The Ruschp Report
The Ruschp Report
October 2026
 
In this issue

Compensable Time Notice: This Newsletter is an optional read and an informative update only. You are note required to read this email. Emails are saved to StoweSnowPros.com and can be read during working hours.

New to the Stowe Ski + Ride School Team?! Welcome!! The Ruschp Report is our Monthly Newsletter. This email is informative for all staff but may include details regarding events specific to rehire staff only. If you have questions, please email StoweSnowPros.com for clarification.

 
 Tim's Monthly Message
 

Stowe Snow Pros,

All signs are pointing to winter! The corn fields are being harvested, we've seen our first "Snoliage" on Mansfield, with a frosted summit overlooking colorful foliage below, and we've officially moved past peak fall colors. Winter is right around the corner, and we're now just over two weeks away from welcoming our team back for Winter 2026-27 onboarding.

Speaking of onboarding, we're introducing something new this year: Onboarding Days. These pre-assigned onboarding groups are designed to help streamline the onboarding experience and ensure every Snow Pro receives the support they need to be ready for the season ahead. By taking a more proactive approach, we hope to reduce common onboarding challenges and make the process smoother for everyone. Be sure to read more about it below, and watch for an additional email with onboarding details coming soon.

Our team continues to grow as we get closer to the season. We're excited to welcome back Ryan Norton: Assistant Manager of Adult Programs & Adaptive, and Mark Goodman, Assistant Manager of Nordic.

We have a great newsletter for you this month, and we can't wait to see everyone soon.

Get Stowe'kd!

Tim Shannon
Senior Manager, Ski & Ride School

 
 Announcing: New Assistant Managers!
 

Team,

I am excited to announce two new Assistant Managers to our Team, Morgan Rafferty and Dave Reynolds. Morgan and Dave are both new to us, but not new to Vail Resorts. We are thrilled to have them joining our team this season and we look forward to getting to know them both.

Morgan Rafferty
 

Hi All! My name is Morgan and I am super stoked to be joining the Stowe team this season! I have spent the past four seasons working in Breckenridge, CO as a kids ski instructor and supervisor but am excited to return to my East Coast roots. Outside the winter season, I spend my time working in the Adirondacks running the waterski program for a summer camp. When I am not on the slopes or by a lake, I enjoy playing volleyball, hiking, and reading.

Joining this tight knit community and highly experienced team is such an honor. I cannot wait to meet everyone and look forward to an incredible season with all of you!

Morgan Rafferty
David Reynolds
 

Hi everyone! My name is Dave, I recently retired after more than 20 years with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, where I served as a Fire Lieutenant and paramedic. After relocating to Vermont, I joined the Okemo Ski + Ride School last season as a snowboard instructor, earned my PSIA-AASI Level I certification, and spent the summer helping lead Camp Gokemo as Head Counselor/Assistant Coordinator. I'm excited to bring those experiences into my new role at Stowe and continue learning and growing within Ski + Ride School.

Outside of work and riding, I enjoy exploring Vermont with my wife, DeeDee, spending time with our six Siberian Huskies, and working on home projects.

I'm looking forward to getting to know the Stowe team, supporting our instructors and guests, and continuing to learn and grow within Ski + Ride School. I can't wait to meet everyone and be part of a great season!

David Reynolds
 
New This Year: Paid Onboarding Days
 

New this year, employees will be paid to complete their onboarding activities.

What does this mean for you?
Day 1 onboarding activities, including updating your Workday profile, setting up or verifying direct deposit, completing I-9 verification (if required), enrolling in benefits, and other onboarding tasks, are now required and paid as part of your employment onboarding experience.

To better support employees through this process, we have created four Return Staff Hiring Day Groups. Each returning employee will be assigned a specific Hiring Day. On your assigned day, you will become eligible to begin your onboarding paperwork and be paid for the time spent completing required tasks.

