2023-2024 Programs – Team Afton

Programs

2023-2024 TEAM AFTON PROGRAMS INFO.

Below are detailed descriptions of Team Afton’s programs. The "U" designation refers to an age grouping. Example: U12 is an athlete who is 10 or 11 as of 12/31/23. For the upcoming season U12s will be born in 2012 or 2013.

The age-specific programs appear based on birthdate when you register, or in the drop-down menu on your mobile platform.

Program fees do not include a season pass. Please visit Vail / Epic to purchase your pass for the season. An Afton Alps or Epic Local pass is a good option for our athletes.

All participants also need to visit USSS to sign up for an Alpine Competitors License (Race Teams) or a General Membership (Training and High School Teams). Our program fees do not include race fees or lift tickets.

For more information about USSS membership, see their Alpine Membership Page

Selecting Your Program

See below for details on all programs. All programs can be purchased via an installment plan.

Team Afton Race Team - U8-U21 & FIS

Our signature training and racing program to pursue full potential.

Team Afton Race Team is our most popular program and is the right program for athletes wanting to achieve their full potential this season and beyond.

We maximize training and racing opportunities during the season while also providing the flexibility needed so our athletes can balance competitive ski racing with other activities.

This flexible program competes in the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association race circuit in Minnesota and across the Central (Midwest) division with some athletes advancing/traveling to Colorado and other mountain states to compete. U18 and older athletes can compete in multiple levels of competition including in FIS races which are the most competitive races offered in the Central Division. Athletes at the U16 and above level can also work with the Program Director to seek opportunities to compete in other Regions during the season. These opportunities are typically in Colorado, but they can occur in Canada, Far West, and Eastern States as well. Races are available most weekends and some weekdays throughout the season.

What to Expect

Our full training and race program tailored to athletes by individual and age level
5-day Holiday Camp (approx. 3-8pm daily at Afton Alps from December 27 – 31)
Training up to four nights per week (Monday – Thursday) typically 6:30 – 8:30pm with training starting as soon as snow conditions allow (typically mid-December) and continuing into March
1 day of weekend training, a minimum of 6 weekends per season. Offered Sunday afternoon / evening from 3-7pm or 4-7pm at Afton, and occasionally on Saturdays at other ski areas.
Approximately 120-160 hours of on-snow training / racing per season.
Racing in the season long, Minnesota Cup & Planet Cup (visit www.skifast.com to learn more), and other regional races (coaching included; lift tickets, entry, and racing association fees are extra)
Opportunities to qualify for and compete in regional championships in the Central Division and the Junior Championships in Colorado for U14 athletes and older
A positive, supportive, team environment with focused input from expert coaches
Access to dryland training for age qualifying athletes beginning in September/October and running through mid-November. Additional fees apply for certain optional dryland programs (more details on Dryland page).

Ages: 6 to 20+ (age as of 12/31/23)

Skill Level: Strong intermediate or above skiers able to ski comfortably and in control on all hills at Afton Alps.

Maturity Level: Our coaches love to help, but our younger athletes must be able to board a chairlift independently, as well as manage their own equipment and personal breaks (or be accompanied by an adult to practice). We do not have a check-in system to monitor our young athletes coming and going from practice. 6 year-olds must be accompanied by an adult to ride the chairlift.

Pricing:

U8-U12 (YOB 2012-2016) $1895
U14 (YOB 2010/2011) $2500
U16+ & FIS (YOB 2009 or earlier)$2950
REGISTER

Pricing includes access to our FIS program; there are no additional fees to compete at the FIS level though there may be additional fees for coach travel to events outside of Minnesota.

Additional advanced practices may be offered at an additional fee during the season.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard competition membership is required and must be purchased separately at https://my.usskiandsnowboard.org

Team Afton will recommend a race schedule for each group of athletes once the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association race schedule is announced in our region (Region 1) at www.skifast.com. Participants will also need a Region 1 membership.

Registration Deadline: 7 days prior to the start of the program; must be enrolled to participate in Dryland training.

