K1 Program

The K1 - Kinder 1 program and race series is for 11 and 12 year olds.

Alpine Integration Model (AIM) - Train to Train

At this age, the athlete is in the “Train to Train” phase of the Alpine Integration Model approved by Alpine Canada Alpin.  The train to train phase of the AIM model refers to the process of teaching athletes how to train. The emphasis is on perfecting technical skills, rather than on competition. This does not mean that the young athletes should not compete, or try to win their races. Instead the major emphasis in training is on the continued acquisition of fundamental skills and fitness.

  At this age positive reinforcement is imperative. The difference between physical and mental development can vary to a great degree and the coach must be particularly careful not to pick the early developers and neglect or se-select the late developers.

  The athlete at this age will start to understand the fundamentals of ancillary capacities. Ancillary capacities are the elements in training that are critical to the success of athletic programming but are often neglected. These elements at this age include things like warm-up/cool down, nutrition, rules of ski racing, balancing skiing and school, sportsmanship, communication skills, time management skill, work ethic and are important to the development of a well rounded athlete. 

  There is a need at this age to adapt and refine basic skiing skills. Skiers will work on refining pole planting, edging and pressure skills, carving, technical free skiing, skiing all mountain condition. At this age the skiers will be introduced to Super G training and learn the fundamentals of tucking gliding and jumping.

  At the train to train age the emphasis is on general conditioning. Participation in complementary sports is encouraged.

The Wentworth K1 Program

Our K1 program starts with DRYLAND training starting in September. Dryland training will take place in both Halifax and Truro on various evenings until the ski slope opens.  (Please see the Event Calendar at www.wentworthracing.com for Dryland dates and locations.

 
Once Ski Wentworth is open (usually in late December), on snow training starts with the opportunity for athletes to participate in a pre-season camp at Ski Wentworth. Additionally, in late November and early December there are pre-season camps at both Mont Ste. Anne and Le Massif. (see Training Camps under the Program Info Tab) The K1 Xmas Camp which is included in the program fees (weather dependant) takes place on December 28-30, 2009. The K1 Race Series begins mid-January, runs through March, and includes five race events (some of which are one day events, some of which are two day events.)