Mansfield Invitational Cup Giant Slalom Race

Greetings Stowe Snow Pros,

The Mansfield Invitational is just ONE WEEK AWAY!
Are you joining us for a fun and friendly competition for the cup? REGISTER HERE!

The Mansfield Invitational is a brand‑new event designed to celebrate the fun of racing for all ability levels - whether you’re trying gates for the very first time or blasting through them like a pro. Even better, 100% of race fees are being donated to the Epic Promise Foundation, supporting teammates and communities. 

Come out, have a great time, challenge yourself, and take part in a little friendly competition.

Teams encouraged—bring your crew!

👉 REGISTER TODAY and help support a great cause while having an awesome time on snow!

Ben Debenedictis

Stowe Mountain Resort |  Vail Resorts, Inc.

SRS Weekly Update 03/13/2026

Greetings Stowe Snow Pros,

Can you believe we’re down to just four weekends left of Group Lesson Programs? The end of the season is coming in hot! As we enter the home stretch, there’s a lot to share—so strap in and enjoy the ride.

TOP THINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND

• TERRAIN UPDATE

  • The Inspiration Trail enhanced learning terrain has been removed to reinforce our primary trail surface.

    • I’m stoked you all enjoyed that terrain this season, and I look forward to bringing it back next year.

  • Snow conditions have changed dramatically this week. Rapid spring warm-up reduced snowpack, exposed ground and running water, and then re-froze.
    → Please be cautious and mindful on hill.

• PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE

A quick reminder that being in proper uniform is essential to our professional presence, even on warmer days.

  • Jackets zipped up to the name tag

  • Gloves must remain on while skiing/riding

  • Teaching without the outer jacket/inner liner is allowed only if you are wearing a Stowe Ski & Ride Flannel with your name tag

  • Our professional appearance reflects our attention to detail and commitment to excellence

• GREEN UP

Spring melt reveals all kinds of surprises on the trails. When passing by, help keep Vermont beautiful by picking up trash where you can.

 

END OF SEASON ANNOUNCEMENTS

Season Ramp Down

  • March 22 – Final day of Sensation

  • March 29 – MANSFIELD INVITATIONAL CUP!

  • April 4 – Final day of Paid Parking

  • April 5

    • Final day of all Group Lessons

    • Final day of Spruce Lifts & Trails

    • Final day of Mansfield Gondola

  • April 19 – Targeted last day of skiing/riding on Mansfield

RETURNER INTEREST FORM – CLICK HERE

As part of our Workday transition, we need everyone to complete the Returner Interest Form.
It’s simple, fast, easy, and required.

Choose: Returning, Maybe, or No — that’s it.
Please complete this now to ensure you’re set for next season.

UNIFORM RETURN PROCESS

Returning uniforms is extremely important so they can be professionally cleaned, re-waterproofed, and/or repaired over the summer.
Equally important: making sure we have the correct sizing on record to avoid a repeat of the fall uniform challenges.

All uniforms must be returned at the end of the season.

How to Return Your Uniform

  1. Uniform bins will be placed in both the Adventure Center and MOC Locker Room.

  2. Empty all pockets.

  3. Remove your name tag (keep it for next year).

  4. Attach a hang tag to each garment including:

    • Your full name

    • Any issues or alterations needed

  5. Drop your uniform into the bin

FOB RETURN PROCESS

After your last day, you may continue using the MOC Locker Room for personal skiing/riding.

When you're truly done for the season, please place your FOB in the FOB RETURN LOCK BOX.

Returning your FOB this year supports us in getting you a working, activated FOB next year.
Failure to return your FOB may result in delayed access next season.

END OF SEASON REVIEWS

The team has begun conducting End of Season Reviews.
Every employee will receive a review and the opportunity for a conversation with a Pod Leader or Manager.

Most employees will receive an overall rating of “Achieves Expectations.”
This is a positive rating and reflects consistent delivery of what’s expected.

COMING SOON

  • Return Staff 26–27 Tentative Commitment Schedule

  • Tentative Return Staff & Training Dates

  • More End of Season details

  • Staff Party Announcement 🎉

Reminder: Continuous Listening Survey - Deadline 2/25

Greetings Stowe Snow Pros,

The Glint Continuous Listening Survey is now open, and we’re aiming for a 70% participation rate. Can you help us hit our goal?
Your feedback truly matters—to our Stowe team and to the broader Vail Resorts organization. Insights from your last survey directly informed meaningful changes this season. As we begin our final Continuous Listening Survey of the season for Seasonal Employees. 

