AGE GROUP:
12 to 15 yrs old - BIRTH YEAR 2007-2010 (discuss U18 options with director)
DESCRIPTION:
At the U14/16 age groups, we strongly recommend full time programs. This is the age when things start to pick up for a ski racer who has had years of racing experience and is looking to compete. This can also be an age where athletes might decide they want to start racing. This program is designed for the serious ski racer who is dedicated to learning technical and tactical skills,as well as those who want to start racing at an older age and want to sharpen their fundamental skills. Our programs provide coaching for multiple skill levels at this age with video analysis to help athletes see areas of improvement. Pre-season strength and conditioning starts in September and is included in tuition. Goal setting starts pre-season and is revisited two times during the season with meetings to track progress. Our U14 program now has more coaching staff available for in-depth and more immediate feedback. This program will start skiing as a group as soon as local resorts are open.
The part-time/full-time tuition will reflect more training time for those that are committed to more competition. Full Time 2 or 3 is recommended for those looking to be competitive at the regional level. The Full Time 1 and Part Time option at the U14/U16 age group is a solution for both keeping those involved that can't commit to full time travel schedules and for those who want to start racing at a later age. Athletes compete in Southern Series races at Purgatory (early January), Flagstaff (early February), and Taos (mid/late March). Commited athletes also compete in USSA sanctioned events within the Rocky Mountain Division (RMD) with opportunities to advance to competitions at the regional and national level.
Depending on age group, the team trains 40-60% of the time in gates to focus on tactics and techniques important to ski racing. However, an emphasis on free skiing is also incorporated into training, keeping in mind that to build a strong racer, you must first have a strong skier in all situations.
Where and When:
- Up to 32 Saturday & Sundays at Purgatory. Beginning December 3rd - March 27th, 9am-3pm (typically at Purgatory with possible days at Chapman or Hesperus)
- Weeknight training options are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays at Chapman Hill. Tuesday and Wednesday are recommended for this group.
- Chapman Hill - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday nights 6:30-8:30pm - Chapman Hill is extremely valuable training. The rope tow allows for higher density training on great snow surfaces for racing. Our groups work on skills courses, focused free-skiing, and gate training at Chapman Hill.
- Hesperus - Nights 4-7pm - Hesperus offers great powder skiing, variable groomed and mogul terrain, and good gate training when conditions allow. Hesperus sessions are rare and may be a substitute for Chapman when free skiing is our best option.
- Mid-Week training typically starts the first week in January and finishes mid-March. These dates are weather dependent and may be earlier or later.
Tuition Includes:
- 32 Saturday/Sunday training days at Purgatory and Race Days depending on Age Class and preseason skiing.
- 10-20 Gates & Drills Nights at Chapman Hill Jan-Mar (days of the week TBD)
- Dedicated training access to NASTAR Race Course and additional DWSC training space
- Video feedback: 2-3/per week
- Goal Setting and assessment with coaches
- Mid-season and end-of-season reviews (written and meeting with coaches/parents/athlete)
- Sports Psych: General mental training provided by coaches and special guests
- Race equipment fitting and team purchasing specials at team gear night and Pine Needle Mountaineering
- Ski tuning discounts at Pine Needle Mountaineering
- Ski Tuning Support and Clinics (parents welcome)
- In-season strength and conditioning training 2-3 per month
- Preseason fall hikes (Saturdays- parents welcome)
- Preseason strength and conditioning training 2/week
- Total coaching time: 188 or 208 hours approximately
TUITION DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Purgatory Resort Ski Pass
- Chapman Hill Ski Pass
- Race Equipment
- Travel Fees (only if traveling to races)
- USSA Membership
- Purg Cup/ special events entry fees
Equipment Guidelines:
- Front entry 4 buckle boot
- 2 pair junior race ski appropriate for SL/GS. 1 pair free ski/powder ski recommended.
- Appropriate Length Poles
- Hard ear race helmet. FIS approved if racing USSA.
- Speed suit, pole guards, mouth guards, shin guards, etc. (optional depending on level)
- Well-fitting goggles and gloves.
- Appropriate jackets and pants for various weather conditions.