Dryland: September 12 - November 18, 2022
Flexible based on your schedule.
Mon- Thurs: 12:30 - 3 pm
in Bozeman
On snow: Late November - April 2, 2023
Tu, W, Th: 1 -4 p.m.
Sat & Sun: 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Plus December Holiday Camp
at Bridger Bowl & Big Sky
$4,250
November 19-25, 2022
Panorama, BC
REGISTRATION OPENS AUGUST 18. Stay tuned for more info.
3-6 days/week
Working in conjunction with Montana State University (MSU) and other programs, we have built an ideal situation for further developing the student-athlete; athletes may pursue a college education as they train on a high level. Our Post Grad (PG) Program is designed to assist athletes in reaching their individual goals, whether they are trying to meet point profiles for collegiate skiing or U.S. Ski Team criteria.
Primary competition is Western Region FIS & Nor-Ams
FALL DRYLAND Sept 12 - Nov 18, 2022
Dryland practices provide physical training to help prevent injuries and to build conditioning. (And it also provides for lots of outdoor fun with your team!) Two days are with professional trainers at Epic. The other two days are field based (hiking, biking, balance, agility, etc.). This is flexible based on athletes' schedules.
M 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
TU 1:00 - 3:45 p.m.
W 1:00 - 3:45 p.m.
TH 1:00 - 3:45 p.m.
WINTER Late Nov - April:
On snow training, which begins as soon as resorts are open. Typically at Bridger Bowl, with some sessions at Big Sky.
5-Days Program
TU 1 - 4 p.m.
W 1 - 4 p.m.
TH 1 - 4 p.m.
SA 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
SU 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Payment options:
At checkout, you can choose:
*See processing fees below.
Payment Plans
For invoices over $1500, payments can be made in 3 payments. IMPORTANT: If your family is registering multiple children, please be sure to register and checkout all in one transaction if you'd like a payment plan option. The newly updated system does not allow us to combine orders/create payment plans after the fact. If participants are registered in separate transactions, it will result in separate payment plans.
(*If you have extenuating circumstances with the $1500 starting point on payment plans, please contact us.)
How the payment plan works: When checking out in SkiClub Pro (our registration system) choose "payment plan." New this year: the SkiClubPro system will automatically charge you for each of the three payments.
Processing fees:
The following processing fees will be added to your total. These are the fees charged by the payment processor; BSF does not keep any of these fees.
Credit cards paying in full: 3% fee
Bank transfer paying in full: no fee
Credit cards payment plan: 3% fee and $1.50 per payment ($4.50 total)
Bank transfer payment plan: $2.50 fee per payment ($7.50 total)
BSF offers a generous scholarship and financial aid program. Applications are due mid-October each year.
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!
We also use the Team Reach app, for schedules and last-minute communications.
(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 post signup sheets and volunteer needs throughout the year HERE.
We know—purchasing equipment is daunting and often expensive. BSF is here to help you through the process and find the best gear for your athlete. There are lots of resources. Please contact us with any questions.
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.
Most athletes will need free skis, Giant Slalom (GS), and Slalom (SL) skis. Downhill and Super G skis may be recommended for speed events, if applicable.
At this age and skiing level, more and more factors come into play when choosing equipment. Height, weight, and ability/skill are key ingredients in making equipment decisions. You should check with your coaches for ski length recommendations and adherence to FIS and U.S. Ski & Snowboard rules.
The introduction of skis with more side cut has been a major breakthrough and can drastically speed up an athlete’s learning curve so we strongly recommend that you buy a newer side-cut ski. There are some rule changes regarding side-cut and lengths for the “older” skiers racing at high-level competitions. Your coaches will be well informed of any changes and help athletes accordingly.
An important note on fat skis: Over the past few years, FAT skis have become very popular. While this is innovative technology and a fun component to skiing, it can be counterproductive to racing fundamentals and technique. We encourage Alpine athletes to use FAT skis for powder days or very occasional free skiing. Research has proven that the use of FAT skis requires very different technique than what is used to ski traditional “race” skis. No training on FAT skis or using FAT skis as free skis in between race runs on race days. It is much better to have an older pair of race skis as trainers and inspections skis. We recommend athletes purchase freeskiing skis with a waist no wider than 95mm.
