U14+

Overview

MSRC’s U14+ Program includes the U14, U16, & U18 age groups. From a training and racing perspective, these groups will train together and follow the same circuit of Atlantic race offerings. From a coaching perspective, U14, U16, U18+ age groups will have dedicated coaches assigned to these groups in order to best cater to the needs of different aged athletes within the training and competition environment.
U14 Athletes will enter the “Train to Train” phase of Alpine Canada’s long term athlete development plan. Training focus in this phase focuses on refinement of fundamental technical skills, while introducing the tactical aspect of ski-racing. Athletes will be challenged to actively make decisions about their approach to their skiing and the racecourse. Speed races will also be introduced at this age, with athletes beginning to train and race Super G.
U16+ Athletes will continue the development of tactical skills introduced in U14 while continuing to improve on individual technical focus points. As athletes progress closer to the refinement stage of technical elements, they will enter “Train to Race” phase of Alpine Canada’s long term athlete development plan. In this phase, coaches will work with athletes to explore and refine tactical approaches to find maximum speed while maintaining the ability to stay within the racecourse.

MSRC offers two (2) programs at the U14+ level, these include:

U14+ 2-Day (September 2024 - March 2025)

2 days/week on snow training, choice of Saturday/Sunday, Saturday/Wednesday or Sunday/Wednesday. Training days must be selected during registration. (Dryland Sunday at Martock and Wednesday Evening in Halifax or Wolfville)

This program is intended for athletes who wish to develop their ski racing skills and participate in a few race events, but with a lower time commitment than the 3-day program. This can include new athletes to the sport of ski racing or returning athletes. Training consists of two on snow sessions per week plus two fall dryland session per week. 2-Day Program participants can participate in race events and camps. While all participation in race and camps is optional, athlete participation in this program would typically include:
- Mont Saint Anne Pre-Season Camp
- Two regional race weekend events (recommendation for event(s) will be made by Coaches when the final race schedule is determined)

Included in the U14+ 2-day program are the following components:

2 Days per-week Off-Snow Dryland Training (Wednesday 6:00pm - 7:30pm in Halifax or Wolfville & Sundays 10:00am - 12:00pm at Ski Martock)
- Sunday September 8, 2025 - First Dryland
- Wednesday September 11, 2025 - First Wednesday Night Dryland
- Sunday November 10, 2025 - Last Dryland
On Snow Training at Martock (choose of two of three training options - Saturday or Sunday, 9:00am - 1:45pm or Wednesdays, 6:00pm - 9:00pm)
- Wednesday January 15, 2025 - First Wednesday Night on-Snow session (if chosen)
- Saturday January 18, 2025 - First Weekend Day on-Snow session (if chosen)
- Sunday March 23, 2025 - Last Day of Formal Coaching
- Wednesday March 26, 2025 - U14+ athletes are invited to participate in our end-of-season Shynal Cup Fun Race starting around 6:00pm
Weekly goal setting/reflections sessions at Wednesday night training (if selected for on-snow training option)
Access to Google Drive with performance reviews and video analysis
U14+ Athlete/Parent Information Sessions (TBD; Early October 2024)
A seasonal rental of a Martock Ski Race Club Team Jacket

U14+ 3-Day (September 2024 - March 2025)

3 days/week on snow training, Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday evening Training (Dryland Sunday at Martock and Wednesday Evening in Halifax or Wolfville)

This program is intended for athletes who wish to commit more time to their ski racing skill development, train in multiple alpine disciplines, and compete in multiple events throughout the season. This can include new athletes to the sport of ski racing or returning athletes. 3-Day athletes who are keen on improving their personal skill sets (both mental and physical) and setting/achieving their season training and competition goals. Training consists of three on snow sessions per week as well as two fall dryland training sessions per week. 3-Day participants can participate in race events and camps. It is anticipated that these athletes will participating in multiple training camp and race events through the season. While all participation in race and camps is optional, athlete participation in this program would typically include:

