KINDER SERIES
The BC Alpine Kinder series – for athletes aged 11-12 (K1) and 13-15 (K2) – is designed to give young racers an opportunity to develop their racing and skiing skills and progress according with their ability. The K1 Program is the first level of Alpine Ski Racing for 11-15* year olds. This is the start of their journey as a competitive skier. The K2/U16 Program is for members 13 to 15* years of age who are looking to continue developing their skiing and racing skills and is similar to the K1 program.
Kinder 1 (K1) – Bridging
This spring ACA (Alpine Canada Alpine) announced that 10 year olds could now become carded athletes and compete at the K1 level. With the above news and the realization that a full K1 schedule would probably not be beneficial for most 10 year olds we created a program to bridge the gap between K-stars and a full K1 program. Athletes in the bridging program will train with the K1 group when they are home and with K-stars when the K1′s are traveling. The bridge athletes will be K1 carded and will compete in the two Mt Washington K races and also attend the Grouse Mountain Tyee Cup.
K1 PHILOSOPHY (11-12 year olds)
The focus of K1 remains on the FUNdamentals of ski training, skill development and progressive introduction to competition. In this level athletes gradually progress from the skiers essentials stage of the Alpine integration model (Long term skier development for Alpine ski racing, AIMs) through the learning to train stage (Kstars/K1) and eventually into the learning to race stage. Learning experiences are enhanced with extensive use of free skiing and specifically designed gate environments. The more formalized racing and team travel also enhance the learning of critical life skills such as time management, working as a member of a team, proper nutrition, being responsible for yourself and accountable for your actions.
K1 TRAINING
Dryland/physical training begins the first week of September. On snow training begins in December, training is available on Sat and Sun as well as Christmas and spring break. Training is also available on most Fridays and or Mondays, parents and school permitting. Athletes compete in the K1 Coast Zone race series, which culminates with a Provincial championship and every second year this group attends the BC Winter Games.
This program seeks to develop skiing and life skills in a fun, encouraging, safe environment. The program is designed and delivered by professional coaches following the guidelines of the Canadian Ski Coaches Federation and Alpine Canada.
*10 year olds can join full program or take part in a bridging program with involvement in both Kstar and K1. *
K2 PHILOSOPHY (13-15 year olds)
The K2’s are well versed at competition and the athletes are in the learning to race stage of the Alpine integration model (AIM2). Learning experiences are enhanced at this level through free skiing, gate environments, five event training, video review and timing.
K2 TRAINING
Dryland/physical training becomes more formalized at this level and athletes who are physically ready are provided a yearly plan. On snow training typically begins with a fall camp(s) in November/December; training is available Fridays through Monday on most weeks and through camps at Christmas and spring break. Athletes at this level are also encouraged to attend spring and summer on snow camps. Athletes compete in the K2 Coast Zone race series which culminates with two Provincial finals and a Western Canadian Championship for those who qualify.
This program seeks to develop skiing and life skills in a fun, encouraging, safe environment. The program is designed and delivered by professional coaches following the guidelines of the Canadian Ski Coaches Federation and Alpine Canada.
*15 year olds have the choice of racing in the K2/U16 race series and or the FIS series. *
FIS
The FIS (Federation International Ski) program is for members 15-18 years of age who are looking to continue developing their skiing skills and take their racing to the next level. Athletes in our FIS program are in the learning to race and training to race stages of development (AIM2). Athletes at this level train year round following a yearly training plan that guides their physical and skiing development. Our FIS athletes compete throughout BC and Alberta in the Western Canadian FIS series.
The Mt Washington Ski Club has a tradition of excellence and our programs have moved several athletes onto the BC Ski Team and Canadian National Ski Team.
The FIS Program is broken down into three categories:
• J1 – 15-16 years old (Junior)
• J2 – 17-18 years old (Junior)
• SR – 19+ years old (Senior)
This program seeks to develop skiing and life skills in a fun, encouraging, safe environment. The program is designed and delivered by professional coaches following the guidelines of the Canadian Ski Coaches Federation and Alpine Canada.
