This program is designed for younger ski racers on a performance pathway seeking more time in training environments and potentially chasing more race opportunities.

Nominally, athletes will train Thursday evenings & BOTH weekend days. There are no additional costs for Christmas, March Break or additional day camps (should such be offered).

Additional training opportunities after March 15th may be available and MAY incur additional fees. The general approach to training and development is consistent with NAC’s CORE programming, however the expectation on athletes and families in the EDGE program is a greater commitment of time and resources toward far more than just the development of technical skiing skills.  

Recognizing both the significant time these athletes dedicate to ski racing and the important role competitive sport plays in personal development, the EDGE program takes a holistic approach to nurturing the whole athlete. This includes fostering, monitoring, and evaluating growth across a wide range of areas: life skills (both interpersonal and intrapersonal), physical and mental abilities, core skiing skills, and a complementary set of competencies developed through the pursuit of ski racing.

New for the 2025-26 season, ALL NAC programming(Coaches, Athletes, Supporters) will embrace Alpine Canada’s renewed commitment to Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD), which assesses, tracks, and fosters growth in athletes through eight stages, and is now digitally powered through the Strive mobile app.

Specific expectations for the EDGE program include:

·      Bringing a winning mentality and an enthusiastic approach to training.  Athletes should be developing a personal motivation to work hard, to be attentive and ever-respectful of other athletes and coaches, and an understanding that those traits will lead to success both on and off the hill.  Routine attendance in all training sessions, punctual arrivals so as to not inhibit starting on-time, and full participation in all aspects of the program (eg video follow-up) are expected.

·      A commitment to physical health - strength, agility, and coordination.  Participation in fall dryland fitness sessions and other off-season strength and conditioning activities is strongly encouraged, particularly in the absence of other competitive sports.  Good nutrition is to be maintained, and athletes should appreciate the benefits of healthy eating habits.

·      Enhanced attention to ski racing equipment and a commitment to having appropriate race gear.  Appreciation for having and maintaining proper equipment, and a commitment to tuning are the norm. Athletes are expected to maintain properly tuned equipment so as to optimize performance, including participating in routine tuning sessions, learning to independently wax and scrape by U12.

·      Families and other supporters are needed to help run the club’s programs, races and other events.  With the greater commitment of time and the club’s resources to the EDGE program, there exists a greater need for volunteer supporters, too!  There is an incredible variety of opportunities to be involved or otherwise support the club, including race officiating, training lane and race course maintenance and safety environments (eg., slipping, netting), off-season facility maintenance and construction, organizing or participating in fundraising (eg, volunteering at bingos), event planning (eg, year-end banquet), and more....those who are unsure how they can help should contact the NAC Board’s Volunteer Coordinator (Sarah Furlotte - furlottesarah@gmail.com).  It (truly does) take a community!

Races & Events Included with Program Fees:

• NAC Invitational Series

• LSDA Fun Day

• Moose Cup and Lydia Kutra Memorial Series (@Mt. Baldy; requires additional race registration fee)

• Loch Lomond Club Championship

Additional Targeted Races*

• Mealey Classic in Searchmont (February 5 – 9, 2026; U12 only)

• USSA Central Region Non-Scored events (3-4 candidate events will be identified in Fall 2025. Interested families will be contacted with further details on dates and costs.)

• Honda Cup in Searchmont (tentatively March 27 – 29, 2026, TBC)

*These events require additional event registration and coaching costs (along with travel costs & lift tickets). USSA racing will also require a USSA registration.