About the K1 Program

The K1 Program is the first level of Alpine Ski Racing.  This program is for children of ages 11 and 12 (children must be either 11 or 12 years old as of December 31st).

For the highly competitive skier

This is the start of their journey as a competitive skier.  K1 racers begin to adapt to a more competitive atmosphere where each individual is encouraged to push themselves through competition and a quality-training environment to further their skills as a skier and racer.

For the less competitive/recreational skier

The same high level of coaching is offered to less competitive skiers who may not which to travel to races outside of Fernie.  These skiers can participate in all club races and may move to the more competitive program at any time if they have a desire to ski at a more competitive level.

Schedule

K1 on-snow training starts as soon as Fernie opens for downhill skiing, which is usually the 2nd weekend of December and lasts until the end of season, usually mid April.  Ski training includes free skiing, gate training, and skill development through drills and exercise – all under coach supervision.  Training at Fernie is every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. There is also optional training on Fridays.  FAST organizes a number of ski camps during Christmas and Spring break.  The camps are optional but their cost is included in the program fees and all K1 skiers are welcome to join in. Mid-week ski race training will be offered in Calgary at COP Wednesday evenings from 4 - 6:30 p.m. (at additional cost).

Race Season

Zone Races - K1 athletes will have minimum of 3 Kootenay Zone races throughout the year commencing in January.  These races can be anywhere in the east Kootenay Zone (includes Fernie, Kimberly, Panorama, Golden, Whitewater, Red Mountain and Salmo).  Attendance at these races is optional but encouraged for those who wish to be competitive racers.

Club Races - In addition to the zone races, all athletes will compete in “Friends of FAST” Ski race series.  There are 3 races throughout the season as well as the club championships usually the last weekend of March of first weekend of April.  Prizes are awarded for every athlete who participates.

Provincial’s - The final for the K1 cumulates in the K1 provincials in March, which rotates yearly throughout the various B.C. zones. Athletes will qualify for provincials through their Zone and must obtain two top results in any of the races. As well, some athletes can qualify with coach’s discretion.

Whistler Cup - this international event is held the first weekend of April every year for K1 and K2 athletes. Qualification criteria for this event can be downloaded form the B.C. Alpine website.

Summer Training

Some K1 athletes may also be invited to our summer training camps. Consideration to costs and availability will affect the location.  Most years there is a 3-day skills camp in May as well as a 4-day gate training camp at Farnham Glacier.  Costs for these programs are not included in your program fees. Information will be provided near the end of the ski season.

Dry land and off Season-Training

Fitness is key! FAST offers dry land training through out the fall that we encourage the athletes to participate in.  Dry land will include cardio work, balance training and core strength, flexibility and weight training. We also highly promote participation in other sports to develop great athletes and high level of fitness.

Equipment Requirements

Helmets - A certified race helmet is mandatory.  These helmets include a full hard cover shell over the ears.  Racers will not be allowed to race without it. As well we suggest a detachable face guard for slalom.

Cross Blockers - These attach to the poles and protect the hands when skiing slalom and can be bought from our retail partners.

Shinners - Shinners are worn over the ski pants or skin suits to protect the shins and knees when skiing slalom.

Speed Suits - Speed suits are not mandatory however most K1 athletes are using them.

Skis - K1 athletes will compete in 3 types of races. Slalom, Giant Slalom (“GS”) and Kombi. It is suggested (but not required) that K1 athletes have a pair of slalom skis for Kombi and Slalom and GS skis for Giant Slalom.

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