch or lunch money. We provide all rentals, though we encourage all riders to procure their own gear. The exception is that on the Sunlight trip, kids must get their own rentals or bring their own gear. On all other days we offer complimentary rentals.

Can I BUY MY OWN GEAR?

Yes. Please do. It will save you an hour in line at rentals each time you go. Plus, its the best way to get better, faster and to have most fun. J Skis are offering us a good discount if 10 or more people from our club are buying. Please reach out to Mr. Teo if interested. Another option is to buy used gear at a thrift store, on Facebook marketplace or from a ski shop like the Ragged Mountain Sports shop in Carbondale.

HOW CAN I RENT GEAR?

Your kids are still growing. One of the best options is to perhaps rent your gear for the season. Sunlight rents gear for $179/season ( $100 for the boots only) for kids. Another option is to go through The Junior Trade In Program at Epic Mountain Sports in Silverthorne- you can rent gear every year at an affordable price and replace it each year or as needed, for $164. You can also visit the Roaring Fork Gear Library in Carbondale to get free gear rentals.

What if I need personal gear?

We have started a gear closet in Mr. Teo’s class. We have ski jackets and base layers, some ski pants as well as ski socks. Students can borrow them for the season. Most items are brand new with tags on.

Shoud i ski or snowboard?

If you have never skied or snowboarded, we recommend kids start with skiing. We have noticed that among first timers on the first day of instruction, riders on skis are far more ready on average, to ski a green easy run by themselves. It usually takes far longer for snowboarders to feel confident on theri own on a green run.

Can parents join?

We always need parent volunteers who are approved by the district ( see volunteer section for paperwork needed). However, we mostly need parents who can ride safely on blue and black runs and have teaching experience preferably. Parents receive the same benefits as the students do.

who is liable for any accidents?

Garfield re-2 school district is not liable for any accidents. We ask that all participants sign up at their own risk, and provide personal health insurance. We also recommend all families have homeowners’ insurance that could cover any accidents caused to another rider in the resort.

Do riders receive instruction?

Yes. On the first day of the season, all students will receive instruction from the Snow Pros Instructors at Buttermilk or Snowmass. The leaders and volunteers in our club are not providing instruction but they will do their best to help with tips and promote safe skiing and riding etiquette.

how can i best prepare?

For a limited time each winter, guests who have never skied and never snowboarded can try up to three days of a single discipline with free rentals, tickets, and group lessons at Powderhorn. You can Watch the instructional videos on our site. You can Buy a season pass at Sunlight or Powderhorn and ride as much as you can- every Saturday or Sunday or both. You can also Buy your own gear– See ” Can I buy my own gear?” or you can Rent your own gear– See “How can I rent gear?.”

WHAT DATE I CAN'T MISS?

December 13, 2024 is the day everyone must attend the lessons, beginners, intermediate, and or advanced riders. You will be in lessons all day with the Snow Pros ar Snowmass and this will give us an idea of what level you are. We will then place you in the right groups.

WHAT IS a good CHRISTMAS GIFT?

Ski googles and helmet ( together). Amazon offers affordable options- pay attention to sizing. Not included in the rental packet. Also ski jacket, ski pants and ski gloves. A Sunlight ski pass or lift tickets would be amazing. A Rental packet- Sunlight Shop, Epic Mountain Junior trade In program, or The Roaring Fork Gear Library- see ” How Can I rent gear?” Or even better, A pair of used or new skis or snowboard – Thrift Stores, Marketplace.

GET IN TOUCH

3rd-6th Ski Free

Free lessons

Discounted Passes

Gear Closet

Marketplace

LEVEL ONE

“I have never skied.” Don’t worry- you are on your way to becoming a Sigma skier. Auras for being here.

LEVEL TWO

I can slide, slightly change direction, and come to a stop.” – Easiest green terrain.

LEVEL THREE

“I can link turns together and stop where I want to on the easiest green terrain. My turns are usually all the same size.” – Green terrain

LEVEL FOUR

“I am linking turns together smoothly on all green terrain. I can make narrow and wide turns” – All green and easiest blue terrain

LEVEL FIVE

“I am skiing mostly parallel in a couple different turn sizes and shapes on most blue terrain. I am beginning to use my poles and can hockey stop in both directions.” -All green terrain and most blue terrain

LEVEL SIX

“I am skiing parallel and confidently on all groomed blue terrain. I am exploring un-groomed trails and the easiest bumps. I usually make the same turn sizes and shapes on un-groomed trails.” –All groomed blues, easy blue bumps, easy groomed blacks

LEVEL SEVEN

“I am able to smoothly link parallel turns together with a pole plant on all blue and black terrain. I am exploring un-groomed black terrain, including bumps. I can connect different turn sizes and shapes seamlessly for the different challenges.” – All blue terrain and most black terrain

LEVEL EIGHT

“I am making different turns sizes and shapes, including rhythmic short turns and large carved turns, on all blue and black terrain (groomed or un-groomed). I feel comfortable exploring harder blacks and easier double black terrain.” – All black and easy double black terrain

LEVEL NINE

“I can ski the entire mountain and am working on skiing faster, smoother, difficult lines, and learning different strategies in the hardest terrain and snow conditions.” – Entire mountain, all conditions

LEVEL ONE

“I have never snowboarded.” Don’t worry- you are on your way to becoming a Sigma skier. Auras for being here.

LEVEL TWO

“I have experienced sliding, traversing both directions, and stopping.” – Easiest green terrain

LEVEL THREE

“I can control my speed while moving across the hill, and can stop with confidence. I am starting to turn in both directions.” – Green terrain

LEVEL FOUR

“I can link skidded turns on green terrain.” – All green terrain

LEVEL FIVE

“I am confident and can connect different turn sizes and shapes on all green terrain. I make more or less the same size and shape turn on easy blue terrain.” –All green terrain and easiest blue terrain

LEVEL SIX

“I am riding most blue terrain by connecting various turn sizes and shapes. I am also exploring switch riding, easy bumps, and/or freestyle.” –All blue terrain

LEVEL SEVEN

“I am able to ride all blue terrain in varied conditions and working on easy black terrain, including bumps, trees, and terrain parks.”–All blue terrain and groomed black terrain

LEVEL EIGHT

“I am confident performing dynamic turns on varied terrain and snow conditions, including trees, steeps and powder.” – All black and easy double blacks terrain.

LEVEL NINE

“I am confident riding the entire mountain. I am working on a variety of tactics and techniques that will take me to the next level.”– Entire mountain, all conditions.

How does registration work?.tatsu-ByX41wQeA.accordion-head{color: rgba(0,0,0,1) ;}

what is the cost?

can all students sign up?

do you run student eligibility?

How many times do kids ride?

What gear will kids need?

Can I BUY MY OWN GEAR?

HOW CAN I RENT GEAR?

What if I need personal gear?

Shoud i ski or snowboard?

Can parents join?

who is liable for any accidents?

Do riders receive instruction?

how can i best prepare?

WHAT DATE I CAN'T MISS?

WHAT IS a good CHRISTMAS GIFT?

How does registration work?