Junior Alpine Ski Team

Practices

Junior Alpine Skiers meet Wednesdays and Fridays from 4:00–5:30 p.m. Skiers will meet at the base of the Big Tow to warm up, connect with their groups, and receive instruction.

Our schedule generally follows the Cascade School District calendar. Practices begin the week school resumes after Winter Break, and no practices are held during Mid-Winter Break. If we continue to have good snow, practice ends the week following Mid-Winter Break. 

The schedule is also designed to complement our Nordic Ski Program, as many of our skiers participate in both programs.

Ability & Skier Readiness

The Junior Alpine Team is designed for kids who are already confident, independent skiers and are comfortable skiing in a variety of conditions.

Before registering, skiers must be able to:

• Get themselves and their gear ready—including clothing, gloves, helmet, boots, skis, and poles—and get to the base of the Big Tow without assistance.
• Comfortably ride the Big Tow all the way to the top, unassisted, while using/carrying their poles.

Please do not register your skier if they cannot yet comfortably get to the top of the Big Tow on their own with their poles. This is an important readiness and safety requirement for participation in the program.

During the first week of practice, coaches will assess each skier’s overall ability, independence, and ability to stay focused and participate safely with the group. If coaches determine that a skier is not yet ready for the Junior Alpine Team, a refund will be offered.

If your skier isn’t quite ready, that’s okay! More time on skis with friends and family is one of the best ways to build confidence and skills. LWSC also offers ski lessons, which can help developing skiers gain the skills and independence they need to be ready for the team in a future season.

A good rule of thumb: If your child can comfortably get themselves and their gear to the Big Tow and ride all the way to the top with their poles—without assistance—they are likely ready for the team. Please encourage them to carry their own gear to and from practice.

Coaching

Our coaching program is powered by parents and community volunteers. We are fortunate to have an incredible amount of skiing experience, talent, and enthusiasm within our community.

Interested in joining the Alpine or Nordic coaching crew? Please contact our Ski Education Director at [email protected].

Communication

Team communication will take place through email and our team app. Your coach will provide additional details at the beginning of the season.

Competition

Racing is optional. Skiers who are interested in competition are encouraged to participate and experience racing in a fun, supportive environment.

See the RACE INFO tab for race dates, details, and additional information. We encourage all our skiers at LWSC to compete in our very own favorite Bakke Cup.

Parent Commitment

The LWSC Alpine Ski Team is largely self-funded, coached, and operated by parent and community volunteers. This support helps us keep the program accessible and affordable for local families.

Each Ski Team family is expected to volunteer at a minimum of two practices during the season or help with the Bakke Cup.

Parent/Guardian participation is an important part of what makes this program possible, and we appreciate every family contributing to a successful season for our skiers.