If you have any questions please email info@teamafton.com or call Program Director Tony Olin: 612-819-0186

Program Detail - Team Afton Race Team - U8-U21 & FIS

We will help you determine how best to navigate the available races and how to pursue the right level of competition athletically before the season kicks off and as it progresses. Skiing is a sport where there are great racing opportunities at every level and where you can always find a new level of competition.

Participation in the US Ski & Snowboard – Racing Program requires membership in:

USSS – National (includes Central Division and Minnesota Region 1 fees)
USSS – Local: Team Afton/Afton Alps (on the Team Afton website)

Team Afton’s racers compete as part of Region One, one of 4 regions comprising U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Central Division. While the majority of information about US Ski & Snowboard races is available through Team Afton’s website, it is helpful to become familiar with:

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Region One website http://www.skifast.com

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Central Division website: Rocky/Central Website
A complete overview of U.S. Ski & Snowboard racing is available on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website.

Racers register for the races they plan to attend on the My USSA website: https://my.ussa.org/ . Detailed information about race registration is distributed to parents and athletes at the beginning of the season.

For every race, athletes should bring 1) race bib; 2) water, Gatorade or other sports drink, and 3) keep granola bars, energy bars, or other snacks in their jacket pocket for extra energy and protein on the hill.

Planet Cup Series (U14 and below)

The U8-U14 and younger programs (known in U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association as "non-scored") offer a wonderful training and racing opportunity for young athletes. Not only do they advance in their ski racing skills; these young skiers also have experiences from which they develop self-confidence and gain skills that help them be more successful throughout life. While training and racing together as a team, athletes are able to set goals with themselves and the coaching staff, as well as build relationships with teammates that can last a lifetime.

U14, U12, U10, and U8 racers compete in Region One’s Planet Cup Series. This series includes US Ski & Snowboard racers from Team Afton, Buck Hill, Team Duluth, Team Gilboa, FAST, and BWT. Information, standings, and announcements are posted on the Planet Cup website http://www.skifast.com/nonscored. You’ll also find a link to the Planet Cup on Region One’s site as well as Team Afton’s site. Race registration fees, lift tickets and lodging (as necessary) at each race venue are the responsibility of each athlete.

Planet Cup races are “non-scored” races, meaning that while the athlete’s races are timed, they are not scored by US Ski & Snowboard’s national point system. There is an excellent explanation of US Ski & Snowboard’s youth and competitor membership on Central Division’s website Rocky/Central Website

Planet Cup races are scheduled for Saturday and / or Sunday at different ski areas within Region One. Racers do not have to race on both days; they can race on Saturday or Sunday. However, the more races an athlete attends, the better his/her chances are for collecting points in the Planet Cup Series. The racer who wins a race is awarded 100 points, the second-place finisher receives 90 points, third place 80 points, and so on.

At the end of the season, a competitor’s best results in SL (Slalom) races and GS (Giant Slalom) will determine the season-long standings. The Overall Planet Cup winner will be determined by the athlete’s best finishes, regardless of discipline. The reason for using the best results is to give younger racers the opportunity to be flexible throughout the season and not penalize them if they miss races. Complete scoring and awards are described on the Planet Cup website at http://www.skifast.com/nonscored.

U14 Regional Championships in Central and U14 Rocky/Central Junior Championships in Colorado

The Central U14 Regional Championships take place over 3 days in February (this year will be 2/23-2/26 in Michigan) and offer an opportunity for our U14 and U16 athletes to compete against the top racers from across the Midwest. From the Regional Championships, a portion of our team typically qualifies for the U14 Rocky/Central Junior Championships which will be held in mid-March (3/12 – 3/16) in Vail. Competition takes place over 4 – 5 days, usually beginning with Super G, Giant Slalom and ending with Slalom and Parallel Slalom.. There is training for the Super G the day before the Super G competition and athletes are required to participate in this training day to ensure the safety of the racers. While athletes don’t need Super G skis for any races during the Planet Cup series, they will need Super G skis for the Junior Championships. Rather than buying skis for one event, parents can talk to Tony Olin about borrowing Super G skis.

Racers register on the first day of the Junior Championships and receive a bib, information packet, banquet tickets, racer credentials, prizes, and their Junior Championships jacket.

