Development Program

What is the Development Program?

The Development program (Devo) is ideal for committed young skiers who are ready for more focused coaching and skill development. Devo is led by our professional staff who will coach the athletes in directed free skiing, technical skill development, and some introduction to ski racing (running gates).

Devo is geared toward skiers in the 7-10-year-old range but there is an opportunity for older and younger skiers in some situations. It is encouraged that your child completes at least one season of All-Mountain before moving into Devo. Skiers must be comfortable skiing intermediate terrain, able to ride all chairlifts without assistance, and manage their equipment on their own.

While not required we do recommend Devo athletes participate in our Christmas Race Camp( 12/27 - 12/31) and Wednesday night training (4:30 pm -6:30 pm January - March).

The first official day of Devo is Saturday, January 6th, 2024, and runs every Saturday, through March 3rd 2024.

Format

The format will be similar to the All-Mountain program where the participants will be placed into one or possibly two groups based on age and ability. The group will ski with the same ski team coaches each week. Additionally, the athletes will receive instruction and demonstration from the other ski team athletes and coaches. Time will be spent improving the athlete’s technical skiing ability through all-mountain skiing, drills, obstacle courses, and gate training. Video analysis will also be used to evaluate the skiers and to visually demonstrate proper techniques. Waxing and tuning clinics will be also included.

When

Participants and coaches will meet on December 10th (snow permitting) for “Devo Day” to introduce the program and determine if the development program is right for your athlete. Then the program will run on Saturdays from January 6th ;to March 3rd< from 9 am until approximately 2:30.

As part of the program, the athletes will have the opportunity to attend Youth Ski League (YSL) races with their Devo Team coaches and teammates. The race this year is at Great Divide on February 17/18. Attending the ski race is optional but is encouraged for everyone to experience the full program.

Cost

The cost of the program is $600 not including lift tickets. Additionally, to attend the races a United States Ski & Snowboard Association (USSA) membership/license will be required. The cost of a full-year non-scored youth membership/license ranges from $25.00 to $80.00 depending on the athlete’s age. USSA also offers a “short-term” membership/license for $20 or $25 depending upon age; this license will permit the athlete to compete in one USSA sanctioned event such as the race being held at the Great Divide on February 18-19 2023. This membership/license can be purchased online with the USSA at any time before the race event.

Equipment

All athletes will be required to wear helmets while participating in this program. In addition to having a pair of all-mountain skis for freeskiing, we would like each athlete to have a pair of slalom or multi-event race skis for drills, coursework, and racing. Assistance will be provided in the selection of skis. Also, the ski team may have loaner skis available depending on the athlete’s size.

Registration is open for all 22/23 programs. We have a new registration software this year, so you will have to create a new account. All students will need ski equipment, a lift ticket a desire to improve, and be able to ride Good Luck lift.

2023/2024 Schedule

12/9 Devo day (mandatory)
12/27 – 12/31 Christmas Camp
1/6 – 3/3 Regular Devo Training every Saturday
1/3 – 3/6 Wednesday Night Training 4:30-6:30 pm
2/17-2/18 Andy Fitzhugh Memorial Ski Race at Great Divide