KSEF Programs · Winter 26/27

U14 Race Team

Ages 12 to 13 · $4,300 · Kirkwood, California

Ages	Ages 12 to 13
Training days	Saturdays and Sundays, 0900 to 1500 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). School-break weekdays run the same hours.
Attendance goal	At least 75% of scheduled sessions
Season dates	Team training December 5, 2026 to April 11, 2027; Far West racing and spring championships run into late April
Price	$4,300 tuition for Winter 26/27. Season pass and U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership are separate.
Pass requirement	A 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.
Races	Far West Race Series (SL, GS, SG); regional projects for qualifying athletes. 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

For experienced racers ages 12–13 progressing from U12 or an equivalent program. Groups have a maximum of seven athletes per coach. Train in Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super G, compete in the Far West Race Series, and build toward U16. Athletes may qualify for regional projects.

Skills needed before joining

U14 is an advanced competitive race program. Athletes must arrive with proven multi-discipline race experience and the technical proficiency to compete at the Far West level. Athletes must meet the following minimum standards:

Expert-level skiing on all terrain at Kirkwood in all conditions, including steeps, variable snow, and challenging visibility.
Proven competitive race experience in GS and SL at the regional level.
Proficiency in gate training at race speed across multiple disciplines.
Ability to independently inspect courses, execute race starts, and manage race-day logistics.
Strong competitive maturity: ability to self-coach between runs, take and apply feedback, manage personal equipment, and support teammates under competitive pressure.
New athletes must complete a pre-season on-snow skills assessment and coach evaluation.

Athletes not yet ready for U14 should consider the KSEF U12 Alpine Race Team (ages 10 to 11). Reach out to us and we will help you find the right path.

Training mix

U14 training centers on gate work, supported by coached all-mountain skiing. Athletes build the skills to race Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super G.

50 to 60% Gate Training, Race Tactics, and Discipline-Specific Technique. Structured gate sessions in Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super G. Athletes practice precise turns, choosing a race line, and adapting to different courses and snow conditions.

25 to 35% All-Mountain Freeskiing and Technical Development. Coached skiing across Kirkwood’s challenging terrain builds speed control, edge skills, and confidence in changing conditions.

10 to 15% Dryland, Conditioning, and Race Preparation. Pre-season and in-season dryland training focused on strength, power, agility, core stability, and injury prevention. Pre-season dryland is offered September through November. Race-day preparation, including advanced course inspection and mental performance, is integrated throughout the season.

Racing

U14 athletes compete exclusively in the Far West Race Series across SL, GS, and SG disciplines. Athletes with exceptional results may qualify for regional projects, which provide additional high-level training and competition opportunities.

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 placement. Each athlete receives personalized development goals, a mid-season written progress report, and an end-of-season skills card documenting their competitive development, race results, and readiness for the U16/FIS program.

Schedule & training days

The U14 season runs December through late April, with Far West racing extending through spring championship events. 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 September through November. Athletes should aim to attend at least 75% of scheduled sessions. Regular practice helps athletes build skills and confidence. Talk with your coach early if school, health, or family commitments affect attendance.

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

U14 is a multi-discipline, FIS-standard race program. All equipment must receive prior approval from KSEF coaches. Families are responsible for providing:

Race Skis. Skis suitable for SL, GS, and SG events. Both racing and training skis are recommended. Consult coaches for specifications.

Race Boots. Properly fitted race boots with a flex rating of 70 to 110.

Poles. GS and SL poles equipped with pole guards.

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

Shin Guards. Mandatory for all SL training and racing.

Back Protector (Recommended). Recommended for added safety, particularly in speed events.

Speed Suit. A speed suit with FIS patch is highly recommended for racing.

Goggles. Goggles with multiple lens options for varying conditions.

Gloves. Waterproof ski gloves or mittens.

Layers. Appropriate layers for Kirkwood conditions. Dress for the mountain, not the start gate.

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.