There’s a bigger picture to what BSF teaches skiers, when and why. BSF’s programs are consistent with U.S. Ski & Snowboard's 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 your child to progress through our programs—from Intro, 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 from U.S. Ski & Snowboard HERE.
To get a sense of the progression for ages 6-13, here’s a short summary of Phase 1, 2 & 3. (These vary slightly between freestyle and freesking LTADs.)
PHASE 1
Ages 2-6
Years in Sport: 1-4
Train: 1 day per week (ski for play as much as is enjoyable)
Focus
95% freeskiing. Participate in many physical activities. Introduction to formal gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling is beneficial. Begin to develop fundamental movement skills through play, fun, novel activities.
Technical & Tactical
Phase 1 is about learning and fun environments. Athlete should have fun with skiing and gain confidence on skis. Mileage around the mountain is maximized with an emphasis on fun freeskiing with friends.
PHASE 2
Ages: 6-10
Years in sport: 2-5
Train: 2 days per week (ski for play as much as is enjoyable)
Training focus
80-90% all-mountain skiing. Play many sports, with active participation in coordination or balance-based sports. Play many sports. Active participation in coordination or balance-based sports. Participation in team sports build teamwork, ethics and fair play.
Technical
This is the adventure stage: ride all terrain and explore the mountain. Free play, guided free skiing and drills are an integral part of development.
Tactical
Tactics are learned through self-discovery by riding around the mountain and adapting to different terrain. Skis challenging terrain or difficult snow conditions.
PHASE 3
(pre-puberty, before growth spurt)
Girls Ages 9-13
Boys Ages 10-14
Years in Sport: 4-7
Training: 2-4 days per week
Training focus
60% all-mountain skiing. Continue to participate in many activities and sports. Begin to identify with primary vs. complementary sports. Start to incorporate focused dryland training 1-2 days per week. Enhance body awareness, balance, and spatial anticipation through games and drills.
Technical
Develop precision of basic skills while learning advanced techniques over a variety of terrain and features
Tactical
Gain comfort in applying various tactics in order to ski terrain using different strategies to achieve differing results.
