Alpine
Alpine ski racing is designed to reward the fastest athletes as they navigate a series of gates down the mountain. Alpine racing takes grit, grace, and courage every time you stand at the start gate.
Our Alpine training starts at age 5 with a focus on skier safety, technical ability, balance, and coordination. As skiers progress, we continue to focus on foundational skills through free skiing, drill progressions, and gate training. When skiers are developmentally ready, they begin to move into specific training for each of the ski racing disciplines: Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G, and Downhill.
By the time athletes reach high school, they follow a rigorous training schedule that includes balancing time on snow, off-snow conditioning, travel to races, and preparation projects. Competitions and travel vary by individual based on the athlete’s ability, rank, and goals. Most FIS (International Ski & Snowboard Federation) athletes follow the Western Region FIS schedule with divisional starts mixed in as needed. More competitive athletes travel nationally or internationally for additional experience and advancement.
Alpine U8
Our U8 program for ages 5-7 is a foundational program focused on the techniques and skills needed to become an expert skier. The program focuses on phases 1-2 of the US Ski & Snowboard Alpine Training System. Our teams train on-snow for approximately 50 days with an emphasis on adventure and mileage. Our coaches create a fun environment for their teams while working on skier safety, technical ability, balance, and coordination. Athletes with sufficient ability will be exposed to gate training in our race arena.
Ages 5-7 as of December 31
This program is not for beginners who do not have ski experience. Sugar Bowl offers lessons and seasonal programs through their Snowsports School that are better suited for beginners.
Our U10 program continues to build on the foundations established in the U8 program, with focus on the foundational techniques and skills needed to become an expert skier. This program follows the guidelines of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard athlete development model with training 2-3 days per week during the winter. Athletes will have a focus on gate training in our race arena. U10 athletes are encouraged to enter Far West races as directed by their coaches. The U10 program typically has one optional on-snow project available during the summer.
Ages 8-9 as of December 31
Alpine U10
Our Alpine U12 team is an intermediate to advanced program that focuses on phases 2-3 of the US Ski & Snowboard Alpine Training System. This team offers increased specialization and gives athletes the option to advance to full-time training, if desired. Athletes train with directed free skiing, drill progressions, and gate training in our race arena. U12 athletes are highly encouraged to enter Far West races as directed by their coaches. The U12 program typically has one optional on-snow project during the summer. Athletes have multiple program options:
School program for advanced Alpine racing, grades 6-12
Team program for specialized Alpine racing, ages 10-11
Athletes who are interested in advanced competition should enroll in the school program, which provides world-class athletics and college preparatory academics on the same mountain.
Ages 10-11 as of December 31
Alpine U12
Our Alpine U14 team is an intermediate to advanced program that focuses on phases 2-3 of the US Ski & Snowboard Alpine Training System. This team offers increased specialization and gives athletes the option to advance to full-time training, if desired. Athletes train with directed free skiing, drill progressions, and gate training in our race arena. U14 athletes are highly encouraged to enter Far West races as directed by their coaches. The U14 program typically has multiple optional on-snow projects during the summer and fall to increase on-snow training opportunities prior to the start of the winter season. Athletes have multiple program options:
School program for advanced Alpine racing, grades 6-12
Team program for specialized Alpine racing, ages 12-13
Athletes who are interested in advanced competition should enroll in the school program, which provides world-class athletics and college preparatory academics on the same mountain.
Ages 12-13 as of December 31
Alpine U14
The Alpine U16 team requires a significant commitment to training and travel, particularly for athletes who want to progress competitively. Athletes are in phases 3-4 of the US Ski & Snowboard Alpine Training System and follow a rigorous training schedule that includes time on snow, off-snow conditioning, travel to races, and on-snow preparation projects. Athletes train with directed free skiing, drill progressions, and gate training in our race arena. U16 athletes are highly encouraged to enter Far West races as directed by their coaches. The U16 program has multiple optional and highly encouraged on-snow projects during the summer and fall to increase on-snow training opportunities prior to the start of the winter season. Athletes have multiple program options:
School program for advanced Alpine racing, grades 6-12
Team program for specialized Alpine racing, ages 14-15
Athletes who are interested in advanced competition should enroll in the school program, which provides world-class athletics and college preparatory academics on the same mountain.
Ages 14-15 as of December 31
Team registration will open on Thursday, March 12.
Alpine U16
Alpine FIS
The Alpine FIS team requires a significant commitment to training and travel. Athletes are in phases 3-4 of the US Ski & Snowboard Alpine Training System and follow a rigorous training schedule that includes time on snow, off-snow conditioning, travel to races, and on-snow preparation projects. We highly recommend athletes at this level select a full-year program due to the demands of competing at this level. Coaches work with athletes to determine an appropriate competition schedule for the season, with races typically in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The FIS program has multiple optional and highly encouraged on-snow projects during the summer and fall to increase on-snow training opportunities prior to the start of the winter season. Athletes have multiple program options:
School program for advanced Alpine racing, grades 9-12
Postgraduate team program for advanced Alpine racing, post high school graduation
Team program for specialized Alpine racing, ages 16+
School-aged athletes who are interested in advanced competition should enroll in the school program, which provides world-class athletics and college preparatory academics on the same mountain.
Ages 16+ as of December 31