Ascent Ski Racing prepares athletes by introducing the technical and tactical fundamentals of alpine ski racing. Ascent training includes directed free skiing and skills acquisition through drills, both in and out of gates. This program follows developmentally appropriate training based on US Ski guidelines and methodology, and prepares racers for the Pinnacle Alpine Racing teams. No prior race experience is needed.  Ascent racers will have the opportunity to participate in the Thunderbolt / Ascent race series out of Pine Knob, Mt. Holly, and Alpine Valley along with select JDT races.

Gold TRAINING PROGRAMS $650 // $750 After 12/15/23

• First Practice: December 16, 2023
• Last Practice: March 2, 2024
• Practice Days:
  • December: Saturdays
  • January - March: Thursday, and Saturdays*
    • No Practice during recognized JDT Saturday events
  • Included Bonus Training: 1/7, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 3/3
• Race Schedule See Below

Silver TRAINING PROGRAM $525 // $625 After 12/15/23

• First Practice: December 16, 2023
• Last Practice: March 2, 2024
• Practice Days:
  • December: Saturdays
  • January - March: Declare 1 training day: Thursday, Or Saturdays*
    • No Practice during recognized JDT Saturday events
  • Included Bonus Training: 1/7, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 3/3
• Race Schedule See Below

Bronze TRAINING PROGRAM $450 // $525 After 12/15/23

• First Practice: January 6, 2024
• Last Practice: March 2, 2024
• Practice Days:
  • January - March: Declare 1 training day: Thursday, Or Saturdays*
    • No Practice during recognized JDT Saturday events
  • Included Bonus Training: 1/7, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 3/3
• Race Schedule See Below

Race Schedule for ALL groups
There will not be training on race days 

1/14 Sunday Race Series (no race fee, no ticket fee with bittersweet multi-resort season pass)
1/21 Swiss Valley (Race fee and lift)
1/27 Timber Ridge (Race fee and lift)
2/11 Bittersweet (no race fee, no ticket fee with Bittersweet multi-resort season pass)
2/18 Cannonsburg (Race fee and lift)
2/25 Sunday Race Series (no race fee, no ticket fee with Bittersweet multi-resort season pass)
*3/1 - 3/3 JDT Caberfae, we are not recommending this race at this time. If we send a coach, the fee will be approximately $60 per racer + race registration and lift
3/9 Possible race training weekend  at Searchmont (small fee) $75
NASTAR Nationals recommendation  ($250 + Race Registration and Lift) 

This popular race series allows athletes to race in their own age groups and collect season long world cup points. Weekly prizes and medals are awarded to athletes of all ages. This race series runs for seven weeks rotating between Pine Knob, Mt. Holly, and Alpine Valley for seven total races. The format alternates between Giant Slalom and Slalom races through the series. Bittersweet racers are welcome to all Sunday Race Series races with race registration included.

Sample Race Schedule: 
Week 1: Giant Slalom
Week 2: Panel Slalom
Week 3: Giant Slalom
Week 4: Open Slalom (Junior Gates/Stubbie)
Week 5: Giant Slalom
Week 6: Slalom 
Week 7: Championship (GS & SL)

• Race Registration included for all Ascent racers
• Lift tickets NOT included. 

A holiday camp will be offered at Bittersweet for All Ascent racers from Dec 26 - 29.  This camp will offer a great opportunity to get a jump start on the season by adding a high volume of training over 4 days.  Camp will focus on improvement of skiing and racing skills, course tactics, and racing technique.   More information will follow.

Cost: $450

Registration will open in October. 

MINIMUM SKI EXPERIENCE/EXPECTATIONS

• Ascent skiers are expected to be self-sufficient and safe skiers around the resorts.
  • Skiers should be able to load and unload the chair on their own.
    • If a skier is not able to load and unload on their own, a parent must be responsible for for their child. 
  • Skiers should be able to make turns of various sizes and be able to stop on command.
  • Must be a strong intermediate skier.
  • Skiers should be able to ski all black diamond runs safely at Bittersweet.

Please follow the instructions below for any groups you would like to receive communication from. REMIND is a service our coaches use to send updates through text.

• Ascent Ski Racing REMIND: "@jrabs24" to the number 81010