Each Hiring Day will begin with a virtual Welcome Back call. During the call, you'll receive a checklist of onboarding activities, instructions on how to clock in remotely, and guidance on how to complete each step. We will also have a team of five Assistant Managers dedicated to supporting employees throughout the onboarding process. A scheduling link will be provided so you can book a virtual support session with a team member if you need assistance.

Some (but not all) employees will be required to complete the I-9 verification process again this season. All employees should be prepared for this possibility. We are currently working to identify and notify employees who are showing as I-9 required.

Return Staff Hiring Days

  • Tuesday, October 27 – Part-Time Return Staff
  • Thursday, October 29 – Part-Time Return Staff
  • Monday, November 2 – Full-Time Return Staff
  • Thursday, November 4 – Full-Time Return Staff

Important Reminder
Employees who do not complete preboarding requirements at least two weeks prior to the final onboarding day will not be invited to Fall Refresher.

Please watch for your Hiring Day assignment and additional onboarding communications in the coming weeks.

 Upcoming Events
 

Join us at our upcoming events!

Summer Social Series #6 - The Final Social
 

Join us for our final Summer Social, held on every third Thursday throughout the summer to stay connected, say hello, share some laughs, and spend time with fellow Snow Pros.

  • When: Thursday, Oct 15
  • Where: von Trapp Brewing & Bierhall
  • Why: Friends, brats, beers, and trails... why not?
Take Me There!
 
 Fall Refresher - Nov 7
 

This year's Fall Refresher will be more important than ever for returning employees. With new onboarding processes in Workday, the My Epic app, Lesson Connect, and other operational updates, this is your opportunity to get prepared for the season ahead.

We've heard your feedback and are pleased to confirm that Fall Refresher will remain a one-day event. The day will include leadership updates, key announcements, and required training sessions such as Slope Safety, Snow Pro Need-to-Know, and other essential operational topics.

Please plan to attend and stay for the full day to ensure you receive all required training and information needed for a successful season.

Additional details and the full agenda will be shared soon.

 
 Training Corner
 

Summer training opportunities continue, planning for Fresh Tracks is underway, and the tentative Elective Training Calendar is now available on StoweSnowPros.com.

New this year, we've introduced a calendar view of our training schedule, making it easier than ever to see upcoming opportunities and register for events. The calendar includes clickable signup links and is available both on StoweSnowPros.com and in the Stowe SRS App.

Whether you're working toward certification goals, building new skills, or preparing for the season ahead, we encourage you to take advantage of these training opportunities and stay engaged throughout the fall.

Be sure to check the calendar regularly, as additional training sessions and updates will be added as plans continue to develop. Fresh Tracks details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Save the date: Fresh tracks will be Dec 7th - 10th.

David Raybould
Manager: Ski + Ride School Training & Adult/Private Programs

Training Corner
 
 Children's Corner
 

Fall is upon us, and Opening Day is right around the corner! There is a lot of excitement building as we prepare for another great season. We’ll soon welcome back our Assistant Managers, followed by Refresher and Veteran Staff Training with all of you. It won’t be long before we’re back on snow doing what we love most: creating memorable experiences for our guests.
This season brings several improvements designed to make our operations run more smoothly, including enhancements to lunch scheduling and expanded support staff functionality throughout the day. These updates will help us better support both our guests and our teams as we navigate the busy winter season.

The biggest change this year is the introduction of Lesson Connect and the integration of the My Epic App with Ski & Ride School operations. As many of you have already seen through recent communications, these new tools are designed to elevate the guest experience by streamlining check-in and check-out, providing easier access to a child’s or group lesson journey, and creating more consistent progress tracking and lesson leveling across our resorts.

For instructors and staff, this transition brings the lesson experience into the digital age. Lesson details, student information, and progress reporting will be available at your fingertips. Sharing student photo opportunities with families will be easier than ever, and the reliance on paper forms will be greatly reduced, with paper only remaining available as a backup when needed.

We’re excited to bring these changes forward and confident they will create a better experience for both our guests and our teams. Thank you for your continued dedication, flexibility, and enthusiasm as we prepare for another outstanding season.

