Ascent Junior Ski Racing is the premier development program designed for young athletes ages 6-13, focusing on building the foundation for future success in Pinnacle Racing, high school-level competition, or simply learning the art of ski racing. With a curriculum modeled on the U.S. Ski Team's best practices, our program offers personalized training from U.S. Ski-certified coaches, fostering skill development, sportsmanship, and a lifelong passion for the sport.

This program is not only a great introduction for those new to ski racing but also serves as an excellent stepping stone for young athletes looking to develop into future Pinnacle racers or competitive high school athletes.

Our flexible training schedule allows racers to participate in 1 to 3 days of training per week at Alpine Valley or Pine Knob/Mt Holly. Athletes will also have the opportunity to compete in the exciting Sunday Race Series, building both confidence and competitive experience.

Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention, so click on your preferred resort below to learn more and secure your spot:

• Alpine Valley (40 racers max)
• Bittersweet (50 racers max)
• Pine Knob/Mt Holly (30 racers max)

Join Ascent Junior Ski Racing, and take your first steps toward mastering ski racing, where every run brings you closer to unlocking your potential!

At Ascent Racing, we focus on much more than just winning—we prioritize personal growth, confidence building, and fostering a lifelong love for skiing. Our programs are based on the best practices from U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Alpine Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) models, ensuring athletes receive the optimal combination of training, competition, and fun that prepares them for long-term success on and off the slopes.

Powered by Pinnacle

Ascent Racing is proudly Powered by Pinnacle, giving athletes access to the same coaching philosophies and proven development methodologies that have driven success for Pinnacle Alpine Racing. This ensures every Ascent racer benefits from top-tier coaching, which is integral to their progression towards the Pinnacle teams and high-performance competition.

Aligned with Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD)

The U.S. Ski & Snowboard LTAD system emphasizes the "Training to Train" and "Training to Compete" phases, which are critical during the ages of 6-14. This framework ensures that athletes are mastering essential technical skills while progressively integrating competition. Alpine Canada follows a similar philosophy, stressing diverse, multi-terrain training that builds adaptable and well-rounded athletes, avoiding early specialization that can hinder long-term growth​.

At Ascent Junior Racing, we fully embrace the LTAD philosophy by:

• Focusing on Fundamentals: Our programs emphasize building strong technical skills, body awareness, balance, and adaptability, all of which are foundational to long-term success.
• Free Skiing and Gate Training Integration: Our program hits the mark on both free skiing and gate training, which are critical elements of development according to the U.S. Ski and Alpine Canada LTAD models. Early in the season, when gate training is limited, we prioritize free skiing to develop edge control, spatial awareness, and technical versatility. As snow conditions improve, we transition to structured gate training, building on the skills developed during free skiing.

Free Skiing: A Critical Element of Development

Both U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Alpine Canada emphasize the importance of free skiing in the early stages of development. Free skiing allows athletes to explore different terrains, improve technique, and build confidence without the immediate pressure of gates. Our focus on free skiing early in the season is essential for:

• Technical Skill Development: Athletes improve their versatility, adaptability, and confidence across various terrain and snow conditions.
• Physical and Mental Preparation: Free skiing helps athletes build spatial awareness, fluidity, and enjoyment of the sport, setting the foundation for more structured gate training later in the season.

By combining free skiing with targeted gate training as the season progresses, we ensure athletes are not only race-ready but also equipped with the technical depth and mental resilience needed for long-term success​

• Comprehensive Development: Our program combines technical training, mental resilience, and tactical development, ensuring athletes are prepared for the next level.
• Powered by Pinnacle: Our integration with Pinnacle Alpine Racing means athletes benefit from coaching expertise and methods that have proven successful at the highest levels.
• Free Skiing and Gate Training: Our balanced approach to integrating free skiing with gate training ensures athletes develop both versatility and race-specific skills.
• Long-Term Focus: Following the LTAD model, our program avoids early specialization, focusing on well-rounded development that prepares athletes for future competition without sacrificing their love for the sport.
• Safe and Controlled Environment: Athletes must be able to ski the entire hill in control, ensuring a safe learning environment where they can build on their skills with confidence.

Join Ascent Junior Racing Today

Give your child the opportunity to develop their skills, confidence, and passion for ski racing in a program designed for long-term success. Enroll today and watch them grow on and off the slopes!