The Mad River Ski Club and our race program has many moving parts. The most intuitive way to understand our structure and how we have fun, is to delineate between age groups.
Age groups are like mini teams- within the larger race program. They often have similar annual schedules, but may have slightly different daily and event schedules. Our age groups are important because physical maturation, skill and technical progressions, as well as sport guidelines and regulations. Coaches are usually dedicated to one or two age groups but the occasional “team ski” where we all ski together happens too.
Age Groups:
The USSA age classification system has changed for the 2012-2013 season. The new system adopts a “U,” as in “under” classification. Age groups will now be referred to a U16 (Under 16) for 14 and 15 year olds; U14 (Under 14) for 12 and 13 year olds and so on. An athlete’s age is taken as of January 1 st of the birth year.
Our Age Groups:
U16 (14 and 15 year old athletes born in 1997 and 1998)
Focus: |
The MRSC U16 Program incorporates free skiing on MRG’s challenging terrain, directed technical free skiing including drills, gate training and racing. At this age level, athletes are accomplished all around skiers. The program is highly structured and the focus is on technical refinement and tactical development. U16 athletes will compete in Northern Vermont Council and have the opportunity to compete in state and regional races if they qualify. |
Program Includes: |
Fall Conditioning, Preseason, Holiday Blocks, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Program runs early December to the end of March. Training hours: 8:30-2:30 (weekend) and Friday afternoon/evening. |
Memberships: |
Mad River Ski Club, USSA and Vermont Alpine Racing Association |
Race Disciplines: |
Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G |
U14 (12 and 13 year old athletes born in 1999 and 2000)
Focus: |
The MRSC U14 Program is a more focused approach to learning and training. While there is a good balance between playing MRG’s terrain, athletes will benefit from technical free skiing, drills, gate training and racing. At this age level, athletes should be proficient skiers in all conditions and terrain. The focus is on technical adaptation from physical growth and tactical development. U14 athletes will compete in Northern Vermont Council and have the opportunity to compete in state and regional races if they qualify. |
Program Includes: |
Fall Conditioning, Preseason, Holiday Blocks, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Program runs early December to the end of March. Training hours: 8:30-2:30 (weekend) and Friday afternoon/evening. |
Memberships: |
Mad River Ski Club, USSA and Vermont Alpine Racing Association |
Race Disciplines: |
Full slalom, Giant Slalom and introduction to Super G |
U12 (10 and 11 year old athletes born in 2001 and 2002)
Focus: |
The MRSC U12 Program bridges the gap between our entry level U7/U10 program and more structured U14 program. As a U12, the focus is learning appropriate movement patters and instilling good habits to make great skiers. We accomplish this through extensive free skiing, winter adventures and training. At this age level, athletes should be good skiers working toward skill acquisition and technical proficiency. U12 athletes will compete in Northern Vermont Council and have the opportunity to compete in state festival. |
Program Includes: |
Fall Conditioning, Preseason, Holiday Blocks, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Program runs early December to the end of March. Training hours: 8:30-2:30 (weekend) and Friday afternoon/evening. |
Memberships: |
Mad River Ski Club, USSA and Vermont Alpine Racing Association |
Race Disciplines: |
Slalom and Giant Slalom/Duals |
U10 (7, 8 and 9 year old athletes born in 2003, 2004 and 2005)
Focus: |
The MRSC U10 Program is our full time, entry level program for little rippers that want to ski more, go faster and jump higher! The U10s ski a lot. At an age where mileage and learning through guided discovery are paramount, the U10 group challenges athletes to adapt to different terrain, conditions and turn shapes. Athletes are introduced to the basic of ski racing through training courses and a limited race schedule. |
Program Includes: |
Fall Conditioning, Holiday Blocks, Saturday & Sunday. Program runs early December to the end of March. Training hours: 8:30-2:30 (weekend |
Memberships: |
Mad River Ski Club, USSA and Vermont Alpine Racing Association |
Race Disciplines: |
Slalom and Giant Slalom |
U7 (6 year old athletes born in 2006)
Focus: |
The MRSC U7 Program is our new race-specific Saturday only program for 6 year olds. After a year in development, we’ve refined a program that is age appropriate (think snack time), covers the fundamentals of racing and explores MRG’s awesome natural terrain. U7s should be good skiers who have the aptitude to ski independently with our coaches and U7 group. U7s participate in club events and interclub races. |
Program Includes: |
Some Fall Conditioning and Saturdays. Program runs early January to the end of March. Training hours: 9:00-2:00 (snack is included) |
Memberships: |
Mad River Ski Club, |
Race Disciplines: |
Giant Slalom/Obstacle Course |
Sunday Program (various ages)
Focus: |
The MRSC Sunday is an incubation program in the incubation stage. It serves a variety of purposes but it’s many attraction is additional training for non-ussa athletes and an opportunity to learn ski racing skills with joining our full USSA program. The focus of the Sunday Program is technical development and training with a dedicated MRSC coach. Together, group members will progress through drills, drill courses, formal gate training, while still carving out time for fun free skiing. |
Program Includes: |
Some Fall Conditioning and Sundays. Program runs early January to the end of March. Training hours: 8:30-2:30 |
Memberships: |
Mad River Ski Club |
Race Disciplines: |
Slalom and Giant Slalom |