Race Program
The Race Program offers two levels of commitment for athletes serious about ski racing:
One Day Race Team
- Schedule: Saturdays, starting December 2nd (or earlier, snow permitting), from 9 am to 3 pm at Great Divide, running through March.
- Program Fee: $900.
Two Day Race Team
- Schedule: Saturdays and Sundays, starting December 2nd (or earlier, snow permitting), from 9 am to 3 pm at Great Divide, running through March.
- Program Fee: $1,300.
- Eligibility: Admission to the Two-Day Race Program is at the discretion of the Head Coach. Interested athletes should contact Head Coach Tal Williams at tawilliams@mt.gov to discuss the program and eligibility.
All-Mountain Program
Since its introduction in 1999, the All-Mountain Program has been designed to help young skiers master all types of terrain and snow conditions with confidence. Focusing on skill development across the entire mountain, this program prepares skiers for both ski racing and a lifetime of recreational enjoyment.
Program Details:
- Focus: Developing well-rounded skiing skills, perfect for future ski racing or recreational skiing.
- Popularity: The program has grown to 215 participants in recent years, thanks to its emphasis on fun, exploration, and skiing the entire range of trails at Great Divide Ski Area.
- Coaching: Our professional coaches teach in teams but provide individual attention and support to each skier, ensuring a personalized experience.
All-Mountain Freeride Program
We're excited to introduce the All-Mountain Freeride Program, tailored for advancing intermediate skiers who are more interested in exploring the mountain than competing in ski racing. This program is perfect for those who want to develop their skills across varied terrain and conditions, including powder, hard pack, and bumps.
Program Details:
- Target Age Group: 10 years and older.
- Prerequisites: Previous participation in the All-Mountain Program is encouraged. While prior experience in all conditions is preferred, it’s not required.
- Coaching: Our professional staff will guide skiers in skill development, focusing on technique and confidence in all mountain conditions.
- Training Schedule: Saturdays, from 9 am - 3 pm, with a break for lunch.
The Development Program (Devo)
The Devo program is designed for young skiers who are ready for more focused coaching and skill development. Perfect for athletes in the 7-10-year-old range, Devo offers a structured approach to improving technical skiing skills, directed free skiing, and an introduction to ski racing, including running gates.
Program Details:
- Target Age Group: Primarily 7-10 years old, though exceptions may be made for older or younger skiers.
- Prerequisites: Skiers should have completed at least one season in our All-Mountain program, be comfortable skiing intermediate terrain, able to ride all chairlifts independently, and manage their equipment without assistance.
- Coaching: Led by our professional coaching staff with a focus on skill development, technical ability, and the fundamentals of racing.
Introducing the Great Divide Ski Teams Nordic Program
Next season, we are excited to expand our offerings with a new program for masters skiers! Our Nordic ski coaching is led by US Ski & Snowboard (USSA) certified coaches, ensuring top-tier instruction and training.
Program Details:
- Coaching by USSA certified professionals.
- All coaches and volunteers undergo background checks and Safesport training for your safety and peace of mind.
- Practices are typically held 3 days per week on the scenic and challenging Nordic trails of Helena.
- We train for competition in the MT Nordic Cup and USSA Junior National Qualifier (JNQ) races.
We look forward to welcoming new athletes and continuing to build our Nordic program. Whether you are a seasoned skier or just getting started, we have a place for you to improve and compete.