U16 Alpine Racing

Summer & Winter Alpine Racing

The U16 Alpine Race Program is designed to develop competitors’ skills to their fullest potential. All aspects of competitive skiing will be covered, including physical conditioning, technical and tactical development, equipment preparation education, mental skills training, video analysis, performance planning, and more. Participants will compete in U16 races and the scored SYNC series. On-snow training begins in late October with trips to Loveland, Winter Park, or Copper Mountain. Individual goal setting will be used to direct a yearlong training plan to help racers reach their goals.

In the summer, athletes participate in directed and supervised summer strength and conditioning as part of a comprehensive year-round alpine program. This program is designed to give ski racers off-season guidance and coaching in off-snow preparation for winter training and establish a strong strength and conditioning base for higher-intensity training in the fall. The U16 age group is for skiers born in 2011 or 2012.

SPRING/SUMMER SESSIONS:

May 4-June 3
Steamboat Springs High School Students
Monday and Wednesday, 2:30-4 p.m. at Howelsen Hill

Steamboat Mountain School (SMS) Students
Monday, Wednesday, 4-5:30 p.m. at Steamboat Mountain School

May Move Up sessions for 8th graders: Wednesday, 5-6:15 p.m., Howelsen Hill

June 8-August 13
Monday: 8:30-10 a.m.
Tuesday: 8-10 a.m.
Wednesday: 8:30-10 a.m.
Thursday: 8-10 am.

FALL/WINTER SESSIONS:

Dryland Training: Monday-Friday, 3:45-5:30 p.m. at Howelsen Hill starting August 18

On Snow Training: Mid-November through mid-April Tuesday-Sunday.
Tuesday-Friday: 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
*Times subject to adjustment (based on training plan, video review, recovery workouts, etc.)

Bonus training sessions may be offered during Christmas Break, Blues Break and scheduled off days for the Steamboat School District.

Late April and May weekend training sessions will be offered based on snow conditions at Loveland, Winter Park or other nearby areas at an additional cost.

Skill Requirement

SSWSC welcomes new U16 Alpine Racing athletes through an application process. First apply and contact Alpine Program Director Tyler Shepherd Tyler Shepherd prior to registration. Athletes are expected to participate in pre-season dryland training and/or a fall sport, and participate in RMD and regional races.

High School Schedule Requirement

SSHS students should register for either Partial Early Release 4/7/8 or Partial Early Release 7/8 schedule 1st semester and the Full Early Release schedule 2nd semester. Boarding School option available through Steamboat Mountain School.

Middle School: Steamboat Springs Middle School and Sleeping Giant School students will need an early release schedule for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Please contact the principal or SSWSC’s academic coordinator.

Equipment

Skiers should have and consistently maintain Super G, GS and slalom skis, properly fitted ski boots, helmet, goggles with UV lenses, speed suit, back protector, slalom pole guards, and shin guards. Helmets must have a FIS-approved sticker. Downhill skis recommended.

Passes

Athletes must have both Howelsen Hill and Full IKON passes.

Competition Information

Participation in SYNC Series, RMD qualification events, U16 Rocky/Central Junior Championships, U16 Rocky/Central Prater Cup, and spring races.

Memberships

U.S. Ski & Snowboard competitor membership required. Renewal deadline is October 15.

Team Jacket

Athletes are issued a SSWSC jacket in the fall to use for the season. Team training bib can be purchased in the fall.

Age Group

15-16 years old. Must be 15 years old by December 31, 2026.

Program Fee

2026-2027 Program Fee: $13,350

2026-2027 Non-Resident Program Fee: $15,975

Find out more about the Residency Status Policy

Work Deposit: $600

Find out more about the Work Deposit Requirement.

Payment Options

Payment and Payment Plans: SSWSC offers multiple payment options for summer, winter, and year-round program fees. eCheck (ACH bank transfer), cash, checks, and credit cards are all accepted. We also offer a payment plan option. Find more information HERE.

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships: SSWSC offers the EZ Program Fee Scholarships for local families with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) up to $175,000 for winter and summer programs and up to $250,000 for competitive programs. All EZ Program Fee Scholarship applicants are required to submit a current 1040 or 1040EZ tax return to determine eligibility.

Quick Overview

Program U16 Alpine Racing

Age 15-16 years old. Must be 15 years old by December 31, 2026.

Contact

Questions about this program?
Contact Ben Brown, Alpine Technical Director, U16 Head Coach
bbrown@sswsc.org

Links

Steamboat Mountain School: For decades, numerous SSWSC student-athletes have attended Steamboat Mountain School—an independent college-preparatory school with day and boarding opportunities. SSWSC partners with SMS offering a coordinated and world-class educational and athletic experience.

For more details about Steamboat Mountain School and its collaboration with the SSWSC, visit the SMS website or email Pearson Alspach, Upper School Director of Admissions.