Racing Programs

Swiss Valley offers a variety of training, practice, and racing opportunities for skiers of all abilities.

The goal of Swiss Valley Alpine Racing is to create excellent skiers with a life-long passion for our sport. We follow US Ski and Snowboard’s Long Term Athlete Development model, which emphasizes development of ski skills before race tactics. Therefore, racers on our team should anticipate that we do not solely run gates, but work towards mastering balance and skiing skills first.

*Please note: prices below do NOT include lift ticket. Often, season passes are the cheapest way for racers & families to buy lift tickets for all practices. If you are unsure of which group/camp to register for, please email coach Jen for advice, just select the RACING category on the contact form.

25-26 Alpine Race Team Options

Intro to skiing and ski racing program offered for ages 4-10. This is a fun, skills- based program focused on developing basic skiing skills and familiarity with skiing and ski race terminology. Limited time in gates to allow for appropriate development of skills according to US Ski Team best practices. Practice Tuesdays (6-7:30), Saturdays (9-10:30), and Sundays (9-10:30) when JDT is practicing. Includes coaching at Swiss Valley, Timber Ridge, and Bittersweet races (race fees are not included; coaching at additional JDT races is available for an additional $20 fee). Participants must be able to ride the chairlift alone or they should be accompanied by an adult who can help them with the chairlift. Athletes must have helmet, goggles, and skis/boots. Poles are optional.

This program is for your child if:

  • They have never ski raced before, or have less than 2 years of experience
  • One of the levels below describes their skiing abilities:
    • Level 1: “I’ve never skied.”
    • Level 2: “I can slide, slightly change direction, and come to a stop.”
    • Level 3: “I can link turns together and stop where I wat to on the easiest green terrain. My turns are usually all the same size.”
    • Level 4: “I am linking turns together smoothly on all green terrain. I can make narrow and wide turns.”

Program includes:

  • Basic skills instruction and coaching at practices – 1/4/25-2/25/25
  • Coaching at 3 races: Swiss Valley, Timber Ridge, Bittersweet (note that race entry fees are separate and payable to the organizers of each race) – coaching at additional JDT races is available for an additional fee
  • New members will receive a Swiss Valley Alpine Racing hat to show off your Swiss Valley spirit on the podium!

Program fees: $235

A focused race program for ages 8-14 who have already participated in JDT prep 2 or more years or are age 10+ and trying JDT for the first time. Racers in this program are looking for longer practices and an increased racing schedule. Racers in this program will refine the ski skills they’ve learned and will begin to learn race tactics and terminology. Practice Tuesdays (6-8), Saturdays (9-11), and Sundays (9-11). This program includes coaching at JDT races at Swiss Valley, Timber Ridge, Bittersweet, and Mt Brighton as well as at least one travel race. Racers must be able to get on all lifts without help, and are expected to be fully independent on the ski hill. Must have full equipment set (poles, skis, helmet, goggles, protective gear as needed). It is recommended that JDT racers get involved in dryland sessions and winter fundamentals camp.

This program is for your child if:

  • They are 8-14 with 2 years of racing experience, OR 10-14 and trying ski racing for the first time.
  • They are committed to learning more about ski racing and have identified this as a sport they enjoy participating in.
  • They have the support of parents/family to learn more about the off-hill components of the sport – dryland training, ski tuning, etc.
  • They are able to maintain focus/attention for longer practices.
  • One of the levels below describes their skiing abilities:
    • Level 4: “I am linking turns together smoothly on all green terrain. I can make narrow and wide turns.”
    • Level 5: “I am skiing mostly parallel in different turn sizes and shapes on most blue terrain. I am beginning to use my poles and can hockey stop in both directions.”
    • Level 6: “I am skiing parallel and confidently on all groomed blue terrain. I am exploring un-groomed trails and the easiest bumps. I usually make the same turn sizes and shapes on un-groomed trails.”
    • Level 7: “I am able to smoothly link parallel turns together with a pole plant on all blue and black terrain. I am exploring un-groomed black terrain, including bumps. I can connect different turn sizes and shapes seamlessly for the different challenges.”

Program includes:

  • 5 hours of race-focused coaching at practices – 1/4/25-3/3/25 – 18 sessions x 2 hrs + Swiss coaching for 8.5 hours of add-on practices at Schuss/Caberfae
  • Help with equipment sizing and equipment care instructions at optional pre-season events.
  • Coaching at JDT races: Swiss Valley, Timber Ridge, Bittersweet, Mt Brighton, plus at least one travel race (note that race entry fees are separate and payable to the organizers of each race).
  • New members will receive a Swiss Valley Alpine Racing hat to show off your Swiss Valley spirit on the podium!

Program fees: $300

A high-level program for racers ages 14-19 who have fallen in love with the sport of ski racing and want to push beyond JDT but are not looking for the large commitment required of full-time USSA racing. Racers in this program are expected to be disciplined and focused, and willing to work hard to continue to build ski racing skills. This program will focus on tactical aspects of ski racing to improve times, as well as continue to develop strong ski fundamentals. Racers in this program will become adept at race day preparations, including course inspection. Practice Tuesdays (6-8), Saturdays (9-11), and Sundays (9-11) when JDT is practicing. This program includes coaching at any JDT races and coaching at one USSA race. Racers may also elect to enter additional open-entry races at Caberfae, Nubs Nob, and elsewhere. Racers must have full equipment set (poles, skis, helmet, goggles, protective gear as needed), and if attending a USSA race is desired, gear must be approved to meet USSA standards by Coach Jen. It is recommended that high school racers get involved in dryland sessions and winter fundamentals camp.