This survey is confidential. Honest feedback — positive or constructive — is what helps us improve.

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE YOUR SURVEY!

Need Some Ideas for What to Share?

  • Employee Benefits

  • Scheduling and workload

  • Safety and Support on snow

  • Communication with Leadership

  • Training, Progression, and Recognition

  • Anything that you wish to share!

 

Insights from your last survey directly informed meaningful changes this season. As we begin our final Continuous Listening Survey of the season for Seasonal Employees, we want to share what we heard and what we’ve been working on.

Top Positive Themes

  • Appreciation for Stowe Leadership & Team Culture

  • Pride in Stowe

  • Strong Connection to Stowe

 

Top Constructive Themes

  • Onboarding & Technology Challenges

  • Resources & Equipment

  • Communication Overload

  • Recognition & Feedback Cadence

  • Safety & Guest Behaviors

  • Perks & Policy Changes

  • Belonging & Trust

We analyzed your feedback, identified themes, and developed both short- and long‑term plans to support meaningful change. Here are a few examples:

 

Onboarding Technology Challenges

Your feedback about SIS Status Rehire and onboarding challenges has been heard at both the local and company level. As a result, Vail Resorts will be transitioning to a new HR platform—Workday—at the end of the 2025–2026 season.
This will bring a fully redesigned onboarding experience next year with the goal of making your process smoother and more intuitive. More information will be shared as we get closer to the rollout.

Communication Overload

We identified two distinct themes:

1. Too Many Emails

Some employees were receiving excessive training reminders from TheLift for trainings they didn’t need. Thanks to your feedback, we identified and resolved many of these unnecessary assignments.

2. Difficulty Finding Key Information

To make communication clearer and more consistent, we’ve consolidated updates on StoweSnowPros.com, which now hosts:

  • All Senior Manager emails

  • The latest weekly video update

We’re also aligning the video and written updates to ensure consistency. This is a work in progress, and we appreciate your patience as we refine our communication flow.

 

Recognition and Feedback

We heard that End‑of‑Season reviews can feel surprising, overly standardized, or hard to read. In response:

  • David Jakubson is redesigning the EOS review template for clarity and readability.

  • POD leaders have also completed mid-season check‑ins to help create a more consistent feedback cadence.

 

Culture, Belonging, and Experiences

When I talk with our team, it’s clear how much you love Stowe and the culture we’ve built together. It’s the way we ski and ride, support each other, trust each other, and create a real sense of belonging and community. That’s always been driven by the backbone of this organization — YOU, the staff.

As we look at what made Stowe great in the past, we’re also focusing on how to carry that same feeling into the future. A few quick wins this season included:

  • Bringing back the Staff Photo & Social

  • Hosting three all‑staff morning meetings at the top of Meadows

  • Testing a few future ideas that aren’t quite ready to announce yet (Ski Racing, anyone?!)

This effort to reconnect with our culture is being driven by your local team here at Stowe, and it also aligns with a larger, company‑wide Vail Resorts initiative to support each resort’s unique identity and spirit.

All that said — we’re excited to bring some of the best pieces of the past forward, along with new ideas for the future.

Your Voice Shapes Our Future

Tell us what’s working, where we can improve, and what would make your experience better.

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE YOUR SURVEY!

This survey is confidential. Honest feedback — positive or constructive — is what helps us improve.

My Best, 

Tim Shannon

Senior Manager, Ski and Ride School

2/20 - Weekly Update

Greetings Stowe Snow Pros,

Tomorrow is shaping up to be a powder day, with 8"–13" of heavy, wet snow in the forecast. A few friendly reminders as we gear up:

Getting Here Safely

  • Locals love a Pow Day, expect early traffic.

  • Give yourself extra time for arrival.

  • Drive with caution: slow down, increase following distance, and stay alert.

  • Walk with Caution: Slippery Surfaces may exist under the snow surface. 

Wellness Check

It's the tail end of a holiday period, how are you feeling?

  • Fatigued?

  • Frustrated?

  • Rundown?

  • Recovering from illness?

These are normal phases in our line of work, but they impact sharpness and focus on the hill. Connect with each other and share what helps you work through the post‑holiday “hangover.”

 

A Friendly Reminder

Sometimes, the best way to take care of yourself and your guests is to rest.

As coaches, you’ll have many powder days ahead. If you’re feeling any of the above, consider saving tomorrow’s turns for another day, this won’t be your last shot at fresh snow.

