KSEF Holiday Training Camp
December 20 through January 4 | Ages 6 to 15
Days Off: December 24-25 and December 31-January 1
Program Overview
Start the season the way it should start: on the mountain, in gates, with real coaching. The KSEF Holiday Training Camp is an intensive, skill-building training block for skiers ages 6 to 15, led by KSEF coaches on the best terrain in the Sierra. This is not a lesson program. This is race team training, structured for athletes who want to build their skills and hit the ground running for the season ahead.
Athletes train in small, ability-based groups with a focus on all-mountain skiing, racing fundamentals, and progressive gate training. Whether your athlete is an experienced racer sharpening their technique over the break or a strong skier getting their first taste of structured coaching and race courses, this camp delivers focused development in a fun, competitive, and supportive environment.
For families considering KSEF for the full season, Holiday Camp is the best way to experience the coaching, the culture, and the community firsthand. Many of our full-season athletes started right here.
Skill Prerequisites
This is not a beginner program. Athletes must meet the following minimum standards:
Independently load and unload chairlifts.
Ski off of Kirkwood Chairlifts #5, #7, and #11 without assistance.
Make linked turns on intermediate (blue) terrain and stop independently.
Athletes will be grouped by age and ability on the first day of camp.
Why Kirkwood
Kirkwood sits at 7,800 feet in a horseshoe canyon deep in the Sierra Nevada, higher than any other ski area in Tahoe, with 2,300 acres of skiable terrain, 2,000 feet of vertical, and an average annual snowfall that regularly exceeds 350 inches. The terrain tilts toward challenge (38% advanced, 20% expert) and produces fundamentally stronger skiers and sharper racers than any resort in the region. For Holiday Camp athletes, that means real development on a real mountain from day one.
What Your Athlete Will Do
Daily on-snow coaching in small, ability-based groups. All-mountain freeskiing and terrain exploration across Kirkwood. Coached drills focused on turning fundamentals, balance, edge awareness, and racing technique. Progressive gate training sessions to build comfort and confidence on the race course. A fun, competitive team atmosphere that builds skills, confidence, and friendships.
Athletes are supervised at all times, including breaks. Coaches communicate with families through direct email. Any training changes due to weather or conditions are communicated promptly.
Required Equipment
All equipment should be race-appropriate for the athlete's level. Families are responsible for providing:
Skis. One pair of all-mountain or multi-event race skis. Recommended length to the athlete's forehead. Athletes in Jr. Devo age groups (6 to 9) may use all-mountain carving-style skis (chin to forehead, no twin tips).
Boots. Snug-fitting ski boots or race boots, properly sized for flex and fit.
Poles. Ski poles at the appropriate length.
Helmet. MIPS ski helmet with chin/ face guard, meeting current safety standards. Required at all times.
Goggles. Ski goggles suitable for varying weather conditions.
Gloves. Waterproof ski gloves or mittens.
Layers. Appropriate layers for Kirkwood conditions. Kirkwood sits at 7,800 feet, and conditions change fast. Dress for the mountain, not the parking lot.
Consult KSEF coaches before purchasing equipment if you have questions about fit or specifications.
Contact
Questions about Holiday Camp? Reach out to us:
Kylese Markt, Athletic Director: Kylese@kirkwoodskiteam.com
Dana Keith, Program Administrator: Dana@kirkwoodskiteam.com
Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit | Training Racers Since 1984
Deep Roots. Strong Community. Bright Futures.
One Team. One Dream.
KSEF Holiday Training Camp
December 20 through January 4 | Ages 6 to 15
Days Off: December 24-25 and December 31-January 1
Program Overview
Start the season the way it should start: on the mountain, in gates, with real coaching. The KSEF Holiday Training Camp is an intensive, skill-building training block for skiers ages 6 to 15, led by KSEF coaches on the best terrain in the Sierra. This is not a lesson program. This is race team training, structured for athletes who want to build their skills and hit the ground running for the season ahead.
Athletes train in small, ability-based groups with a focus on all-mountain skiing, racing fundamentals, and progressive gate training. Whether your athlete is an experienced racer sharpening their technique over the break or a strong skier getting their first taste of structured coaching and race courses, this camp delivers focused development in a fun, competitive, and supportive environment.
For families considering KSEF for the full season, Holiday Camp is the best way to experience the coaching, the culture, and the community firsthand. Many of our full-season athletes started right here.
Skill Prerequisites
This is not a beginner program. Athletes must meet the following minimum standards:
Independently load and unload chairlifts.
Ski off of Kirkwood Chairlifts #5, #7, and #11 without assistance.
Make linked turns on intermediate (blue) terrain and stop independently.
Athletes will be grouped by age and ability on the first day of camp.
Why Kirkwood
Kirkwood sits at 7,800 feet in a horseshoe canyon deep in the Sierra Nevada, higher than any other ski area in Tahoe, with 2,300 acres of skiable terrain, 2,000 feet of vertical, and an average annual snowfall that regularly exceeds 350 inches. The terrain tilts toward challenge (38% advanced, 20% expert) and produces fundamentally stronger skiers and sharper racers than any resort in the region. For Holiday Camp athletes, that means real development on a real mountain from day one.
What Your Athlete Will Do
Daily on-snow coaching in small, ability-based groups. All-mountain freeskiing and terrain exploration across Kirkwood. Coached drills focused on turning fundamentals, balance, edge awareness, and racing technique. Progressive gate training sessions to build comfort and confidence on the race course. A fun, competitive team atmosphere that builds skills, confidence, and friendships.
Athletes are supervised at all times, including breaks. Coaches communicate with families through direct email. Any training changes due to weather or conditions are communicated promptly.
Required Equipment
All equipment should be race-appropriate for the athlete's level. Families are responsible for providing:
Skis. One pair of all-mountain or multi-event race skis. Recommended length to the athlete's forehead. Athletes in Jr. Devo age groups (6 to 9) may use all-mountain carving-style skis (chin to forehead, no twin tips).
Boots. Snug-fitting ski boots or race boots, properly sized for flex and fit.
Poles. Ski poles at the appropriate length.
Helmet. MIPS ski helmet with chin/ face guard, meeting current safety standards. Required at all times.
Goggles. Ski goggles suitable for varying weather conditions.
Gloves. Waterproof ski gloves or mittens.
Layers. Appropriate layers for Kirkwood conditions. Kirkwood sits at 7,800 feet, and conditions change fast. Dress for the mountain, not the parking lot.
Consult KSEF coaches before purchasing equipment if you have questions about fit or specifications.
Contact
Questions about Holiday Camp? Reach out to us:
Kylese Markt, Athletic Director: Kylese@kirkwoodskiteam.com
Dana Keith, Program Administrator: Dana@kirkwoodskiteam.com
Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit | Training Racers Since 1984
Deep Roots. Strong Community. Bright Futures.
One Team. One Dream.
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