Scholarship & Financial Aid

As a member of the U10 & U12 Devo Team, you're now part of BSF's Junior programs. This means you're eligible to apply for need- and merit-based scholarships. Learn more HERE.

Equipment

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.

COMMUNICATION

When you register for the program, you will be added to an email list. Your coaches will communicate weekly details to you through email, as well as any last-minute changes. (It’s important that you do not unsubscribe to 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!

Parent & Athlete Resources

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

VOLUNTEERING

Races: Parent/volunteer assistance with races is needed and is a fun place for parents to learn about ski racing. No experience necessary. Look for info in emails. (Volunteers receive lift tickets and vouchers!)

Other chances: BSF is a traditional nonprofit, relying on donations and fundraisers to cover approximately 50% of our operating costs. Volunteers donate thousands of hours each year. We couldn’t do it without you! We’re always looking for volunteers to help with our fundraisers, serve on committees, or help at Nordic, Alpine, and Freestyle/Freeskiing competitions.

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.

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 2 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.