U16 (K2 Ages 14 to 15)
Head Coach
Ian larsen ian@ferniebuilders.com
U16 is for teens who love the world of Alpine Ski Racing and want to rip with their friends! The U16 focus is Training to Race.
The competitive U16 skier has a good grasp on the skills required for the sport, yet this athlete is still in the developmental stages of ski racing and races should be viewed as training for future development. The competitive U16 Racer is encouraged to attend all the races available. 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 recreational U16 skiers, the same high level of coaching is offered even if they choose not 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
U16 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). In total, 70 days on snow are offered.
Race Season
Club Races - The Friends of FAST races series is 3 fun-focused races for all the FAST athletes.
Zone Races - U16 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.
BC Provincial Finals -The final for the U16 culminates in the U16 provincials in March, which rotates yearly throughout the various B.C. zones.
Western Championships - A show-down for BC and Alberta U14 & U16 athletes.
Whistler Cup - This international FIS sanctioned event is held the first weekend of April every year for U14 and U16 athletes. Qualification criteria U16 athletes for this event can be downloaded form the B.C. Alpine website.
Costs
Annual Fee $2800
Summer 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 in the program fees. We also highly promote participation in other sports to develop great athletes and high levels of fitness.
All U16 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!
All U16 athletes are 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 summer camps are not included in your program fees. Information will be provided near the end of the ski season.
Equipment
Helmet -A certified race helmet is mandatory. As well we suggest a detachable face guard for slalom.
Mouth Guards - Custom made mouthguards are manadatory for training and racing. These can be made by your personal dentist.
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 U16 athletes are using them.
Skis - U16 athletes will compete in 4 types of races. Slalom, Giant Slalom (“GS”), Kombi and Super G. At this stage, U16 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.
Special thanks to all our amazing sponsors. Click to see a complete list of our SPONSORS.