About the K2 Program

The K2 Program is for children of ages 13 and 14 (children must be either 13 or 14 years old as of December 31st).

For the highly competitive skier                                                      

At this stage of the program the athletes should have a grasp on the skills required in this sport. The athlete is still in the developmental stages of ski racing and races should be viewed as training for future development.  The K2 racers will participate in the CIBC/Wood Gundy Zone Race Series, as well as the K2 Provincial Championships, which rotates around the province each season.  One more race added to the K2 season is the K2 Western Championships which is a competition between BC and Alberta.  Again, these competitions are optional yet each member is encouraged to attend as many as they are able and test their skills against other racers from around the Zone and Province.

For the less competitive/recreational skier

The same high level of coaching is offered to less competitive skiers who may not wish 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

K2 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 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 the Christmas and Spring break holidays.  The camps are optional and their cost is included in the program fees. 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 - K2 athletes will have minimum of 3 Kootenay Zone races throughout the year. These races can be anywhere in the east Kootenay Zone.  Participation is optional but strongly encouraged for those who wish to pursue competitive skiing at a high level.

Provincial’s -The final for the K2 cumulates in the K2 provincials in March, which rotates yearly throughout the various B.C. zones.

Whistler Cup - This international FIS sanctioned 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

It is also our mandate as club to provide summer on-snow ski training for K2 athletes.  Consideration to costs and availability will affect the location.  Likely a 3-day skills camp in May as well as 4-day race camp at Farnham Glacier in mid August will be offered.

Dryland and off season-Training

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

Equipment

Helmet -A certified race helmet is mandatory. As well we suggest a detachable face guard for slalom.

Cross Blockers - These attach to the poles and protect the hands when skiing slalom.

Shinners – These 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 K2 athletes are using them.

Skis - K2 athletes will compete in 4 types of races. Slalom, Giant Slalom (“GS”), Kombi and Super G.  At this stage, K2 athletes need a pair of slalom skis for Kombi and Slalom and GS skis for GS and Super G.

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