Programs run  8:30 am to 3 pm (Lunch 11:30 am to 12:30 pm) from November 24, 2012 - March 30, 2013,  Weekends, Dec. 22-24 and Dec. 26-30, Jan. 21 (MLK) and February 16-24.

All programs require a helmet, no soft ears for all programs above U8 (ages 6-7)

To compete, athletes must be members of the Vermont Alpine Racing Association(VARA) and the United States Ski Association (USSA); non-scored for U12 and U14. NOTE: not required for U8 (ages 6-7), race participation encouraged for U10. 

Book Online: Junior Alpine Racing

Book Online: Junior Alpine Racing (+ Fridays)

U8 Program (ages 6 & 7)

Designed to introduce young skiers to the Stratton Mountain Winter Sports Club, all-mountain skiing and skiing fundamentals with a fun approach to free skiing, drills and skills. Participants must be self-sufficient, able to ride the lift alone,  put on their own equipment and ski parallel down intermediate terrain.  Emphasis is on fun, learning fundamental skills and lots of skiing. Fun home races later in the season,  but no travel. 

U10 Program (ages 8 & 9)

Emphasis is on building basic balance, skiing fundamentals and strong free skiing technique with an introduction to ski race training. The goal is promote sound skiing skills which will help build stronger racers. Five Southern Vermont Council races give participants the opportunity to experience competition.  Participants must be able to ride the lift alone, put on their own equipment and ski more advanced terrain.  We encourage race participation which requires VARA and USSA (non-scored)  memberships.  Participants should have current model GS-style ski and properly fitted boots.

U12 Program (ages 10-11)

Designed to continue development of basic skiing fundamentals through free skiing, drill work, drill courses  and gate training. Strong skiing skills are a prerequisite with an emphasis on carving. At this level, we increase race tactic training and competition but basic skiing fundamentals and free skiing continue to be the primary focus.  Five Southern Vermont Council races scheduled.  Those who participate in at least half the SVC races will qualify for a two-day Vermont State Championship in March.  Equipment needs  include:  Helmet (no ‘soft ears’), slalom protection gear,  GS suit and properly sized current slalom and giant slalom skis.  

U14 Program (ages 12-13)

We continue to focus on skiing skill development through technical free skiing fundamentals, drill courses, video analysis and and an increase in gate training and competition with an introduction to Super-G/speed elements, training and racing.  Athletes must be strong skiers, confident on the entire mountain. Five Southern Vermont Council races with top performers advancing to a Vermont State Championship; top performers here will advance to Eastern Championships.  Equipment needs include: Helmet (no ‘soft ears’),  GS suit, slalom protection gear, and properly sized slalom, giant slalom and Super-G skis.  It is strongly recommend that athletes wear back protection when training GS and Super-G.  

U16 Program (ages 14 & 15)

Most of the athletes in this program have had a number of years of racing experience and are expert skiers. We continue to work on technical free skiing with an increased focus on conditioning, gate training, racing and video analysis.  Athletes participate in the Southern Vermont Council race series and USSA Vermont Cup races.  Athletes participating in at least half the SVC races will qualify for the Vermont State Championship, top performers here move on to an Eastern Championship event.  Athletes will also focus on developing their USSA ‘point profile’ by competing in the ‘scored’ competitions (Vermont Cups).  Equipment needs include: Helmet (no ‘soft ears’), GS suit, slalom protection gear,  back protector and properly sized SL, GS and SG skis. 

U18/21 Program (ages 16-18)

For high school athletes who want to continue their ski racing in a weekend program. Athletes participate in the USSA Vermont Cup ‘scored’ events; stronger competitors may qualify for an Eastern FIS race. Additional training on varied terrain gives an advantage as athletes continue to build technical and tactical skills through technical free skiing, drill courses, increased gate training and video analysis.  Equipment needs include:  Helmet (no ‘soft ears’), GS suit, slalom protection gear, back protector and properly sized SL, GS and SG skis.  Note: athletes hoping to compete at a FIS level will need to purchase a FIS license prior to the season.

SMWSC Extended Program (U12 and U14)

Invitation-only program designed for the athlete interested in competing at the top of their ability with additional Friday and mid-week training on top of the weekend/holiday schedule.  Designed to give the highly motivated Stratton Mountain Winter Sports Club athletes the opportunity to ski and train more,  on a more varied terrain, giving an advantage in the development of technical and tactical skills.  Athletes must apply to become participants in the Extended Program with the Winter Sports Clubs Alpine Program Director.