Each athlete’s family is responsible for the athlete’s registration fees as well as travel, lodging, lift tickets, and food expenses for the event. In addition, Team Afton charges every racer attending a Junior Championship competition a $75/day (for a minimum of 6 days) prior to the event. This covers the cost of coaching time plus the coach’s travel, food, and lodging expenses.

US Ski & Snowboard Race Series

US Ski & Snowboard races for U16, U18, and U21 athletes are “scored” races, meaning that an athlete’s race results are part of the national point system. U16, U18, and U21 racers aim at reducing their points which are calculated on a national scoring system and can be looked up on the My USSA website. Region One race results are posted on Region One’s website http://www.skifast.com. An excellent description of USSA competitions is on Central Division’s website: Rocky/Central Website. Racers compete in Region One’s US Ski & Snowboard Series which includes all U16, U18, and U21 racers from Team Afton, Buck Hill, Team Duluth, Team Gilboa, Mt. LaCrosse Ski Team, FAST, and BWP.

Racers may compete in any Central Division race in Regions One, Two, Three or Four (“in division” races). Racers register for the racers they will attend. Racers do not have to race on both days; they can race on Saturday and/or on Sunday Details about race registration are distributed to Team Afton athletes at the beginning of the ski season. Race registration fees, lift tickets and lodging (as necessary) at each race venue are the responsibility of each athlete.

Regional Championships and U16 Rocky/Central Junior Championships in Colorado

The U16 Regional Championships take place over 2-3 days in March typically in Michigan and offer an opportunity for our athletes to compete against the top racers from across the Midwest. From the Regional Championships, a portion of our team typically qualifies for the U16 Rocky/Central Junior Championships which are held in mid-March..

The U16 Junior Championships are held in mid-March. Competition takes place over 7 days, usually beginning with 2 days of Downhill training which is required to ensure the athlete’s safety, followed by a separate day for the Downhill race, the Super G, the Women’s Giant Slalom, the Men’s Giant Slalom and finally the Slalom. Central Division athletes do not need Super G and Downhill skis for the regular US Ski & Snowboard season, however they will need skis for the Super G and Downhill events at the U16 Junior Championships. Parents should talk to Tony Olin about borrowing skis for these races.

Racers register on the first day of the Junior Championships and receive a bib, information packet, banquet tickets, racer credentials, prizes, and their Junior Championships jacket. The U16 Junior Championships culminates in a big banquet on Saturday evening for racers, coaches and families that includes a buffet dinner, presentation of the top 10 finishers in each event, highlights of the competition days, and opportunity to win some fun prizes!

Each athlete’s family is responsible for the athlete’s registration fees and travel, lodging, lift tickets, and food expenses for the event. In addition, Team Afton charges every racer attending a Junior Championship competition a $75/day rate (with a 6 day minimum) prior to the event. This covers the cost of coaching time plus the coach’s travel, food, and lodging expenses.

FIS Program

Once athletes become a U19 (3 year span – ages 16-17-18), they are eligible to compete in International Ski Federation (FIS) races with results based on an international scoring system. FIS points and information relating to FIS racing is available on the FIS website. There are very specific rules about ski length for FIS athletes. Racers should talk to Tony Olin well in advance of the beginning of the race season about ski equipment.

Team Afton’s FIS racers compete in Mid-America (MidAm) and Canadian-America (CanAm) race series with other FIS racers from the Central Division, as well as other FIS racers whose points qualify them to compete and are invited to these races. Information about FIS races can be found on the Central Division website at Rocky/Central Website.

There are usually 4 race series that comprise the MidAm Series, each of which are typically 3 day events at venues such as Nubs Nob, Boyne Mountain, Spirit, Lutsen, or Mt Lacrosse. The MidAm races serve as the qualifying competitions to determine eligibility to compete at the National U19 Junior Championship competition. MidAm standings are posted on the Selections page of the Central Division website. The MidAm season concludes with MidAm Championships, 4 days of racing at Lutsen.

FIS racers are required to register and pay a registration fee for each race event, in addition to covering the costs of travel, lift tickets, lodging and food. While we do not charge extra for our FIS racers as many programs do, for races outside of Minnesota, Team Afton may charge a coaching fee of $75 per day per athlete to cover coaches travel and expenses.

