The U16 Program targets athletes looking to refine their fundamental skiing skills and develop strong gate tactics.  Training is based on the competition schedule and athletes are called upon for a greater level of commitment to their sport. 

All U16 are required to participate in 75% of the regular weekend practices.  The optional December Holiday Camp and weeknight practices are strongly encouraged but not required. 

Ages:   14-15 years old

Minimum Requirements:

  • All the U12-14 Program requirements, plus:  
  • Must have expert skiing skills, able to make dynamic C-shaped parallel turns in a narrow corridor on expert terrain (e.g. Upper Ultra) with shin contact on the front of the boot. 
  • Must be comfortable at speed on all terrain at Liberty Mountain. 
  • Commitment to participate in 75% of the regular weekend practices  

Required Equipment:

  • Must have appropriate ski racing equipment, including:
  • Both GS and slalom skis designed for ski racing and appropriate length for the athlete's height and weight 
  • Properly sized and fitted high-performance (4 buckle) race boots
  • Slalom pole and shin guards are required
  • A helmet designed for ski racing. Helmet must adhere to the FIS RH 2013 certification standard and have the appropriate decal visible while wearing the helmet
  • Appropriate ski clothing. Speed suits are recommended but not required.

Format:

  • Saturday and Sundays, 8AM-3PM from resort opening (usually the 2nd weekend in December) through the 2nd weekend in March  
  • Focuses on free skiing and strong fundamentals, while adding GS and slalom gate tactics and racing to the athletes’ skill development  
  • Methodology includes free skiing drills, directed free skiing as a group, gate drills, AM gate training, video analysis, goal setting, and other group activities 
  • Training time is split roughly equally between gate training on various terrain and conditions, and drills and directed free skiing 
  • Includes weeknight practice and December Holiday Camp (included free), and participants are eligible for optional early-season camps
  • Sportsmanship and positive team dynamics are an important part this program

Participation:  

  • All U16 athletes are required to participate in 75% of the regular weekend practices    
  • Weeknight practices and the optional holiday camp are not required but strongly encouraged

Recommended Races:  

  • All U16 Cup events which typically include
    • ​Tussey U16 Cup Races 1 and 2 - Slalom
    • Elk U16 Cup Races 3 and 4 - Giant Slalom
    • Blue U16 Finals Cup Races 5, 6 & 7 - Super G, Giant Slalom, Slalom
  • PARA U14/U16 Speed Camp at Blue Mountain (if offered)
  • American Downhiller PARA Speed Project at Okemo, VT (if offered)
  • PA Cup events as recommended by coaches
  • Possible regional open-registration post-season races as recommended by coaches