The Sawtooth Crew’s primary role is to help build the course and assist with course maintenance during the training runs and races.  These are ‘on course’ roles and are physically demanding.  You do need to be an expert skier, in good physical condition, have well maintained equipment that is appropriate for the course, and be able to handle a steep and very icy piste.  Prior race course experience is not required, but is helpful. You will volunteer alongside the pro-staff teams including the Sun Valley Competition Services Team, Sun Valley Mountain Operations, and the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation.

Register for the Sawtooth Crew

Volunteer Requirements

If you wish to participate, all volunteers are required to: 

• Have a valid email address and cell phone number Complete an online application and agree to the waiver
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Commit to a minimum of 4 days 
• Be willing to listen to and take direction from your Section Chief and be eager to learn
• Be an expert skier physically capable of handling an extremely icy ski surface
• Be able to schedule at least one ‘first experience day’ prior to a hot track (March 6 - March 19, 2025)
• Bring your own equipment and traction devices appropriate for your assignment
• Bring skis with a traditional alpine binding
• Provide and wear a helmet
• Provide your own housing

For a four-day minimum commitment you will receive:

• A technical Mammut ski jacket with the official Stifel Sun Valley Finals logo
• One unrestricted, transferable, adult lift ticket for every full day shift worked. Complimentary tickets are valid for one year from the date of issue and may not be sold.
• Continental type breakfast on each day you volunteer
• To Go style lunch and snacks on each day you volunteer
• A daily ski pass for the days you are scheduled
• Discounted lodging at partner properties
• Volunteer appreciation gift for 6 or more days
• An amazing experience and lasting memory!

Important Items You Need to Know

• Helmets are required. ‘Skis on, helmet on.’
• Traction devices are highly encouraged, but not required.  If you own crampons, and have experience with them, you are welcome to bring and use them.  Devices such as hiking crampons (shorter bottom spikes, no toe spikes) are most likely a more appropriate device.  Devices with a short metal spike, similar to micro-spikes, may be adequate depending on your assigned location.  Devices with a short stud or cable generally are inadequate for the icy terrain.
• Snowboards, AT gear, and telemark skis are not permitted within the venue. 
• All Sawtooth Crew volunteers will be required to schedule at least one ‘first experience day’ prior to the first Downhill Training Day (Thursday March 20th). The dates available for your first day are Thursday March 6th to Wednesday March 19th. The purpose of this requirement is to familiarize everyone with our brand new venue and get into a groove before the races begin! We also want to make sure you are comfortable on the icy piste.
• There is a 4-day minimum requirement but we are tremendously grateful if you can do more than that. These do not need to be consecutive days, and can be a mix of prep period, speed disciplines, and tech disciplines.  

By volunteering for Stifel Sun Valley Finals, you are volunteering for U.S. Ski and Snowboard. USSS is a nonprofit organization and the national governing body for skiing and snowboarding in the United States with a mission to support athlete training, development, competition, and educational needs.