Mighty Mites Program

Age level: 6–10 years old

Cost: $350 Saturdays from 12pm – 3pm (weather permitting)

This program emphasizes the development of strong, fundamental skiing skills and the introduction of basic racing techniques. Athletes in this program train on Saturdays 12 to 3 pm at Ski Land from January through the end of March.

It is expected that children enrolling in the Mighty Mites program can already:

• put on their own skis;
• get on/off lift by themselves;
• stop and turn under control; and
• ski for the duration training session (3 hours).

Parents are encouraged to ski with the Mighty Mites. Volunteers are always needed on race days, and parents are strongly encouraged to get involved by volunteering to help with registration, distribution and collection, gate keeping, timing, and course preparation. Parents are encouraged to allow for as much free-skiing opportunity as possible. The more time spent skiing, whether training or just out having fun, the better the skier!

There will be opportunities in March for athletes in the Mighty Mites to travel to the Anchorage areas to participate in Youth Ski League races. These races are open to athlete’s age 6–14 years old and give young racers the opportunity to compete against skiers from other clubs. Skiers must attend 10 days of training with the team prior to traveling and entering in a divisional race. Travel to divisional races is at the coach’s discretion. Parents are responsible for all race fees and travel, including coaches’ fees for travel.

Membership in the US Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) as a Youth is required. Membership forms may be downloaded from the USSA website, or you can register online (https://www.ussa.org).

Proper equipment is essential for racing as well as for the comfort and safety of the athlete while on the hill. The following lists equipment that is necessary for participation in the program:

• Shaped skis, preferably a junior multi-event racing ski that can be used for both slalom and giant slalom. The type and size of ski is based on a combination of skier weight, height and ability. Bindings are important to the safety of the skier and should be appropriate to the type of ski and adjusted by a ski technician according to the size and ability of the skier.
• Boots that buckle in front. Rear-entry or mid-entry boots do not offer enough support. Boots should have four buckles, or three buckles for very young skiers. Avoid boots that are too stiff; junior race boots are designed specifically for younger racers and so have a soft race flex. Sizing is very important – too big and the skier won’t have proper support, too small and the boots will be uncomfortable and cold.
• Ski poles.
• Helmet. Skiers will not be permitted on the hill without a properly fitting ski helmet.
• Ski goggles.
• Jacket that is warm without being too bulky.
  Insulated pants.
• Warm mittens or gloves and a face mask.