U10 | Alpine Winter Programs | Steamboat Springs CO

U10 Skiing (3-day) ages 8-10

U10 Skiing Programs (ages 8-10)

These SSWSC programs help young alpine, mogul, and freestyle/freeski skiers develop a comprehensive set of skiing skills that prepare them to further their skiing career in whichever discipline they desire. Taking advantage of Steamboat’s unique diversity of training environments, the teams will explore bumps, powder, trees, jumps, gates, steeps and terrain parks. Training venues include the SSWSC Stevens Family All Out Alpine Venue, SSWSC mogul courses, terrain parks, nordic jumps and the SSWSC air bag jump.

While other programs start to narrow their focus into disciplines at this age, the SSWSC continues to develop a broad base of fundamental skiing skills that aligns with the athlete development models of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the U.S. Olympic Committee. Kids can choose from programs that do not include competition, to groups that are geared toward preparing for sampling competition. However, at this age, competition is not a primary focus at any level. Skiers participate in the Steamboat Cup Series. U.S. Ski & Snowboard Rocky Mountain Division and USASA competitions (racing, moguls or park & pipe) are optional. To maximize training volume, this group does not travel to all available competitions and will only send coaches to select events.

U10 3 Day (U10 3D)

The traditional 3-day-a-week option for skiers interested in alpine racing, mogul skiing, freeskiing, and big mountain, this program will train on alpine skis only. The program is focused on skiing fundamentals using a variety of training environments all over the mountain and in skills courses, with an emphasis on fun and developing a passion for the sport. It is a great fit for the U10 that has a passion for alpine skiing. Consistent attendance is important for skiers to keep pace with their group. Local Wednesday Night Steamboat Cup competition opportunities are included, and travel competitions will be offered, but the focus remains on training at this age. Register by September 15 to ensure a place in this program.

Add-On Program Options: Interested in adding a day of ski jumping or cross country skate skiing at Howelsen Hill? U10’s can add a day of ski jumping on Friday from 4-6 OR cross country skate skiing on Thursday from 4-5:45 for an additional $500 program fee. See more info in the drop-down menus below.

Requirements

Skill Requirement: All U10 Athletes must be able to make parallel turns on blue runs. Must be excited to explore trees, moguls, race courses, and powder.

Equipment: We partner with local shops to provide appropriate seasonal rental packages for athletes. The right equipment is essential to an athlete’s success at this age. There will be a U10 Alpine fit night in early October, then families can go to the shops for their rental package. Please bring us any questions you have about equipment!
Alpine Skis - Athletes must be on unidirectional carving skis - NO TWIN TIPS PLEASE! Make sure you clear your equipment with the head coach.
Alpine Boots - The single most important piece of equipment at this age. A SOFT FLEXING boot is an absolute must. It should be well-fitted (not too big/roomy). Examples of great boots we recommend for this age are:

Passes: Participants must have a full IKON pass and a Howelsen Hill Alpine Pass (or alpine and nordic combined pass if adding a day of cross country).
Competition Opportunities:
Membership: U.S. Ski & Snowboard or USASA membership is required for U.S. Ski & Snowboard (alpine and moguls) or USASA (freeskiing) competitions.
Age: 8-10. U10 Skiers must be 8 years old by December 31, 2024. (AGE GROUP GUIDELINES)

Schedule

Dryland Training: Monday and Tuesday, November 11,12,18,19, 4:15-5:30 p.m. at Howelsen Hill

Additional Dryland Training: See the October Fun Fit optional add-on and Fall Plastic Jumping below this program description.

On-Snow Training: December 2 - March 15
Monday and Tuesday: Ski (alpine), 4:15-6 p.m. at Howelsen Hill
Saturdays in December: Ski (alpine) 8:15 a.m.-noon at Steamboat Resort or Howelsen Hill depending on snow conditions
Saturdays January through March, 8:15 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Steamboat Resort

*No training December 23 - January 5 for Holiday Break, February 17-24 for Blues Break

2024-2025 Program Fee

2024-2025 Program Fee: $3,200 plus $300 work deposit

Payment Plan: SSWSC offers multiple payment options for summer, winter, and year-round program fees. Credit cards, eCheck (ACH bank transfer), cash, and checks are all accepted. We also offer a payment plan option. Find more information HERE.
Work Deposit Program: SSWSC requires a work deposit for each family. During the registration process, the program fee listed includes the work deposit. Families can earn back the work deposit by volunteering for SSWSC or opt out of volunteering and donate the work deposit to SSWSC. Find more information on the Work Deposit Program HERE.
Ride the SSWSC Bus: SSWSC offers after-school bus transportation from Steamboat Springs public schools to Howelsen Hill for SSWSC elementary and middle school athletes, 1st through 8th grades, on their scheduled training days. Sign up during the registration process. CLICK HERE for more information.
Scholarships: SSWSC offers scholarships for program fees through a one-step EZ Scholarship process during registration and enrollment. For more information on additional program fee scholarships and other scholarship opportunities, check out the scholarship pages on our website.

Add On Program Options

U10 Thursday Cross Country Add-on:

Interested in adding one day of cross country skate skiing to the U10 program? This option provides a great opportunity to sample cross country skiing, develop enhanced balance, coordination, and strength on cross country skis, and make the most of everything that Howelsen Hill has to offer. For more information check out the U10/12 Cross Country program description HERE. U10 Add-on skiers will only need skate skis.

Dryland: October 8 - March 15, Tuesday and Thursday, 4-5:45 p.m. at Howelsen Hill

On-Snow: Thursday, 4-5:45 p.m. at Howelsen Hill

U10 Thursday Cross Country Add-on Program Fee: $500

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U10 Friday Ski Jumping Add-on:

Interested in adding one day of ski jumping to the U10 program? This option provides a great opportunity to sample jumping, develop enhanced balance, coordination, and air awareness, and make the most of everything that Howelsen has to offer. For more information check out the U10 Meister program description HERE.

On-Snow: December 6 - March 14, Friday, 4-6 p.m. at Howelsen Hill

U10 Friday Jumping Add-on Program Fee: $500

Additional Dryland Training Opportunities

October FunFit
U10 fall dryland training is not included in regular season U10 training. October Fun Fit will be offered as a separate add-on physical literacy program. FunFit is a program designed to develop sound fundamental skills in body movement, kinesthetic awareness, strength, and improving cardiovascular endurance for aspiring athletes. During these sessions, the focus will be to keep the FUN in fundamentals! By providing games that allow athletes to move in multi-planar motions, interact with other athletes, and develop confidence, all while learning the underlying themes of movement patterns, proper form and technique. These activities help avoid injuries and keep athletes playing safely.

Schedule: Monday OR Tuesday, 4-5:30 p.m., October 7-29 at Howelsen Hill

2024-2025 October FunFit Program Fee: $95

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U10 Fall Plastic Jumping:
Schedule: Wednesday and Friday, 4-6 p.m. + Mini-Camp, September 25 through October 20.

U10 Fall Plastic Jumping 2024-2025 Program Fee: $400

Questions about this program?
Email Ali Givnish, Youth Programs Director