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ALPINE DEVO (U8/U10)

Winter Session 1, December 9/10 – January 27/28
Winter Session 2, February 3/4 – March 23/24*
* Registration deadline Is January 15, 2023.
Full Winter Session, December 9/10 – March 23/24

The Alpine Development program is designed to build confidence in skiing and refine the fundamentals. Often, this is an athlete’s first experience with a coach and on a team. Athletes will explore all the runs on the mountain through play and exploration.

Ages: 7-10 You are 7 as of Jan 1.
Maximum Participants / Coach Ratio is 7:1

Skill Development & Focus

Emphasis on play, varied terrain, and refining ski fundamentals. The three technical components will be balance, rotary, and edging. Coaches will emphasize having fun while building teamwork, learning mountain safety, and enjoying time outside. Guided free skiing and drills are an integral part of the Alpine Development program. Children will be encouraged to lead a balanced lifestyle with healthy habits that promote success in sports and life. Positive parental support is essential. Athletes are arranged in groups based on skill, speed, and social needs. 

Skill Assessment *required

We will conduct the USSA SkillsQuest Assessment on the 1st day of practice. The assessment determines which group within the program your athlete will participate in. If a child is not yet ready for programs, families can leave any payments on their account to be used at a future date or receive a full refund. Should your athlete need to work to improve on any of the skills with this assessment, we will recommend moving back to Devo. Athletes will be recommended to move from Devo Alpine to Intro Alpine on their coaches’ recommendation.  Any children who participated in programs last year may register and participate without doing the skills assessment.

Skills Assessment Criteria

  • Athletes can load and unload all Grand Targhee lifts independently with no assistance, put down the bar, and be aware of lift safety (sit back in the chair).
  • Ski on Shoshone and Dreamcatcher, at a minimum.
  • Participants must be able to put on their own ski equipment.
  • Ability to ski parallel most of the time.
  • Drills to assess turning, stopping, and pole planting.
  • Coaches may require additional skills not listed here.

Races

Not Required, however athletes are encouraged to compete in Club Series races. Local Club Series Races offer lots of race experience and are inexpensive to enter.  The Bank of Jackson Hole Club series information is found here. 

On Snow Schedule

Saturdays and/or Sundays for 8 or 16 weeks from 8:45am to 12:30pm.  Sessions will always begin by meeting at the base of the Shoshone lift unless otherwise specified by your coach.

Equipment

  • Skis: One pair of freeskis at chest-to-head height with a variation based on height, weight, and skill level.
  • Boots: Soft, even forward flex for ankle movement to facilitate a balanced, athletic stance.
  • Protection:  Helmet and goggles are required.
  • Poles: One pair, sizing is forearm horizontal while grabbing below pole basket with pole handle touching snow 

Competition Licenses

Not required for Club Series races. USSA Competitor Membership U8 is $100. * see ussa.org for current information

Ski Passes

Pass prices are not included in GTSSF program fees. Grand Targhee Resort passes must be purchased directly through Grand Targhee Resort. Athletes participating in Nordic are required to have a Teton Valley Trails & Pathways Nordic Sticker. A Grand Targhee Resort, Nordic pass is encouraged.

GTSSF will not be hosting programs on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year's Day, so our coaches and families can enjoy that time with their family and friends.  We do intend to provide make-up days for all participants for those three days based on coaches' and athletes' schedules. Look for an email from our coordinator with opportunities for make-up sessions. 

Event Transportation

GTSSF vans will be available for the 2023-24 season.  Shuttles or other rides will be coordinated by coaches and race parents based on where athletes attend school and the needs of other teams.  Transportation is never 100% guaranteed. Travel expenses are not included in program fees.

Payment Plans

If an athlete anticipates participation in multiple competitions over the course of a single season, that family may prefer to set up a payment plan monthly or bi-weekly to cover the estimated costs. An additional invoice will be sent after each event for any balance owed to account for the difference between the deposit and the actual cost. GTSSF does not mark up any event costs.

Payment Policies

GTSSF payment policies can be found in our Parent Handbook, available online here.

Refund Policies

GTSSF refund policies can be found in our Parent Handbook, available online here.

Work Deposit & Family Participation

One deposit of $175 is required per family; purchase your participation deposit here. Positive parental support is essential. Families are encouraged to get involved with club activities and volunteer for race events. ​The deposit is credited at the end of the year if volunteer hours are fulfilled.

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