2022/23 Training schedule, etc.
From Coach Jon:
Wilmot opened a week earlier than planned due to good snowmaking conditions. We were hopeful we could also begin Team training a week early on December 3.
This is STILL the plan. The weather has continued to be warm in recent days resulting in a loss of snow and limited terrain.
The weather forecast indicates opportunities to make snow again this week. We will send out another email on Friday morning updating the status of training for this weekend.
NOTES FOR THE SEASON AND TEAM MEETING RECAP:
Registration-
I understand there are issues with registration. Please continue to send me notes if you believe you have a registration issue. We do not have an inside representative at the hill at the moment. I am assured that once the new group sales person assigned to racing is in place, I can address all these issues including payments, adding races, adding weeknights, refunds, etc.
If you still need to register, please contact coaches immediately.
TEAM TRAINING
While open to all advanced and developing youth skiers, The Wilmot Ski Team is a competitive travel alpine ski racing program. The program will be run with this in mind. Safety is foremost and Fun will definitely play a role, but developing ski racers remains the goal of this program.
Training will be 9:30-12:30 Saturday and Sunday Mornings excluding 12/25 and 1/1
Weeknight training is TUES AND THURS 5:30-7:30 pm all T/Th following our first Sunday of training excluding 12/27, 12/29, 1/2, 1/4.
HOLIDAY RACE CAMP
We will run a holiday race camp – No Extra Charge- on 12/27, 12/28, 12/29 and 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 MORNINGS 9:30AM- 12:30.
ATTENDANCE
While attendance is not mandatory, racers who expect to be competitive at races should plan on attending all Saturday and Sunday training sessions. Athletes with podium aspirations should also strongly consider adding at least one weeknight training session as well and probably two nights.
We will take attendance, but only to turn into the office to assure everyone is registered properly.
Please do not send emails if you cannot attend practice, everyone has busy schedules and things come up. We understand. There will be times when we ask for intent to participate, like races and race camps so that we can plan adequate staffing. Generally speaking, attendance is at your discretion.
EQUIPMENT
Hard-sided race helmets are required for all racers on the course during all training and races. Most athletes will probably need to have at least two pairs of skis by year two in the program. Boots will need to fit this season – not large enough to grow into for next season. Properly fitting and flexing ski boots are the most important pieces of equipment in ski racing.
As discussed at the meeting, coaches will provide equipment advice and recommendations based on what is best for Ski Racing.
There are many fine and good ski equipment options – boots, skis, poles, bindings, helmets and clothing that are acceptable for different types of skiing. Any recommendations from coaches assumes the athlete wants to get the most out of his/her gear with regards to skiing faster and achieving better results.
Simply said, this program is treated as a competitive alpine ski race program. Coaches may tell parents that new skis or boots are necessary. This recommendation, when put in context, means that it is recommended in order for your racer to achieve better racing results OR it may be due to a safety issue.
WIJARA REGISTRATION
All team members are encouraged to enter the WIJARA racing league. This is the lifeblood of the Wilmot Ski Team and what most of our curriculum is based around.
For the 4 weekends that there are WIJARA travel races, most of the team and coaches will be attending these races, leaving little to do at Wilmot. Will still plan to have training at home on these weekends subject to coaching and staffing availability.
Wijara races are run as a TEAM event and all Wilmot kids and families tend to hang out together. All ages and abilities are welcome and usually Wilmot families stay at the same hotels and social activities are commonly offered from pizza parties to bowling nights and swimming. Wijara travel is the best way to meet other families and learn about ski racing in a fun environment.
Wijara registration link will be open 12/1/2022
Please register as soon as possible – IF YOU ARE NEW, you do not have a bib number, please leave this field blank in the registration. Your bib number will be assigned and filled in.
USSA Races
For a level of competition beyond Wijara racing, we offer travel USSA races. These races are for the more serious racers and racers who have a significant level of independence. While we do cover these races with a coach or two, to represent the athlete with regard to bibs, start orders, and scoring/technical issues, racers and families are more on their own at these races. These races also tend to include more travel distances and longer times away from home. All who are interested in USSA are welcome. Coaches may also approach racers with a recommendation to consider USSA racing as ability improves.
BEHAVIOR
The Wilmot racers are the most visible, most recognizable, and usually the best skiers on the hill – wherever we are – home or away. Racers must always be on their best behavior especially when out of our race and practice arena. Please be respectful of the public and other guests of the ski area. Racers should never cut the lift lines and horse play will not be tolerated. Ski racing is an inherently dangerous sport and we find that many injuries can happen when athletes are not following the rules or “messing around” with friends and teammates. Racers should watch their speed when skiing in public areas, especially on crowded days. Team members not following the rules may be asked to leave the race arena and/or sent home for the day. Repeat offenders may be suspended from the team.
TEAM SWAG – there is still opportunity to purchase Wilmot team jackets and some other items. Contact team parent Bob Vasa at bob.vasa@gmail.com.
I hope to see everyone this Saturday 12/3. Weather permitting.