Junior Alpine Ski Team

Alpine Ski Team

  • Age group: skiers between 7-16 years of age 
  • Goal: Skiers gain the important life skills of independence, discipline, work ethic, how to fail, how to succeed, commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship, while gaining an understanding of the fundamentals of alpine skiing; can navigate Slalom and Giant Slalom courses, and be able to handle any terrain the mountain may offer. Skiers are also afforded the opportunity to try out the Nordic Ski Jump.
    • This is a race team, and while participation in races is optional, the practices will be geared towards learning Slalom and Giant Slalom skills.
    • Our goal is to make practices fun for all, but they will be centered around drills, learning about racing, and improving ski techniques.
  • Practices: The Junior Alpine Team meets twice weekly for 8 weeks (Wednesdays & Fridays, 5:30 - 7:00pm), starting in early January. There will be no practices the week of Mid-Winter Break.
  • Registration Fee: $175
  • Contact: [email protected]
 
All Ski Team members are required to have a LWSC Season Pass.

Practices

Junior Alpine Skiers meet on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:30-7:00pm. All skiers will meet at the base of the Big Tow to warm up and gather for instruction.

Our schedule aligns with the Cascade School District calendar such that practice will begin the week that school resumes after Winter Break and there will be no practices held during Mid-Winter Break. See the CALENDAR tab for specific dates.

Our schedule is set to complement the Nordic Ski Program, as a large portion of our skiers participate in both programs.

Ability

  • Kids must be avid skiers who can handle a variety of conditions and situations.
  • Required skills to participate in the program:
    • Get their gear on (clothing, gloves, helmet, boots & skis) and get to the base of the Big Tow unassisted.
    • Take the Big rope Tow to the very top, carrying their poles.
  • During the first week of practice coaches will determine if each participant has the general skiing ability and the focus required in order to participate safely.
  • If it is determined that a skier is not ready for the Alpine Ski Team a refund will be offered.
    • Time on skis is key - if your skier isn't quite ready for the team, a season of free skiing with friends and family is a real confidence booster and skill builder.
    • The LWSC also offers ski lessons. Ski lessons can rapidly advance the skills and confidence of beginning skiers.

If your child can make it to the top of the Big Tow with their poles, and without assistance, then they are most likely ready for the team.

Coaching

Our coaching is parent and volunteer-driven. Fortunately, our little community has an abundance of talent and enthusiasm.

If you are interested in joining the coaching crew (Alpine or Nordic) please email [email protected]. 

Communication

The team will use email and app for communication. Your coach will have further details.

Competition

Race participation is entirely optional but highly encouraged. See the RACE INFO tab for all of the information.

Parent Commitment

The LWSC Alpine Ski Team is almost entirely self-funded, coached, and run by parent volunteers. Each Ski Team family is expected to commit to volunteering at a minimum of two practices over the course of the season (there are 8 practices/ season) or helping out at the Bakke Cup. 

This level of parent participation has allowed the LWSC Ski Team to remain accessible to any and all kids that want to ski competitively.

 

 

Skiers need to have a ski pass, skis, poles, helmet, leather gloves (available for purchase in the Ski Hill ticket booth), and goggles (clear lenses recommended).

Alpine Registration

 

Registration Fees go towards purchasing training materials, U.S. Ski & Snowboard memberships and SafeSport training for all of our coaches, and paying our Alpine Team Lead Coaches. 

Alpine Assistant Coaches are volunteers - be sure to let them know how much you appreciate them!

There is scholarship money available to those who need help covering the cost of a Youth Season Pass or Ski Team registration fees. Apply HERE.


Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

Race Introduction:

Participation in races is NOT required however, skiers are highly encouraged to participate in at least one race.

Typically, races are held on both Saturday and Sunday with one day devoted to Slalom and the other Giant Slalom (GS). Participants are encouraged to race both days, however, one day is optional. Each racer will get two opportunities on each course - one run in the morning and a second run in the afternoon. Race days are long days, so please plan accordingly.

Please discuss plans to attend races with your coach.

Awards for both days are typically handed out on a single ceremony on Sunday after the completion of racing. 

At least one LWSC Coach will be present at each of the off-site races. Parents are responsible for getting skiers to and from the event locations and remaining present for the duration of the event. 

Race Specifics:

Skiers compete by age and gender brackets.

The LWSC Alpine Team will have several opportunities to compete over the course of the season. The following local races are well suited for younger and first time racers. See the CALENDAR tab for specific dates.

Bakke Cup, Leavenworth, WA (late January or early February)

Wolf Chase, Loup Loup Ski Bowl, Omak, WA (2nd weekend in February)

Wild Katz, Stevens Pass, Leavenworth, WA (~ last weekend in February)

Squirrel Cup, Mission Ridge, Wenatchee, WA (mid-March)

Each of these races offer a unique experience for newer racers to get a feel for the sport in a fun and enriching environment. LWSC Alpine Coaches are present for each of these races however, parents are responsible for getting their racer to and from the location. Just to note...Parents have a good time, too! 

 

The Bakke Cup

All Ski Team members are encouraged to participate in The Bakke Cup. This is our very own race and a great introduction to racing in a friendly, fun and familiar environment. It is a full day of fun and racing. The complete race includes an alpine ski race with gates, ski jumping and a Nordic race. Skiers are not required to to participate in all 3 events, but award standing will reflect that. Modified opportunities for jumping will be available for those who are not keen on the D jump.

SKIER CODE OF CONDUCT

  • I WILL be respectful, kind, supportive, and encouraging of my fellow teammates.
     
  • I will NOT participate in bullying, teasing, or taunting (both physical and verbal).
     
  • I WILL stay with my group and coaches.
     
  • I WILL do my best to pay attention and follow coaches' instructions.
     
  • I WILL talk to a coach or a parent if I am having a concern or problem.

PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT

  • Parents /Guardians will support the LWSC mission.
     
  • Parents/Guardians will support their skier in adhering to the Skier Code of Conduct.
     
  • Coaches are almost all Volunteers: they are here for the kids because they love teaching skiers, they are not babysitters. 
     
  • IF your skier cannot adhere to the Skier Code of Conduct, they will forfeit their ability to participate on the ski team for the season.
     
  • Parents/Guardians will be on time with pick up/drop off and communicate with coaches about missed practices and outlying circumstances. 

Skier Responsibility Code

  1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
  2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
  3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
  4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
  5. You must prevent runaway equipment.
  6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
  7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  8. You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload rope tows safely. If you need assistance, ask the ski patrol or carpet attendant.
  9. Do not use rope tows or trails when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  10. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others.
  11. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee.