U12 Alpine Racing Program
The U12 Racing Program is for aspiring ski racers ages 10 & 11 (born in years 2013 & 2014).
The U12s begin on December 26 and will meet almost every day during Christmas week. After that, we meet regularly every Saturday and Sunday. U12s are also invited to train on Friday (coach discretion) as their school schedule allows.
Our coaches teach a curriculum based largely on US Ski & Snowboard age-appropriate training drills and an increased emphasis on gate training. We focus on the skills necessary for ski racing success, but we also have fun translating these skills to the entire mountain with directed free skiing. U12s will build the foundation for a lifetime of dynamic skiing using the backdrop of some fun ski racing.
As members of the Mid-Vermont Council (MVC) of the Vermont Alpine Racing association (VARA), our U12s will compete in Giant Slalom and Slalom races and can generally expect 4-5 events during the season. The coaching staff will distribute a schedule with specific times, locations and instructions prior to each race.
The full calendar of events can be found at http://www.vara.org/calendar.php
Prerequisite: Successful U12s generally have at least 1-2 seasons of U10 Racing, Alpine Devo, All-Mountain or similar experience, though this is not required. All that is required is solid skiing experience, the right equipment and a great attitude.
U12 Coaching Staff: We are actively seeking coaches. If you are interested, you can sign up for more information on our registration website or contact Club Manager Terry Hartford and/or Alpine Director Justin Lillie.
U12 Ages:
10 & 11 years old (DOB: January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014)
Program Cost:
$1,200
Saskadena 6 Pass:
Saskadena 6 Pass: Participants are expected to have a Saskadena 6 season pass. Ski Runners participants are eligible for the $139 “Book-it” Season pass, which can be purchased at this link.
Dates & times:
Daily December 26 - 31, 2024, then Saturdays and Sundays through March 9, 2025. For each age group, Ski Runners is planning for one comprehensive training session each Saturday and Sunday morning lasting between three and four hours. The weekday training schedule will remain consistent with recent years.
U12s may also attend mid-week training on Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. This schedule may vary week to week. Final schedule is always at coaches discretion.
Any scheduled U12 races will be on weekends (there may be invitational events mid-week, to be confirmed).
Pre-Season Dry land training:
U12 Athletes are invited to join us for dry-land training after they are fully registered for Ski Runners. We’ll meet Wednesdays & Fridays 3:30 - 4:30 PM at Vail Field beginning Wednesday, November 13th. Our first day will be Saturday, November 9th at S6 from Noon to 2:00. Feel free to bring any gear if you are looking to swap.
Equipment:
Suitable racing helmet (hard ears) and goggles
Skis: We recommend 2 pairs; 1 pair of SL skis and 1 pair of GS skis.
Poles
Slalom shin guards
Ski racing suit
USSA & VARA Licenses:
All U12 athletes are required to be members of both US Ski & Snowboard and Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA), our state racing organization.
Step 1: Please visit usskiandsnowboard.org to register or renew your child’s US Ski & Snowboard membership.
Step 2: You can register or renew your child’s VARA membership on the Ski Runners registration page, or you can visit www.vara.org.
Parent Work Obligation
1-2 events during the 2025 season: Supportive parents are a crucial element of any youth sport, and that is especially true of ski racing. We cannot host events without help from our membership. Meet your fellow Ski Runners members, enjoy a great catered lunch for the race workers. It’s fun!
U12 Alpine participants compete in the MVC U12 SL at Saskadena Six (to be confirmed). It is a club requirement to work your child’s events. If you are unable to work these events, please consult the complete race schedule and make alternate arrangements with Terry Hartford at office@skirunners.org