Competitive Development

This program is designed for skiers between 8-13 who want to continue developing technical skills with a focus on racing. Skiers will continue to develop all mountain skiing skills, but will focus on gate training and will be encouraged to participate in Youth Ski League (YSL) races around the division.

The COMPETITIVE DEVELOPMENT TEAM is designed primarily for U10 (ages 8 and 9) and U12 (ages 10 and 11) skiers but is also an option for U14 (ages 12 and 13) skiers with little to no race experience. On-snow training includes a combination of drills and directed free skiing for fundamental skill development and gate training.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Registering for Development Team requires at least one year of participation in the Rangers Learn to Race program (or equivalent) and a recommendation to move up to Devos.
Competitive DEVO team participants will generally have 4-7 years of experience in the sport and have raced in YSL races.
PROGRAM DATES AND DAYS
- Saturdays and/or Sundays
- 9:15 – 3:00 with break 12-1pm for unsupervised lunch (not provided)
- December 7, 2024 to March 23, 2025
- includes a 5-day camp December 27 - 31 during the school holiday
- includes summer/fall dryland conditioning sessions, two days per week starting at the beginning of August.
PROGRAM DETAILS
On-snow training includes a combination of drills and directed free skiing for fundamental skill development and gate training and/or an introduction to racing. Training time is split up as follows:
- 65% coached free-skiing and drills
- 25% coached gate training
- 10% racing or in simulated competitions
Participants are divided by age and ability into groups of about 8. Video of training and races throughout the season is made available for parents and athletes on Google Drive.

Racing Options
- Whitefish Mountain Resort’s Tommy Moe Race Series is strongly encouraged, though not included in FVSEF programming.
- US Ski & Snowboard - Northern Division Youth Ski League (YSL) races.
- Coaching for YSL events is included, though coach travel expenses are invoiced to families based on the number of attending athletes.
COSTS
YET TO BE UPDATED FOR 2024-25 SEASON.
1-day Program - Saturday or Sunday
- $1,135 if registered and paid 75% on or before 9/30/23.
- $1,295 after 9/30/23
2-day Program - Saturday and Sunday
- $1,650 for 2-day program before 9/30/23
- $1,880 after 9/30/23
For both programs:
- A payment plan is possible
- Scholarships are available
- Coach travel expenses to races are invoiced equally to attending families
- 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.
- Combination skis may be used for both SL and GS training and racing Tommy Moe races
- A separate pari of SL and GS skis may be preferred when participating in YSL races
- SL protection for more experienced racers may include pole guards, chin guards, and shin guards - these are not required or necessary for most particpants starting out
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
- Wednesday and/or Thursday Night T-bar Training from January 8th - March 14th .
- Sessions run from 2-4pm using Chair 2 and 4-6pm using the Heritage T-bar. Registration is for all four hours of training, though a two-to-three-hour block is recommended.
- Cost $375 for one-day midweek training or $750 for two-day midweek training.