Our introdu ctory weekend program for new members aged 8-9 years old with no racing experience.  It's designed for skiers who want to improve their skills, and are looking for a fun weekend program.   

  • Focuses on alpine fundamentals, with an introduction to slalom and giant slalom racing and gate tactics.
  • All Development Team participants are required to participate in 75% of the practices.  The optional December Holiday camp is strongly encouraged but not required. 

 

Ages:  

  • 8-9 years old
  • Ages are as of December 31st. 

Minimum Requirements:

  • Able to ski 'Blue' trails at Liberty Mountain (i.e. Upper Heavenly) in a parallel stance comfortably at speed and with no wedge turns (i.e. no snow plow)
  • Demonstrate a willingness to ski ALL available terrain at Liberty Mountain (skiers will not be evaluated in how they ski other trails, just their willingness to do so)
  • Demonstrate a willingness to participate in group skiing tasks, receptiveness to coaching feedback, and a desire to improve
  • Self sufficient and able to:    
    • Get on the lift without any assistance    
    • Put on their own equipment (skis, jackets, gloves, etc.) and recover from falls without assistance  
    • Able to ski by themselves if necessary, and go to the restroom by themselves  
  • Commitment to participate in 75% of the practices
  • Attend a tryout in the spring of the prior season

Required Equipment:

  • Appropriate ski equipment, including:     
    • One pair of properly sized multi-event (‘combi’) race skis (rental skis are not sufficient; full race slalom or GS skis are not recommended)
    • Properly sized high-performance (4-buckle) junior boots (or race boots); the skier needs to be able to flex them in cold temperatures (and very easily at room temperature)    
    • Snowsports helmet is required; Race helmets are required for USSA races (hard shell must cover the ears)  
  • Appropriate ski clothing (speed suits are unnecessary and are discouraged for DevTeam members)
  • DevTeam members are not eligible to purchase the Uniform Jacket until their second year on the team

Format:

  • The Development Team focuses on building strong alpine skiing fundamentals, and this takes place outside of gates
  • Saturday and Sundays, 8AM-3PM from resort opening (usually the 2nd weekend in December) through the 2nd weekend in March (roughly 25 days plus optional December Holiday Camp training included free)
  • Includes an introduction to slalom and giant slalom racing and gate tactics    
  • Methodology includes free skiing drills, directed free skiing as a group, gate drills, periodic giant slalom gate training on moderate terrain, video analysis, goal setting, and other group activities.  
  • Technical goals include: strong alpine stance; proficiency at parallel C-shaped turns; beginning to carve long radius turns on medium to moderate terrain; proper active use of lower body; consistent, appropriate pole plant/touch; hockey stops; skiing a variety of challenging terrain; and applying carving skills to the race course.   
  • Weeknight training is NOT available for DevTeam participants.

Participation:

  • On-snow time is the single biggest factor in developing strong skiing skills
  • Development Team participants are required to participate in 75% of the practices.  (The optional December Holiday camp is strongly encouraged but not required)
  • Participation is not required on severe weather days (e.g. major powder, ice storms, etc.)
  • Athletes should not come to practice if they are injured or sick and unable to ski. Participation requirements can be waived in cases of extended injury or sickness.
  • Weeknight training is not available for Development Team athletes.

Recommended Races are at the discretion of the Dev Team Coach, but could include:

  • LMRT Giant Slalom USSS Race
  • Whitetail Giant Slalom USSS Race
  • Roundtop Slalom USSS Race
  • Tussey Slalom USSS Race