SARS has something for kids and adults of all ages! Read on to learn more about our programs.
STARS
For the 5 and 6 year olds, anyone with a basic competence on skis (the ability to ski a blue run) can join the STARS (Schweitzer’s “tiny” alpine racers!) program, which includes a 5-day Holiday Camp between Christmas and New Years and then weekly instruction on Saturdays through the end of March. STARS athletes get to participate in three “home series” races during the season, a highlight for parents who get to witness their child’s rapid progression on the slopes.
Youth Ski League (YSL) Development and Competition Teams
For athletes between 7 and 11 years of age we offer three options: the “Development team”, which includes the Holiday Camp and then Saturday trainings through March, and the “Competition teams,” which offer either a 2-day (Saturday and Sunday) or a 3-day (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) option. Competition teams are for those racers who wish to participate in the sanctioned United States Ski and Snowboard (USSS) events of the Emerald Empire Youth Ski League. These races are typically two days in length and take place at Schweitzer, Mount Spokane, Lookout Pass, and 49 degrees North.
Junior programs
For athletes aged 12 -18 SARS offers Junior programs that allow athletes to compete at the Pacific Northwest Ski Association level and beyond while continuing to develop their technical skill set in and out of the race arena. Junior ski racers can choose to train up to 5 days per week and can expect extensive travel for competitions, usually two weekends per month.
Freeride program
Racing around gates is not for everyone! Athletes aged 12 and up who have developed a strong foundation through YSL or who have developed their all-mountain skiing skills through other Schweitzer Mountain programs can join the Junior Freeride Team. This competitive based program will be targeting the Regional Junior Freeride Tour (aka Big Mountain Judged Competitions). This is the program for the strong skiing enthusiastic athlete looking for an alternative to racing yet still has a desire to be a member of a team, compete, and improve all around skiing skills by means of coaching.
Masters program
Who says that racing is only for kids?! Adults can continue to pursue their passion for alpine racing through our flexible Masters program, offering 1-day, 2-day, or 4-day per week options. If you can’t commit to weekly trainings, sing up for a 6-pack and drop in whenever it’s convenient for you! We also offer a Masters Holiday Camp, which includes a week of half-day slalom, giant slalom, and all-mountain adult training during the week between Christmas and New Years.