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KSEF U12 Alpine Race Program - 4007 | FY26/27 Season
Program Overview
KSEF is a ski race team. The U12 Alpine Race Team is where young racers step into serious competition. Designed for athletes aged 10 and 11 who have successfully completed the U10 program or arrive with equivalent competitive racing experience, U12 is the transition from introductory racing into a focused, multi-discipline competitive environment. Athletes train in small ability-based groups with a maximum 7:1 athlete-to-coach ratio, refining their technique in both Slalom (SL) and Giant Slalom (GS) while developing the tactical thinking, mental fortitude, and competitive mindset that define a complete racer.
This is where the racing sharpens. Training volume increases, gate work intensifies, and athletes begin to experience the full competitive landscape of alpine ski racing in the Far West and Tahoe Race Series. But this is still KSEF, and that means we develop the whole athlete: building technical racing skill on the hill, fostering confidence and resilience off it, and preparing young racers for progression into the KSEF U14 Team.
At KSEF, every family belongs.
Skill Prerequisites
U12 is a competitive race program. Athletes must arrive with a strong foundation in both all-mountain skiing and gate training, ideally from the KSEF U10 program or an equivalent competitive racing program. Athletes must meet the following minimum standards:
Strong parallel skiing on all terrain at Kirkwood, including advanced and variable conditions.
Independently load and unload all chairlifts at Kirkwood Mountain Resort.
Prior competitive race experience in both GS and SL disciplines.
Comfort and proficiency in gate training at race speed.
Participate in a full day of team activities without parent assistance.
Demonstrate race-ready maturity: ability to follow coach direction, manage personal equipment independently, inspect courses, and be a supportive teammate.
New athletes must complete a pre-season on-snow skills assessment and coach evaluation.
Athletes not yet ready for U12 competition should consider the KSEF U10 Alpine Race Team (ages 7 to 9). Reach out to us and we will help you find the right path.
Why Kirkwood: The Best Mountain in the Sierra to Build a Racer
If you end up at Kirkwood, it is because you made a deliberate decision. You chose the mountain that sits at 7,800 feet in a horseshoe canyon deep in the Sierra Nevada, higher than any other ski area in Tahoe, with terrain that tilts toward challenge and snow that other resorts can only talk about. You chose the mountain where legitimately good skiing is the main event, where the terrain builds skiers instead of flattering them, and where a race team has been training athletes for over four decades.
That is exactly why it is the best place in the Sierra to develop a young racer.
Storms funnel into the horseshoe canyon from the Pacific and get stuck, swirling for days. The locals call it the K-Factor: the geographic reality that when the rest of Tahoe is waiting for snow, Kirkwood is buried in it. With 2,300 acres of skiable terrain, 2,000 feet of vertical drop, an average annual snowfall that regularly exceeds 350 inches, and a terrain mix that tilts heavily toward challenge (38% advanced, 20% expert), this mountain produces fundamentally stronger skiers and sharper racers than any resort in the region. It teaches athletes to read terrain, adapt to variable conditions, find their balance in real snow, and build the kind of independent confidence and technical foundation that translates directly to the race course.
For U12 athletes, that advantage is compounding. The all-mountain skills built at Kirkwood produce racers with a technical versatility that shows in every discipline, on every course, at every venue in the region.
The KSEF Community: Your Athlete's Tribe
Deep roots. Strong community. Bright futures. That is not a slogan. It is what four decades of race team families have built at Kirkwood.
Kirkwood has always been a place where the community is the mountain and the mountain is the community. There are no crowds to disappear into. Coaches know every athlete by name. Families show up for one another through race days and storm days alike. This is not a drop-off program at a mega-resort. This is a race team family.
When your athlete joins U12, they are joining a tribe that stretches from Jr. Devo through FIS. The friendships forged on race day and on the chairlift carry through seasons and years. The parents you meet become your people. The coaches become mentors your athlete trusts and relies on as the competition intensifies. One Team. One Dream. That is how we ski, how we race, and how we show up for each other at Kirkwood.
