WVSC Racing programs
U8/10 (YOB:2016-2019)
Children aged 6-9 (as of December 31, 5 athletes minimum required)
U10 Program Overview: Skier Essentials & Learn to Train
This program is the perfect next step from Sunday NGSL, offering a smooth transition into race training environments. Following the Long-term Athlete Development Skier Essentials model, skiers continue to learn fundamental movement skills in a variety of environments on and off the snow. On snow, skiers continue to focus on learning the fundamental skiing skills, while building to the Learn to Train stage as they develop foundational movement and skiing skills in structured and unstructured environments. Ski racers in this stage are beginning to consolidate their foundational skiing skills while at play in free ski and ski racing environments in a variety of terrain. Ski racers are beginning to understand the tactics involved in ski racing as they learn more about the sport of ski racing in a fun and playful environment that promotes self-discovery.
~ 45 days each season of programming available, starting December 6th, 2025.
Saturdays and Sundays, 8:45 AM – 3:30 PM, with a one-hour lunch break.
Race program includes full access to dryland training plus Christmas and March Break Camps.
Opportunities available to participate in local Nancy Greene Ski League and U10 competitions (additional costs apply).
U12 (YOB: 2014 & 2015)
Children aged 10 – 11 (as of December 31)
U12 Program Overview: Learn to train
The primary goal, in the Learn to Train stage, is to develop solid technical skill execution in all situations and environments at varying speeds while having fun. Young ski racers can begin to understand the use of dynamic, athletic turns in a variety of training environments. Ski racers participate in local club races exposing ski racers to all disciplines of ski racing including dual and ski cross kombi events. Ski racers are encouraged to explore the mountain and begin to take more responsibility for their development through self-discovery.
~ 50+ days each season of programming available, starting December 6th, 2025
Pre-season training available in November (dates TBC).
Friday afternoons (1:30–3:30 PM) at Panorama Mountain, Saturday and Sunday (8:45 AM–3:30 PM), plus an additional Tuesday evening session (7–9 PM) at COP in Calgary.
Race program includes full access to dryland training plus Christmas and March Break Camps.
Opportunities available to participate in Kootenay Zone Races (additional costs apply).
U14 (YOB: 2012 & 2013)
Competitors aged 12–13 (as of December 31)
U14 Program Overview: Train to Train
Ski racers in the Train to Train stage are focused on transferring fundamental technique and basic tactical skills into the competition environment. While ski racers start competing more seriously, the major focus during competition is on applying what they've learned in training and not on winning at all costs. Ski racers begin to specialize in the sport(s) of their choice in this stage. Ski racers are introduced to a variety of critical race elements from start to finish including movement over terrain and gliding. Ski racers begin formalized speed and ski cross training progressions to develop their skill set in these areas.
~ 50+ days each season of programming available, starting December 6th, 2025
Pre-season training available in November (dates TBC).
Friday afternoons (1:30–3:30 PM) at Panorama Mountain, Saturday and Sunday (8:45 AM–3:30 PM), plus an additional Tuesday evening session (7–9 PM) at COP in Calgary.
Race program includes full access to dryland training plus Christmas and March Break Camps.
Opportunities available to participate in regional & provincial races (additional costs apply).
Zone Races: U16 athletes will have minimum of three Kootenay Zone races throughout the year. These races can be anywhere in the east Kootenay Zone. Participation is optional but strongly encouraged for those who wish to pursue competitive skiing at a high level.
Western Championships: A show-down for BC and Alberta U14 & U16 athletes.
U16 (YOB: 2010 & 2011)
Competitors aged 14–15 (as of December 31)
U16 Program Overview: Train to Race
The start of the Train to Race stage is dependent on skiing skill and physical fitness, growth and maturation. Ski racers in this stage have completed their adolescent growth spurt. In the Train to Race stage, skiers are refining their technique and tactics through training and competition in a variety of events including downhill, super G, giant slalom, slalom, super combined, alpine team event and ski cross.
~ 50+ days each season of programming available, starting December 6th, 2025
Pre-season training available in November (dates TBC).
Friday afternoons (1:30–3:30 PM) at Panorama Mountain, Saturday and Sunday (8:45 AM–3:30 PM), plus an additional Tuesday evening session (7–9 PM) at COP in Calgary.
Race program includes full access to dryland training plus Christmas and March Break Camps.
Opportunities available to participate in regional, provincial and National/international events (additional costs apply).
Zone Races: U16 athletes will have minimum of three Kootenay Zone races throughout the year. These races can be anywhere in the east Kootenay Zone. Participation is optional but strongly encouraged for those who wish to pursue competitive skiing at a high level.
BC Provincial Finals: U16 series culminates in the U16 Provincials in March, which rotates yearly throughout B.C.
Western Championships: A show-down for BC and Alberta U14 & U16 athletes.
Whistler Cup: This international FIS-sanctioned event is held the first weekend of April every year for U14 and U16 athletes. Qualification criteria for U16 athletes can be downloaded from B.C. Alpine.
U18/FIS (YOB: 2009 & older)
Competitors aged 16 + (as of December 31)
Program Overview: Train to Race/Race to Win
This stage focuses on the development of athletes as young adults. In the Train to Race stage, skiers are refining their technique and tactics through training and competition in a variety of events including downhill, super G, giant slalom, slalom, super combined, alpine team event and ski cross. By the time ski racers enter this stage, they have chosen ski racing as their specialization sport and they begin to refine their discipline-specific skills and physical capacities to execute proper ski technique in a variety of tactical environments. Everything in this stage is about optimizing physical preparation if the ski racer has passed their "peak height velocity" and can safely begin to build their strength, strength-endurance and power.
~ 120 days each season of programming available with 20-30 FIS/NorAm race starts.
comprehensive year-round training on & off snow.
Please contact Dusan Grasic at wvskiclub@gmail.com - for more information on this program.
No matter which program you choose, your child will feel like a valued part of the team while gaining the skills and confidence to develop a lifelong love of skiing!