See you at training, and here’s to a fantastic winter ahead! ⛷️🏂❄️

Deb Dennison
Manager, Ski + Ride School Children's Programs

 
Safety Corner
 

Get Your Ski + Ride Muscles Ready
Winter will be here before we know it, and now is the perfect time to start preparing your body for the season ahead.

Skiing and riding demands strength, balance, mobility, and endurance. Taking a few weeks to focus on leg strength, core stability, and flexibility can help reduce fatigue, improve performance, and lower your risk of injury once the snow starts flying.

Consider adding activities such as:

  • Squats, lunges, and step-ups to build leg strength
  • Core exercises to improve balance and stability
  • Stretching and mobility work for hips, knees, ankles, and shoulders
  • Walking, hiking, biking, or other cardio activities to build endurance

Even 15-20 minutes a few times each week can make a big difference when opening day arrives.

Remember: The best way to enjoy a long, healthy season is to start preparing before the lifts start turning. Take care of your body now so you're ready to make the most of every day on snow.

Train now. Ride stronger. Stay safer. 🏔️⛷️🏂

 Stowe Snow Pros App
 

Looking for a faster, easier way to access the tools you use every day? Download the Stowe SRS Mobile App, enroll in push notifications, and enjoy one-touch access to the resources and applications you need throughout the season.

The Stowe SRS Mobile App is designed to provide quick access to the tools Snow Pros use most frequently, helping you stay informed and connected whether you're on the mountain or on the go. For more detailed information and resources, StoweSnowPros.com remains your primary source for all Ski & Ride School communications and documentation.

This year, we've also redesigned StoweSnowPros.com with a cleaner, more streamlined navigation experience, making it easier to find the information you're looking for quickly. Whether you prefer using the mobile app or the website, you can choose the tool that works best for you.

Download the app, enable push notifications, and stay connected all season long!

Get the Stowe SRS Mobile App
 
 Cubs Child Care Is Hiring!
 

Team, Our Skier Services sister department, Cubs Child Care, is looking for dedicated individuals to join their team. If you have a friend, family member, spouse, partner, or someone in your network who enjoys working with children, please share these opportunities with them!

Now Hiring

  • Year-Round Full-Time Lead Teachers (Minimum of 12 college credits in Early Childhood Education or a related field)
  • Year-Round Full-Time Assistant Teachers
  • Part-Time Weekend Support Staff

Why Work at Cubs Child Care?

Employees enjoy a variety of great benefits, including:

  • Free Epic Pass for employees and eligible dependents
  • Discounts on Ski & Ride School programs for children
  • Discounted child care options
  • Employer-paid health insurance for full-time employees
  • Paid Time Off and sick time
  • Retirement savings opportunities
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Access to Vail Resorts employee discounts on lodging, dining, retail, and popular national brands

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to build a career in early childhood education while enjoying the unique lifestyle and benefits that come with working at a mountain resort.

For more information or to apply, please contact Cubs Child Care at stowecubs@vailresorts.com or visit the Vail Resorts Careers website.

Please Help Us Spread the Word!

Know someone who would be a great fit? Share these opportunities and help us build an exceptional team for our youngest guests!

 
PSIA-AASI Scholarships
 

PSIA-AASI Scholarships are open now!

Wishing you could attend Trees and Steeps, National Academy, Eastern Academy, or other PSIA-AASI events but just couldn't swing the cost? Well, now's your chance to be considered for a PSIA-AASI Scholarship!

💵💵 I SAID FREE MONEY!! 💵💵

PSIA-AASI scholarship applications are officially open for the 2026-27 season, and I strongly encourage you to apply today. Don't miss out on this great opportunity.

Scholarship Deadline: Sunday, November 1, 2026

Learn More + Apply Now
 SRS in My Epic App & Lesson Connect
 

Missed a preview of the My Epic App and Lesson Connect newsletter campaign?

Check out the past previews and FAQs on the StoweSnowPros.com Recent Communications page.

Password: chip2chin

Recent Communications
 

Welcome to October! Are you ready for Spooky Season?!

 
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