The U10-U12  Development (aka Devo) Program is for the young skier who enjoys skiing and is comfortable skiing the upper mountain at Bridger. Devo is a good fit for the skier that wants to experience the thrills of Alpine gates and is ready to move up from BSF's Intro programs or Bridger Bowl's more advanced ski programs. Typically, this is U10 & U12 ages, but some U8 skiers join us on a case-by-case basis. Coaches reinforce the fundamentals while giving athletes the tools to be an entry-level Alpine racer. We maintain a balance between having fun, building a positive team environment, and advancing our skiing in all terrain and conditions. We want you to love skiing as much as we do!

FALL DRYLAND

Fall Dryland is a good time for athletes to be active and get ready for ski season. Dryland is a great way to meet teammates and get to know the coaches. We do a mix of activities focusing on agility, speed, strength, and endurance. We will do field-based activities, utilize trails around Bogert park, and play games like soccer, ultimate frisbee, and speed ball. 

During this 8-week session, U10’s and U12’s practice two days a week, Mondays and Wednesdays. You will need good running shoes (no slip-ons), workout clothes (weather appropriate; we practice in all weather conditions), water, and a snack. 

WINTER PROGRAM

Skier are ready for the Development program as they develop their skills, gain independence, and are comfortable skiing the upper mountain at Bridger Bowl. We start to emphasize race techniques by skiing challenging terrain and working on drills in and out of gates. This is the adventure phase for Alpine skiers, and we encourage lots of ski miles and exploration on the mountain. BSF programming follows the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Training System (ATS) and Long-Term Athlete Development Model (LTAD).

RACING

‍U10/U12 Devo skiers have the opportunity to compete in U.S. Ski & Snowboard Northern Division races held at Bridger Bowl and other ski areas located across Montana; Terry Peak, SD; and Casper, WY. Coaches will help each skier determine appropriate races and the degree of travel. Neither is required.

AGE CATEGORIES

U8: 7 or younger as of December 31, 2021

U10: Ages 8 or 9 as of December 31, 2021

U12: Ages 10 or 11 as of December 31, 2021

U14: Ages 13 or 14 as of December 31, 2021 (see U14 & U16 Comp Team)

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U10 Options

• ‍1 day a week (SA or SU): $790 early bird ($940 after 11/1)‍
• 1.5 days a week (WE & SA or SU): $1100 early bird ($1250 after 11/1)‍
• 2 days a week (SA & SU): $1,270 early bird ($1,420 after 11/1) ‍
• 3 days a week: (SA, SU, WE): $1585 early bird ($1,735 after 11/1)

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U12 Options

• 2 days a week (SA & SU): $1,270 early bird ($1,420 after 11/1) ‍
• 3 days a week: (SA, SU, WE): $1585 early bird ($1,735 after 11/1)
• Wed Only (1/5 - 3/9): $300 early bird ($400 after 11/1)*
  *Wed only is for skiers wishing to only ski with BSF 1 day a week while also training with another ski team on weekends.

SCHEDULE 

FALL DRYLAND September 13 - November 3

M: 4:15 - 5:45 p.m. in Bozeman

W: 4:15 - 5:45 p.m. in Bozeman

WINTER December 18 - March 27

SA: 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Bridger Bowl

SU: 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Bridger Bowl

WE: 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Bridger Bowl

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• Equipment (see Equipment below)
• Team apparel  - optional
• Camps- optional
• Travel costs and race fees - dependent on amount of individual travel
• Coaching travel expenses for races and camps (also dependent on participation)
• U.S. Ski & Snowboard Youth license (required only if participating in races)
• Bridger Bowl ski pass or ticket

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BSF offers a generous scholarship and financial aid program. Applications are due mid-October each year.

