Suicide Six
Encyclopedia
Suicide Six is the name of a ski resort
in South Pomfret
, Vermont
. It has some claim to historical fame as a very early ski resort and in 1934, an improvised rope tow, said to be the first ski lift
in the Eastern United States
. The rope tow was set up by Wallace "Bunny" Bertram on Gilbert's Hill, and powered with a Ford Model T engine. Bertram once joked that to ski down the nearby would be suicide. Two years later the resort was opened using this name and photos of Bertram can be seen in the resort museum in the base lodge. Devotees of ski mountaineering and backcountry skiing mark this as the beginning of the divergence of resort skiing and traditional backcountry skiing.
Suicide Six is one of the most family-friendly ski areas in Vermont. With 30% beginner, 40% intermediate and 30% advanced slope ratings, there's a safe trail for the skier of every age and ability. And the men and women of our Ski Patrol are readily available to assist you in choosing the trail that best matches your ability.
Race Programs:
All Mountain Program:
To better address the ability gaps in the Hopefuls and All Mtn teams adopts the progressional
development strategy set forth by USSA (United States Ski and Snowboard Association).
Athletes will groups by ability 1st and then by age.
This is a fun program for all ages and abilities. Participants in this program will focus on the FUNdamentals & skills needed for all levels of All Mtn / Free Skiing.
The All Mtn program is for both skiers interested in developing their skills to set them up for
the competitive racing or Freestyle/Mogul programs OR skiers looking hone their technique in a
non-competitive environment will learn to ski the entire mountain with confidence. A team of
WSR coaches will evaluate the group and split them into groups according to age, interest and
abilities in a supportive & fun environment!
Ross:
Ross Program is an entry level racing program designed for competent skiers age 7-12. This introduction to ski racing has an emphasis on fun, skill building and safety. Ross participants are encouraged to attend Ross series races, held in various ski areas in Vermont. Ross participants must be able to ski the Face trail comfortably and use the chair lift without assistance. Helmets, shaped skis and a season pass are required to participate.
Jones:
The Jones Program is for young athletes, age 9-12, who wish to participate in a race program at an advanced level. Participants will learn dryland conditioning, alpine ski fundamentals and race tactics. Fun is a special aspect of skiing, and athletes are encouraged to explore the enjoyment found in free skiing, training and competitive ski racing.
Jones athletes must be active members of USSA and VARA. SL and GS skis are recommended. Helmets are required for training/racing and a slalom guard is required for slalom training and racing.
J3's:
The J3 Program is designed for athletes who wish to participate in a serious race program at an elite level. Though athletes are committed to higher expectations, they are encouraged to explore the fun found in competitive ski racing. Athletes learn about healthy competition, ski specific dry land conditioning, ski racing techniques, race tactics and strategies. The JIII program focuses on further skill development and refinement; we ask for a high level of dedication and motivation from the JIII participants.
JIII athletes must be active members of USSA and VARA. SL, GS and SG skis are recommended. Helmets are required for training/racing and a slalom guard is required for slalom training and racing.
Woodstock Ski Runners home page:
J1/J2's
Suicide 6 and Quechee have combined with ski racers from Ascutney this season for GS and SL
training for 8-10 USSA races in Vermont. The emphasis in late November and December will be
free-skiing and drills, leading up to skiing in courses during the vacation camp December 27-
31st. The group will train at Suicide 6, Quechee and other nearby mountains.
Suicide 6 and Quechee have combined with ski racers from Ascutney this season for GS and SL training for 8-10 USSA skiing
Nordic:
The Nordic Runners Ski Team is an entry level, cross-country ski program for children ages 6-
14. We start with basic cross- country ski skills, which include both techniques of skating and
the better known traditional classic style technique. Previous experience is not required. Skiers
are encouraged to race or participate at low competitive, family friendly events held on the
weekends in different areas around Vermont. However, the main goal of this program is to give
children a solid and fun introduction to the lifetime sport of cross-country skiing. The amount
and level of racing is determined by the parents’ and child’s interest.
Friday Programs:
Alpine and Nordic
The Friday Program is open to all area children grades 1-6 who want to get outdoors, have fun,
make new friends and improve their skiing! Regardless of your child’s skill or ability level, the
Friday afternoon Alpine (Downhill) and Nordic (Cross Country) programs are designed to help
participants become more competent skiers. These programs held at Suicide Six Ski Area, are
taught by adult volunteers, trained in weekly clinics, who will emphasize both safety and fun
while teaching your child in a friendly, non-competitive environment. Starting at the beginner
level, instruction is divided into skill groups. Each week children are progressively taught new
techniques and encouraged to develop personal goals. Classes are held on Fridays for 8 weeks
beginning January 7, 2011 continuing through March 11, 2011.
Snowboard
Due to a lack of volunteer instructors the snowboard program will be limited to the first 20
children (age 9 and up) who register. Children ages 7-8 who participated in the snowboard
program in 2010 will be allowed to participate. Regardless, only the first 20 children registered
will be accepted into the snowboard program.
For more information visit:
http://www.skirunners.org/
Ski resort
A ski resort is a resort developed for skiing and other winter sports. In Europe a ski resort is a town or village in a ski area - a mountainous area, where there are ski trails and supporting services such as hotels and other accommodation, restaurants, equipment rental and a ski lift system...
in South Pomfret
Pomfret, Vermont
Pomfret is a town in Windsor County, Vermont, United States. The population was 997 at the 2000 census.-History:The town was named after the Earl of Pomfret...
