Program Overview The Wildcat Ski Team trains at Wildcat Mountain located across from Mount Washington and Tuckerman's Ravine in Pinkham Notch, NH. The ski team operates out of a separate race building fondly referred to as the "Den". The Den provides plenty of room for the athletes to prepare for training and race days, eat lunch, warm up on cold days, watch training video and "hang out" with their teammates. It's our home away from home at Wildcat. Our training and race program operates from December 1st through March 31st. Athletes train each weekend day during this period, as well as during public school vacation weeks (Christmas and NH and MA February school vacation weeks). Training begins promptly at 9 a.m. and typically ends 3 p.m. each day. Athletes are expected to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure they are prepared to begin training on time. Depending on age, athletes will train Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G, with more emphasis on Slalom and Giant Slalom element training. These two events help young racers develop balance, feel and edge control in big and small radius turns as well as respond to changes in terrain and conditions. The ability to ride a fast ski as a mature racer depends on feel and balance, and it is much easier to develop these basic skills at a young age. Athletes are able to perform big and small radius turns in a relaxed manner and develop good muscle memory patterns. Gate training is a key element of our curriculum and increases in importance as the athletes increase in age. We begin gate training with short, rhythmical, fall line courses and progress over the season to longer, more difficult courses on steeper slopes. We also use a number of basic elements to develop good body position and discipline. Timed runs and video will are used to help the athletes understand and evaluate their stance, line and tactics. Free skiing, tree skiing and obstacle courses will be used to challenge balance and agility and to have fun.
Athletes are organized by age groups for both training and racing according to USSA and NHARA guidelines. Age groupings are based on the athlete's age as of December 31st each year. The age groupings are:
U8 (6 and 7 years old)
Our athletes first start in the non-racing U8 half day program. These athletes ski half days around Wildcat Mountain using the amazing and varied mountain terrain to our advantage, including groomed and ungroomed terrain, trees and moguls. The primary goal for U8 athletes is to create a fun environment, teach fundamental ski techniques and keep the children safe and active and wanting more! U8 candidates should be able to ski all trails off the Bobcat chair independently.
U10 (8 and 9 years old)
Athletes in this age group are just starting their alpine race careers. Our focus at this level continues to be on fundamental ski technique but also begins a subtle shift to racing as well. Our primary teaching tools at this level are structured free skiing, drills and developing a passion for ski racing. While gate training is a tool we utilize at this age level, it is done on a more limited basis. All mountain skiing, trees, moguls, groomed and non-groomed terrain is a part of training. We agree with, and follow, the philosophy espoused by the US Ski Team regarding the importance of developing strong skiers before you can build strong racers. Athletes at this level will participate in several NHARA open races throughout the season as well as USSA skills quest events. U10 Candidates should be able to ski all groomed trails off all lifts independently
U12 (10 and 11 years old)
The U12 program shares the same philosophy as our U10 program, but more pronounced emphasis on ski racing technique. Skiing fundamentals continues to be the driver of this age group through structured free skiing and drills. We will also introduce full length gate training at this age level for both GS and SL. All mountain skiing, trees, moguls, groomed and non-groomed terrain continues to be a part of training. U12 athletes participate in USSA races as well as NHARA regional qualifies and open races, building up to the New Hampshire State Finals or Championships.
U14 (12 and 13 years old)
The U14 program is designed to bridge the gap between youth racing and the more competitive and serious U16/U19 race circuit. Training consists of a mix of structed free skiing, skills and drills and full length gate training and race practice and strategy. We will also introduce Super-G speed events at this age level. While our U14 focus is more on racing at this level, we still take advantage of the Wildcat terrain for powder, moguls and tree skiing. U14 athletes participate in both open USSA races and NHARA regional qualifiers with the goal of qualifying for U14 NHARA State Championships and ultimately on to U14 Eastern Championships and U14 Can-Ams
High School Training
This program is designed for alpine racers that current compete for their local High School race team who have the desire to enhance their ski racing through part-time professional coaching. Our High School program operates one day per weekend (typically Saturdays) as well as selected days during vacation weeks. Although the program is structured for training only, we may support a few local racing opportunities at this level depending on athlete interest and coach availability.