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Talon Crew Volunteer Registration is STILL OPEN
2022 Xfinity Birds of Prey
Fri. Nov. 25 to Sun. Dec. 4, 2022
UPDATES 10/22/22
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A big thanks to all who have already registered! We've had a fantastic recruiting season and we're nearly full already. It wouldn't be a Birds Of Prey without some changes however. As requested by FIS to accommodate the live European broadcast, this year our training and race start times have been moved up by 45 minutes to 10:00 am, local time. This will be a challenge for us, but one we are up to. With less time in the morning to prepare the course, we've decided to extend our registration season and add addition positions for volunteers during the Down Hill Training and Race Days.
If you are still considering joining us, we still need you! Please use the link at the bottom to register.
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The trend at this point is that we will return to a more normal program this year. It will be very similar to last year, less the implications of the COVID protocols.
- Acceptance Confirmations have been sent to all volunteers who have submitted an application.
- The Volunteer Welcome Party has been confirmed. It will be in Ford Hall - Powder 8 on Wed. Nov. 30, 2022 at 6:30pm.
- We do have lodging deals for Talon Crew this year and they have been posted on the website
- We are confirmed for that amazing breakfast buffet, daily at Powder 8.
- The Volunteer Store will return this year and we have a ton of new merchandise , including embroidered backpacks.
- The current weather forecast is looking very favorable. Winter will be arriving on Sunday with upwards of a foot of new snow in the high country and perhaps as much as 5-7 days of cold for round the clock snowmaking.
- All Talon Crew (on-course) dates are still open except for Course Build 3, Sun. Nov. 27.
- All off-course roles, Course Security, Banners, and Race Officials roles have checked in full and are now closed.
- We'll have a detailed newsletter out to all confirmed volunteers in a couple of weeks.
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The Talon Crew Team is pleased to announce that volunteer registration is now OPEN and we welcome you to participate in the premier Audi FIS Alpine World Cup Ski Race, at the Xfinity Bird of Prey in Beaver Creek, Colorado.
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Recently the Vail Valley Foundation announced the return of the 2022 Xfinity Birds of Prey Audi FIS World Cup Ski Races at Beaver Creek, Colorado. The Xfinity Birds of Prey races are a GO. This year at Beaver Creek, we will again be all about speed. This means no GS on Sunday. We are currently planning on Men's Downhill on Friday and Saturday and a Super G on Sunday.
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PROGRAM FOR TALON CREW VOLUNTEERS
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As part of the Event Crew, Talon 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 and able to handle an often steep and icy piste. We work hand-in-hand with other teams on the course including the Beaver Creek Race Department and Ski and Snowboard Club Vail.
If you wish to participate, and we hope you do, all volunteers must complete an online application, "agree" to the waiver, and have a valid email address and cell phone number. You must be 18 or older. You need to commit to a minimum of four days in order to receive your jacket, SWAG, credential, meals, and lift access, but these do not need to be consecutive days. Race days are usually the first to fill, and we are in most need of volunteers on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving Day during the course build.
For a four-day minimum commitment you will receive:
- A Shred Dog uninsulated hardshell weather-protected jacket with the official Xfinity Birds of Prey logo.
- A Big Truck hat embroidered with the official Xfinity Birds of Prey logo.
- Ski socks from Wigwam.
- Elk Skin winter work gloves courtesy of Mountain House
- Breakfast buffet and lunch daily.
- Volunteer Welcome Party at Powder 8 restaurant
- Sunday BBQ. (May happen but TBD at this point)
- Two free ski tune-ups at Beaver Creek Sports.
- Daily ski storage right next to the Centennial Express Lift 6.
- An 10-day ski pass good at Vail and Beaver.
- Free parking in the Elk Lot.
- Half-price discounts on Epic Mountain Express airport shuttle service.
- Extra gifts for six and nine days of volunteering
- An Epic Experience!
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Currently, we do not anticipate any required COVID-19 protocols from the FIS. Therefore, volunteers will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination and face covers will be optional. All individuals, whether they choose to wear a face covering or not, will be welcomed and respected.
Our policy still remains, if you are sick or experience symptoms, please stay home and follow CDC guidelines for exposure or a positive test.
