DEVELOPMENT TEAM
A staple program at Loveland Ski Club, the Development Team has been the foundation for athlete development longer than most can remember. Its focus is clear… teach critical skills all over the mountain while ensuring each young athlete is having a blast.
Ages 4-9
Saturday Training for the 24/25 Season
The Development Team is a one-year, entry-level program, designed to help your young athlete become an independent and confident skier in varying terrain, over most of the mountain. Athletes are given the skills to successfully move to either Alpine Race Programming or Big Mountain Programming upon completion.
The program is a fun immersion into season-long skill development and programming. It serves as an introduction to more advanced terrain as is appropriate to challenge athletes to improve. D-Team athletes are also introduced to a ski racing environment.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Athletes will be guided through a continuous progression of drills which are designed to help them advance their skills while skiing all over the mountain. Teaching progressions are designed around the Loveland Ski Club Method of Progression.
GUIDED FREESKIING: As each athlete grows in skill and ability, they will be exposed to a variety of more challenging snow conditions, lessons and drills, and terrain. This includes bumps, steeps, harder snow conditions, deeper snow, open glades, upper mountain terrain, and limited gate training.
ALL-MOUNTAIN TERRAIN: The success of the Development Team is rooted in the extensive use of the terrain all over the mountain. It’s fair to say the mountain is our greatest teacher. As athletes become more comfortable and experienced, they will have the opportunity to ski steeper runs, bumps, small jumps, glades, and high alpine terrain to keep the learning and fun factors high.
LIMITED GATE TRAINING: While the Development Team is not a race focused program, athletes will be provided opportunity to train in the race venue and occasionally in brush courses and GS gates.
REQUIRED SKILLS
At least one year of ski lessons in a traditional ski school environment is recommended prior to enrollment. Athletes must know how to ride a chairlift and be able to ski in a self-sufficient manner on green runs. In the event of a fall, an athlete must be able to stand back up on their own. If an athlete is not able to load the lift on their own, we ask that a parent accompany them. A willingness to be pushed outside their comfort zone and an eagerness to be a team player are integral for the success of each athlete.
18 Saturdays (8:30am-2:30pm) of On-Snow Training
December 7, 14, 21, 28
January 4, 11, 18, 25
February 1, 8, 15, 22
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
April 5
* Only Saturday Training for the 24/25 Season
WHAT YOU GET
2024-2025 Season Tuition register by July 31: $2,300
2024-2025 Season Tuition register on or after August 1: $2,400
Work Deposit: $200 What is this?
The D Team has helped my children not only elevate their skiing abilities, but also their confidence and love for skiing. The coaches focus on developing skiers who can safely navigate the mountain and grow as athletes. I would trust no other program to help my children navigate this amazing sport!
Tiffany, member since 2022
Both of my kids started on the D-Team, and it is a great program to take their skiing to the next level. The coaches are wonderful, and will help the kids grow their abilities in a fun and safe environment.
Scott, member since 2021