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This program is for kids who are ready to commit to a more competitive program. The level of commitment is higher than Interclub as there is a 2-discipline focus of Giant Slalom (GS) and Slalom (SL). Athletes will be expected to be more disciplined in managing their attendance, focus, and development. This is a key aspect of progression from U12 to U18. We also encourage our athletes to be part of a team environment where they are supportive to the program and other racers.
Our Tri-state racers will begin to become eligible for training and postseason racing selection and opportunities at a regional and national level.
While we encourage the drive to compete, to improve, and to win, we discourage premature focus on results and elite performance ambitions. If your child shows special promise, we nurture it but stay sober about it. As parents, it’s easy to get excited about the Olympic podium potential of a fast 12-year old, but at that age (well, at all ages really), it’s critical to keep it fun!

Our coaches focus first and foremost on improving our young athletes’ ski racing technique. They will also be exposed to a variety of snow conditions and mixed terrain, so that they can further develop an ability to be athletic, dynamic, and make tactical adjustments. As our athletes become more experienced the training is more focused on racing performance. Training includes freeskiing all over the mountain in every possible condition, drills to isolate and improve specific skills, and SL and GS gates. To perform effectively, the athletes are encouraged to develop physical conditioning, nutritional, and sports psych skills.

Most of these athletes have participated in our Interclub Program, or they may have experience as a member of another race program at another mountain. Ultimately, each child’s eligibility and fit with the USSS Program for U12s and older will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Training is during the day on Saturdays and Sundays, and on some Friday nights, typically beginning mid-December, conditions permitting. During the week between Christmas and New Year’s, we hold a Holiday Race Camp.

A typical training day begins at 8:30am or earlier. Athletes are required to help coaches set up and take down courses and safety equipment, such as B-Net. Athletes are also expected to perform routine stretching and warm up activities. Practice usually wraps up by 3pm.

Athletes and coaches work together to develop mutual trust and respect. Athletes are expected to ask questions when they don’t understand or need clarification. Athletes are expected to keep coaches informed of any issues that may impact training or racing performance (e.g. homework, injury, lack of sleep, appointments and other obligations, etc.). It is the combined responsibility of coaches and athletes to make the most of each day out on the hill.

A substantial portion of training will not be in gates. Coaches determine the appropriate training, based on a variety of factors, including the athletes’ needs, experience and weather conditions. As the race schedule begins the focus on gates increases, and the racer’s independent free skiing will be based on development needs as provided by their coach.

U12/U14 racers will participate in a Massachusetts based circuit with a relatively equal break out between GS and SL. U16/U18 racers compete in a combined MA/CT circuit. Courses become more challenging as they get older.

Includes 5 days of training a week, Wednesday-Friday nights and all weekend days.

Tri-State 24/25 Season:

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USSS (U.S. Ski & Snowboard) and TSASRA (“Tri-State” or Tri-State Alpine Ski Racing Association) memberships are required before participating in an Interclub race.

When registering with USSS, the athlete must designate Catamount Ski Team as their program. Athletes must be signed up as an Alpine Competitor member (not a general member, which won’t allow you to sign up for races). Tri-State membership will be processed automatically as a part of the USSS process.

Key entries: State=Massachusetts; Club=Catamount Alpine Racing; Sport=Alpine; Membership=Alpine Competitor

U.S. Ski and Snowboard website: https://usskiandsnowboard.org/

Tri-State Alpine Ski Racing Association website (race information): https://tristateskiracing.org/

Membership in the Parents Association is a separate fee. The Parents Association mission is to support the events and activities of the Catamount Ski Team in ways agreed upon with the director of the racing program. Joining this association is a wonderful way to plug into our racing community, learn some of the ins and outs of the sport from veteran families and experienced ski racing parents, and help support some of the great events we host here at Catamount.

*** Note *** In the interest of providing safe, fun, and productive experiences, all training and racing activity is subject to cooperative weather and snow conditions.