FY26/27 Seasonal Training Mix
U12 training marks a significant step up in intensity, structure, and competitive focus. The all-mountain foundation built in Jr. Devo and U10 now supports advanced multi-discipline gate work, tactical race preparation, and the physical conditioning required to compete at the Far West and regional level.
40 to 50% Gate Training and Race Tactics. Intensive, structured gate sessions in GS and SL, with an emphasis on technical refinement, line selection, course inspection, race starts, and tactical execution.
30 to 40% All-Mountain Freeskiing and Technical Development. Coached, directed skiing across Kirkwood's demanding terrain. At the U12 level, freeskiing is targeted: building edge control at speed, pressure management in variable snow, and the athletic versatility that makes a great racer adaptable on any course.
10 to 15% Dryland, Conditioning, and Race Preparation. Pre-season and in-season dryland training focused on strength, agility, core stability, and injury prevention. Pre-season dryland is offered on select dates from September to November.
Racing Opportunities
U12 athletes compete in both the Tahoe Race Series (TRS) and Far West (FW) races, providing consistent regional competition and exposure to increasingly competitive fields.
Race travel is coordinated by coaches. Race schedules are published on the KSEF calendar. Families are responsible for transportation to race venues.
New for FY26/27: On-Mountain Race Facility
This season marks a milestone. After years of planning and investment, KSEF will be operating out of our new on-mountain race facility at Kirkwood: a permanent home on the hill that upgrades every aspect of our program and positions KSEF to compete at the highest levels in the region. For U12 athletes, it means training in a purpose-built race environment with the infrastructure to support the volume and intensity that competitive racing demands.
Athlete Assessment and Progress Tracking
Every athlete is seen, coached, and challenged at the right level. New athletes complete a pre-season on-snow skills evaluation and coach assessment before group placement. Each athlete receives personalized development goals, a mid-season written progress report, and an end-of-season skills card documenting their competitive development and readiness for the U14 program.
FY26/27 Schedule and What to Expect
The U12 season runs December through early April, with racing extending through the final Far West race in spring, subject to snow conditions. Weekend training is Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. School break weekdays follow the same schedule. Pre-season dryland training is offered on select dates from September to November. Athletes should aim to attend at least 70% of scheduled sessions. At the U12 level, consistency is everything: race skills compound through repetition, and every session on the hill or in gates builds toward race day execution.
On training days, athletes arrive fully dressed and ready to ski at the designated meeting point. Coaches organize groups and begin with a briefing. Athletes are supervised at all times, including snack breaks. The day includes a mid-morning snack break (parents provide a healthy pocket snack and water) and a lunch break. Coaches communicate with families through KSEF's TeamSnap and direct email. Any training changes due to weather or conditions are communicated promptly.
FY26/27 Registration and Pricing - Earlybird Registration ends on May 31st.
Prices increase with each registration window and will continue to climb through November 2026. The best pricing is available now. Once a window closes, it does not reopen.
Season Pass: All athletes must hold a valid season pass for Kirkwood for all training days: Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Tahoe Local Pass, Tahoe Value Pass, or Kirkwood Only Pass. Lift tickets and day passes are not accepted. A season pass is a separate purchase, not included in tuition.
U.S. Ski and Snowboard Membership: All athletes must hold a current U.S. Ski and Snowboard membership in the appropriate age category for the season. This is required for participation in sanctioned race events.
Payment plans are available. Need-based financial assistance is available through KSEF, because every family belongs on this mountain. Contact the Program Administrator for pricing details, payment plan options, pass guidance, or membership questions.
Required Equipment
U12 is a multi-discipline race program, and the equipment requirements reflect that step up. All equipment must receive prior approval from KSEF coaches. Families are responsible for providing:
Race Skis. Two pairs: one pair of Giant Slalom (GS) skis and one pair of Slalom (SL) skis.
Race Boots. Properly fitted ski boots with a flex rating of 60 to 80, designed for alpine racing.
Poles. GS and SL poles equipped with pole guards.
Helmet. MIPS ski helmet with chin/face guard, meeting current safety standards. Required at all times.
Shin Guards. Mandatory for all SL training and racing.
Goggles. Ski goggles suitable for varying weather conditions.
Gloves. Waterproof ski gloves or mittens.
