U12 and Younger

U12 and under athletes are the core of NYSSRA development; the age where exploration and acquisition for skill is a primary goal. The journey starts here for the foundational skills that will support all growth to build on: all mountain skiing, directed all mountain skiing, skill challenges, terrain based teaching, duals, skier X, and sectional environments, are all part of the palette that combine to create a fun, progressive, educational platform.

Athleticism, adaptation, and attitude are the blueprint for alpine success. US Ski and Snowboard has a statement on development, which is linked/posted (Alpine Training System) to the youth development tab on this site. A link to Alpine Training Systems is in the 'Documents' section at the bottom of this page. Please take time to look at this; it will help with the understanding of Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD).

U10 / U12/ (a few) U14  athletes develop and compete in six councils throughout most of the season. Council and club affiliation can be found on the Club tab on the NYSSRA  website. Councils will schedule skill development projects, with an appropriate blend of competition. There are additional projects and post season opportunities. NYSSRA coordinates a Kandahar series that will take place in 3 geographic locations in the state. East- Central - West, these are scheduled for March. This is a two day event, series is a blend of skill development and racing.

Only U12 athletes will have a Kandahar Championships after Kandahar Festivals. This event is open to all U12's (first and second years). This will focus on completion over two days with additional skill events.

NYSSRA will also be running projects during the season with early fundamental projects and projects during the season within each council, focusing on skill development covering athleticisim, adaptability, attitude. 

Simple goals for athletes moving up to U14 (Key Performance Markers-KPM):

Basic position 

  • Boots that fit properly and flex for athletes weight
  • Solid dynamic stance- Flexed ankle, knee, hip, a rounded spine, hands and elbows in front of torso, eyes up and forward
  • Lower leg activation, fore-aft, laterally, extension/ flexion, rotational.
  • Long leg short leg
  • Poe usage

Pole usage

These are just some simple skills that we can challenge the athletes to attain. Development in all areas of the sport is still a priority and a few performance markers can help with overall picture.