Junior Program
U8/U10
In our biggest program, the emphasis is placed on building strong skiing technique and an introduction to ski racing. Other goals include learning about good sportsmanship, safety, and instilling a positive team spirit.
Junior Program | U8/10
Coaching Staff
Junior Program Director: Micheline Lemay | mlemay@mmsca.org
Junior Program Philosophy
In the MMA junior program our missions are: SAFETY, FUN, and FUNDAMENTALS. We strive to educate athletes on how to be safe on the hill, on the lifts, socially, emotionally, and of course physically. Next we strive to keep it fun - if they aren’t having fun they won’t want to do it. Learning by doing and keeping it fun will help instill the passion for the sport. Once these other two pillars are in place, the learning takes place. Everything we do from freeskiing the mountain, directed freeskiing, structured venue training, to gate training are all integral pieces of the puzzle. We strive to follow the US Ski Team training matrix. We will follow a monthly progression of directed drills and gate training to reiterate the fundamental skills of the sport. We take those skills, put them into structured training and build confidence, strength and skills to apply to their races. As we know it is not all about what happens on snow, we also look at each child with a holistic lens to help them grow in all aspects including strong character development. This is a program where children will grow in many ways with weekly discussions on nutrition, sportsmanship, what it takes to be a good teammate and friend, confidence, mental training, goal setting, competition prep, respect, equipment, etc.
Group skiing is done in small groups of 8-10. Participants must be able to ride the lift alone, put on their own equipment, and ski confidently. Participants will be grouped by ability and will rotate through the different coaches weekly.
Participants must be able to manage their own equipment, ski advanced/intermediate trails on Mt. Mansfield such as Nose Dive (easier black diamond runs), safely ride the lift with peers, and interact appropriately with kids and adults.
Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA) establishes a schedule of four or five races throughout Northern Vermont. Attendance at these Giant Slalom (GS) and Slalom (SL) races is optional, but highly encouraged for our Weekend Program athletes. Participation in this program requires VARA & USSA Competitor Memberships.
Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA) establishes a schedule of four or five races throughout Northern Vermont. Attendance at these Giant Slalom (GS) and Slalom (SL) races is optional, but highly encouraged for our Weekend Program athletes. Participation in this program requires VARA & USSA Competitor Memberships.
General Schedule Information
General Training Schedule
Tuesday: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (additional charge)
Friday: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Weekend training begins first Saturday in December.
Equipment:
Typical equipment needs for this group includes a helmet (not with soft ears) and one pair of Slalom race skis; back protection is encouraged. Typically, the proper size for Slalom skis is approximately to the bridge of the athlete’s nose.
Communication Channels
Typical equipment needs for this group includes a helmet (not with soft ears) and one pair of Slalom race skis; back protection is encouraged. Typically, the proper size for Slalom skis is approximately to the bridge of the athlete’s nose.
Communication Channels
The best way to communicate with the Junior Program is to email Micheline Lemay at mlemay@mmsca.org. She will be sure to pass along any necessary information. There will also be time for meetings between 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Please communicate by email to schedule and confirm.
Lifelong Skier Mission
Exploring the mountain, having fun, learning by doing, and exposure to gate training and competition as well as character development are pillars of the program. Both directed and undirected free skiing and drills are also a big focus with the age group. We believe that learning to go as fast as possible and instilling a lifelong passion for the sport go hand-in-hand.
