Available Programs
U-8:
This age group is for 6 and 7 year olds who are being introduced to the sport for the first time and for whom every day is an exploration of what the mountain has to offer in the most fun and supportive environment possible. Participants must be able to ride the lift on their own, and ski the entire mountain. Our coaches are all former racers who will guide these future stars down side trails, through glades, across mogul fields, and down terrain parks. Learning the concepts of fore-aft balance, ankle flexion, and the introduction to a pole plant, are all attainable goals even at this young age. It is amazing how much this age group can learn when more is expected. There will be a lead coach providing direction and guidance exclusively to this age group. Training will be primarily Saturdays only. The training season will start Christmas week and run until the night of the annual PMRT “banquet”. Historically, 12 to 13 days of training are included in this age group. Athletes are strongly encouraged to participate in age appropriate off mountain races, as well as fun races held at Pleasant Mountain. These are the young boys and girls who are the future of our race team. Our goal is to develop each youngster into a future high-caliber ski racer. We take great pride in the progress made each year by the boys and girls in this age group. For details on U8 gear click here.
U-10:
The U-10 training group consists of youths who are 8 and 9 years old (Under 10). This age level will be encouraged to play on the mountain while beginning to develop sound technical ski fundamentals. There are a wide variety of abilities at this age level. Some children are being introduced to skiing, others already have considerable racing experience. Regardless of experience and ability, PMRT wants weekend ski-race training at this age level to be the highlight of every child’s week. Coaches recognize that results at this age level are practically meaningless and that enthusiasm and sound fundamentals are more appropriate measures of success. Athletes will be introduced to gate training, however the emphasis will be on being able to ski the entire mountain, and to ski it well. Athletes will be expected to participate at races off mountain in Maine and New Hampshire. There will be emphasis on carving the mountain with surgical precision during free-ski runs. At the end of the season, we want parents to be amazed and proud at their child’s improvement. For details on U10 gear click here.
U-12:
The U-12 training group consists of youths who are 10 and 11 years of age. This age level represents a window of opportunity for the development of ski-racing fundamentals. Children are old enough to focus and young enough to make radical improvements in a relatively short time frame. The mission at this age level is miles of runs under the direction of coaches. Technique drills, gate drills and directed free skiing will be incorporated in equal amounts. Coaches will assist the young athletes to make the transition from viewing the mountain as a playground, to viewing it as a playing field where practice makes progress and work ethic is as important as talent. For details on U12 gear click here.
U-14:
The U-14 training group consists of youths who are 12 and 13 years of age. This age level has the potential to be both the most exciting and the most challenging point in a young racer’s career. Children are turning into adolescents with commensurate changes in emotional and physical development, both of which can affect race results. It is the club’s responsibility to channel appropriate pressure and diffuse inappropriate pressure that may be brought to bear on young athletes. Coaches will prepare training programs that build on the skills developed at younger age levels. PMRT’s commitment is to place skiers on the podium while safeguarding long-term athlete development. For details on U14 gear click here.
U-16:
The U-16 training group consists of athletes who are 14 and 15 years of age. This age group will transition into “seeded” competition. This means they will begin being seeded in races based on their USSA points earned in prior competitions. It is paramount that at this age group athletes continue to focus on development of their skiing skills, not just “chasing points”. PMRT is committed to assisting this age level club member become a better skier and athlete, which in turn will result in better long-term race results. Finances and school schedules permitting, athletes will be encouraged to be 3-event skiers, engaging in the disciplines of slalom, GS, and Super-G. The club also recognizes that for some athletes high school racing will be the primary focus. At PMRT, these high school racers will receive the best weekend training in the region. For details on U16 gear click here.
U-18 and U-21:
The U-18 and U-21 training group consists of athletes who are 16, 17, 18 and 19 years of age. For the most part, this age group will already have had considerable racing and training experience. However, the club also welcome relative newcomers to the sport. With an ambitious attitude, the newcomer can make great strides. For veteran athletes, there will be focused preparation for racing at the highest level of USSA events, while also participating in a rigorous high school racing schedule. Because of their age and experience, this age group will be expected to bring a higher degree of responsibility to their training program. Athletes will be expected to show leadership on and off the hill, including providing role models for their younger teammates. If an athlete is considering making the transition to ski-racing in college, PMRT is dedicated to assist that athlete in making that transition. For details on U18+ gear click here.
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