Alpine u12

The U12 group is our entry-level alpine racing specfic program to skill building, goal setting, and competition. With the main focus being on fun, participants are exposed to a variety of learning situations designed to give them success and the desire for more! Free-skiing, gate drills, gate training, and T-Bar loops are part of any practice. Participants will have the option of competing in the Northern Vermont Council race series and/or 2-4 at home Club competitions. Some school vacation days are included and activities may include but not be limited to x-country skiing, swimming and snowshoeing. Northern Vermont competitions require VARA and USSA membership.

PHILOSOPHY
The U12 group is our entry-level Alpine program focused on skill building, goal setting, and competition. With the main focus being on fun, participants are exposed to a variety of learning situations designed to give them success and the desire for more! Free-skiing, gate drills, gate training, and T-Bar loops are part of any practice session.

TECHNICAL GOALS
U12’s have a three level structure:
Phase 2 – Athletes will develop a good balanced parallel stance, proper pole plants, and the beginning elements of a carved ski.
Phase 3 – Athletes who are beginning to carve will develop those skills to the point of proficiency.
Phase 4 – Athletes will apply their carving skills to the race course where they can fine tune them.

COMPETITIONS
The U12 athlete is being introduced to racing and competition. Learning to memorize the course and preparing for more difficult gates, striving to improve times on each run, supporting teammates who get faster or slower times, and receiving feedback from the coaches on the race run are some of the more common features of competition in the U12 groups.

COMPETITION EVENTS
Races usually run on Sundays starting in January and ending in mid-March. These events are hosted by several local resorts like Stowe, Burke, Jay Peak etc. The competitions have over 100 boy and girl racers and prizes are awarded at the race. No qualification is necessary for any of the races.

METHODOLOGY
The following provides overview highlights of the Program’s curriculum. Should a more detailed curriculum be desired, please contact the Head Coach.

• Conditioning: Fall group gatherings focusing on team building and having fun through a variety of games and activities.
• Freeskiing: The main focus at this age and a major factor to the development of the athlete (65%-70% of on-snow time)
• Freeskiing drills: Used daily during training sessions throughout the year to help teach and engrain the fundamental skills necessary to become a ski racer.
• Gate drills: used to further teach and engrain fundamental skills both in and out of a course. (10%-15% on snow time)
• Gate training: Used as race preparation training and to acclimate the athletes to race courses and race day routines. (20%-25% of on snow time)

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
All mountain Freeski, SL Skis, GS skis, Race Specific Boots, SL and GS Poles, Hard-eared Helmet, Goggles, and SL Protection. 

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
USSA, VARA Please visit www.vara.org and www.ussa.org for details

VOLUNTEER AND EVENT WORK DAY REQUIREMENTS
Please refer to the Handbook and the above Program Offerings.

RACE SCHEDULES / RULES / ENTRY FEES
Please visit: www.vara.org and www.ussa.org for all race schedules, rules, and entry fees.

COACHES’ TRAVEL EXPENSES

Coaches’ travel expenses (room and meals) are to be shared equally by all athlete families attending any given race. Normally, single day trips to NVC races do not produce coaches travel expenses.

COMMUNICATIONS/QUESTIONS

Questions regarding the program should be addressed first to the Coaches, then the Head Coach, and lastly the Executive Director. Updated information is available on Facebook, and group emails are common pathways. General office questions can be directed to 802-644-1177.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT ON-AND-OFF HILL:

• Parent orientation meeting and year end awards
• Race days: There is always the need for a parent or two helping at races. Similarly, assistance transporting jackets and warm-ups from the race start to finish area is always appreciated.

OTHER EXPECTATIONS:

• Athlete on-hill assistance requirements: If asked, all athletes are expected to assist coaches and staff in setting up, maintaining, and tearing down training courses.
• On-snow sessions in excess of applicable program: Should an athlete’s participation in on-snow sessions be in excess of the program days signed up for, then the athlete will be asked to re-register and pay for (on a pro-rated basis) the appropriate number of program days.