Full-Time Elite Team

Program overview

For athletes from U10 and up who are ready for a full-time commitment. Train on snow five days a week with cross-training and off-snow conditioning, and compete in the Far West Race Series. Coaching develops technique, race preparation, fitness, and confidence.

Skills needed before joining

This is an elite, full-time competitive program. Athletes must arrive with proven competitive racing experience and the technical, physical, and mental readiness to train five days per week at the highest level KSEF offers. Athletes must meet the following minimum standards:

• Expert-level skiing on all terrain at Kirkwood in all conditions without exception.

• Proven competitive race experience in GS and SL at the Far West level. SG experience required for U14 and above.

• Advanced proficiency in gate training at race speed across all disciplines appropriate to the athlete's age class.

• Ability to independently manage race-day logistics: course inspection, warm-up, equipment preparation, and post-race self-assessment.

• Strong competitive maturity: ability to train at high volume, take and apply coaching feedback, self-coach between runs, and perform consistently under competitive pressure.

• Year-round commitment to physical conditioning and athletic development.

• New athletes must complete a pre-season on-snow skills assessment and coach evaluation.

Athletes not yet ready for the full-time commitment should consider KSEF's age-class programs (U10 through U16), which provide competitive racing development on a weekend training schedule. Reach out to us, and we will help you find the right path.

FY26/27 Training Structure

The Full-Time Elite program is the most comprehensive training structure KSEF offers. Every component is designed to develop faster, stronger, more complete racers.

Five Days Per Week On-Snow (Monday through Friday). Advanced gate sessions across SL, GS, and SG. Coached tactical freeskiing. Discipline-specific technical refinement. Progressive intensity and volume calibrated to each athlete's age class and competitive level. This is where the racing gets built, day after day, on the best training ground in the Sierra.

One Day Per Week Cross-Country Skiing. Integrated cross-country training builds endurance, aerobic capacity, and movement efficiency in a low-impact format. This is not filler. It is a purposeful cross-training component that improves on-snow performance, adds variety to the training week, and builds the athletic base that supports high-volume gate work.

One Afternoon Per Week Off-Snow Training. Structured conditioning sessions focused on strength development, injury prevention, mental resilience, and recovery management. Elite-level training volume demands elite-level preparation off the mountain. These sessions ensure athletes remain physically robust, mentally sharp, and healthy throughout the competitive season.

Racing

Full-Time Elite athletes compete exclusively in the Far West Race Series across SL, GS, SG, and speed disciplines as appropriate to age class. The Far West circuit is the primary competitive platform. Athletes with qualifying results may advance to Western Region Championships, Tri-Divisional Championships, and national events. Athletes with exceptional results may qualify for regional and national projects.

Race travel is coordinated by coaches. Race schedules are published on the KSEF calendar. Families are responsible for transportation to race venues.

On-mountain race facility

KSEF plans to use its new on-mountain race facility for the 2026/27 season.

Athlete progress

Every athlete is seen, coached, and challenged at the right level. New athletes complete a pre-season on-snow skills evaluation and coach assessment. Each athlete receives individualized development goals aligned with their competitive objectives, ongoing coaching feedback throughout the season, and periodic progress reviews documenting competitive development, race results, and the pathway forward.

Schedule & training days

The Full-Time Elite season runs December through late April, with Far West racing and championship events extending into spring. On-snow training is Monday through Friday. Pre-season dryland training runs September through November. Attendance expectations for Full-Time Elite athletes exceed all other KSEF programs. This is a full-time commitment, and the training schedule reflects that. Specific training times and the weekly schedule are coordinated by coaching staff and published on the KSEF calendar.

Coaches communicate with families through KSEF's TeamSnap and direct email. Any training changes due to weather or conditions are communicated promptly.

Equipment

The Full-Time Elite program requires competition-level, discipline-specific equipment. All equipment must receive prior approval from KSEF coaches. Families are responsible for providing:

Race Skis. SL, GS, and SG event-specific skis. Both competition and training pairs are recommended to manage equipment wear across a five-day training week. Consult coaches for specifications.

Race Boots. Properly fitted race boots with an appropriate flex rating for the athlete's age class and competitive level.

Poles. GS and SL poles equipped with pole guards.

Helmet. FIS-certified MIPS race helmet with chin guard and face guard. Required at all times.

Shin Guards. Mandatory for all SL training and competition.

Back Protector (Recommended). Recommended for added safety, particularly in speed events.

Speed Suit. A speed suit with an FIS certification patch is required for racing.

Goggles. Goggles with multiple lens options for varied weather and light conditions.

Gloves. Durable waterproof ski gloves or mittens.

Layers. Appropriate layers for Kirkwood conditions. Five days a week on this mountain means dressing for every condition Kirkwood delivers.

Ski Backpack and Water Bottle. Required for daily training sessions.

Consult KSEF coaches before purchasing any race equipment. At this level, discipline-specific setup is critical to both performance and safety. We encourage families to connect with KSEF's network for secondhand race gear and to take advantage of industry relationships for athlete pricing.