National Junior Championships

At the U16 and U18 level, the top athletes in the country can qualify for a national championship competition. Team Afton has had many athletes qualify over the years for this level of competition.

US National Championships

An athlete’s international ranking (FIS points) determine eligibility to compete in the US National Championships. Over the years, Team Afton has sent many athletes to compete in this exciting competition.

Regional Championship Competitions

Athletes who do not attend the U16 Rocky/Central Junior Championships, U18 Junior National Championships, or US National Championships are invited to compete in regional championship races held in early and mid-March. Information about these championship series will be posted on Region One’s web site and Central Division’s website. These races require a separate registration and race fee, plus travel, lodging and lift tickets at the race venue.

Out-of-Division Races and Development Projects

U14, U16, U19, and U21 racers on the Team Afton Race Team who are seeking opportunities for additional training and race experiences may choose to participate in out-of division races and projects. Information, calendars, registration forms and liability waivers for Out-of-Division projects and races are coordinated with the Program Director – please contact Tony Olin.

Tony Olin works with each athlete to create a racer development plan and may suggest participation in NorAms, SYNC races, Colorado Cup races, Eastern Cup races, FIS-U races, technical development camps, speed development camps, or other Out-of-Division events.

Team Afton athletes attending the same Out-of-Division event will each be responsible for all individual athlete expenses (registration fee, transportation, lift tickets, lodging, food). In addition, the coach’s expenses (transportation, lodging, food, and, if applicable, daily per diem) will be equally divided among the athletes participating in the same event. Costs vary, but typically, this translates to a $75/day rate prior to the event. Team Afton reserves the right to cover part of these expenses on a case-by-case basis depending on the level of competition as it relates to development advancement.

Rising Stars Race Team - U8-U12

Our specialized introduction to racing and the advancement of skills in younger athletes.

The Rising Stars Race Team is a unique program for emerging racers who want to train regularly and race a limited schedule of 4 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association races during the year. This is the right bridge for a younger skier ready to step-up from the ARC program run by the Afton Alps ski school, but not yet ready to commit to the full race program.

We recommend participation in this program for no more than 2 years before a transition to the race team. Many young athletes will want to consider the Race Team sooner if they are seeking more training and competition opportunities.

What to Expect

Program includes 5-day Holiday Camp and up to two nights per week (including our Rising Stars designated night of Wednesday)
Training on Wednesday night dedicated Rising Stars training (arrive 5:30pm; ski with program director or another coach beginning at 6pm; gate training from 6:30-8:30pm), and 1 additional night per week (select from Sat./Sun., Mon., Tues., Thurs.); starting when conditions allow (typically December)
Training typically held 6:30-8:30pm, with half hour early extension on Wednesdays for directed free ski. At least 6 weekend practices are offered either at Afton on Sunday afternoon / evening from 3-7pm or 4-7pm, or on occasional Saturdays at other ski areas.
Approximately 90-110 hours of on-snow training / racing per season.
4 US Ski & Snowboard races consisting of GS and SL racing. Races usually run Saturday and Sunday and are hosted at regional resorts (coaching included; lift tickets and entry fees are extra).
A positive, supportive, team environment with focused input from expert coaches.
Access to dryland training for age qualifying athletes beginning in September/October and running through mid-November. Additional fees apply for certain optional dryland programs (more details on Dryland page).

**If more than four races are attended under this program, there is the rising stars race add-on fee of $75 per day for up to 3 days. After attending a 4th additional day of racing (eight days total), you will be charged for full race program (U8-U12 team) at the regular rate minus fees paid up to that point.

Ages: 6 to 11 (age as of 12/31/23)

Skill Level: Strong intermediate or above skiers, who are able to ski comfortably and in control on all hills at Afton Alps. No previous racing experience required.

Maturity Level: Our coaches love to help, but our younger athletes must be able to board the chairlift and manage their own equipment and personal breaks (or be accompanied by an adult to practice). We do not have a check-in system to monitor our young athletes coming and going from practice. 6 year-olds (and younger) must be accompanied by an adult to ride the chairlift per Vail Resorts at Afton Alps policy.

