Training
We use age-based race categories as follows: U8, U10, U12, and U14. (“U” stands for “Under” – so U12 includes athletes who are 10 or 11.) It’s a 12-weekend season with training from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Members can opt to participate for one or two days per week. Saturday is always a training day, whereas Sunday can be either training or racing.
Progressive skill development is correlated with both age and ability. We practice Slalom (tight turns) and Giant Slalom (faster, wider turns); the coaches generally choose the daily discipline based on upcoming races. A typical training day includes morning drills or practice racing (gate training) and free skiing in the afternoon to build a love for the sport and for all that the mountain has to offer. In that regard, Jay Peak is well-known for above-average snowfall and extensive glade skiing so on powder days you’ll usually find us in the trees. It’s super fun and great for skill-building!
Racing
The club participates in races organized by the Northern Council (NVC) of the Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA) and U.S Ski and Snowboard (USSA). We typically host two races per season. The other clubs that belong to NVC are possible race sites. They are Burke Mountain Academy, Cochran’s Ski Club, Green Mountain Valley School, Mad River Ski Club, Mt Mansfield Academy and Smugglers Notch Ski Club.
Volunteering
The races we host each season are fun occasions and part of club life. They are also a primary source of revenue, which helps us keep registration costs lower for all families. To successfully host these events, we rely heavily on parent volunteers. Whether or not your child is racing that day, your help makes a big difference and keeps things running smoothly. Volunteer roles are varied and accessible to everyone (no skiing experience is required for many of the jobs).
