Our Entry Level programs are designed to introduce kids aged 5 to 11 to the world of ski racing. The main goals of our Entry Level programs are to have fun, learn the fundamental skills of ski racing, and to learn the rewards of competing. The racers participate in club, regional and provincial events, where they can apply the skills learned in training. Entry Level races are designed to foster the development of young athletes by providing an environment for camaraderie and fair play, with a focus on personal growth and achieving individual bests.
Entry Level programming runs from mid-November to mid-March. Specific dates (weather dependent) for the 2024/25 season are yet to be determined. The programs represent basic training packages at Snow Valley Ski Club, onto which additional training camps (local, mountain, and summer) can be added to suit athlete ability, budget, and level of commitment.
U6 / Dream Team
4 and 5-year-olds (born 2019/2020) as of December 31, 2024
Our U6 program allows our youngest athletes an opportunity to ‘ignite the spark’ of skiing that will carry them through a lifetime in our sport. In line with the ACA-LTAD, children in U6 are in the ‘Gliding Start’ stage where they begin recognizing and reinforcing the fundamental skills involved with skiing. Aspiring ski racers train at Snow Valley one or two evenings a week while learning the importance of control and confidence on the hill.
At this age, it is important that children ski as often as possible with their parents outside of SVR training sessions to gain mileage and build confidence on snow. Parent assistance and involvement with athletes on-snow is essential to the success of our U6 program. U6 athletes get to put their skiing to the test during SVR club events, and two Alberta Alpine North Zone NGSL races. Please contact the race office before registering.
Dream Team Plus: The Dream Team Plus program is on Tuesdays (6:00-8:00 pm) and Sundays (5:30-7:30 pm). This program is only available for athletes born in 2019.
Dream Team: The regular Dream Team program only takes place on Sundays (5:30-7:30 pm). This program is open to athletes born in both 2019 and 2020.
U8
6 and 7-year-olds (born 2017/2018) as of December 31, 2024
Our U8 athletes will continue to grow fundamental ski foundations while being introduced to the technical aspects and mechanics of ski racing. In line with the ACA-LTAD, children in U8 are in the ‘skiers essential’ stage where they learn to strengthen their skills in a variety of structured and unstructured training environments. U8 athletes can participate in all Alberta Alpine North Zone NGSL races.
U8 Full Time: The U8 Full Time program is on Tuesdays/Thursdays (6:00-8:00 pm) and Sundays (5:30-7:30 pm).
U8 Flex: The U8 Flex program is a lower commitment option for athletes seeking to train two evenings a week. The program has three options:
U10
8 and 9-year-olds (born 2015/2016) as of December 31, 2024
In line with the ACA-LTAD, children in U10 are progressing into the "Learn to Train" stage where they will strengthen their abilities in a variety of structured and unstructured training environments. The Learn to Train stage leads to understanding basic rules, tactics and strategy and refining specific ski racing skills. The primary focus in the learn to train stage is to develop solid technical execution in all situations and environments at varying speeds.
Ski racers begin to understand the use of dynamic/athletic turns in different training environments to gain or maintain speed. In this stage, skiers are becoming ski racers and working on consolidation of their foundational movement and technique. U10 athletes are eligible to participate in all Alberta Alpine North Zone NGSL races.
U10 Full Time: The U10 Full Time program is on Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6:00-8:00pm and Sundays 5:30-7:30pm
U10 Flex: The U10 Flex program is a lower commitment option for athletes seeking to train two evenings a week. The program has three options:
U12
10 and 11-year-olds (born 2013/2014) as of December 31, 2024
Athletes in our U12 program have already acquired a wide range of fundamental ski racing skills in U8 and U10. In line with the ACA-LTAD, children in U12 are in the ‘learn to train’ stage where they strengthen race tactics & strategy while beginning to consolidate movement and technical skills in a deliberate manner. By the end of U12, athletes are prepared for the 'train to train' stage where they transfer fundamental technique and basic tactical skills into a competitive environment.
Depending on their goals, U12 athletes can participate in Alberta Alpine North Zone NGSL events or U12 Alberta Alpine Provincial events. AASA U12 provincial events expose athletes to a wider variety of race disciplines and introduce the concept of a ‘high-performance’ environment. U12 athletes train to promote self-discovery, develop a love for competition, and further their abilities before moving into U14.
U12 Full Time: The U12 Full Time program is on Tuesdays, Thursdays 6:00-8:00pm, and Sundays 5:30-7:30pm. This program is only available for athletes born in 2013 and 2012.
U12 Flex: The U12 Flex program is a lower commitment option for athletes seeking to train two evenings a week. The program has three options:
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