Ski Pants. Waterproof ski pants.
Layers. Appropriate layers for Kirkwood conditions. Dress for the mountain, not the parking lot.
Speed Suit (Optional). A speed suit is optional but recommended for racing.
Ski Backpack and Water Bottle. Recommended for training sessions.
Equipment Guidance: Consult KSEF coaches before purchasing equipment. Proper fit and functionality are critical. We encourage families to explore ski swaps and used equipment markets for growing athletes.
New for FY26/27: Helly Hansen Official Team Uniform Program
For the FY26/27 season, KSEF is proud to announce an official uniform partnership with Helly Hansen. Our leadership team spent countless hours working alongside both the local and main Helly Hansen teams to design and build the best kits for our athletes and coaches: purpose-built, race-ready, and unmistakably KSEF.
When your athlete shows up at the start gate or on the mountain in the new KSEF x Helly Hansen kit, they will look like they belong to something serious. Because they do. This partnership ensures that our look, our feel, and our brand will be consistent for the foreseeable future, across every program from Jr. Devo to FIS. One Team. One Dream. And now, one kit to match.
Early Order Incentive: 10% Off Before May 31st. Purchase your full kit or individual items (jacket, pant, or mid-layer) before the May 31st deadline and receive 10% off the item or the kit. This is an introductory deal to launch the partnership, and it will not last. Prices will increase after the deadline, as will program pricing.
Visit the KSEF Uniform Pages at kirkwoodskiteam.com for current pricing and kit details, or contact Kylese or Dana directly for the latest pricing information.
Contact and Registration
Since 1984, this foundation has been built by people who love this mountain and believe in its young people. Ready to take the next step?
Kylese Markt, Athletic Director: Kylese@kirkwoodskiteam.com
Dana Keith, Program Administrator: Dana@kirkwoodskiteam.com
Sign up for the monthly KSEF newsletter for the latest updates and season information.
Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit | Training Racers Since 1984
Deep Roots. Strong Community. Bright Futures.
One Team. One Dream.
Program Overview
KSEF is a ski race team. The U12 Alpine Race Team is where young racers step into serious competition. Designed for athletes aged 10 and 11 who have successfully completed the U10 program or arrive with equivalent competitive racing experience, U12 is the transition from introductory racing into a focused, multi-discipline competitive environment. Athletes train in small ability-based groups with a maximum 7:1 athlete-to-coach ratio, refining their technique in both Slalom (SL) and Giant Slalom (GS) while developing the tactical thinking, mental fortitude, and competitive mindset that define a complete racer.
This is where the racing sharpens. Training volume increases, gate work intensifies, and athletes begin to experience the full competitive landscape of alpine ski racing in the Far West and Tahoe Race Series. But this is still KSEF, and that means we develop the whole athlete: building technical racing skill on the hill, fostering confidence and resilience off it, and preparing young racers for progression into the KSEF U14 Team.
At KSEF, every family belongs.
Skill Prerequisites
U12 is a competitive race program. Athletes must arrive with a strong foundation in both all-mountain skiing and gate training, ideally from the KSEF U10 program or an equivalent competitive racing program. Athletes must meet the following minimum standards:
Strong parallel skiing on all terrain at Kirkwood, including advanced and variable conditions.
Independently load and unload all chairlifts at Kirkwood Mountain Resort.
Prior competitive race experience in both GS and SL disciplines.
Comfort and proficiency in gate training at race speed.
Participate in a full day of team activities without parent assistance.
Demonstrate race-ready maturity: ability to follow coach direction, manage personal equipment independently, inspect courses, and be a supportive teammate.
New athletes must complete a pre-season on-snow skills assessment and coach evaluation.
Athletes not yet ready for U12 competition should consider the KSEF U10 Alpine Race Team (ages 7 to 9). Reach out to us and we will help you find the right path.
Why Kirkwood: The Best Mountain in the Sierra to Build a Racer
If you end up at Kirkwood, it is because you made a deliberate decision. You chose the mountain that sits at 7,800 feet in a horseshoe canyon deep in the Sierra Nevada, higher than any other ski area in Tahoe, with terrain that tilts toward challenge and snow that other resorts can only talk about. You chose the mountain where legitimately good skiing is the main event, where the terrain builds skiers instead of flattering them, and where a race team has been training athletes for over four decades.
