U14 (K1 Ages 12 to 13)
Head Coach
Ben Cohen bensnowcohen@gmail.co
U14 is the program for kids who love to ski and love to race! The U14 focus is Learning to Race on Slalom, Giant Slalom and Ski Cross courses.
For the competitive skier, U14 is the start of their journey as a true alpine ski racer. U14 racers begin to adapt to a more competitive atmosphere where each individual is encouraged to push themselves through competition at Fernie and at events beyond Fernie.
For the more recreational skier, the same high level of coaching is offered. These skiers may choose to stick with the club races held at Fernie and not travel to other race venues. These athletes may become more competitive program at any time if they have a desire to ski at a more competitive level.
For all U14 athletes, U14 provides a quality training environment to further their skills as a skier and racer.
Schedule
U14 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 no additional cost). In total, 65 Days on snow are offered.
Race Season
Zone Races - U14 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.
Friends of FAST - These are our 3 club races for all the FAST athletes held at our home hill. The focus is fun, as racers are introduced to and become comfortable with alpine ski racing.
Whistler Festival - This international event is held the first weekend of April every year for U14 and U16 athletes. At the U14 level this is an invitaitonal event. Coaches will distribute the invitaions by lottery.
Dryland and Off-Season Training
Fitness is key! FAST offers Dryland Training through out the fall that we encourage the athletes to participate in. Dryland will include cardio work, balance training and core strength, flexibility and weight training. Dryland Training is include int he program fees. We also highly promote participation in other sports to develop great athletes and high levels of fitness.
All K1 athletes are invited to the FAST dryland summer camp at Zumland (a private campgorund just south of Fernie). The coaches lead the athletes through group activities, fitness testing and skills training while everyone enjoys fun in the sun!
Some K1 athletes may also be invited to our summer on-snow training camps. These are often held at Mt. Hood, Oregon. Consideration to costs and availability will affect the location. Costs for these programs are not included in your program fees. Information will be provided near the end of the ski season.
Costs
Annual Fee $2500.00
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.
Mouth Guards - Either custom or Boil & Bite mouthguards are mandatory for training and racing.
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 U14 athletes are using them. Padded speed suits are strongly recommended.
Stealth - This padded vest or shirt is recommended for extra protection. It can be worn under a speed suit while racing or without the suit while training.
Forearm Pads - These are NOT recommended for U14 athletes as they promote bad habits for athletes just learning clearing techniques. These bad habits can be unsafe and difficult to correct.
Skis - U14 athletes will compete in 3 types of races. Slalom, Giant Slalom (“GS”) and Ski Cross. Two paris of skis are recommended ; GS skis for GS and Ski Cross and Slalom skis for Slalom races. If only one pair of skis is possible, it is best to choose GS skis for safety concerns.
It is the PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that their child has properly fitting and properly functioning equipment.
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