Mont Saint Anne and/or Amqui Pre Season Training Camp
Additional regional training sessions as and when determined beneficial by the MSRC coaching staff. Pre-season and regular season additional training sessions will be communicated throughout the year.
Crabbe Speed Week and associated SG and GS races
Three or more additional regional race weekend events (recommendation for event(s) will be made by Coaches when the final race schedule is determined)

Included in the U14+ 3-day program are the following components:

2 Day Off-Snow Dryland Training (Wednesday 6:00pm - 7:30pm in Halifax or Wolfville & Sundays 10:00am - 12:00pm)
- Sunday September 8, 2025 - First Dryland
- Wednesday September 11, 2025 - First Wednesday Night Dryland
- Sunday November 10, 2025 - Last Dryland
On Snow Training at Martock (Saturday/Sunday, 9:00am - 1:45pm & Wednesdays, 6:00pm - 9:00pm)
- Wednesday January 15, 2025 - First Wednesday Night on-Snow session
- Sunday March 23, 2025 - Last Day of Formal Coaching
- Wednesday March 26, 2025 - U12 athletes are invited to participate in our end-of-season Shynal Cup Fun Race starting around 6:00pm
Weekly goal setting/reflections sessions at Wednesday night training
Access to Google Drive with performance reviews and video analysis
Program fee includes registration in the Martock Annual Race
U14+ Athlete/Parent Information Sessions (TBD; Early October 2024)
A seasonal rental of a Martock Ski Race Club Team Jacket

Additional Information

Pre-Season On-Snow Activities

Given the unpredictable recent December/January weather in Nova Scotia, we are hoping to offer a number of optional additional on-snow training camps for some programs (U10 and up) for an additional cost. A questionnaire to gauge interest in these options will be included with the registration process to assist in planning for these events.
Due to the greater difficulty of terrain at the hills at which the pre-season camps are anticipated to be held, those camps are targeted at returning athletes; however, attendance at these camps by first year athletes may be possible with permission from the coaching staff. If you have questions about whether any of the pre-season camps are appropriate for your athlete, please discuss with the age group head coach prior to registering for the camp.
- Snow conditions permitting, mini-camps at Ski Martock will be open to all athletes (new and returning).
More details on these camps will be provided on the website, via email, and through the established WhatsApp group chats for each age division

Ages

U14 - Birth Years 2011 & 2012
U16 - Birth Years 2009 & 2010
U18 - Birth Years 2007 & 2008
U21 - Birth Years 2004 - 2006
Proof of birth date is required for all new members.

Lift Pass

Program fees do not include the cost of a lift pass.
Lift passes are available directly from Ski Martock and can be purchased online.

Equipment

Giant Slalom (GS) Skis
GS Poles
Slalom (SL) Skis
SL Poles
Helmet (FIS Approved) - Either Separate GS/SL helmets OR SL helmet with removable chin guard
Shin Guards
Arm Guards (optional)
Ski Boots
Race Suit (with padding)
Team Jacket (provided)
Snow Pants
Training Shorts (provided)
Race Gloves
Goggles
Back Protector for Super G and Ski-Cross
Ski tuning kit

An additional information session will be held in the fall to review the program and equipment needs
- More information can be found here: https://msrc.ca/content/gear-requirements-and-recommendations

Alpine Ski Nova Scotia / Alpine Canada Membership Fee (Mandatory Insurance)

All U14+ skiers are subject to a ASNS / ACA membership fee and is included in your club registration.
This fee is due before participating in any MSRC activity. It covers your competitor association with the club, your competitors’ license and mandatory general liability insurance with Alpine Canada (ACA).

MSRC 2024-25 Program Fee

2-Day Program (September 6th, 2023 through March 31st, 2024) - $1,225

3-Day Program (September 6th, 2023 through March 31st, 2023) - $1,425

Registration

Registration for alpine programs typically opens in August