Frequently Asked Questions

Does Downhill Demons meet regularly?  No, we have 3 meetings per year:  1 general organization/information meeting in the fall and one approximately two weeks before each trip (for only those students on that trip).  Those meeting dates will be posted in the student bulletin and on the Downhill Demons web page.  However, we will have a general information flyer available for Freshmen on Orientation Day in August.

Where can the advisor be found?  Ms. Pontieri's's room is 619 in D building (one floor below the Media Center). 

Where do I turn in the check and forms?  All checks (made out to GHS Downhill Demons) and forms for the trips are handed in person.   In order to secure your spot on either trip, you must turn in all three pieces (check, permission slip and medical/insurance form)!!!

Please do not leave these items in a school mailbox as students are added to the list on a "first come, first served" basis.

Who do I make the check out to?  Like we just stated, "GHS Downhill Demons"

Why does the Loon trip cost more than Sunday River?  Loon is more expensive because the dates are during "peak season" and the Sunday River dates are  in "early season".

How do I know if I'm on a trip?  You will receive an email from Ms. Pontieri (provided she can read your handwriting) to confirm your place on a trip.  Students must turn their checks, permission slip and medical form in order to have his/her name added to the appropriate list.  You will only be notififed via email if we can read your handwriting so PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY!!!

In addition, we will notify students of any changes or important information regarding a trip via email (and, if time permits, the daily bulletin and school news web site).  We will also notify those students who are on the wait list via email.

How many students and chaperones are  on each trip?  Up to 40 students and 4-6 faculty/adult chaperones

I handed in my stuff too late- what do I do?  If you are not one of the first 40 students to hand in all 3 necessary pieces, your name will be added to a wait list.  We will keep your permission slip and medical form, but NOT YOUR CHECK.  If, in the event a student on the trip can no longer go, he/she will contact students from the wait list in the order in which they appear. 

I signed up to go on a trip but now I don't want to go, something came up, I just got invited to a party, I'm sick, etc.  What can I do?  Get the names and numbers of students from the wait list.  Contact these students.  If they want to go, they will make a check out to you for the amount of the trip (permission and medical forms will have been on file already).  BE SURE TO LET US KNOW!!!  No reimbursement will be made if you cannot find a substitute. 

Within two weeks of the trip, the substitute MUST BE OF THE SAME GENDER!!!  This is because the rooms have been assigned by this point and are no longer flexible!!!  We would be charged for an additional room and we don't have the money for that!!!

What happens if school is cancelled due to inclement weather?  A decision will be made as soon as possible between the administration, the bus company and the club advisors.   We will make every attempt to contact you via email, phone, GHS web site, Downhill Demons web site and WGCH radio.  Decisions are made with your (and our) safety in mind!

Best case is we leave earlier than originally planned.  Not so great case is we come back early (and ONLY if it is in your best interest!)  Worst case, the trip is cancelled. 

OK, so the trip goes on but either I don't want to go or my parents no longer want me to go.  Can I get a refund?  No.  Refunds will NOT be issued if the trip proceeds as planned. 

That's rather harsh- why is that?  We're getting a really good deal on each trip, based on group rates of 40 students in attendance.    We still have to pay that amount whether you choose to go or not.  It's like if you had tickets for a Broadway show or professional sporting event and you chose not to go or were sick but the show still went on- you wouldn't receive a refund.  Try to find a substitute from the wait list.  Keep in mind, however, that within two weeks of the trip, your substitute MUST BE THE SAME GENDER AS YOU (because rooming assignments have already been made)!!!  If you cannot find a same gender replacement within two weeks of the trip, you will forfeit your money.  More than two weeks, you can find anyone to take your place, provided they hand in the medical form and permission slip prior to departure.

What if the trip is cancelled due to inclement weather?   If the trip is cancelled, you will be issued a refund, less any non-refundable deposits made for accomodations and transportation.

What do I need to bring?  An updated detailed list will be posted to each trip's subpage.

Are the Cardinal Rules in effect during the trip?  YES!!!!  Appropriate consequences will be issued for any non-compliance  of school rules while on the trip!  This includes contacting your parents, school administration and the appropriate authorities. 

Is Downhill Demons the same as the GHS Ski team? 

No, GHS  has a very competitive ski team coached by Mr. Paul Meyfohrt (but all of our chaperones are skiers/boarders).  There are tryouts to make the team, which practices either on site or at GHS and/or competes every day during the winter season. All questions regarding the Ski TEAM should be directed to Mr. Meyfohrt.