Pricing:

U8 (YOB 2016 and later) $1050
U10 (YOB 2014/2015) $1425
U12 (YOB 2013/2012) $1525

**Training ONLY option available for $200 less than each respective price, however this option would not include Christmas Camp or racing. If you are on the training team and decide to race, the same Rising Stars race add-on rules would apply as written in the "What to Expect" section above, however the race add-on fee would be $95 per race attended.

REGISTER

U.S. Ski & Snowboard competition membership is required and must be purchased separately at https://my.usskiandsnowboard.org

This program is limited to support for the designated Rising Stars races. Team Afton will announce the race schedule for Rising Stars once the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association race schedule is announced in our region (Region 1) at www.skifast.com.

Limited Enrollment: register early

Registration Deadline: 7 days prior to the start of the program; must be enrolled to participate in Dryland training.

If you have any questions please email info@teamafton.com or call Program Director Tony Olin: 612-819-0186

Program Detail - Rising Stars Race & Training Teams - U8-U12

Rising Stars Race Team is an advanced alpine race program designed to provide young athletes with a successful transition into U.S. Ski & Snowboard* racing. Rising Stars is specifically designed for athletes who are competing in the U8 through U12 age groups (age 6-11).

Rising Stars is a season-long introductory and competitive race program. Due to the introductory nature of this program, we recommend participation for no more than two years before encouraging a transition to our full race teams to allow more access to races and additional training opportunities.

The Rising Stars program follows the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association* guidelines for developing alpine ski racers with a balance of free skiing, focused drills, and training in gates. Over the course of the season, with the assistance of our experienced coaches, these young athletes will build a solid foundation of fundamental skills. As they progress from free-skiing development to a higher percentage of gate training, they will learn appropriate race tactics and skills.

We have intentionally designed this program to limit the amount of racing that the athlete is exposed to. They will participate in four US Ski & Snowboard race days during the season as selected by the coaching staff to provide the most effective development for the athlete. The participants will race a mix of SL and GS races. This program delivers a level of training and racing that is consistent with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Development Model for this age group and is a solid pathway to maximize the athlete’s long-term success in the sport. Even better for young athletes – and different than most U.S. Ski & Snowboard programs for this age group in the area – a substantial portion of the training/racing is local.

*U.S. Ski & Snowboard (USSS) is the governing authority for alpine ski racing in the U.S. as recognized by the international federation (FIS). The primary difference between racing in a U.S. Ski & Snowboard league and racing in a regional league, such as the Midwest Snowsports Development League or MSHSL, is the higher level of challenge and race organization. As skills grow, the ability to compete in regional, national and international races is much higher while competing as an USSS affiliated athlete.

U14+ Training

Recommended for high school athletes seeking the highest level of high school racing success, without participating in the U.S. Ski & Snowboard association weekend race program.

Our Training Team offers full access to our training programs including our 5-day holiday camp. This is a great way to join Team Afton and get full access to our training if participating in the weekend race program is not something you are seeking.

What to Expect

5-day Holiday Camp (approx. 3-8pm daily at Afton Alps from December 27 – 31)
Training up to four nights per week (Monday – Thursday) typically 6:30 – 8:30pm with training starting as soon as snow conditions allow (typically mid-December) and continuing into March
1 day of weekend training a minimum of 6 weekends per season, offered Sunday afternoon / evening from 3-7pm or 4-7pm at Afton, or occasional Saturdays at other ski areas.
Over 115 hours of on-snow training per season
A positive, supportive, team environment with focused input from expert coaches
Access to dryland training for athletes beginning in September/October and running through mid-November. Additional fees apply for certain optional dryland programs (more details on Dryland page).

Ages: 12 – 20 (age as of 12/31/23

Skill Level: Strong intermediate or above skiers able to ski comfortably and in control on all hills at Afton Alps. Some previous gate training recommended.

Pricing:

U14 Training (YOB 2011/2010) $1650
U16+ Training (YOB 2009 and earlier) $1850

REGISTER

**Training program race add-on fee from $95 per day for up to 3 days. After attending a 4th day of racing, you will be charged for full race program participation at the undiscounted rate minus fees paid up to that point.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard general membership is required and must be purchased separately from U.S. Ski & Snowboard

U14 Training Team members are encouraged to participate in our Paul Augustine Junior Championship race on President’s Day with no additional coaching fees.

