U12
Train to train

The U12 Train to Train Program at the Wentworth Ski Race Club (WSRC) is designed for athletes who are ready to sharpen their skiing skills, start racing with purpose, and take on new challenges. Following Alpine Canada’s STRIVE pathway, U12 combines technical development with structured race training, guided free skiing, video review, and mental training to help athletes become more confident, resilient, and well-rounded skiers.
 

Program Overview

Age Group: Athletes born in 2015 & 2016

Season Dates: January 3/4 – March 21/22, 2026

Options:

• 3-day (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)

• 2-day (Saturday & Sunday)

• 1-day (Saturday or Sunday)

• Optional Thursday/Friday add-on training available for 1-day & 2-day athletes

STRIVE Level: Train to Train – building strong race habits while developing resilience, focus, and teamwork
 

Goals of the U12 Program

U12 is about helping athletes move from simply skiing fast to understanding how to ski with greater purpose and precision. Athletes will:

• Refine technical skiing skills and improve efficiency

• Develop stronger carving, turning, balance, and control

• Participate in structured race training and course work

• Build confidence through guided free skiing and drills

• Begin developing race awareness and competition skills

• Use video review to understand and improve technique

• Introduce mental training and strategies for focus and resilience

• Develop teamwork, sportsmanship, and a positive approach to competition
   

A Typical U12 Training Day

8:45 AM – Meet by the finish shack for on-snow warm-up

Morning session – Technical drills, race courses, guided free skiing, and skill development

11:30 AM – Lunch with family (unsupervised)

12:25 PM – Afternoon race training and technical development

2:30 PM – On-snow training ends

Until 3:00 PM – Debrief, video review, and mental training for 2-day and 3-day athletes

The U12 program balances focused race training with free skiing and skill development, helping athletes understand not only how to race, but how to become better skiers.
 

Prerequisites

To participate successfully in U12, athletes should:

• Be confident skiing blue and black runs

• Be able to ski independently and ride lifts without assistance

• Be ready for a more structured training environment

• Be comfortable taking direction and working as part of a team
   

Required Gear

• Skis, boots, poles, and helmet

• Warm winter clothing suitable for outdoor activity

• Goggles and mittens

• Race suit is optional

Athletes should have equipment that fits properly and is appropriate for their current skiing ability. Specialized race equipment is not required to participate.
 

The WSRC Experience at U12

U12 athletes are entering an exciting stage of their development. Families can expect:

• More structured technical and race training

• A balance of drills, courses, and free skiing

• Video review and mental training

• Opportunities to experience competition in a supportive environment

• Coaches who encourage resilience, focus, and teamwork

• A team environment where athletes can challenge themselves alongside their friends
   

Parent Takeaway

U12 is about more than crossing the finish line. It’s about learning how to train, respond to challenges, work with teammates, and become a more confident and capable skier. Athletes sharpen their technique, race with friends, and begin developing the focus and resilience that will serve them both on the mountain and beyond.
 

Register your child for the U12 Train to Train Program and help them sharpen their skills, race with friends, and chase the finish line!