FAQs
Following dry-land training that begins in early November, our Traveling Team typically begins weekly on-snow practices the first weekend in December. For the 2011-2012 season, we expect (weather permitting) that Traveling Team on-snow practices will begin Saturday, December 3, 2011.
For our skiers and boarders not planning to compete with the Traveling Team, our season typically begins with an Assessment Day the second weekend in December. Coaches will ski or ride with the team members on various trails and over varied terrain in order to assess the children's abilities in order to place them with appropriate coaches and groups to start the season. For the 2011-2012 season, we expect (weather permitting) that Assessment Day will take place on Sunday, December 11, 2011. All members, returning and new, must meet in the Main Lodge at Wisp at 8:30 a.m.
What is the Training Schedule?
Holiday Mini-Camp: Training begins during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day with our intense and immensely enjoyable Holiday Mini-Camp. Skiers and boarders will train each of four mornings, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. For the 2011-2012 season, we have scheduled our Holiday Mini-Camp for December 27-30, 2011.
Weekly Alpine Racing Training: During the season, alpine racing training takes place on Saturday and Sunday mornings, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m, and on alternate Thursday and Friday evenings between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Weekly Freestyle Skiing Training: During the season, freestyle skiing training takes place on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Weekly Snowboard Training: During the season, snowboarding training takes place on Saturdays and Sundays between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
When Does the Season End?
Our seasons end with the Maryland Governor's Cup racing weekend, which is typically the first weekend in March. For the 2010-2011 season, the Governor's Cup races are scheduled for March 3-4, 2012.
Where Do Team Members Meet for Training Sessions?
Team members meet for each training session near the Racing Shack at the bottom of Squirrel Cage about 15 minutes before the start of the session. Children should be ready to start immediately, with all gear, clothing and lift passes on and ready to go. Coaches and training groups will leave the Racing Shack area promptly at the beginning of each training session. At the conclusion of each training session, parents of younger team members can pick up their children at the same location.
What Are the Age Groups for Alpine Racing?
Age groups, established by USSA rules, are determined by ages as of December 31st for the season in question. The groups are as follows:
J6 7- 8 yrs.
J5 9-10 yrs.
J4 11-12 yrs.
J3 13-14 yrs.
J2 15-16 yrs.
J1 17-19 yrs.
Does My Child Need a Helmet?
YES, team members must wear a protective helmet specifically made for skiing, at all times they are skiing with the team and in events. Questions about specific helmets should be addressed to the coaching staff.
What Type of Equipment Does My Child Need?
ALPINE: Questions about the proper equipment for team members in the J1-J4 groups should be directed to the coaching staff. While many our our racers have event-specific skis (Slalom and Grand Slalom), having multiple skis is not absolutely necessary. Your child's coach can give you the best direction here. Younger racers, J5-J6, need good-quality buckled boots, skis with up-to-date bindings, poles and the like.
FREESTYLE: A good quality twin-tip ski and up-to-date bindings are necessary, More proficient freestylers may benefit from mogul-specific skis, but here, too, your child's coach can give you the best direction. As your child becomes more proficient, he/she may want a mogul-specific ski.
SNOWBOARDING: A good quality snowboard with up-to-date bindings, along with good-quality boots, are necessary. Here, too, whether your child will benefit from specific types of boards is best addressed by your child's coach.
