Ascent Junior Racer at Bittersweet is one of our newest development programs, designed to introduce young athletes to the fundamentals of ski racing in a fun and supportive environment. Located at Bittersweet Resort on the west side of Michigan, this program benefits from some of the best snow-making in the area, ensuring a long and productive training season.

Athletes in the Bittersweet program will have the opportunity to compete in local JDT races, as well as the Sunday race series on the east side of the state, providing them with valuable race experience in various competitive environments. With a focus on foundational skills, this program is the perfect starting point for athletes aspiring to join Pinnacle Alpine Racing or their high school ski teams.

Participants will receive expert coaching from experienced staff, emphasizing technique, speed, and race preparedness. As part of the broader Ascent program, racers will develop their competitive spirit and teamwork skills, gaining the confidence needed to excel in future ski racing competitions.

Minimum Ski Experience & Expectations

We want every Ascent skier to have a fun, safe, and productive experience on the mountain. To ensure this, all participants must meet the following skill expectations:

• Self-Sufficiency: Skiers should be able to navigate the resort independently and ski safely.
  • Skiers must be able to load and unload the chairlift on their own. If assistance is needed, a parent must take responsibility for their child during this process.
• Skill Proficiency:
  • Skiers should confidently make controlled turns of varying sizes and stop when directed.
  • Participants must be strong intermediate skiers, capable of safely skiing all  runs at Bittersweet.

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

1/12 Sunday Race Series (no race fee, Lift Ticket (unless multi resort pass holder)
1/19 Sunday Race Series (no race fee, Lift Ticket (unless multi resort pass holder)
1/25 Swiss Valley (Race fee and lift)
*2/2 Schuss Mountain (Race fee and lift + coaches fee) (training available on Saturday 2/1)
2/9 Bittersweet (no race fee, no ticket fee with bittersweet pass)
2/15 Timber Ridge (Race fee and lift)
2/16 Cannonburg Race (afternoon race) (Race fee and lift)
2/23 Sunday Race Series (no race fee, Lift Ticket (unless multi resort pass holder)
*3/1 - 3/2 Caberfae Race (Race fee and Lift + coach fee)