U12 Race Team

Program overview

For racers ages 10–11 coming from U10 or an equivalent racing program. Groups have a maximum of seven athletes per coach. Develop Slalom and Giant Slalom technique, race tactics, and confidence through Far West and Tahoe Race Series competition, with a path toward U14.

Skills needed before joining

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 8 to 9). Reach out to us and we will help you find the right path.

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

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.

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 competitive development and readiness for the U14 program.

Schedule & training days

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 mountain 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.

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.