, Vermont
Vermont
Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
. It has some claim to historical fame as a very early ski resort and in 1934, an improvised rope tow, said to be the first ski lift
Ski lift
The term ski lift generally refers to any transport device that carries skiers up a hill. A ski lift may fall into one of the following three main classes:-Lift systems and networks:...
in the Eastern United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The rope tow was set up by Wallace "Bunny" Bertram on Gilbert's Hill, and powered with a Ford Model T engine. Bertram once joked that to ski down the nearby would be suicide. Two years later the resort was opened using this name and photos of Bertram can be seen in the resort museum in the base lodge. Devotees of ski mountaineering and backcountry skiing mark this as the beginning of the divergence of resort skiing and traditional backcountry skiing.
Suicide Six is one of the most family-friendly ski areas in Vermont. With 30% beginner, 40% intermediate and 30% advanced slope ratings, there's a safe trail for the skier of every age and ability. And the men and women of our Ski Patrol are readily available to assist you in choosing the trail that best matches your ability.
Race Programs:
All Mountain Program:
To better address the ability gaps in the Hopefuls and All Mtn teams adopts the progressional
development strategy set forth by USSA (United States Ski and Snowboard Association).
Athletes will groups by ability 1st and then by age.
This is a fun program for all ages and abilities. Participants in this program will focus on the FUNdamentals & skills needed for all levels of All Mtn / Free Skiing.
The All Mtn program is for both skiers interested in developing their skills to set them up for
the competitive racing or Freestyle/Mogul programs OR skiers looking hone their technique in a
non-competitive environment will learn to ski the entire mountain with confidence. A team of
WSR coaches will evaluate the group and split them into groups according to age, interest and
abilities in a supportive & fun environment!
Ross:
Ross Program is an entry level racing program designed for competent skiers age 7-12. This introduction to ski racing has an emphasis on fun, skill building and safety. Ross participants are encouraged to attend Ross series races, held in various ski areas in Vermont. Ross participants must be able to ski the Face trail comfortably and use the chair lift without assistance. Helmets, shaped skis and a season pass are required to participate.
Jones:
The Jones Program is for young athletes, age 9-12, who wish to participate in a race program at an advanced level. Participants will learn dryland conditioning, alpine ski fundamentals and race tactics. Fun is a special aspect of skiing, and athletes are encouraged to explore the enjoyment found in free skiing, training and competitive ski racing.
Jones athletes must be active members of USSA and VARA. SL and GS skis are recommended. Helmets are required for training/racing and a slalom guard is required for slalom training and racing.
J3's:
The J3 Program is designed for athletes who wish to participate in a serious race program at an elite level. Though athletes are committed to higher expectations, they are encouraged to explore the fun found in competitive ski racing. Athletes learn about healthy competition, ski specific dry land conditioning, ski racing techniques, race tactics and strategies. The JIII program focuses on further skill development and refinement; we ask for a high level of dedication and motivation from the JIII participants.
JIII athletes must be active members of USSA and VARA. SL, GS and SG skis are recommended. Helmets are required for training/racing and a slalom guard is required for slalom training and racing.
Woodstock Ski Runners home page:
J1/J2's
Suicide 6 and Quechee have combined with ski racers from Ascutney this season for GS and SL
training for 8-10 USSA races in Vermont. The emphasis in late November and December will be
free-skiing and drills, leading up to skiing in courses during the vacation camp December 27-
31st. The group will train at Suicide 6, Quechee and other nearby mountains.
Suicide 6 and Quechee have combined with ski racers from Ascutney this season for GS and SL training for 8-10 USSA skiing
Nordic:
The Nordic Runners Ski Team is an entry level, cross-country ski program for children ages 6-
14. We start with basic cross- country ski skills, which include both techniques of skating and
the better known traditional classic style technique. Previous experience is not required. Skiers
are encouraged to race or participate at low competitive, family friendly events held on the
weekends in different areas around Vermont. However, the main goal of this program is to give
children a solid and fun introduction to the lifetime sport of cross-country skiing. The amount
and level of racing is determined by the parents’ and child’s interest.
Friday Programs:
Alpine and Nordic
The Friday Program is open to all area children grades 1-6 who want to get outdoors, have fun,
make new friends and improve their skiing! Regardless of your child’s skill or ability level, the
Friday afternoon Alpine (Downhill) and Nordic (Cross Country) programs are designed to help
participants become more competent skiers. These programs held at Suicide Six Ski Area, are
taught by adult volunteers, trained in weekly clinics, who will emphasize both safety and fun
while teaching your child in a friendly, non-competitive environment. Starting at the beginner
level, instruction is divided into skill groups. Each week children are progressively taught new
techniques and encouraged to develop personal goals. Classes are held on Fridays for 8 weeks
beginning January 7, 2011 continuing through March 11, 2011.
Snowboard
Due to a lack of volunteer instructors the snowboard program will be limited to the first 20
children (age 9 and up) who register. Children ages 7-8 who participated in the snowboard
program in 2010 will be allowed to participate. Regardless, only the first 20 children registered
will be accepted into the snowboard program.
For more information visit:
http://www.skirunners.org/