U10 Race Team

Program overview

For skiers ages 8–9 who are ready for competitive racing. Groups have a maximum of seven athletes per coach. Build gate skills, race tactics, and confidence in Giant Slalom and Slalom, with competition in the Far West and Tahoe Race Series and a path toward U12.

Skills needed before joining

This is not a development program. U10 is a competitive race team. Athletes must arrive with a solid skiing foundation, ideally from the KSEF Jr. Devo program or an equivalent development program. Athletes must meet the following minimum standards:

• Strong parallel skiing on intermediate and advanced terrain at Kirkwood.

• Independently load and unload all chairlifts at Kirkwood Mountain Resort.

• Ski off of Kirkwood Chairlifts #5, #6, #10, #11, and #7 without assistance.

• Prior gate training experience or completion of the KSEF Jr. Devo program.

• Participate in a full day of team activities (up to 6 hours) without parent assistance.

• Demonstrate race-ready maturity: ability to follow coach direction, manage personal equipment, and be a supportive teammate.

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

Not quite ready for U10? Our U8/Jr. Devo program (ages 6 to 7) builds the all-mountain foundation and introduces racing concepts that prepare athletes for U10 the following season.

Training mix

U10 training builds directly on the all-mountain foundation from Jr. Devo and introduces the structure, discipline, and tactical thinking of competitive alpine racing. The mountain remains the curriculum, but the race course becomes a bigger part of the classroom.

50 to 60% All-Mountain Freeskiing and Skill Development. Coached, directed skiing across Kirkwood's terrain with an emphasis on technical refinement: edge control, pressure management, line selection, and the athletic movements that produce fast, efficient turns. Great racers are great skiers first.

30 to 40% Gate Training and Race Tactics. Structured gate sessions in GS and introductory SL, building comfort, confidence, and tactical awareness in the race course. Athletes learn race etiquette, start procedures, course inspection, and the mental skills that competitive racing demands.

5 to 10% Dryland and Conditioning. Age-appropriate dryland training focused on balance, agility, core strength, and injury prevention.

Racing

U10 athletes compete in both the Far West Race Series and the Tahoe Race Series, providing regular opportunities to apply their training in a real competitive environment.

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 before group placement. Each athlete receives personalized development goals, a mid-season written progress report, and an end-of-season skills card documenting their racing development and readiness for the U12 program.

Schedule & training days

The U10 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, with dates published on the KSEF calendar. Pre-season dryland training opportunities will be communicated before the season. Athletes should aim to attend at least 65% of scheduled sessions. At the U10 level, consistency is critical: race skills are built through repetition, and every training day counts.

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.

Equipment

U10 is a race program, and the equipment requirements reflect that. All equipment must receive prior approval from KSEF coaches before on-snow training. Families are responsible for providing:

Race Skis. One pair of multi-event or longer SL-specific race skis. Recommended length to the athlete's forehead. Owned or seasonal lease (no daily rentals).

Race Boots. Snug-fitting race boots designed for alpine racing, properly sized for flex and fit.

Poles. Straight ski poles without pole guards.

Helmet. MIPS ski helmet with chin/face guard, meeting current safety standards. Required at all times.

Shin Guards. Mandatory for all Slalom (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.

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.