U14 (12 and 13 year olds) born 2011/2010

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. 

As a prerequisite, skiers must be able to ski with confidence and control on advanced-expert terrain ( i.e. Feuz Bowl, CPR, etc.)

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 2023/24: Hard eared helmets required, Chin guards, shin guards, hand guards required. Back protector required. One pair of Slalom or Giant Slalom skis is required at a minimum.  

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. 

 Athletes have the opportunity to participate in more fun-based club events including:

• Annual GKHAT cookie cup.

• Annual GKHAT Nancy Greene race. U14 and U16 athletes may participate as a forerunner.

• Annual club year-end ski-tacular event.

For home events, U14/16 athletes may be included as mentors to younger skiers in order to build team and leadership skills. 

 Additional to local events, U14 racers are encouraged to attend: 

• Up to three “Kootenay Zone Races” hosted by other clubs throughout the season

• These races include slalom and GS races 

• Speed Camp if offered 

  • This is typically a weekend of training super G at a host ski hill followed by a fun race

• Western Ski Cross Events

• Hosted by different clubs, this is a full weekend introduction to ski cross, suitable to all levels of athletes and tons of fun!

• BC Games or Provincial races if the opportunity arises 

• Preseason ski camps for skiers who want to get on snow and start working on their turns early

Program begins the weekend of December 15, 2023 (maybe earlier start if conditions permit)

Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

First day of program: Dec 15, 2023 - March 31, 2024 (regular program doesn't run over Christmas weekends of December 23 and 30th, 2023).

Volunteer Requirements

Additional to standard volunteer club duties (yurt cleaning, helping at local race events), we ask our parents of older athletes to contribute to the club by:

• Organizing/helping out at social and team building activities.
• Filling key roles in organizing and volunteering at zone races when our club hosts.
• Consider taking a level 1 or 2 officials course if you have a child who loves to race.
• Volunteering at away races when help is needed.

Don’t be intimidated if you have never been involved in ski racing. There are always jobs that can be done by anyone and we believe that ski racing should be fun for the whole family! Please speak to the volunteer coordinator as early as possible if you are unable to fulfill your volunteer commitment for the season for whatever reason (volunteer.coordinator@gkhat.ca). Please see our GKHAT Parent Handbook for more details.

Equipment (see parent handbook for more details

GKHAT Parent Handbook

Well fitting skis, boots, helmet, goggles, poles.  Hard Ear Helmet, Slalom guards (shin,hand,chin) required.  Back protectors required.  Spandex race suit recommended. 

U14+ skiers ideally always have the right ski for the job at hand. Even if athletes are not the keenest of racers, a proper ski can greatly improve their skill development and enjoyment during time spent on race training. Ideally skiers have a JR. slalom ski ~nose height, a JR Giant Slalom ski ~ top of head, and a powder/ all mtn ski.  Consult your coach or ski pro for the weight-ski length chart for jr race skis.  One pair of slalom or giant slalom skis is required at a minimum. 

*About Friday Skiing

Friday Skiing offers a slightly different experience than other ski days. Lift lines may be shorter, and programs are not interrupted by club race days. However, parents should be aware that since fewer athletes register for Friday skiing, this will often require mixing ages and abilities within groups and that groups may change through the season with mixed duration of ski seasons for the different ages. Also due to timing of operation of some of our ski racing environments and grooming requirements, the ski cross course may be less available for use on Fridays. 

Annual Fee

Financial Assistance

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