The U12 Program is designed for athletes aged 10 & 11. This programs further develops technical and all around skiing skills with an emphasis ski racing competence. Based on the principles of the Snow Stars program and the “Learning to Train” Phase of Alpine Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Model, athletes continue to develop their skiing skills through gate training, video feedback, technical and structured free skiing, and individual challenges.
As the athletes in these programs master their newfound abilities there is an increased focus on smart decision-making skills. There are few sports that can teach the cognitive autonomy that skiing & ski-racing can, and these programs foster important life skills under the positive mentorship of our coaches.
U12 Sundays with optional Wednesday Evenings
As an extension of the Sunday U10 Program, these athletes have the option of adding Wednesday evenings at Canada Olympic Park. By adding the evening sessions the time off snow is shortened helping athletes learn and pattern new skills, which dramatically accelerates their development.
U12 Saturday’s & Sunday’s with optional Wednesday Evenings
Any athlete completing this program will have the skills and experience to be skiers for life. We have to apologize in advance that parents will no longer be able to keep up to their athletes; but we’ll make sure they wait for you. Run by our most senior coaches, this group spends mornings training gates, with a strong emphasis on tactical proficiency to allow them to charge a race course with confidence. There is an increased emphasis placed on racing competence so the competitors become the best racers and athletes they can be.
If your athlete desires a higher level ski racing environment, this program is for you. The U12 Saturday & Sunday program will ensure your athlete is well prepared for those who choose to join the Sunshine Alpine Racers’ U14 program.
Typical Day at the Hill
The U12 programs run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on day/days that your athlete is registered. The athletes meet their coaches in front of the Fire Hall at 9:00 AM for a stretch and warm-up before speeding to the lift. Athletes in this group will develop independence, and will loop around in small groups in order to maximize the volume of the morning training sessions.
Athletes meet their guardians at the day lodge to refuel at 12:00. We try to eat as a group near the fireplace in the main lodge. At 12:45, the athletes are racing their coaches back to the Fire Hall to regroup for the afternoon session. The afternoon sessions will consist of technical free skiing, exploring every inch of the mountain, making smart decisions based on terrain and ever changing conditions with a continued focus on proper technique.
At 3:00 p.m. the day is complete and you can once again collect your exhausted athletes in front of the day lodge.
For those who choose to participate in the Wednesday evening sessions at COP the athletes will meet their coaches outside the day lodge at 6:30 p.m. After a quick warm-up the 2hr on snow session will begin which will focus on technical work to consolidate the skills learned from the weekend prior at Sunshine. The session wraps-up at 8:30 in the evening. The Wednesday sessions are strongly encouraged for all U12 athletes.
Our U12 athletes participate in the club races, and the Provincial U12 Race Series which consists of 4 events throughout the province which serves to prepare these ski racers for their future in U14 racing.
Please Note: **The Speedsters Head Coach reserves the right to alter groups depending on skier ability, and registration numbers**
| * Exact number of days snow may vary depending on conditions | ||
| Program Category |
U12 | |
| Ages (as of Dec. 31, 2016) | 10 – 11 | |
| Dryland Training |
At-home program provided | |
| Dryland Testing | ✔ | |
| Christmas Camp (included in program registration fees) | 3 days | |
| Club Races |
3 | |
| Alberta Alpine Races |
4 | |
| Program Days | Sunday Only | Saturday and Sunday |
| Approx. Days On Snow * |
25 | 43 |
| COP Wednesday Evening Add-On (Optional) | Yes | |
