KSEF Programs · Winter 26/27

U8 / Jr. Devo

Ages 6 to 7 · $3,200 · Kirkwood, California

RegisterAsk Kylese about fit
AgesAges 6 to 7
Training daysSaturdays and Sundays, 0900 to 1500 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). School-break weekdays run the same hours.
Attendance goalAt least 60% of scheduled sessions
Season datesDecember 5, 2026 to April 11, 2027, snow and mountain operations permitting
Price$3,200 tuition for Winter 26/27. Season pass and U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership are separate.
Pass requirementA valid 2026/27 season pass for every training day: Epic Pass, Tahoe Local Pass, or Kirkwood Pass (Kirkwood only). Passes are bought from Kirkwood and Epic, separate from tuition. Pass links below.
RacesTahoe Race Series events (optional). Dates and venues are on the 26/27 Calendar.

Tuition current as of October 11, 2026. Training dates, meeting points, and changes go to registered families through TeamSnap.

Get your Kirkwood pass

Every KSEF athlete needs one of these three passes. They are sold by Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Epic, not by KSEF.

Epic PassKirkwood plus every Vail Resorts mountain. No blackout dates.Tahoe Local PassKirkwood, Heavenly, and Northstar. Blackout dates apply.Kirkwood PassKirkwood only. No blackout dates.

Check blackout dates before you buy. The Tahoe Local Pass has blackout dates on Nov 27 to 28 and Dec 26 to 31, 2026, and Jan 16 and Feb 13 to 14, 2027. Several of those are KSEF training days, including Holiday Training Camp and MLK weekend. Before buying, returning and new members are encouraged to check with our Program Administrator, Dana Keith, to match their program dates to the right pass. Email Dana or see Epic's blackout date list.

Night Training needs a pass too. Night Training is a separate add-on, and every Night Training athlete needs an Epic Pass, Tahoe Local Pass, or Kirkwood Pass. Lift tickets do not cover Night Training. Tahoe Local Pass holders lose Night Training on Tuesday, Dec 29 and Wednesday, Dec 30, 2026, both blackout dates.

Holiday Training Camp only: a multi-day Kirkwood lift ticket covering the camp days also works. Questions on passes? Ask Dana.

Program overview

Build strong skiing skills, make friends, and get a fun introduction to racing at Kirkwood. Ability-based groups have a maximum of seven athletes per coach and prepare skiers for the U10 team.

Ask Kylese if Jr. Devo is the right fit · Get registration help from Dana

Skills needed before joining

This is not a beginner program. New athletes complete a pre-season on-snow skills assessment and must:

  • Load and unload chairlifts independently. Athletes under 51 inches may ride with an adult or coach.

  • Link turns on blue terrain and stop independently.

  • Ski off Chairs 5, 11, and 7 without assistance.

  • Take part in a full day of activities, up to six hours, without parent assistance.

  • Ski without edgie-wedgies, leashes, or other training aids.

If your skier is still working on these skills, contact us about a path through Kirkwood’s Ski and Ride School.

What athletes learn

The seasonal mix is 75–85% coached all-mountain skiing, 10–20% drills and skill development, and 5–10% introduction to gates. Athletes may take part in Tahoe Race Series events.

Each athlete receives development goals, a written mid-season progress report, and an end-of-season skills card. KSEF plans to use its new on-mountain race facility for the 2026/27 season.

Schedule & training days

December through early April, subject to snow and mountain operations. Weekend training runs Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; school-break weekdays follow the same hours. Aim to attend at least 60% of scheduled sessions.

Arrive dressed and ready at the meeting point shared before the season. Bring a healthy pocket snack and water. Coaches supervise athletes through training and breaks, with a lunch break during the day. Updates come through TeamSnap and email.

Equipment

Coaches must approve equipment before training. Check with them before buying.

  • One pair of all-mountain carving skis, chin-to-forehead length; no twin tips or daily rentals. Owned or seasonal lease.

  • Properly fitted ski boots with suitable flex; no rear-entry boots.

  • Poles of the correct length.

  • A MIPS ski helmet with chin/face guard meeting current safety standards, worn at all times.

  • Goggles, waterproof gloves or mittens, waterproof ski pants, and base, mid, and outer layers for changing mountain conditions.

Ready to join U8 / Jr. Devo?

Payment plans and need-based scholarships are available. Registration, passes, and payment questions go to Dana; program fit goes to Kylese.

Register for U8 / Jr. DevoEmail DanaRead the FAQ