Alpine Race South Series

Additional Expenses & Explanations

Ski Passes
Athletes need a Snowbasin and Nordic Valley season pass. Pass prices are not included in program fees and must be purchased directly through both resorts. Snowbasin Season Pass discounts are available to athletes after Nov 1 & when tuition is paid in full.  The resort will refund athletes the difference between what they paid and the eligible discount at the Meadows Ticketing Yurt. Nordic Valley typically has early bird season pass rates & special discounts for certain ages athletes under 12.  Please consult Nordic Valley’s website for their most up-to-date information.

USS&S Membership

• US Skiing Competitor U12 and below with IMD dues $110.00
• Register on the US Ski & Snowboard website after July 1 –  www.ussa.org/membership

Race Expenses 

• Lift Tickets for race venues are NOT included
• Estimated Travel Costs: $100-$500 per race depending on location, staffing, etc
• U10/12 South Series race fees are included in tuition, but IMD Champs and IMD Finals race fees are NOT included in tuition & will be determined by what the athlete qualifies to attend.
• YSL Races are an optional add-on.  Race fees, lift tickets, travel costs are NOT included in the tuition.
• Race expenses will be due NLT 2 weeks prior to the event, payable thru ssef.skiclubpro.com

Work Deposit
Refundable with volunteer days or donated to the SSEF Scholarship Fund.

Optional Add-ons

• May & June Camps
• Beartooth Camp – June 6-10th, if weather permits
• NACS Mt Hood Summer Camp – at athlete discretion
• Recommend Keely’s Camp for Girls – https://keelyscamp.com
• Mountain Biking Camp – Starts June 22 –  Contact Parker@snowbasinskiteam.org
• Skate Camp – Starts June –  Contact Parker@snowbasinskiteam.org
• Parisi Speed Camp Punch Pass Special – Contact Craig@snownasinskiteam.org
• Ice Skating Optional Training @ Ice Sheet – Sept thru Nov
• Thanksgiving Camp – #1 Sun Valley or  #2 Colorado Nov 20-23, 2023

U10 Equipment

• Recommended 2 pairs of skis (SL race ski & Powder ski)
• Properly fitted boots
• Helmet – required & race approved
• Poles 2 pairs:  SL with hand guards and 1 GS bent
• Goggles: 1 pair with lens for night light; 1 pair with lens for daylight
• Speed Suit
• Tuning equipment (intro kit)
• Back Protector (optional, but highly recommended for SG)
• Soft Goods: gloves/mittens, long underwear, ski socks, ski pants w zipper on side,
• Day Pack Bag to fit: boots and all soft goods including helmet, goggles, gloves, snack, water, sunscreen, hand warmers, neck warmer & extra layers. Bag should be easily carried by your athlete.
• Optional GS skis

U12 Equipment – in addition to U10 list above

• Recommend 3 pairs of skis (SL, GS, All Mountain/Powder) Reminder: National Ruling requires only one pair for each event.”  This will be applicable to U12 and younger, also at South Series events.
• SL Poles – Full Hand Protectors
• SL Shin Guards

Notes on Equipment

Helmets: Must have a hard-shell plastic over the ears. For additional safety, make sure there is a chin protector for Slalom. Bar needs to be easily removed for GS and free skiing.

Goggles: chose a goggle that fits into the helmet comfortably (no goggle gap) and protects the eyes from sun, wind, snow and harsh conditions. Please try on helmets and goggles in store to make sure of correct fitting and sizing.

Poles Height: turn pole upside down, hold pole under the basket -arm should be bent 90 degrees.

Ski Height:

For U10 athletes: SL ski height should measure near the bottom of their nose.

For U12 athletes: SL skis: height between chin and mouth GS skis: measured at 5 cm above head for U12’s and 10cm above head for U14’s.

Length of skis increases with more competitive, heavier, and stronger athletes.

Boots:

Try on the shell – Take liner out of boot and step foot into the hard shell. Slide toes to touch the front of the shell, fit 2 fingers between the heel and the shell.

Try on the liner without the shell  – Find the big toe; big toe should not be too tight in the liner. For more competitive athletes, we look for a tighter fit, but skiers should still be comfortable to ski a whole day in boots without taking boots off.  Skiers should be able to buckle their boots, if they cannot the flex of the boot is too stiff or buckles too short.

Flex boot varies depending on weight. It is important for skiers to be able to flex boot when in standing position. 

U10 athletes should look for softer 60-70 flex. 

U12 athletes should look for stiffer boots, but not exceeding 80 flex. Academy Prep should be in a 90-110 flex, please work closely with our coaching staff prior to buying your boots should you have any questions.

Soft goods / clothing:

Gloves / mittens (mittens are warmer)

Pants / Training Pants – Ski pants with zips on sides can also become shorts

Socks – wool ski socks, moisture wicking (cotton is not good).

Long Underwear – thermal top and long underwear, moisture wicking or wool recommended

Mandatory Parent Athlete Orientation
Mandatory Parent – Athlete Orientation Night: Early November @ TBD

Training schedule, equipment, the race calendar, the team Handbook and more will be discussed.

Recommended Summer Skiing
0-5 days