Black Mountain is excited to expand on its Junior Race Program for the 2010 ski season. This new program is geared for the junior skier in grades 3 through 9 who already knows how to ski, but who wants to improve his/her turning skills and learn to race.

For as long as Black Mountain has existed, our area has had very talented skiers who have progressed from learning to ski to winning alpine races. Many have carried the sport into college racing and have made life long friendships in the sport.

The program will begin January 3 and run for 8 weeks every Sunday morning. The day will begin at 9 a.m. sharp. Athletes will be expected to be booted up and out of the lodge for stretches and loosening exercises. This will then be followed by several free ski runs as a group. Emphasis will be on developing a proper race carving turn and a strong platform to build on. Throughout the program, gate training will be in Giant Slalom and Slalom.

Groups will meet in the lodge late morning to go over the day’s training with feedback to each athlete. After lunch, those entered in the Maine Challenge Race will be coached from start to finish. Coaches will be available both top and bottom to give the athlete feedback on their runs.

We are very excited about the coaching staff for this season. Our goal is to have good coaches with small coach to racer ratios.

The fee for the program will be kept affordable; the 8 week program is $150 with a season pass. For those needing a ticket, the price will be $200 which will include coaching and an all-day lift ticket.

Prior to the start of the program, a parent meeting will be held to further describe the program and to discuss the expectations of the young skiers. To see what the season program will be like, join us for a Christmas Race Camp scheduled for December 28 and 29. This is a great way to get a fast track on the race season. Camp will be held for a half-day each day with drills, free ski runs and two hours of stubby gates. Cost of this mini camp is $30 for season pass holders and $50 for non-pass holders. Lift ticket will be additional.

For further information, please call Black Mountain 364-8977 for an application to the program.