Racing Programs

Our coaches create a season-long curriculum that values: fundamentals, fearlessness, and fun.

The competitor age groups are determined by birth year. All ages are determined as of December 31st of the racing season. Participants in the Alpine Racing program must have active memberships with both the US Ski & Snowboard Association (USSA) and NY State Ski Racing Association (NYSSRA) in order to enter races.

Our training plans follow the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Training Systems for long-term athlete development when snow conditions and athlete fitness allow. Recommended training structures for each age group are described below.

Training for our Alpine Racing athletes starts in early December (staggered by age group when the mountain is open) and continues through mid March. These groups train at Greek Peak during the Holiday Camp and on Saturdays and Sundays (on non-race weekends) from 9am-1pm. Weeknight training from 6pm to 8pm is included; see age groups below for details. All Alpine Racing athletes have equipment requirements.

Holiday Camp is included with all racing programs.

U10 (Ages 8-9)

The U10 program continues focuses on strong fundamentals and an introduction to ski racing emphasizing dynamic balance, pole plants, edging and pressure skills, proper body positioning and activities that emphasize a wide variety of terrain and turn shapes. Races will include GS, Slalom (with stubby gates), Panel Slalom and Kombi. Training is 65 percent coached free skiing, 20 percent coached drills and 10 percent coached gate training.

Training/Races on Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursday night 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

At the U10 & U12 level, athletes will be able to compete at several Central Council Races. The mountains that make up the Central Council are: Greek Peak, Labrador, and Song. The final U10/U12 race of the season is the weekend Kandahar Festival which is held at different mountains each year.

Please note: Race fees are not included in the program fees and each athlete must register for races at Admin Ski Racing (www.adminskiracing.com).

U12 (Ages 10-11)

The U12 program focuses on a continued introduction to race techniques as well as strong fundamentals including dynamic balance, pole plants, outside ski dominance, edging and pressure skills, activities that emphasize a wide variety of terrain and turn shapes. Races will include GS, Slalom (with stubby gates), Panel Slalom and Kombi. Training is 45 percent coached free skiing, 20 percent coached drills and 25 percent coached gate training.

Training/Races on Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursday night 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tuesday night 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. is available at additional cost paid during registration).

Please note: Race fees are not included in the program fees and each athlete must register for races at Admin Ski Racing (www.adminskiracing.com).

U14 (Ages 12-13)

The U14 program continues to focus on earlier program’s techniques and adds tactical elements including gate blocking, speed elements, course inspection and line strategy. Races will include GS, slalom (with tall gates), panel slalom and super-G. Training is 30% coached free skiing, 20% coached drills and 35% coached gate training.

Training and races are 9 a.m. to 1 p..m on Saturday and Sunday and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

At the U14 level, New York State is divided into Eastern and Western divisions. At the end of the season, athletes will compete in an open U14 State Championships with an opportunity to qualify for post-season, Eastern-level events. Beginning at the U14 level there are more equipment requirements than at previous age groups.

Please note: Race fees are not included in the program fees and each athlete must register for races at Admin Ski Racing (www.adminskiracing.com).

U16 (Ages 14-15)

The U16 program continues to focus on earlier program’s techniques and applies technical skills to event specific tactics. Races will include GS, slalom and super-G. Training is 20 percent coached free skiing, 20 percent coached drills and 40 percent coached gate training. The number of races and amount of travel within New York State increases at this level.

Training and races are on Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights 6 to 8 p.m.

U18+ (Ages 16-18)

The U18+ program continues to focus on earlier program’s techniques and applies technical skills to event specific tactics. Races will include GS, slalom, and super-G and. Training is 15 percent coached free skiing, 15 percent coached drills and 45 percent coached gate training.

Training and races on Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights 6 to 8 p.m.

The U16 and U18+ athletes typically train together during the season. At the U16 and U18+ level, athletes will participate in the NYSSRA Sports Page Series. Athletes will compete to qualify for the Empire State Winter Games. Ranking is based on results from the Sports Page Series. Separate State Championships are held for U16 and U18+. State Championships are open races and the only requirement for participation is having raced in 2 Sports Page Series races in during the season. The top athletes at the State Championships will qualify for the USSS Eastern-level events.