That is exactly why it is the best place in the Sierra to develop a young racer.
Storms funnel into the horseshoe canyon from the Pacific and get stuck, swirling for days. The locals call it the K-Factor: the geographic reality that when the rest of Tahoe is waiting for snow, Kirkwood is buried in it. With 2,300 acres of skiable terrain, 2,000 feet of vertical drop, an average annual snowfall that regularly exceeds 350 inches, and a terrain mix that tilts heavily toward challenge (38% advanced, 20% expert), this mountain produces fundamentally stronger skiers and sharper racers than any resort in the region. It teaches athletes to read terrain, adapt to variable conditions, find their balance in real snow, and build the kind of independent confidence and technical foundation that translates directly to the race course.
For U12 athletes, that advantage is compounding. The all-mountain skills built at Kirkwood produce racers with a technical versatility that shows in every discipline, on every course, at every venue in the region.
The KSEF Community: Your Athlete's Tribe
Deep roots. Strong community. Bright futures. That is not a slogan. It is what four decades of race team families have built at Kirkwood.
Kirkwood has always been a place where the community is the mountain and the mountain is the community. There are no crowds to disappear into. Coaches know every athlete by name. Families show up for one another through race days and storm days alike. This is not a drop-off program at a mega-resort. This is a race team family.
When your athlete joins U12, they are joining a tribe that stretches from Jr. Devo through FIS. The friendships forged on race day and on the chairlift carry through seasons and years. The parents you meet become your people. The coaches become mentors your athlete trusts and relies on as the competition intensifies. One Team. One Dream. That is how we ski, how we race, and how we show up for each other at Kirkwood.
FY26/27 Seasonal Training Mix
U12 training marks a significant step up in intensity, structure, and competitive focus. The all-mountain foundation built in Jr. Devo and U10 now supports advanced multi-discipline gate work, tactical race preparation, and the physical conditioning required to compete at the Far West and regional level.
40 to 50% Gate Training and Race Tactics. Intensive, structured gate sessions in GS and SL, with an emphasis on technical refinement, line selection, course inspection, race starts, and tactical execution.
30 to 40% All-Mountain Freeskiing and Technical Development. Coached, directed skiing across Kirkwood's demanding terrain. At the U12 level, freeskiing is targeted: building edge control at speed, pressure management in variable snow, and the athletic versatility that makes a great racer adaptable on any course.
10 to 15% Dryland, Conditioning, and Race Preparation. Pre-season and in-season dryland training focused on strength, agility, core stability, and injury prevention. Pre-season dryland is offered on select dates from September to November.
Racing Opportunities
U12 athletes compete in both the Tahoe Race Series (TRS) and Far West (FW) races, providing consistent regional competition and exposure to increasingly competitive fields.
Race travel is coordinated by coaches. Race schedules are published on the KSEF calendar. Families are responsible for transportation to race venues.
New for FY26/27: On-Mountain Race Facility
This season marks a milestone. After years of planning and investment, KSEF will be operating out of our new on-mountain race facility at Kirkwood: a permanent home on the hill that upgrades every aspect of our program and positions KSEF to compete at the highest levels in the region. For U12 athletes, it means training in a purpose-built race environment with the infrastructure to support the volume and intensity that competitive racing demands.
Athlete Assessment and Progress Tracking
Every athlete is seen, coached, and challenged at the right level. New athletes complete a pre-season on-snow skills evaluation and coach assessment before group placement. Each athlete receives personalized development goals, a mid-season written progress report, and an end-of-season skills card documenting their competitive development and readiness for the U14 program.
FY26/27 Schedule and What to Expect
The U12 season runs December through early April, with racing extending through the final Far West race in spring, subject to snow conditions. Weekend training is Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. School break weekdays follow the same schedule. Pre-season dryland training is offered on select dates from September to November. Athletes should aim to attend at least 70% of scheduled sessions. At the U12 level, consistency is everything: race skills compound through repetition, and every session on the hill or in gates builds toward race day execution.