 

Keep Yourself Healthy & Ready

  • Get quality sleep

  • Stay hydrated

  • Stretch

  • Warm up

  • Be mentally in the zone

 

Whether you’re out enjoying the storm tomorrow or taking a well‑deserved rest day, I hope it’s a great one.

 

See you soon!

My Best,

Tim Shannon

Senior Manager, Ski and Ride School

2/13 - President's Week is here.

Greetings Stowe Snow Pros,

Here are the top things you need to know going into the President's Holiday Period:

 

SAT 2/14 – EARLY MORNING MEETINGS

Please join us for an early morning meeting at the top of the Meadows Quad. The early load is for SRS Staff only:

  • Kids Programs: Load 8:10am

  • Adult & Private Programs: Load 8:25am

SUN 2/15 – STAFF PHOTO & COFFEE

We’re excited to bring back the annual staff photo! Please meet at the staircase leading up to the Adventure Triple at 7:45am.

Coffee will be available in the Canteen starting at 7:30am — we’re looking forward to connecting with you.

LESSON AVAILABILITY

President’s Week always brings high demand, and this season we’re seeing a significant increase in Private Lesson requests. Our team has worked hard to accommodate as many as possible, and as a result, nearly all lessons are already assigned for the week.

With limited remaining availability, we are not able to accommodate most requests to move from Group to Private lessons for the holiday period. 

If a guest would like to request a private lesson with you, please direct them to:

  • The Private Lesson Booking Form online, or

  • The Sales Desk in the Adventure Center

 

Please do not make promises to guests regarding changes this week. Thank you for your cooperation and alignment with this messaging.

EMPLOYEE CARPOOL DAYS

Be cool & carpool!

Help us improve the base experience and parking during the holiday week (Feb 14–19). There’s a free meal or $5 in Mountain Money in it for you. Let’s hit our goal together.

 

STAFF SHOUTOUTS

We’re proud to share that several team members were selected for highly competitive PSIA-AASI camps, which require support from Snowsports Management, Trainers, and a strong personal commitment.

Congratulations to:

Alpine Futures Camp

  • Mitchell Gill

  • Ryan Flannagan

Snowboard Futures Camp

  • Disco Steve

Women’s Performance Camp

  • Meghan Kelsey

  • Jess Yates

  • Nicolette Pocius 

Well done representing Stowe at a high level.

STAFF EVENTS

  • Fri 2/13 & Sat 2/14 – Employee Take Home Meal Pickup

  • Sat 2/14 – Wellness Roundtable, MOC Conference Room

  • Wed 2/18 – Wellness Roundtable, Base Experience Conference Room

  • Wed 2/18 – Wellness Yoga, Toll House Conference Center

See all of our Staff Events by clicking on the Warmth of Stowe link on Epic Employee, or Click Here!

Question: Which bear is best?

False. Black bear. Bears eat beets. Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica. – Dwight Schrute

See you all this weekend!

 

Tim Shannon

Senior Manager, Ski and Ride School

O: 802.253.3680

C: 609.330.4882

02/07/2026

Greetings Stowe Snow Pros,

WEEKLY RECAP
It’s been a fantastic start to February, and I want to send a special shoutout to our Competition Services Team. They successfully executed both the Founders Race and the Stowe High School Race, two keystone events of our season. While you may not see their work day-to-day, their efforts support a huge number of athletes and honor Stowe’s deep history in ski racing. Thank you for all you do.

SAFETY

An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect tonight through tomorrow. You know the drill:

  • Drink warm fluids

  • Wear all the layers

  • Use hand and toe warmers

  • Report any suspected frostbite immediately

  • Sunday kids’ meetings and lineups will be held indoors.

POLICY CORNER

Brian Grannon would like to remind everyone of expectations around punching in and out:

  • Arrive → Clock in → Boot up & travel to morning meeting (~15 min)

  • Morning meeting (~15 min)

  • Total: ~30 minutes on average prior to lesson start time

Additional reminders:

  • If you boot up early and take a warm-up lap in uniform, you must clock out after booting up, then clock back in when traveling to morning meeting.

  • After lessons, you may remain in uniform for a brief cool-down (a lap or two). These laps are off the clock. Punch out, cool down, and enjoy.

