Ski Racing

Programme description

•    Entry - Alternate weekends during term 3 and holidays either side of term 3. Designed as an entry level programme.  This targets 7 – 10 year old skiers, who are probably just getting started.  Less commitment is required.

We hope this will be a feeder to the K programmes.  Currently Snow School offers ski development in their flyers and warriors programme.


•    Development - Every weekend during term 3 and holidays either side of term 3. It spans the whole age categories.  It usually starts at age 11 (K1), but accommodates younger ages, mostly in the case of older siblings in other programmes, so the family schedule can be the same. 


•    Term 3 school programme – Is a school based programme that provides a unique opportunity for new comers to the sport.  Participants must be primary school age. It only runs mid week during term 3, and rolls from Monday to Thursday each week.  The programme offers three morning sessions per week.  If skiing is not possible, fitness training is provided.


•    Full time – This programme is designed to start at age 11 (K1).   Provision may be made for younger children on request. A reasonable assessment of ability, stamina and maturity will be made to in order to accommodate this provision.

The full time programme consists of two components; Kinder programme and FIS programme.  Kinder is ages 11-12 (K1) and 13-14 (K2).  The Kinder programme will grouped according to development needs and age if number of athletes is sufficient. The FIS programme starts at age 15, and will be a combined Whakapapa & Turoa programme. 


The Kinder and FIS programmes have different competition schedules from each other.  The Kinder programme treats the New Zealand winter as its main competitive season.  The FIS programme may use either the NZ or Northern Hemisphere as its main competitive season.  At times the Kinder and FIS athletes may share resources and training.

National and International Race policy
Not all athletes are at an ability, stamina and maturity level to compete in national events or international events.  Attending events that athletes are not prepared for may have a negative impact on their development. Our goal is to develop their skills and build their confidence so that they are prepared for these events.  The programme and coaches will determine each athlete’s readiness.  This should be viewed as care and concern for all athletes, and a desire to prepare them for the future.

Training

During the season athletes will train GS and SL with a strong focus on the fundamentals of ski racing. There are also fitness facilities available at Ohakune and National Park.

For the performance group Speed/SG training is available. Most of the training will be in the South Island and will be included in their race schedule.

Age groups

E1/2 8-10yrs old

K1 11-12yrs old

K2 13-14yrs old

J1 15-16yrs old

J2 17-19yrs old

Snr 20+yrs old

 

Races

There are a number of races throughout the season including the North Island Series and the Youth Nationals at Mt Ruapehu. There are no FIS races in the North Island and athletes will travel to races in the south island with their coach. There are plans to hold a FIS speed series in the near future at Turoa.

Equipment

Athletes will need these specific items:

Boots (ask your coach or a qualified boot fitter)
Skis GS and SL (see programs for more details)
Poles GS and SL
Shin guards
Pole guards
Downhill suit
CSA approved helmet and chin guard
Ski Tuning Kit (See tuning tips on website)

A back protector is required for SG and DH races and training.

These stores will have all the equipment or be able to order it in.
Vertical Retail Store, Whakapapa and Turoa
The Snow Centre: Auckland, Ohakune and Snowplanet