Junior Ski Programs
Wolverines ages 14-18 birth years 2002-2007
-Skiers move into this group through the Snow Leopards or a similar level program.
-This is for committed skiers that want a full training program. The focus is on committed training, fitness, technique
and racing. Optional per diem dryland training in the Spring, Summer, Fall
-Meets 3 times/week starting in November (TU, WE, TH) and often 1-2 weekend practice or race too.
-Skiers should be prepared to rollerski or run in the dryland practices.
-Transportation provided from school to practice when not at high school (back to ski team office) and to races.
-Cost $630 (travel, races and off season training not included in price) November-March
Philosophy: This group uses race-oriented training by honing technique and racing skills with focus on building ability to train year round. The skiers are encouraged to race. These skiers set goals and work with coaches to achieve their individual goals. Our objective is to teach these skiers to ski technically well at speed. We strive to provide education on mindfulness training and nutrition as well as team building skills and, of course, a life long love of the sport. This group attends races in the Northwest and Canada with opportunities for National race opportunities where appropriate.
We strive to have a skier/coach ratio of 6-7 skiers/coach.
Lynx (ages 12-18) birth years 2002-2009
The Lynx group is for skiers who want a less intense competition focus or those in this age range who are newer to the
sport. Beginner skiers are welcome and we will work to bring you up to speed. Goal oriented practices bring about a
sense of accomplishment and keep the program fun.
Similar to the Polar Bears this group will meet as one large group to work on some skills before breaking up into
smaller groups for more skiing.
-Meets once/week in November for dryland practice
-Meets twice/week after Thanksgiving break for a total of about 27 practices
-Cost $160
Development Philosophy: We work to keep these youth active and enjoying physical activity with friends outside
while learning skiing skills and fitness modes. We continue to work on skills acquisition, stamina and perseverance.
We plan a season-culminating skiing goal and work towards that goal.
The Lynx will meet as a group at the start of practice and then break into into smaller groups for the day to focus on the
day’s program.
We expect to have a ratio of about 5-7 skiers/coach.
Snow Leopards ages 12-15 primarily birth years '08 and '09
-This group introduces skiers to more serious skiing and is for those who want to train 3 days/week and focus on
technique, fitness and race readiness, and, of course, FUN. Skiers in this group should have basic skiing skills and
motivation to improve and be challenged. Older skiers that want a more focused technique group are welcome to join.
We plan to bridge the gap between Polar Bears and Wolverines and expect some movement among these groups.
-Meets 3 times/week starting in November (TU, WE, TH) with occasional weekend practices (dryland optional but
encouraged.)
-Transportation provided to practices not at the high school (from school then back to ski team office after)
-Cost $375 (travel and races not included in price) November-March
Development Philosophy: As skiers go through rapid growth in this age range and see many neuro-muscular changes,
this is a key time to work on the athlete’s stamina and speed. These skiers will be continuing to focus on their technical
efficiency while spending more time on their skis and keeping the ABC’s of skiing in mind (Agility, Balance and
Coordination). This group will spend more time focused on technique than the Wolverines. Skiers are encouraged to set
goals and attend local and regional races in the Northwest and Canada.
We expect a skier/coach ratio of about 5-6 skiers/coach.
Polar Bears 8-12 years old birth years 2009-2013
-This group is for kids who have been a part of the Arctic Foxes, Ski Cubs or are new to the sport.
– Starting this season we will meet as a group under the Lead U10/12 coach each practice, work on some skills together
and then break up in various ways depending on the day for more skiing and to create appropriate challenges for each
skier to maximize their abilities.
-Meets once a week in November for dryland practice
-Meets twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) after Thanksgiving Break for a total of 27 practices
-Cost $160
Development Philosophy: Our aim is to continue to help skiers develop a love of skiing through deepening their
experiences on skis and helping them become more efficient skiers. Skiers this age still have developing nervous
systems but are more open to skill acquisition. We will focus on the ABC’s of athleticism (Agility, Balance and
Coordination) with group drills and skills, as well as using terrain and the play hill to challenge the skiers. We begin to
build stamina and perseverance through longer bouts of continuous skiing.
We encourage participation in local events and races when possible.
The Polar Bears will meet as a large group at the start of practices and get the plan for the day as well as do a short
warm up. There will not be set groups, but rather varied program depending on the plan for the practice.
We expect a skier/coach ratio of about 6-7 skiers/coach. The kids will often be in larger groups with more than one coach.
Arctic Foxes ages 6-7 birth years 2014-2015
We recommend skiers born in 2015 enter through our expanding Ski Cubs program.
This group is for kids in this age range who have skied before, new skiers or for former Ski Cubs looking for a deeper
experience
-Meets every other week in November (Nov 4 & 18 likely both at McCabe trail)
-Meets once/week in December on Thursdays but skiers welcome to come ski during other weekly practice with parents.
-Meets twice/week in January and February for a total of 23 practices
-Cost $135
– Development Philosophy::We aim to instill a long term love of skiing and outdoor activity in the young skiers. Since
kids this age have limited working memory and auditory discrimination the program focuses on guided exploration,
learning-by-doing as they develop the ABCs of athleticism (Agility, Balance and Coordination) on skis to create the
best learning environment. FUN is the goal of each practice.
– We aim to have a ratio of 5 skiers/coach.
EA Weymuller photo
Registration
2020-21 Registration will open October 1. Use this LINK to get you to information and more details and onto registration. Contact Leslie if you have any problems registering or if you are interested in financial aid.
Find details about our program on the Team Info Page.
Year Round Training
Year round training available for those interested! Contact jrteam@mvnsef.org to find out what is offered Spring, Summer and Fall! Or check the Practice Schedule page on this website for weekly updates for each age group.