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What is the One-Day Race Team?

The One-Day Race Team is designed for skiers who are ready to take their skiing to the next level through focused coaching, technical skill development, and an introduction to alpine ski racing. The program combines all-mountain skiing with race-focused training in a fun, supportive team environment.

Athletes develop strong technical fundamentals through directed free skiing, drills, and gate training. Coaches work with each skier to build confidence, improve technique, and develop the skills needed to navigate a race course. While competition is an important part of the program, our focus is on helping athletes become stronger, more confident skiers while enjoying the challenge and excitement of ski racing.

The One-Day Race Team is a great option for skiers who want to experience competitive skiing while committing to one day of training each weekend. Athletes have opportunities to participate in races throughout the season and represent the Great Divide Ski Team in a positive and supportive environment.

Program Details

  • Target Age Group: Open to skiers ready for race-focused training
  • Prerequisites: Athletes should have prior skiing experience and be comfortable skiing intermediate terrain. Previous participation in the All-Mountain, Development, or Freeride programs is encouraged. Skiers should be able to ride the chairlift independently and manage their equipment without assistance.
  • Coaching: Led by our professional coaching staff with an emphasis on technical skiing, all-mountain skill development, gate training, and alpine racing.
  • Program Fee: $900
  • Training Schedule: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a lunch break.
  • Season: December through March, beginning December 2nd or earlier, snow permitting.
  • Racing: Athletes will have opportunities to participate in races during the season. Race opportunities are dependent on snow conditions and event scheduling.
  • Equipment: Athletes should have appropriate ski equipment for their ability level and race training. Lift tickets are not included in the program fee.
  • Safety: Helmets are required for all Great Divide Ski Team programs.

What is the Two-Day Race Team?

The Two-Day Race Team is designed for skiers who want to dedicate additional time to developing their alpine racing skills. With training on both Saturdays and Sundays, athletes have more opportunities to build technical skills, gain race experience, and progress as competitive skiers throughout the season.

The program provides a focused training environment while maintaining the supportive team atmosphere that is central to the Great Divide Ski Team. Coaches work with athletes on technique, course tactics, gate training, and all-mountain skiing to help them continue progressing as racers.

The Two-Day Race Team requires a greater time commitment than the One-Day Race Team and is intended for athletes who are ready for additional training and racing opportunities. Admission to the program is determined by the Head Coach based on an athlete's skiing ability, readiness, and commitment to the program.

Program Details

  • Target Age Group: Open to skiers ready for increased race training and competition
  • Prerequisites: Athletes should have prior ski racing or race-training experience and be comfortable skiing intermediate and advanced terrain. Previous participation in the Great Divide Ski Team Race Team or equivalent experience is encouraged.
  • Coaching: Led by our professional coaching staff with an emphasis on technical skiing, gate training, race tactics, all-mountain skiing, and competition preparation.
  • Program Fee: $1,300
  • Training Schedule: Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a lunch break.
  • Season: December through March, beginning December 2nd or earlier, snow permitting.
  • Racing: Athletes will have opportunities to participate in races during the season. Race opportunities are dependent on snow conditions and event scheduling.
  • Program Admission: Admission to the Two-Day Race Team is determined by the Head Coach. Families interested in the program should contact Head Coach Tal Williams at tal.skicoach13mt@gmail.com to discuss the program and their skier's readiness.
  • Equipment: Athletes should have appropriate ski equipment for their ability level and race training. Lift tickets are not included in the program fee.
  • Safety: Helmets are required for all Great Divide Ski Team programs.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available upon request and are based on financial need. Please visit the Scholarships page for more information and to apply.

History

Racing has been a part of skiing at Great Divide since the hill was founded in 1942, originally called Belmont Ski Hill. Mt. Belmont’s first trail was built to accommodate the 1942 Northern Rocky Mountain Ski Races. Mt. Belmont was home to Helena’s only U.S. Olympic Ski Team member, Rogers Little, who qualified for the 1972 Olympics in Sapporo, Japan only to be forced out due to injury. Rogers continues to be involved with skiing at Great Divide and serves as Director of the Great Divide Ski Team and Belmont Ski Education Foundation. Kevin Taylor took over in 1986 and changed the name to Great Divide for the ’86-’87 season. The Mt. Belmont lift, built-in 1986, was the first chair on the mountain. Since then four more chairlifts have been added covering a terrain of 1500+ acres and over 140 trails. There are two race programs to choose from for those with an interest in alpine ski racing. Both programs emphasize all elements of alpine racing taught by experienced coaches. Racers learn skills for Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super-G disciplines with chances to compete in races held at Montana ski areas. Those qualifying for postseason races have the chance to compete in races held throughout the West.