On training days, athletes arrive fully dressed and ready to ski at the designated meeting point. Coaches organize groups and begin with a briefing. Athletes are supervised at all times, including snack breaks. The day includes a mid-morning snack break (parents provide a healthy pocket snack and water) and a lunch break. Coaches communicate with families through KSEF's TeamSnap and direct email. Any training changes due to weather or conditions are communicated promptly.
FY26/27 Registration and Pricing - Earlybird Registration ends on May 31st.
Prices increase with each registration window and will continue to climb through November 2026. The best pricing is available now. Once a window closes, it does not reopen.
Season Pass: All athletes must hold a valid season pass for Kirkwood for all training days: Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Tahoe Local Pass, Tahoe Value Pass, or Kirkwood Only Pass. Lift tickets and day passes are not accepted. A season pass is a separate purchase, not included in tuition.
U.S. Ski and Snowboard Membership: All athletes must hold a current U.S. Ski and Snowboard membership in the appropriate age category for the season. This is required for participation in sanctioned race events.
Payment plans are available. Need-based financial assistance is available through KSEF, because every family belongs on this mountain. Contact the Program Administrator for pricing details, payment plan options, pass guidance, or membership questions.
Required Equipment
U12 is a multi-discipline race program, and the equipment requirements reflect that step up. All equipment must receive prior approval from KSEF coaches. Families are responsible for providing:
Race Skis. Two pairs: one pair of Giant Slalom (GS) skis and one pair of Slalom (SL) skis.
Race Boots. Properly fitted ski boots with a flex rating of 60 to 80, designed for alpine racing.
Poles. GS and SL poles equipped with pole guards.
Helmet. MIPS ski helmet with chin/face guard, meeting current safety standards. Required at all times.
Shin Guards. Mandatory for all SL training and racing.
Goggles. Ski goggles suitable for varying weather conditions.
Gloves. Waterproof ski gloves or mittens.
Ski Pants. Waterproof ski pants.
Layers. Appropriate layers for Kirkwood conditions. Dress for the mountain, not the parking lot.
Speed Suit (Optional). A speed suit is optional but recommended for racing.
Ski Backpack and Water Bottle. Recommended for training sessions.
Equipment Guidance: Consult KSEF coaches before purchasing equipment. Proper fit and functionality are critical. We encourage families to explore ski swaps and used equipment markets for growing athletes.
New for FY26/27: Helly Hansen Official Team Uniform Program
For the FY26/27 season, KSEF is proud to announce an official uniform partnership with Helly Hansen. Our leadership team spent countless hours working alongside both the local and main Helly Hansen teams to design and build the best kits for our athletes and coaches: purpose-built, race-ready, and unmistakably KSEF.
When your athlete shows up at the start gate or on the mountain in the new KSEF x Helly Hansen kit, they will look like they belong to something serious. Because they do. This partnership ensures that our look, our feel, and our brand will be consistent for the foreseeable future, across every program from Jr. Devo to FIS. One Team. One Dream. And now, one kit to match.
Early Order Incentive: 10% Off Before May 31st. Purchase your full kit or individual items (jacket, pant, or mid-layer) before the May 31st deadline and receive 10% off the item or the kit. This is an introductory deal to launch the partnership, and it will not last. Prices will increase after the deadline, as will program pricing.
Visit the KSEF Uniform Pages at kirkwoodskiteam.com for current pricing and kit details, or contact Kylese or Dana directly for the latest pricing information.
Contact and Registration
Since 1984, this foundation has been built by people who love this mountain and believe in its young people. Ready to take the next step?
Kylese Markt, Athletic Director: Kylese@kirkwoodskiteam.com
Dana Keith, Program Administrator: Dana@kirkwoodskiteam.com
Sign up for the monthly KSEF newsletter for the latest updates and season information.
Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit | Training Racers Since 1984
Deep Roots. Strong Community. Bright Futures.
One Team. One Dream.
Secure Your Savings: Pre-Season Pricing Now! (Lowest prices guaranteed. Prices increase July 1st, 2025. Don't miss out!)