Skis 101 http://www.skis.com/Buying-Guide-for-Skis/buying-guide-1-12-2012,default,pg.html
Race skis 101 http://www.skis.com/Buying-Guide-for-Race-Skis/buying-guide-1-24-2012,default,pg.html
Some people say that the three most important things when it comes to ski equipment are boots, boots and boots.
A proper fit is key because boots are your connection to the snow. A proper fitting boot gives you feedback, lets you know what your skis are doing, and helps the athlete determine what they want their skis to do. A sloppy fitting boot equates to sloppy or less precise skiing and can encourage bad skiing technique. Steer away from rear-entry boots as they can cause children (and adults) to lean back too far. Adult boot construction is typically very different than junior boot construction. Adult boots are generally stiffer and taller. Junior boots are great for skiing/racing development and athletes should utilize junior boots sizing as long as is appropriate. They have many of the features of adult boots but have a softer flex to facilitate better body position and movement when skiing.
A quick way to find the proper boot size is by “shell fitting.” Take the liner out of the boot. Put the athlete's (socked) foot into the shell. Have them move their toes forward till they hit the front of the boot. Toes should touch without scrunching! Have them bend their knee forward. You should be able to fit a finger between their heel and the back of the shell. One finger is a “race fit.” It may be tempting to go a bit larger for growth but keep in mind that boots are the link between the pilot and the snow.
Boots 101 http://www.skis.com/Buying-Guide-for-Ski-Boots/buying-guide-3-17-2012,default,pg.html
Race boots 101 http://www.skis.com/Buying-Guide-for-Race-Ski-Boots/buying-guide-2-9-2012,default,pg.html
Kids boots guide http://www.skis.com/Buying-Guide-for-Kids-Ski-Boots/buying-guide-2-22-2012,default,pg.html
Bindings http://www.skis.com/Buying-Guide-for-Ski-Bindings/buying-guide-4-4-2012,default,pg.html
Helmets are required. The USSA now requires that U14 and older athletes have helmets that meet the new FIS standards for GS, SG and DH. It should be a helmet that covers the head and ears. (More info available here.)
An approved helmet will have the FIS sticker.
Helmets should fit snug and provide good visibility. Be sure your goggles fit in them. Make sure the back of the helmet is not rubbing on your neck or the front of the helmet is not pushing your goggles over your nose.
Head, arm, hand, shoulder, back, teeth (mouthguard), and shin protection recommended, based on event. Back protector info.
GS-standard length, SL-pole guards for blocking and protection (pole may be slightly shorter).
To size poles, turn the pole upside down and grab it under the basket. Your elbow should be bent to or just past 90 degrees. Take into consideration binding and boot height. Grips should have straps. In sizing poles, longer is better (they can be cut if too long). They are great for getting out of a start and will remind you to keep your hands up.
Select clothing that will meet your athlete's need for health, safety, comfort, and function. Layering is a good way to ensure proper warmth. Layers can be added or removed as outside and body temperatures fluctuate. Gloves, helmets, and goggles deserve special consideration, as the extremities get cold very fast. On cold days, neck warmers are a great way to keep drafts out and protect the face from frostbite. An extra pair of goggles on powder days is a smart idea. Racers are not allowed to run gates without helmets and goggles! Team coats are available: your coach will be in touch about orders.
Given the terrain and requirements for certain areas at Bridger Bowl, rescue beacon and confidence in its use is recommended.
Bozeman skiers 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.
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 navigate the parent/athlete dynamic.
View "Skiing Pathways After High School"
There’s a bigger picture to what BSF teaches skiers, when and why. BSF’s programs are consistent with the USSA Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Systems.
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 a skier to progress through our programs—from Youth Ski League/Intro, the Development Teams, to the competitive teams, and even on to skiing as an adult Masters athlete.
The LTAD is a living document and updated frequently. View the entire, most recent LTAD for alpine skiing HERE.)
The BSF Alpine LTAD follows the guidelines of the USSA LTAD.
This plan addresses:
Kenny Wilson, Alpine Program Co-Director & PG Head Coach
kenny.wilson@bridgerskifoundation.org
BSF office: 406 587 2445