Age Class Prep

Alpine

Alpine Age Class Prep Program

This introductory alpine racing program is designed to teach athletes basic skiing fundamentals and elements of ski racing through fun and engaging environments, whether it be in gates, or skiing the Back Bowls of Vail.

Age Class Prep is intended to serve as an entry level program, focusing on competition in the Rocky Mountain Division (RMD) Youth Ski League series (YSL). Age Class Prep (ACP) is a stepping stone to either the full time Age Class programs, or the U14-U18 Part Time team, allowing athletes further time to develop a passion for the sport, while preparing for the transition to more demanding training and racing schedules.

New Athlete Inquiry

Program Details

Overview

Age Class Prep (ACP) team strives to provide a confidence-building team environment, while focusing on an athlete’s individual skill progression. The program spans ages 6-11 (U8, U10, and U12), and emphasizes skill development through all-mountain skiing, drills, and gated training environments, along with introducing alpine racing through the RMD Youth Ski League (YSL) race series.

The program is designed to help athletes develop a love of the sport, and teach basic fundamentals necessary for long term athlete development. The SSCV alpine ski racing pipeline allows athletes to develop a strong skiing technical foundation.

Dates: December 5th – March 28th

Training Days: Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays

Age and Skill Requirements:

Year of Birth 2015 – 2020 (6-11 year olds / U8, U10, and U12)

Requirements for our youngest athletes (ages 6+) coming into Age Class Prep: strong skiing skills including ability to comfortably ski blue+ terrain, while carving parallel turns. Athletes must be independent, be able to load and ride a chairlift and Golden PeakT-bar, be responsible for their own equipment, including putting on, taking off, and carrying their own skis. Approval and/or recommendation from the previous season in Future Stars, or approval from Head Coaches.

A USSS alpine competitive membership is required to race in the Rocky Mountain Division (RMD) Youth Ski League (YSL) events.

Fees + Scholarships

Program Fees:

Non-Resident Fee: $7,100 plus $100 Club Membership
Colorado Resident Fee: $5,950 plus $100 Club Membership

SSCV is committed to making our programs accessible to families. Our scholarship program can cover up to 100% of program fees based on financial need and level of participation. For the 2026–2027 season, SSCV offers two types of scholarships. Explore our Scholarship Page to determine the best fit for your family.

Please note, the first deadline for 26/27 scholarship applications is May 15th, 2026 and the second deadline is October 1st, 2026. Families must have their 2025 tax return in order to complete their application.

Calendar

The Age Class Prep program follows the winter season schedule, typically running from December through March, with training on weekends and select holidays.

Athletes may participate in local competitions such as the Vail Cup series and other age-appropriate events. A detailed calendar outlining training sessions, race opportunities, and key dates is provided prior to the season.

Age Class Prep Calendar

Volunteer Requirements

Points Required: 100

SSCV relies heavily upon the generosity of hundreds of volunteers who give thousands of hours to help with competitions, fundraising and various Club tasks and events. Volunteer points are earned by completing volunteer jobs, and these jobs are assigned a specific number of points based upon difficulty and time needed for completion. SSCV requires each family to complete a predetermined amount of volunteering based upon the programs in which they are involved. The number of points required per family is based upon the athlete’s program (and in the case of multiple athletes, it will be the program in which the most time-committed athlete participates).

There are numerous opportunities, both on and off the snow, throughout the year from May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027. Opportunities will be shared with families via email as they arise.

Failure to meet your obligation could result in an evaluation of your family’s fit with the program and SSCV culture of volunteerism.

Facilities + Technical Support

There is a tune shop as part of the SSCV Clubhouse, with a menu of options available as an add-ons (not included in program fees).

Strength Training

At this stage, athletes are introduced to the importance of proper equipment setup and ski care. SSCV Technical Services at Golden Peak provides support for tuning and equipment preparation.

Off-snow development focuses on building coordination, balance, and general athletic movement. Training remains age-appropriate, with an emphasis on developing movement patterns that support long-term performance and injury prevention.