Detroit Mountain Alpine Ski Team
Our Teams Over the Years
*Past racers will have first dibs on available space.
Our programs are guided by and designed around the USSA (US Ski & Snowboard Assoc) Alpine Training System that focuses on the long-term development of the ski racer from their introduction to the sport through their racing career. It is built on a fundamental principle:
Before an athlete can become a truly great ski racer, they must become a great skier.
Our program believes that the development should first focus on a skier’s skills and their skiing foundation before focusing on ski racing. These core skills are developed mainly outside the traditional race course in a play-based and fun way. In addition our program offers more than just skiing skills. Kids need to have fun and be with friends. At the heart of our club are our young skiers and it is our goal to foster a love for skiing and create life-long skiers.
On staff we have coaches that are USSA Level 1 certified (US Ski & Snowboard Assoc) Our entire staff receive training from the US Safe Sports (https://safesport.org/) and Concussion training from (https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/index.html). We are strong supporters of coach education and encourage our coaches to grow in their leadership and personal coaching education.
This is a development race program, rather than a Learn to Ski Program. We expect racers to be independent on the hill (able to snowplow/ski most of the hills at Detroit Mtn) and ride the chairlift with no help.
About Our Programs *Updated for 2022-2023
Recreational Teams
RISING STARS
$200
Sundays 12-1:30pm *4 & up.
This is the entry level to our core racing program for skiers. Racers are expected to be independent skiers. In terms of terrain they should be able to ski runs such as Mr. O, Long Haul, and Sugar Loaf with confidence. They must also be able to ride the chair lift without assistance. Any skier that may not be able to ride the lift on their own yet, but are interested in racing and are already strong independent skiers will need a parent to accompany the group and ride the lift with their athletes during these sessions. Group ratios are kept small for optimal learning.
A Sunday practice program from 12:00-1:30pm starting in December.
Option to graduate to Big Blue for extra season time for additional $200
(if space is available)
Training Focus: 75% of the training volume is focused on guided free skiing throughout the season. Fun courses that encourage skill practice using whisker gates or stubbies. At this stage, children should focus on discovering winter sports in a playful environment where they can develop fundamental movement skills while playing on skis. Structured and unstructured environments are used to encourage the development of a broad range of technical skiing skills.
Recreational Teams
BIG BLUE
$320
Practices Options:
Thursdays or Sundays
*geared for ages 6 & up
*Choose up to 2 practice days ($320+$320=$640)
Thursdays 6:00-7:30pm
Sundays, 12:00-1:30pm
Sundays 1:45-3:15pm
This is our core club programming for ages 6 & up and involves training on Thursday from 6:00-7:30pm OR Sundays from 12:00-1:30pm OR 1:45-3:15pm. The focus of this program is on developing fundamental racing skills using freeskiing and technical drills. Skiers must also be able to ride the chair lift without assistance, or parents will need to assist. This is a learn to train program. Athletes will also be introduced to Giant Slalom and Slalom race courses. There are 5-6 race opportunities that can be attended during the race season. (Open to skiers from 6-18yrs old who can ski independently down our training courses).
Training Focus: 50-65% of the training volume is focused on guided free skiing throughout the season. Fun courses that encourage skill practice using whisker gates or stubbies. At this stage structured and unstructured environments are used to encourage the development of a broad range of technical skiing skills. Training courses using stubbies and gates are used to teach racing techniques. Skiers are encouraged to be skiing a minimum of 3 days a week.
Competitive Teams
Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays
$672*
6:00pm-8:00pm
Our Competive Team program is designed for athletes that are looking to train on a more regular basis. This program focuses on specific and individualized skills to make athletes better skiers and faster racers. Designed to support athletes at the Learn To Train and Train to Train stages of development. Coaching and additional training are designed for athletes that are committed to travelling to additional races throughout the season. This program runs from 6:00-8:00 on Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays. There are 10-12 race opportunities that can be attended during the race season. (Open to skiers from 6-18yrs old who can ski independently and proficiently down West)
Training Focus: 40 – 50% of the training volume is focused on free skiing throughout the season
Ski racers in the Train to Train stage are focused on transferring fundamental technique and basic tactical skills into the competitive environment. Ski racers are introduced to a variety of critical race elements from start to finish including movement over varying terrain, balance, and edging. While ski racers start competing more seriously, the primary focus during competition is on applying what they’ve learned in training and not on winning at all costs. Participation in off-season dryland training and other multi-sport activities is strongly encouraged.
*USSA and High School Fees (TBD)
PLEASE PRINT & SIGN THE DOCUMENTS IN LINKS BELOW & BRING TO FIRST PRACTICE
Weather Policy
D-Team practices and races are rarely cancelled for any weather-related circumstances. Detroit Mountain Cold Weather Closure is:
-10 Straight Temp, -25 Wind Chill, or 30mph or greater wind gusts
If Detroit Mountain is able to be open during the hours of a scheduled practice, practice will go on as planned. However, as always, it is each parent’s individual decision whether their child attends and we fully support that decision. You each know your kids best! When it is cold, we will offer frequent warm up breaks, but please use your own discretion. We will email out and post the information to Facebook as soon as possible.