The above-listed policies may be adjusted at any time based on new circumstances or updated guidance from the FIS, or local healthcare partner, or State or County Public Health.
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Our website contains much of the information you need to know relative to your participation in the event and should be your go-to place for need to know information. It has been updated with the times and dates for the 2022 Program. This is also where you can access your VicNet account, check the calendar, change your schedule, and see your assignment.
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VOLUNTEER INFORMATION CENTER (VicNet)
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Your application will automatically create, or reactivate, your account at our Volunteer Information Center (a.k.a. VicNet). The VicNet is the volunteer portal where you can see your confirmed schedule, update your profile, and 'Opt In' for daily text updates. The link for VicNet is also on the Talon Crew website.
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IMPORTANT ITEMS YOU NEED TO KNOW
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- Helmets are required. Skis on, helmet on.
- Traction devices are required. Crampons are preferred, but 'micro-spikes' are acceptable for those who don't have experience with crampons, and are stationed below the Pump House on the lower course. Crampons can be borrowed from the Race Dept if you don't own your own. Your crew chief can help you with this. Skis off, traction devices on.
- Snowboards are not allowed on the venue. After all, this is a ski race. Once you are on the piste, you'll understand why.
- First time participants are very much welcome, but you are required to volunteer at least one day during Course Build prior to the first DH Training Day. The dates available for your first day are Fri. Nov. 25 to Mon. Nov. 28, 2022. The purpose of this day is to assign you to a buddy and give you some exposure to life on the course prior to the much more chaotic days when we run racers.
- After you submit your application you will receive an automated confirmation. Please allow some time for your application to be processed. Once you receive your acceptance confirmation email, you are then confirmed and your VicNet account will become active so that you can see your schedule.
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Volunteers are requested to provide their own lodging or accommodation. Typically, returning veterans group together and share a condo or lodge room or have friends in the valley. We have expanded our event partner lodging offerings that will be available for the Talon Crew. This will include accommodations in Beaver Creek Village as well as within the Town of Avon. Kathy Walter is our Housing Coordinator and can provide you with that information and assist in helping you find a place to stay if needed. She can be reached at housing@taloncrew.com. You will also be able to find information on available lodging discounts and packages by visiting the Talon Crew website.
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Our primary method of communicating with you is via email and text message. Email communication will include items such as confirmations, updates, and newsletters as well as schedule reminders the day before you are scheduled to volunteer. Text messages can also be used, at your option, for schedule reminders, start time confirmations, and last-minute schedule changes due to weather. We strongly recommend that you opt in for the text messages through the application process as this is the best way we have to communicate last-minute changes and confirmations.
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Talon Crew represents the largest workforce at the Xfinity Birds of Prey. We typically have a team of 325 volunteers. The veterans of Talon Crew are the best resource we have to recruit new volunteers. Please feel free to share this newsletter and link with your friends, family, and racecourse fans. Any recruiting help you can offer is always greatly appreciated!
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HOW TO REGISTER FOR TALON CREW
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To start your registration as a Talon Crew volunteer, please click on the red link below. The registration link is also posted on our website and is active now. We strongly encourage all volunteers to review the content of the website first, particularly the Crew Guide portion. This has all the who, what, when and where information that you need to know. After you review this, you can also register by clicking the Join the Crew button on the homepage.
Please note that additional crews, such as Course Security, Start/Finish Officials, Timing and Calculations, Race Secretariat, Course Medical, Banners and Administration, will receive a separate application link that they should use.
If you are interested in an off-course role at the Finish Venue or in Beaver Creek Village, you should start with this link: VVF Volunteers. You can also email vvfvolunteer@vvf.org
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As our many returning veteran volunteers know, Talon Crew is a fantastic experience and these races would not be possible without the experience and dedication you bring us. The Talon Crew Team works very hard to make sure you have a meaningful, worthwhile and well-organized experience. We look forward to volunteering with you again and welcome first timers to join in.
We hope to see you on the hill in Beaver Creek this fall!
Steve Prawdzik Sean Norris
Volunteer Coordinator On-Hill Coordinator
steve@taloncrew.com sean@taloncrew.com
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