Please note: If you need assistance, apply for it! These funds are meant to keep kids skiing. Applications are confidential, and we take into account all your circumstances, not just taxable income. (Too often, we see families assume they make too much money to qualify for help, and yet they are considering dropping out of a program because of the cost. Apply! )

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EMAIL

When you register for the program, you will be added to an email list. Your coaches will send weekly emails with the full schedule, important notes, and info for parents. Last-minute changes may also be emailed. (It’s important that you do not unsubscribe to any BSF emails, as this is our main mode of communication in the winter.) If for some reason, you are not receiving emails from us, let us know!

Team Reach App:

We also use the Team Reach app, for schedules and last-minute communications.

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VOLUNTEER EXPECTATIONS FOR EACH FAMILY

• Intro Programs: 1 to 3 volunteer sessions (or a donation of $75 - $225) 
• Devo Programs: 3 to 5 volunteer sessions (or a donation of $225 - $375)
• Comp Programs: 5 to 7 volunteer sessions (or a donation of $375 to $525) 
  

(Suggested donation calculated based on an average volunteer session of 3 hours and the industry standard value of volunteer time ($25/hour).)

One of the ways BSF keeps program fees lower is through volunteer hours. Without your volunteer hours, we would need to use additional paid staff to fill the void; this would increase program costs significantly, which would also make it more difficult for some families to afford BSF. When only a small percentage of BSF parents take on the brunt of volunteer hours, it leads to volunteer burnout.

We have openings for help at practices, organizing ski and fundraising events, helping at the events themselves, as well as trail work and volunteering for our community trails. We encourage you to volunteer for ANY program--Nordic, Alpine, Freestyle, or trails. If you have a specific skill set you think would be helpful, please let us know. There are always little things we need, from photography, to database entry, to hanging up posters around town. 

We highly encourage BSF athletes to volunteer as well, not just parents!

We post signup sheets and volunteer needs throughout the year HERE.

Skis - At the U10 age, one pair of skis is sufficient.  U12's may start experimenting with discipline specific skis with the help of coach discretion.  The rule of thumb is to size the skis to "head height."  There can be some variation based on weight and skiing skills.  Chin to nose for a newer, less aggressive skier.  This also applies to Slalom skis for older athletes.   Nose to forehead for a more experienced skier (GS skis for older athletes).    U10/12 athletes can benefit from an introduction to ski preparation/tuning but will need the help of a parent or coach for a while yet.

Boots -  Proper fit with soft and even forward flex.  This will allow for ankle movement facilitating a balanced athletic stance.  Please don't size boots too big with the hopes of getting multiple seasons out of one pair of boots.  At this age, athletes will most likely need boots every year and we can help cut costs with hand-me-downs and deals at the BSF Ski Swap in November.

Protection - Helmets are required.  Hard Shell (no soft eared) CE approved or equivalent helmet required. Older athletes (typically U12 and up) will start using shin and arm protection.  BSF coaches can help determine when an athlete needs additional protection based on training/racing needs.

Poles -  The Standard "rule of thumb" for poles is to have the forearm parallel with the snow with the tip of the pole in the snow.  This should be done with the athlete standing in his/her skis.  U12 athletes may start using slalom poles that can be slightly shorter and may need pole guards for slalom protection.  Again, coaches will help determine when athletes should be using what equipment.

Rescue Beacon: Given the terrain and requirements for certain areas at Bridger Bowl, rescue beacon and confidence in its use is recommended. BSF will also share information on avalanche awareness opportunities for athletes; we feel its important for even our young athletes to have basic avy awareness.

WHERE TO BUY EQUIPMENT

Since skiing is not an inexpensive sport to participate in, we make every effort to help parents and athletes secure gear in a variety of ways. BSF coaches will be available at all swaps to help answer questions.

• The Alpine Team holds an intra-club gear swap each October (before the big BSF Ski Swap at the Fairgrounds). This is a great time to source (and sell) used equipment among fellow teammates.
• Local retailers or online. (Your BSF membership gets you discounts at several local shops.) Also, keep your eyes out for the team BSF emails—occasionally retailers will sponsor team nights with discounts.
  
