ABILITY (U16)

Ages U16 (2009-2010 birth years)

 

The Ability program provides enthusiastic athletes with the tools for personal growth and team success at USSS and SYNC Series races in Colorado. At this age level, athletes train and compete in Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G, and Downhill, as appropriate. Using all the terrain Loveland has to offer, LSC's dedicated training venues, and LSC's unparalleled access to spring and early-season race venue training, our coaches strive to help each athlete reach their personal best on and off the hill.
 

Our Ability (U16) program offers either Full Time (5x week) or Part Time (Fri., Sat. & Sun.) commitments, based on the athlete's schedule and preference.

 

ADVANCED SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Ability Athletes will be guided through a progression of drills, freeski fundamental work and a variety of courses designed to develop new skills and reinstil strong ski habits moving forward. 

FREESKIING & GATELESS TRAINING: As each athlete grows in skill and ability, they will be exposed to a variety of more challenging snow conditions, lessons and drills, and terrain. This includes bumps, steeps, variable snow conditions, tree skiing, high mountain and extreme terrain.​

The success of the Ability Team is rooted in the extensive use of the terrain all over the mountain. It’s fair to say the mountain is our greatest teacher, and exposure to steeper runs, faster groomers, bumps, jumps, glades, and steeps keeps the learning and fun factors high.

GATE TRAINING AND RACING: Ability programming will have a higher focus on gated training than younger age groups and will take full advantage of designated venue sessions on Twist throughout the season. Athletes will be exposed to a broad range of learning environments and courses which include brushes, stubbies, dye lines, as well as age appropriate slalom, and giant slalom gates. The engagement of gated training is designed to fuse the athletes skill development with the strategy and tactics required to be a successful ski racer and all-mountain skier. 

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REQUIRED SKILLS:

Athletes must be comfortable skiing all terrain at Loveland Ski Area and have alpine race experience. Athletes should have age and discipline appropriate race equipment, including Slalom, GS and Super G skis. Proper equipment care is vital at this level: from tuning and protecting skis, to ensuring that skis are in proper condition at training at at races. Athletes will be provided tuning education and resources from their coaches. 

PART TIME: Every Friday afternoon (1pm-4pm), Saturday, and Sunday of On-Snow Training

November 2, 2024 - April 13, 2025

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14 Days of Holiday Camp Training

November 25, 26, 27, 29

December 18, 19, 20, 27, 30, 31

January 2, 3, 20

February 17