GKHAT’s U14 program aims to develop athletes who want to become the best skiers and ski racers they can be. We strive to provide a high standard of coaching, training opportunities, race experience, with some free-skiing to continue to build strong athletes with solid technical skills. At this level, more time is devoted to race training and U14 skiers can expect to spend a significant portion of their ski days working on racing skills. At this age, we encourage athletes to ski more than one day per week; athletes who ski one day per week will experience a narrower spectrum of training opportunities.
We use Alpine Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) strategy as the training standard for athletes with all levels of aspiration in skiing. For more information, see Alpine Canada at https://ltad.alpinecanada.org/
New for 2022, the U14 regular program is a 14 week program, with an additional two weekends of skiing added to the season. Choose Friday*, Saturday or Sunday on the 14-day program or two weekend days of Friday/Saturdays/Sundays for the 28-day program. U14 programming includes 2-3 home race events.
Skiers who want to ski more than 28 days at this level are encouraged to sign up for the P60 program (see description in this section)
At the U14 and U16 levels, the LTAD recommends 10-20 race starts during the season. These may include Zone races, Provincial events, speed camps, and Ski Cross races.
(COVID Permitting) Athletes have the opportunity to participate in more fun-based club events including:
For home events, U14/16 athletes may be included as mentors to younger skiers in order to build team and leadership skills.
(COVID Permitting) Additional to local events, U14 racers are encouraged to attend:
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Up to three “Kootenay Zone Races” hosted by other clubs throughout the season
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These races include slalom and GS races
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Speed Camp if offered
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Western Ski Cross Events
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Hosted by different clubs, this is a full weekend introduction to ski cross, suitable to all levels of athletes and tons of fun!
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BC Games or Provincial races if the opportunity arises
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Preseason ski camps for skiers who want to get on snow and start working on their turns early
Program begins the weekend of December 16, 2022. (maybe earlier start if conditions permit)
Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
First day of program: Dec 16, 2022 - April 2, 2023 (regular program doesn't run over Christmas weekends of December 23 and 30th, 2022).