Alpine Racing U16, ages 14-15

The U16 alpine racing program is a year-round program designed to develop competitors’ skills to their fullest potential. All aspects of competitive skiing will be covered, including physical conditioning, technical and tactical development and equipment preparation education, etc. Participants will compete in U16 races and the scored SYNC series. On-snow training begins in late October with trips to Loveland 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 2010 or 2011.

Requirements

• 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.

• Eligibility requirement: We welcome new athletes to the SSWSC 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.

• Alpine PG/FIS/U16 Application: NEW SKIERS TO SSWSC APPLY HERE

• Equipment requirements: 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.

• Season pass information: 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.

• Licensing requirements: U.S. Ski & Snowboard competitor membership required. Renewal deadline is October 15.

Schedule

SPRING/SUMMER SESSIONS:

May 5-June 4:
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 9 - August 14:
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, Wednesday, Friday, 4-5:30 p.m. at Howelsen Hill starting August 18

On Snow Training: Mid-November through mid-April Tuesday-Sunday. Times TBA.

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.

2025-2026 Program Fee

2025-2026 Program Fee (Resident)*: $12,700
2025-2026 Program Fee (Non-Resident)*: $15,000

*Residents and non-residents are required to pay an additional $600 refundable work deposit.

• Scholarships: Resident athletes in competitive year-round programs are eligible for the application-based EZ Competitive Program Scholarship and Winter Program Fee Scholarship. Non-residents are not eligible for EZ Scholarships but may apply for the Winter Program Fee Scholarship. See the chart below for the EZ Competitive Program Scholarship levels. For more information on additional program fee scholarships and other scholarship opportunities, check out the scholarship pages on our website.

• Resident Requirements: To be eligible for the resident program fee, athletes must be full-time residents of Routt or Moffat County or full-time participants of SSWSC for two years or more. See the Member Handbook for full details on resident fees. Find the Residency Status Policy HERE.

• Payment Options: 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. A 2% processing fee is applied to all credit card payments. We also offer a payment plan option. Find more information HERE.

• Work Deposit Program: SSWSC requires a work deposit for each family. During the registration process, the program fee listed includes the work deposit. Families can earn back the work deposit by volunteering for SSWSC or opt out of volunteering and donate the work deposit to SSWSC. Find more information on the Work Deposit Program HERE.

Questions?
Email Ben Brown, Alpine Technical Director and U16 Head Coach

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.