There is an additional, coaching fee of $95/day for attendance at any additional US Ski & Snowboard races so participants wanting more racing experience should join our Full Race Team. Please call to discuss options.

Limited Enrollment: register early

Registration Deadline: 7 days prior to the start of the program; must be enrolled to participate in Dryland training.

Weekend + One - High School Training

Interested in improving your race skills for high school competition, but can't come so often throughout the week? This program was developed for you.

This is a drop-in program and only allows for training Sunday and one other night. It does not include our early-season holiday camp though participants can register for that separately if space is available. We encourage you to first look at our new Training Team which includes access to our early season holiday camp as well as 4 available night trainings throughout the season plus Sunday training.

What to Expect

A season-long program
Choose up to 2 nights of training per week: 1 day of weekend training a minimum of 6 weekends offered Sunday afternoon / evening from 3-7pm at Afton, and occasionally on Saturdays at other ski areas, paired with one week night practice each week, Monday-Thursday (6:30-8:30).
50+ hours of on-snow training per season
Priority placement in December holiday camp (additional fee)
Opportunity to participate in optional dryland training beginning in September through November (details on Dryland page)
A positive, supportive, team environment with focused input from expert coaches.

**Our Weekend + One - High School Training team does not contain its own race schedule. Participants in this program are typically supplementing their training / racing in a high School programs. This is a "training-only" program.

Ages: 12 to 19

Skill Level: Intermediate or above skiers able to ski or ride comfortably and in control on all hills at Afton Alps. Some previous gate training experience recommended.

Pricing:

Weekend + One (High School Training) $1050

REGISTER

U.S. Ski & Snowboard general membership (approx. $30) is required for all participants (our team insurance is through US Ski & Snowboard and requires all participants to be members) and must be purchased separately at https://my.usskiandsnowboard.org

Limited Enrollment: register early

Registration Deadline: 7 days prior to the start of the program; must be enrolled to participate in Dryland training.

If you have any questions please email info@teamafton.com or call Program Director Tony Olin: 612-819-0186

Development and High School Team - Program Detail

Team Afton's Development and High School Program is designed for ski racers who do not want to compete in US Ski & Snowboard but want to supplement their training opportunities and gain a competitive edge for development teams and high school team competitions.

Athletes who want to sample US Ski & Snowboard racing on a limited basis have a few options and can work with the Program Director to find options, but the Team Afton Race program or Rising Stars programs are the right path for athletes truly seeking a higher level of competition.

Team Afton's Development and High School Program tuition does not include participation in Team Afton’s Holiday Camps. To register for these camps separately, please see our CAMPS page.

Schedule Changes, Venue Changes, Extra Fees, and Refunds:

Team Afton is a community and our team fosters agility and flexibility as we deal with changes that our out of our control (weather, snow, venues, race schedules, staffing issues, pandemics, etc.).

Our approach is to do our best to follow the schedule laid out now and refined at the start of the season, but there will be changes. Please be flexible as these changes occur.

Occasionally, as we seek better snow or look for open venues to train at, there will be optional training opportunities that require you to purchase a ticket to a different hill or even potentially secure overnight accommodations. This is in addition to the requirements of attending races. We do our best to focus training options at Afton Alps, when possible, but we also work to find training where we can as conditions and hill availability varies.

We do not provide refunds of early season deposits or of any other fees, once paid. As a community, we have to invest together in staff and equipment so providing refunds is not possible except in extraordinary circumstances. If interested in protecting your investment, TeamSnap does provide insurance at an additional cost during checkout.

If you have any questions please email clubadmin@teamafton.com or call / text Program Director Tony Olin: 612-819-0186

Programs

2023-2024 TEAM AFTON PROGRAMS INFO.

Selecting Your Program

Team Afton Race Team - U8-U21 & FIS

Rising Stars Race Team - U8-U12

U14+ Training

Weekend + One - High School Training

P.O Box 309

AFTON, MN 55001 - 0309

INFO@TEAMAFTON.COM