  • If you have a justifiable reason for being on the clock earlier or later than expected, please add a note in your Pro-Connect shift.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

  • 2/8 – Sliding with Shaun

  • 2/9 – Personal Ski Improvement | Kristi Robertson

  • 2/10 – Ski with Pete Novom

  • 2/11 – Ride with Bonnie

  • 2/11 – Level 2 Prep: Movement Analysis | Ben Debenedictis

  • 2/12 – Alpine Level 1 Assessment Prep

  • 2/12 – Level 3 Skiing Mock Assessment

  • 2/12 – Ride with Steve

  • 2/12 – Intro to Ski Racing | Meghan Kelsey (ST: Elective – View Clinic Participants)

FREE FOOD!

Order before February 9 — thanks to Warmth of Stowe!

 

EPIC WELLNESS MONTH

Take care of yourselves. See the attached file for details.

 

Finally, shoutout to Doug Stuart for catching my terrible mistake in the last email. He knows Tauntauns… and is probably a terrible shot.

 

These are not the droids you're looking for,  

 

Tim Shannon

Senior Manager, Ski and Ride School

SRS Weekly Update - 1/23/2026

Greetings Stowe Snow Pros,

WEEKLY RECAP

Did we really just make it through MLK weekend? It sure didn’t feel like MLK—because of you.
Your teamwork helped everything run smoothly, from grabbing extra trays at the sorting table to jumping in on lift queue organization. Thank you for showing up strong and supporting one another throughout the weekend!

 

EXTREME COLD WARNING – PLEASE PREPARE!

 

Tomorrow:

  • High: -11°F (base)

  • Winds: NW 20–30 mph

  • Wind Chill: -35°F to -50°F

 

Proper preparation is essential. Please:

  • Cover all exposed skin

  • Dress in warm, loose-fitting layers

  • Take frequent indoor breaks

  • Bring an extra pair of dry socks

  • Give your vehicle extra warm‑up time

  • Use the bus tracker to limit unnecessary time outside

 

Your safety comes first—prepare accordingly.

 

SATURDAY MEETING LOCATION CHANGES

All groups will meet indoors, except Busters.

  • Private Lessons: Great Room

  • Adult Group Lessons: Theater

  • Children’s Group Lessons: Adventure Center, 2nd Floor

    • Gear may come inside

  • Busters Groups: Midway

    • Be ready for a quick outdoor meeting before heading to a lift or warming up indoors

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Mon-Tue Jan 26-27: Helly Hansen Trust Tour

  • Wed Jan 28: Employee Ice Skating

  • Thu Jan 29: Pizza & The Inn

  • Fri-Sat Jan 30-31: Winter Glow

 

FEEDBACK NEEDED – HELLY HANSEN

Helly Hansen is sending a team from Oslo to gather your professional feedback on our uniforms.

Your insights—both positive and constructively critical—will help shape the next iteration of our outerwear.

 

👉 Submit Feedback Here

 

What is the internal Temperature of a Bantha? ...... Lukewarm! 😆

 

My Best, 

Tim Shannon

Slippery Door Thresholds in the MOC

Stowe Snow Pros,

 

Please be advised that the metal door thresholds in the MOC have worn grip and slip‑resistant indicators, leaving exposed metal as the primary surface. This creates a potential Slip, Trip, and Fall hazard for anyone entering or exiting the MOC.

 

Until repairs are completed, please use extra caution and remain aware of the thresholds when moving in and out of the MOC locker room. 

 

A work ticket has been submitted to address and correct this issue.

 

Thank you,

 

Tim Shannon

Senior Manager, Ski and Ride School

Sunday 1/18/2026

Stowe Pros, Thanks for a fantastic day!

Sunday AM (Tomorrow) ADULT GROUP & PRIVATE LESSON COACHES Please meet at Meadows Quad at 8:25 for morning meeting at the top of meadows.

Children's Coaches, please report to your regularly scheduled morning meeting location in the base area. 

See you tomorrow, 

 

Tim Shannon

Senior Manager, Ski and Ride School

MLK Weekend

Stowe Snow Pros,

Here are three things you need to know this Holiday Weekend.

Breakfast & Early Morning Meeting & Top of Meadows Quad

  • Free Breakfast Sandwiches &  Morning Meeting thanks to Warmth of Stowe!

  • 8:10am Lift Load for all Kids Programs

  • 8:25am Lift Load for Adult and Private Programs. 

Safety

  • Don't let safety slide! Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Lets end our holiday as healthy as we started it.

Congrats!

  • Congrats to all of our newly minted Level 1 and CS1 instructors. If you see them on the hill please give them a big congrats!

Let's have a great weekend!

My Best, 

Tim Shannon

Senior Manager, Ski and Ride School