About the E1 Program

This is the introductory program of the Alcan Nancy Green Ski League (“ANGSL”) for children ages 5 -10 (age as of December 31).  The E1 program delivers customized free skiing and introduces young skiers to alpine ski racing at a very basic and fun level. This is the Nancy Greene league which follows the Husky Snow Stars program.

Dedicated volunteer and professional coaches ensure a perfect mix of fun, skill development, safety, and skier etiquette to the skiers while they experience Fernie’s fantastic terrain. Skiers will participate and have the opportunity to excel in organized alpine racing through team and individual racing where fair play is promoted and rewarded with ski medals and ribbons to every competitor, resulting in huge smiles and great memories!

It all starts with programs that follow Nancy Greene’s philosophy of fair play and group competition. We design the programs so children ski with others of similar ability and emotional development. Our club has coached hundreds of young skiers and our successful programs have helped families enjoy the sport of Alpine skiing and ski racing for many years.

Groups usually consist of 6 to 8 skiers and one dedicated coach. The younger children will also have club volunteers (like yourselves) assisting the coach as “tail gunners”.  This is a great opportunity to see first hand what your child is learning and how much fun they are having.

Our programs focus on the children’s safety while delivering a FUN and exciting skiing experience, including the opportunity to race head to head with other children of similar skier ability.  Register your children in the Nancy Greene Ski League this ski season and watch your child’s skiing skills develop and their confidence swell along with their smiles.

Schedule

E1 will start the first Saturday of January and continue for 12 weeks of coached sessions.  There is a club race, year-end banquet and a parent-athlete race day in the following two weeks for a total for 14 weeks of activity all included in the registration price.  Unbeatable value!!!

Lesson time is on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. including a lunch break (you are responsible for packing a lunch for your child).  Groups meet at the Racers Hut at 9:45 sharp.

Races

At this age the emphasis is on fun, safety and friendship.  The young athletes do have the opportunity to participate in three club races and the year-end championship in order to gain an exposure to ski racing.  All of these race courses are set with the 5-year-old skier in mind.  There is a prize for every athlete that participates.  Same prize for all – regardless of result.  Everybody is a winner.

Linda Putnam Memorial Race – This invitational race is held at Panorama each year for E1 and E2 athletes.  It is a fun race and participation is entirely optional.  The race is very well organized, a lot of fun and there are many prizes.  It is very popular with both young athletes and parents.  It is a great introduction to inter-club racing.

Kootenay Zone Final – Held at a different club in the East Kootenay zone each year, this is the only zone race for the E1 age group in the season.  Participation is entirely optional.  Location for the current year schedule can be found on the FAST calendar.  FAST usually has a contingent at these events so there are coaches available for any child who wishes to participate.

Equipment

Helmets – All E1 athletes are required to wear full over-the -ear hard shell alpine ski racing helmets.

Skis – There are no special ski requirements.

It is the PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that their child has properly fitting and properly functioning equipment.