High Performance Pathway
Alpine skiing, often hailed as the epitome of winter sports, combines exhilarating speed, precise technique, and breathtaking scenery to deliver an unmatched thrill on the slopes. Whether carving through fresh powder on pristine mountainsides or navigating challenging courses in competitive settings, alpine skiing demands a unique blend of skill, athleticism, and courage.
Ski Nova Scotia, through its member clubs: Wentworth Ski Racing Club (WSRC), Martock Ski Race Club (MSRC), Ben Eoin Ski Team (BEST), and Cape Smokey Race Team (CSST) offer a wide variety of programming along the Long-Term Athlete Development Pathway.
With the help and partnership of the ski race clubs, Sport NS and the Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic, selected athletes will be provided further high-performance training opportunities both in and out of season to further their ski racing prowess.
U14
At the U14 age, club programs deliver Learn-to-Train and Train-to-Train programming for athletes aged 12 and 13, as defined in the ACA LTSD Stages of Development. The ACA SnowStars program continues to provide athletic guidance at levels 6 and 7.
U14 competition events are to be focused on the development of ski racing skills while beginning to promote performance on demand.
These races, both in Nova Scotia and across the Maritimes are used for athlete selection to the Ski Nova Scotia U14 team that will compete at the U14 Can-Am Championships held every season.
U16
At the U16 age, club program deliver Train-to-Train programming for athletes aged 14 and 15, as defined in the ACA LTSD Stages of Development.
U16 competition events are to be focused on the development of ski racing skills and promoting the ability to deliver performance on demand.
Codexed races, both in Nova Scotia and across the Maritimes are used for athlete selection to the Ski Nova Scotia U16 team that will compete at the U16 Eastern Championships held every season.
FIS Racing
Ski racers enter this stage when they have progressed and acquired excellent skiing skills and a high-level of physical fitness. Ski racers are refining their technique and tactics through club training and competition in a variety of events. Ski racers are starting to compete in FIS races. Training programs are individualized, and athletes will begin to specialize in their strongest discipline as they enter the Race-to-Win stage.
For further questions and information, please contact your club coach, or contact Ski Nova Scotia: alpinens@sportnovascotia.ca
The Alpine Canada Long-Term Athlete Development Pathway
Whether it’s their first trip on the slopes or their first start at a competition, this 7-step program is designed to develop and encourage skiers of all levels.
