
USSA ALPINE SKI RACE TEAM
Our 2019-20 season will have training and racing for USSA U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, and U19 age groups. Whether your child is on the Development Team or the Competition Team, he or she will have eight hours of on the snow training each weekend during the ski season as well as participating in a week long training camp the last week of December. Unlike some other sports, ski racing does not have a competition every weekend. rather, there is a lot of training, with a few races scattered throughout the season.
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NASTAR - In most years, the Timberline and Canaan Valley resorts run a NASTAR course for a few hours each weekend day, and race team kids have unlimited access (included in Team Fees). Kids are encouraged to make multiple NASTAR runs after practice as additional training. It's fun and kids can track their improvement and earn medals, which is positive reinforcement.
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Throughout the season, athletes in each USSA age group will have the opportunity to compete in SARA races in West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina, where, depending on age group they will have the opportunity to qualify and participate in championship events at both the Divisional and National levels. Team dues cover the cost for coaching at one SARA race to be identified at the beginning of the season and at the SARA Championship race.
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Our ski racers are members of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and race in the Southern Alpine Racing Association (SARA) of the Eastern Region. Every racer, regardless of program, must register as a competitive Alpine skier on the USSA web site.
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Coaching
Our coaches are USSA-certified and each has an impressive background in both ski racing and coaching experience. They specialize in the PMTS (Primary Movements Teaching System) training method. This system was developed by Harold Harb in the 1990s and is propelling several U.S. Ski Team racers to world championship levels. For more information visit: https://harbskisystems.com
Have more questions? Check out or FAQ for new and prospective members.
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ONE TEAM: TWO LEVELS
Timberline Race Team offers two levels of training for our racers. More advanced skiers join our Competition Team, while younger or more inexperienced skiers join our Development Team. Our programs include
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On snow sessions every weekend January 5th - March 3rd, 2020, 8 AM - 12 PM, plus holidays (Presidents' Day and Martin Luther King Day)
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Slalom and GS Gate Training
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Holiday training camp. Dec 26 - 31
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Coaching at selected SARA USSA races
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Coaching at SARA Championships
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A professional, experienced USSA certified coaching staff
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Monthly video feedback
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Use of the TRT Race Hut
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Unlimited NASTAR runs
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TRT DEVELOPMENT TEAM
The Development Team provides younger children and children who are less experienced a great introduction to ski racing. We offer small group training sessions focusing on fun, skill development, speed acquisition, and how to ski safe and smart all while developing a love for the sport. Children on the Development Team are matched with a coach and fellow skiers with similar abilities. In order to join the Development Team children must be:
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7 years old by Dec. 1
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independent on the mountain
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accompanied by a parent/responsible adult during practices if under the age of 8 or otherwise in need of parental supervision and support
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able to ski parallel turns on all blue slopes at Timberline
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members of USSA (for liability purposes)
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properly equipped with skis, boots, poles, helmet, goggles, warm clothes, and gloves
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in possession of a Timberline season pass - the mountain has historically granted us reduced rates
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estimated cost per season $650; local resident discount available
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TRT COMPETITION TEAM
The Competition Team is designed to inspire and challenge athletes to perform at the next level. It offers skill development and speed acquisition, all while having fun. This group races at SARA USSA races in order to have fun, go fast, and gain experience. Athletes in this group, age 10 and up, also have the opportunity to qualify for the Piche Invitational Race in Gunstock, NH. Participants of the Competition Team are nominated by the TRT Head Coach. It is not a requirement to be on the Development Team before joining the Competition Team.
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Additional costs for races include race registration fees, lift passes for the resort hosting the race, and any associated travel costs (mileage, hotel, meals, etc.). Races are held at any of the SARA host mountains, including Timberline, Snowshoe, and Winterplace in WV; Bryce, Massanutten, and Wintergreen in VA,; and Appalachian, Beech, and Sugar in NC. Races are not mandatory, but most racers on the competition team want to compete. The minimum number of race events attended is usually two - one to qualify for championships where kids will race both GS and Slalom and then Championships at the end of the season. Estimated cost per season $825; local resident discount available.
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