All Mountain Rangers- Learn to Race Program

This program is our introductory program designed for skiers aged 7-12 with a solid foundation in parallel skiing looking to increase their technical skills.

The All Mountain Rangers - Learn to Race program is our weekly introduction to racing which includes 14 full-day sessions December 13 - March 16. You may choose to register for one of three different days: Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Training is conducted from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM throughout the season. Lunch is not included or supervised. A lift ticket or pass is required to participate and must be purchased separately from Whitefish Mountain Resort.

The best skiers on the mountain usually have race backgrounds. This is because training for racing develops fundamental skills critical to any and all competitive snow sport - putting the skis on edge, pressuring forward, and applying oneself in the moment with clear and entirely present focus. Additionally, the best ski racers usually spent a lot of time skiing all over the mountain in all sorts of conditions from a young age. The Rangers program seeks to combine this all-mountain skiing with an introduction to race training.

This program is not for beginners, infrequent attendees, or kids who would rather be doing something else. Once a participant has had one to three years in the Ranger - Learn to Race Program, they may qualify for our higher level programs. They will have become familiar with how to be the best citizens on the mountain, developed a great athletic stance on their skis, and clearly understand the ingredients of great skiing. For kids to progress in our programs we consider attitude, intent to learn and improve, attendance, comradery, and citizenship.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The All Mountain Ranger - Learn to Race program is appropriate for emerging to solid parallel skiers who have been skiing with parents and/or the ski school for at least two to five years.

Particpants must be 7 years old by December 31, 2024. First-time participants, at a minimum, should have the following abilities:
• Ski blue runs with little or no hesitation; many will also be skiing black diamond runs.
• Make parallel turns at least half of the time.
• Load and ride the lift with little or no help from an adult.
• Put their skis on without assistance in most situations.

Regular attendance is expected! When participants miss days frequently, they do not progress at the same pace as the rest of the group. When they return to ski, the coach spends time getting them up to speed at the expense of the rest of the group. Infrequent attendance may result in your child being moved to a different group to minimize the impact to regular attendees. Participation is especially needed during the first two sessions to ensure appropriate grouping. Please consider your family calendar before registering to ensure maximum attendance.
PROGRAM DATES AND DAYS
- Offered Friday, Saturday, or Sunday
- Fourteen Full Day Sessions from December 13th - March 16th
- Training is conducted from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM throughout the season.
- Lunch is not included or supervised.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Coaches concentrate on developing the skills and confidence to ski all appropriate terrain and conditions. An introduction to competition gate skiing is included. Coaches also teach Rangers how to be the best citizens on the mountain - good behavior and a positive attitude are essential.
A general breakdown of the season and daily regimen is
- 60% all mountain skiing
- 30% coached drills and skill development
- 10% gate training.
Race Options
- Participation in the Tommy Moe Race Series (organized by Whitefish Mountain Resort) is encouraged but not a part of the FVSEF program.
COSTS
- $995 if registered and paid 75% on or before 9/30/24
- $1,070 after 9/30/24
- Cancellations prior to December 1 are 100% refundable. Cancellations prior to January 1 are 75% refundable; or prior to February 1 they are 50% refundable.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Ski helmet required. Please write name of Ranger and parent phone number on front of helmet.
- All mountain skis, poles, and boots
- Change of mittens and socks
- Handwarmers in pocket
- Snacks in pocket
- Water bottle for breaks at team room
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
- Wednesday Night T-bar Training from January 8th - February 26th with back-up weather day March 5, 4-6pm. Additional program fee of $300 Must be able to ride a t-bar with little to no help from adult.