This program is for your child if:

  • They are 14-19 with prior ski racing experience. (If no prior experience, please contact Coach Jen before registering.)
  • They are focused and willing to work hard to continue to learn more about ski racing.
  • They are committed to learning more about ski racing and have identified this as a sport they enjoy participating in.
  • They have the support of parents/family to learn more about the off-hill components of the sport – dryland training, ski tuning, etc.

Program includes:

  • Race-focused coaching at practices – 1/4/26-3/3/26
  • Help with equipment sizing and equipment care instructions at optional pre-season events.
  • Coaching at JDT races when U20 racers are allowed (race entry fees are separate and payable to the organizers).
  • Coaching at one USSA race. If this is desired, your racers equipment must meet USSA specs and standards. (Separate USSA day license and race day fees will be paid to the organizers).
  • New members will receive a Swiss Valley Alpine Racing hat to show off your Swiss Valley spirit on the podium!

Program fees: $325

A high level, high volume program for committed racers ages 10-18 looking towards the next level of racing (ie, USSS or High School). Racers should have previous JDT success and coach interview before joining the program, and program participation will be limited to 15 athletes or less for the 2025-26 season. Practice Tuesdays and Thursdays (6-8), Saturdays (9-11) and Sundays (9-11). Expectations for the program include at least 95% practice attendance (including dryland and winter fundamentals camp), above average listening skills, willing to give maximum effort at all times, must be able to train/focus at a high level for the entire practice time. Parents/families of racers in this program will be expected to learn about race equipment, and maintain athlete equipment to USSS standards. An individual training plan will be created for each racer in the program, to outline which races, camps, etc would be most beneficial for the development of each individual racer.

This program is for your athlete if:

  • They have a history of consistent JDT practice/race attendance and plan to attend all scheduled practices in 25-26. All athletes in this group should also register for and attend dryland practices and Winter Fundamentals PLUS camp.
  • They continue to ask for MORE practice and are willing to work hard on and off the hill.
  • They have above average listening skills and are willing to give maximum effort consistently.
  • They have the support of parents/family to learn more about the off-hill components of the sport – dryland training, ski tuning, etc. Parent encouragement of racers, involvement as volunteers on race days, and maintenance of equipment is MANDATORY.
  • If the racer/family elects to attend a USSS race, parents/families must be willing to learn about USSS rules and follow USSS-credentialed coaches directions about appropriate behavior.

Program includes:

  • Race-focused coaching at practices by US Ski & Snowboard credentialed coaches – starting as soon as Swiss opens until Swiss closes for the season
  • MANDATORY review of equipment, including sizing and equipment care instructions
  • Individualized training and race plans to promote maximal development/achievement
  • Coaching at selected USSS races by USSS trained and credentialed coaches
  • New members will receive a Swiss Valley alpine racing hat to show off your Swiss Valley spirit on the podium!

Program Fees: $1,000

Add-On Options

12/30/24-1/3/25 9am-11am – This is a drills and skills-focused camp meant to get kids ages 4-14 comfortable on skis again, and begin to develop skills crucial for confident skiing this winter. Basics of balance, edging, and body positioning for skiing and ski racing will be taught through games and playful competition. We will begin with basic flatland balance and movement and work up to skiing around targets as the week progresses. Athletes must be confident riding the chairlift OR accompanied by an adult who can help with the chairlift.

Cost: $80 as add on to JDT Prep or JDT program; $175 as stand alone program

12/30/24-1/3/25 9am-2pm – For returning JDT racers ages 10+ (or with Coach Jen’s permission) who are looking for extra practice as they begin the season, we offer a bulked up version of Winter Ski Fundamentals camp. The extra hours scheduled into camp will allow for MORE DRILLS and additional discussion of ski racing tactics and technique. Racers who sign up for this camp should be focused, attentive, and have a good attitude towards improving their skill level through slow repetition of basic movements. *Please note that for this camp, we do not plan to take a lunch break until after 12pm (but athletes may bring a water bottle and “chairlift snack” out on the hill). We will have an intense 3 hr session on skis before athletes are dismissed to eat lunch together in the JDT room. Video review sessions, tactical discussion, and additional skiing and/or dryland training will occur after lunch. If your child will not tolerate an extended/intense morning of training, the basic fundamentals camp may be a better option.

Cost: $150 as add on to JDT program; $300 as standalone program

Allows racers to compete in NASTAR races held at Swiss Valley during the 25-26 season.

Cost: $50

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New members who plan to race and anyone who has previously been on the team who has lost their race bib should order a new bib at the beginning of the season. Athletes will not be able to register for or participate in a race without a bib.

Cost: $35

Fee for visiting racers 10-19 to join a JDT/USSA practice. Contact Coach Jen for permission before registering.

Cost: $20

Visiting teams may request hill space and course set. Contact Coach Jen with the details of your team’s needs, and we will work with you to determine a price/time.

NASTAR Public Racing

NASTAR stands for NAtional STAndard Race and is the largest public grassroots ski racing program in the world.

NASTAR gives recreational racers an opportunity to compete and compare their scores to friends and family regardless of when and where they race using the NASTAR handicap system. 

 

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NASTAR Day Pass

$20 Daily
  • Unlimited racing for the day purchased
  • Equipment: Helmets are strongly recommended for all Race Programs
  • Ages 7 and up, Beginning to Expert skill level​

NASTAR Season Pass

$50 25/26 Season
  • Unlimited NASTAR racing for the 25/26 Season
  • Equipment: Helmets are strongly recommended for all Race Programs
  • Ages 7 and up, Beginning to Expert skill level​
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Open Daily
9:30am-9:30pm

Please note:
Christmas Eve 9:30am-4:30pm
CLOSED Christmas Day.

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