• The Ski Swap, held each November at the Fairgrounds. Thousands of items. (It’s also one of BSF’s biggest fundraisers.) BSF members get in an hour early. If you volunteer at the event, you get in even earlier.

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Bozeman kids are a hardy bunch, but we will cancel a session if temperatures are extreme--especially if paired with wind. Whenever possible, an email and/or Team Reach message will be sent out notifying everyone as soon as it is determined to be too cold to train.

Your best bet is to always bring lots of warm layers; weather changes quickly.

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Please make yourself familiar with our policies, the BSF Athlete & Parent Handbook, and other important information on the Resources Page.

BSF Newsletters contain regular "Parent Corner" articles to help you navigate the parent/athlete dynamic.

Intermountain Division (IMD) License

U.S. Ski & Snowboard License

FIS License

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LTAD

There’s a bigger picture to what BSF teaches skiers, when and why. BSF’s programs are consistent with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Training System.

What does that mean? We’re not focused on short-term success—and the hazards (and burnout) that often come with it. Instead, we follow LTAD plans that are individualized and based on science to make sure your child can maximize their long-term potential as a skier (should they wish to do so) and their enjoyment in the sport. We take into account a child’s development physiologically, cognitively and socially, as well as their experience skiing.

This makes it easy for your child to progress through our programs—from Introductory, to the Development Teams, to the competitive teams, and even on to skiing as an adult Masters athlete.

(View the most up-to-date LTAD for Alpine HERE.)

The BSF Alpine LTAD follows the guidelines of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard LTAD.

This plan addresses:

1. Sport Participation: How many days skiing/year, # of competitions, and training/competition ratios.
2. Conditioning: volume and content for physical training outside of skiing.
3. Technique and tactics: specific skills for the sport.
4. Equipment selection and preparation: the essential equipment needs for competition.
5. Performance Psychology: mental skill activities
6. Conditioning: appropriate type and level of competition.

Below are a few of the basics from the LTAD:

U10

The U10 athlete may range in ages 6-9 years old.  These young athletes are in the "foundation" stages of the sport of skiing/ski racing and will ski approximately 2 days per week.  The majority of the weekend activity (80-90%) will be directed free skiing, fundamental drills, and participation in two fun races during the season.

U12

U12's (10-11 years old) will run a similar plan with slightly more emphasis on course training and race starts at the higher levels as well as more complex fundamental drills.  Mastery of individual drills is key at this age.  Includes fall dryland training.

Conditioning Emphasis

Emphasis on fun, play, basic agility, balance and coordination.  Incorporation of activities that develop explosiveness and general endurance.  At this age, athletes are encouraged to do "lots of what they like to do" for activities. U12 age athletes will continue to work on aerobic capacity and incorporate own body weight and body awareness training.

Technical and Tactical Emphasis

U10/U12 athletes are in the adventure stage and should learn how to ski all terrain.  Guided free skiing and drills are an integral part of athlete development.  When on snow, these athletes should be skiing and getting in lots of mileage.  These athletes will learn to apply fundamental skills to achieve consistent and symmetrical parallel turns with rhythm and timing.  Important skills to master are carving, linked carve turns, upper and lower body separation for angulation, and proper pole plant.

U12's that are ready will be introduced to gate blocking, speed elements, course inspection, anticipation of terrain, line, and turn shape.  A major objective is to free ski all terrain competently, with an emphasis on balance and carving.

Performance Psychology Emphasis

Teamwork and Sportsmanship is very important to instill at this time.  Also important is the promotion of a balanced lifestyle that encourages healthy habits and promotes success in sport and life.  Focus is on the process and not results.  Positive parental support and family involvement in the foundation is essential.  Older athletes can start to use imagery and visualizing good technique as an additional training tool.

Competition Emphasis

Local competitions.  Innovative and FUN-focused inter-club competitions.  Racing at the state/divisional YSL level.

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